Beauty, Style and Taste: Studio Task 2

In this session we were to bring in six images that reflected/used the following: Type, Image, Type with Image. We had to have two for each, one we disliked and one we liked. Then in a group we had to decide from them all what we all disliked and what we liked. After that we compiled all the words that we associated which each which resulted in the following lists:

Like:

• Structured
• Organised
• Clean
• Powerful
• Sophisticated
• Balanced
• Bubtle
• Intricate
• Crisp
• Legible
• Simple
• Geometric
• Modernist
• Calming

Dislike:

• Over-complicated
• Messy
• Unstructured
• Cheap
• Tacky
• Cluttered
• Overpowering
• Busy
• Unclear
• Illegible
• Overworked
• Chaotic
• Garish

I then paired up with Will, we swapped the images we brought in and then with a post-it note we wrote down 3 words to describe the piece of design it was stuck too. We did this for them all then looked at each others to see how well they had described the images. The class overall did about 50/50 when it came to getting their partner right.

We then had to come up with 10 Aesthetic rules that Graphic Design should abide by:

1. Always use a controlled color palette 
2. No more that 3 fonts
3. All type must be legible
4. Don't over complicate things
5. Keep it logical
6. Always structure your design
7. Readability is key
8. Keep the message clear
9. Finished to a professional standard
10. Strong visual impact

I then had to pick 3 of these rules and stick them up onto the board, these 3 rules are now need to find images for:

Chosen 3 rules of Aesthetic design:

• Always use a controlled color palette 
• Don't over complicate things
• Strong visual impact

'Design can be art. Design can be aesthetics. Design is so simple, that's why it is so complicated.'

Paul Rand, 1997

Always use a controlled color palette: (Graphic Design)

http://www.jordan-metcalf.com/

This design piece follows the first aesthetic rule of having a controlled colour palette because it's chosen 3 very complimentary colours that work really well and harmonise  I think that's why it's controlled because they're very considered and they've thought how to bring more elements into it using the colours such as the hand been skin colored like the colour on the decoration.

http://www.bluerockdesignco.com/

These business cards are very well controlled in terms of colour, the dark blue goes really well with the bronze then on the back the white then takes them both together. I think this is very controlled and thought out, they both work very well on the white and together.

http://www.blow.hk/?news=freespace-fest

Although there's only green and black used, white been the stock colour here. I think everything about the website has been thought through, it's created it's own green environment using only green images too to go even further! It's seamless and in line with the rule because of these reasons.

Always use a controlled color palette: (Non - Graphic Design)

http://www.nobrow.net/3365

This Print is very controlled, using blues different shades and hues. As well as white stock, it's well considered and I think it's in keeping with the rule because of this. They've controlled the colour palette and it's incredibly effect because of this. 

http://www.sebastienvincent.com/News

Colour here I feel is rather cleverly pulled off in a controlled palette which follows our rule. They've used all of the buildings around, which are all an complimentary colour to the mans jacket, the brown bricks, to pull him and make him the focusing point of the image. They've used the colour palette to control the direction of the image solidly.

http://www.gerhardhuman.com/

Alike the above image, the colour palette here is very focused on directing your attention through the image and guiding your eye across the illustration. You start at the bottom with the fire and you're slowly brought through the blue gnomes to the main characters struggling in the back in red. It's controlled and I feel like it's aware of what it's doing by having the lampshade and fish colored in on the side to enhance the effect.

http://www.behance.net/lakieszti

I'd say this example of non-graphic design demonstrates a controlled colour palette rather well, the sheets are highlighted in red and blue and are brought out through the contrast with the brown and metals in the room. Doing this I think would definitely help direct you to your seat.

http://canvas.pantone.com/gallery/Portraits-2012/6404105

This illustration piece defiantly controls it's palette, rather subtly, The browns although desaturated are rather compelling to look at, do draw you into the image however.

Don't over complicate things: (Graphic Design)

http://whadafunk.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/nike-40-years-later.html

The nike swoosh is very on point with this rule, It's very simplified and uncomplicated and instantly recognisable piece of design work.

http://mehmetgozetlik.com/#

This image is of how pieces of design work can be simplified and still be effective. In this case, Nutella  stripped back off the clutter on the packaging seems a lot more applying!

http://www.penguinclassics.co.uk

The classics of the Penguin book series I always had an eye for as been rather uncomplicated and too the point. They're modest and look rather reserved, they're very suited to what they're achieving and are successful because of that.

Don't over complicate things: (Non - Graphic Design)

http://www.awhiteroom.com/alessi/alessi-stovetop-kettle.asp

The alessi stove top kettle is one best examples for non-graphic design pieces, It's everything It needs to be and no more, A bird indicates a whistle, while the handle is there to keep your hand from burning it's self the metal of the kettle. It lacks the decoration but it's still an incredibly attractive piece.

Although the Egyptian pyramids seems rather peculiar too use for non-complicated pieces of non-graphic design. I do think it does apply. For it's simply just a shape, it houses everything it needs too inside. It's incredibly effective yet at the same time impressive. 

http://www.behance.net/gallery/Plywood/8307565

This plywood table is rather, very un-complicated. It's as basic as a table could get. Without even 4 legs! It's brought to 3, enough to support it thoroughly. I dont know what else to say about it, It just hits the nail. Which i reckon it also lacks.

http://www.behance.net/gallery/eCycle-electric-bicycle-design-concept/6648623

http://www.behance.net/gallery/UNifold/8494751

This project was all for creating shoes out of one piece of die cut material. 'Unifold' achieved this rather well. The only concept is perfect for this rule, non-complicating. It's an attempt at removing the masses of material needed for a shoe and bringing down to just one. 

Strong visual impact: (Graphic Design)

http://www.nobrow.net/9441

In person it's a lot more impressive. However this Megaskull book by Kyle Platts, published by Nobrow Is incredibly vibrant and has a very high strong visual impact. Simply down to the colours and illustrations.

http://www.thedemocraticlecture.com/pages/shop

The democratic lecture posters were particually visually impacting, with the use of green flourestant ink used for the green, It was incredibly vibrant and could have stood off the wall. The black type work contrasted harshly with it and was particularly noticeable, yet easy to read.

http://www.a3studio.ch/#p=design_daysbr2011

I really like this poster, I picked it for this because of how I stood from the webpage for me. So I picked it. I think that proves how effective it is. The yellow and red isn't really seen that much and I really like mustard and ketchup mixes. It's not something you see as a colour combination apart from say McDonalds. Because of that it does have a high-visual impact.

Strong visual impact: (Non - Graphic Design)

http://www.behance.net/gallery/jezeva-kucica/4388373

I choose this illustration because of how I thought it was rather visually impacting, It caught my eye and I had to look further at it. The detail along with the simplification of the objects really got me too. I just thought it was really cool.

http://www.behance.net/gallery/Paper-cuts-Rolls/241623

I really have a thing for paper-cut work and I think it's always rather visually impacting, it's rather magical seeing paper cuts, for me anyway because they capture the imagination unlike any other things I've come across. I believe it's down to them having some extra dimension to the then rather just a painting.

I'm not one for over the top cushion, I think this one is particular tasteful however, It's a really pretty illustration of plants and as a cushion I think they're given some extra life.

http://www.behance.net/gallery/Jon-Kennedy-TRIP-Bar/5075443