DESIGN PRINCIPLES - WEEK 5: SYMBOL, IMAGERY & TYPOGRAPHY
Rifath Ali (0335738)
Design Principles
Exercises
LECTURE NOTES
Lecture 04: Symbol, Imagery & Typography
In design, symbols can provide or convey information, equivalent to one or more sentences of text, or even a whole story. Fig. 1.01 shows the breakdown of different types of symbols.
Fig. 1.01: Types of Symbols
Pictorial Symbols – Image-related
and simplified pictures
Fig. 1.02: Pictorial Symbol
Abstract Symbols – Looks like the
object that they represent but have less details
Fig. 1.03: Abstract Symbols
Arbitrary Symbols – Have no
resemblance at all to the objects or the idea they represent. Invented and
constructed. Many are based on geometric shapes and colors.
Fig. 1.04: Arbitrary Symbols
Imagery is a vital part of
design, be it print or digital. Users and viewers are able to relate to a concept
or a brand if the right images are used in a work of design.
Fig. 1.05: Digital Imagery
Typography is the design and arrangement of text to convey a
message or concept. Successful use of typography will result in visual
hierarchy and balance in a work of design.
Fig. 1.06: Typography
INSTRUCTIONS
Exercises: Symbols, Imagery & Typography
Part A: Symbols
We were tasked with designing an arbitrary
symbol and to write a 20 to 50-word rationale for our final design. We were
given the freedom to use any medium of our choice. As I’m comfortable with the digital
designs, I used Adobe Illustrator to create the symbols. With the use of shape and pen tool, I came up
with 4 different symbols.
Fig. 2.01: Symbols; Process 01
After discussing with Miss Anis, she recommended few changes to the designs.
Fig. 2.02: Symbols; Process 02
As the symbol with the purple house was my preferred
design, I chose it to be my final symbol.
Part B: Imagery & Typography
For the second exercise we had to create a
design that has a combination of imagery and typography. I decided to use an
image from my gallery and used a phase I always end up telling myself while
buying plants. I used Photoshop to create my design.
Fig. 2.03: Imagery & Typography; Process 01
I erased parts of the characters to blend it
well with the image. I also added shadows to create depth to the design.
Fig. 2.04: Imagery & Typography; Process 02
After consulting with Miss Anis, few changes
were brought before finalizing the design.
Final Artwork
Symbols
Fig. 2.05: Symbols, Final Artwork; Domestic Violence, Rationale
Imagery & Typography
Fig. 2.06: Imagery & Typography, Final Artwork; Just One More Plant
FEEDBACK
During my consultation with Miss
Anis, I received constructive feedback regarding both exercises. For the symbols,
she pointed out that for the symbol with the leaf, it would be better to use
curvy lines as it is more organic. And for the purple house, she recommended to
use more cracks.
For the second exercise she said
the overall design was good. But she asked to bring the letter R to the foreground
as it is easy to misread the text as it is hidden too much.
REFLECTIONS
The main challenge this week was designing
the symbols. It was really hard to come up with a simplified concept for an
arbitrary symbol. It was a good learning experience. The typography exercise gave
me a chance to revisit what was taught previously during the Typography class.
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