The Black Square problem

The most important to understand is…. The Principles of Art & Design

 The words you will be designing will be the Principles of Art & Design which are:  Contrast  Emphasis/Dominance  Balance  Unity/Variety  Rhythm/Movement  Pattern  Proportion/Scale

Balance - is a feeling of visual equality in shape, form, value, color, etc. Balance can be symmetrical or evenly balanced or asymmetrical and un-evenly balanced. Objects, values, colors, textures, shapes, forms, etc., can be used in creating a balance in a composition. Principles of Design

Contrast  Offers some change in value creating a visual discord in a composition. Contrast shows the difference between shapes and can be used as a background to bring objects out and forward in a design. It can also be used to create an area of emphasis.

Rhythm / Movement  Rhythm or movement refers to the suggestion of motion through the use of various elements. Directional Movement - is a visual flow through the composition. It can be the suggestion of motion in a design as you move from object to object by way of placement and position.

 Directional movement can be created with a value pattern. It is with the placement of dark and light areas that you can move your attention through the format.

 Emphasis - say "Center of Interest." It is about dominance and influence.  It is important for a designer to know how to control the attention of someone viewing their artwork.

 Some situations call for strong visual dominance such as attracting the viewer's attention to the main subject of an image. Some situations call for more subtle emphasis such as leading the viewer through the composition and directing them to a secondary focal point.

The designer should be able to use all levels of control over the viewer's attention. This includes the ability to put something in an image that may escape detection for a long time (and then be a delight to find).

 There are three major methods for controlling emphasis in a visual image: contrast, placement and isolation.

 Unity - When nothing distracts from the whole, you have unity. Unity without variation can be uninteresting - like driving on a clear day through Western Kansas on the interstate. Unity with diversity generally has more to offer in both art and in life. Of course some very minimal art can be very calming and at times even very evocative. Even a simple landscape can have a powerful effect.

 Unity with Variety  Unity without Variety

 Pattern/Repetition  Pattern refers to the repetition or reoccurrence of a design element, exact or varied, which establishes a visual beat.

 You will be using 4 Black squares of the same dimension  You will sketch 4 examples of each word given.  You will choose the best example and  Create a graphic design using the black squares that best expresses the meaning of the word on the 4 inch square on an 11x17 layout. How can you set that up? Draw it!

 Make 4 preliminary sketches for each word.  Then select the most effective choice and execute it in the larger area.  The intention of this problem is to develop a geometric idiom of the various 2- dimensional design principles.  You will need to use: overlapping, touching, perspective, cropping of forms, spacing, contrast of elements in terms of size, direction, position, & positive negative relationships