Elements of Graphic Design

With the more easily people learn to use graphic design software (especially since ten years ago) so the more that do a variety of jobs and businesses associated with the design. Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of in trying to increase the knowledge of graphic design itself. Many think that if a person has mastered any graphic software is meant to be a graphic designer.





So it is not surprising if there was a lot of design work that looks strange, or lack of maturity in terms of concept and execution. Trying to understand the main functions of the basic graphic design and matters relating to the use of letters (typography) is one of the basics of graphic design is most important and should be done by every person who works as a designer.

For it is better for us to learn from the bottom, these are the main principles of graphic design that we should learn before you delve deeper into the design area.

Graphic Design Element

Element in any graphic design work consists of parts that can be studied separately. Know that at any design work will be there at least one of the following elements:

1. Line

Line is a design element that serves to connect the points so as to form a curved or straight line. Line is a basic element to build a shape or design construction. In the world of visual communication, we use the dotted line, solid line, and dashed-line.

2. Shape (Shape)

Form is everything that has a height and width that can be measured. The basic form of the best known is rectangle, circle, and triangle. In visual communication design we will learn the basic form and shape derivative. By its very nature, shape can be grouped into three:

Character
Represented in a visual form that is used to form the writing as a representative of the verbal language with direct visual forms, such as 'A', 'B', 'C', and so on.

Symbol
Represented in a visual form that represents the object in a simple form, and can be generally understood as a symbol or emblem to describe a form of real objects, such as images of people, stars, the sun in a simple form (symbol), not in tangible form (without details).

Real Form (Form)
This form truly reflects the physical condition of an object. Such a detailed picture of human, animal or other object.

3. Texture

Texture is the surface appearance of an object that can be assessed to be seen or touched. That in practice, it is more often categorized as a pattern of an object surface, such as carpet surfaces, clothing, bark, paint, canvas, and so forth.

4. Space

Space is the distance between these forms, it acts as an aesthetic anda dynamic element in graphic design. With no space then you will be difficult to determine between words, sentences or paragraphs. Without space will also be difficult for eyes to determine which part should be seen first, when to read and when to stop. In the form of physical identification of the space is classified into two elements, namely the object (figure) and the background (background).

5. Size

Size is another element that defines the size of an object. By using this you can create contrast and emphasis on the object of your design and making it easier for visual readers to determine which should be seen or read first (a good eye direction).

6. Color

Colors act as supporting elements in the design object. Colour is also an important element, because it also acts as the identity, it can convey a message or distinguish the nature of visual forms clearly. In practice color differentiated into two groups: the colors are generated by the beam (Additive color / RGB) which is usually used on the lights, monitors, TVs and so on, and another one that is generated through the color mixing process such as ink or paint (Substractive / CMYK). Substractive colors are usually used in the process of printing images onto the surface of solid materials such as paper, metal, cloth or plastic.

By using these elements optimally, you will create a successful desired design work. Of course, in order for a design to be successful (according to it purpose and intent), then you have to know and explore these elements well.