proportion & scale
When we start discussing proportion and scale, its easy to understand why so many experts relate design and mathematics—that good design takes an understanding of math is an understatement. Grids, ratio, proportion and scale are just some of the terms we use in design that translate over to math. When we talk about scale in the design sense, one has to think of it in two ways...literal and perceived.
Literally and concretely, scale means a representation of actual size in the relation to other objects. On a map, we are to understand that a certain length represents an actual scale. Literal scale is of the utmost importance to an architect in designing a blue print, and even more important to the builder that is reading the blueprint.
On the other hand, we can also think of scale in the way that is perceived—something that we associate as normally being large placed in a much larger blank area seems tiny and engulfed. Also, something that we associate with being small, that has been enlarged so that it expands past the edges of the page seems larger than we are used to… both are examples of perceived scale. Imagine what kind of effect it would have to place a gorilla the size of a thimble, next to a mouse that is the size of an elephant. Seeing that most of the work done by graphic designers resides in the world of 2D, scale and proportion are so important in creating a layout that both communicates a message clearly, and a composition that is diverse and full of visual interest.
Literally and concretely, scale means a representation of actual size in the relation to other objects. On a map, we are to understand that a certain length represents an actual scale. Literal scale is of the utmost importance to an architect in designing a blue print, and even more important to the builder that is reading the blueprint.
On the other hand, we can also think of scale in the way that is perceived—something that we associate as normally being large placed in a much larger blank area seems tiny and engulfed. Also, something that we associate with being small, that has been enlarged so that it expands past the edges of the page seems larger than we are used to… both are examples of perceived scale. Imagine what kind of effect it would have to place a gorilla the size of a thimble, next to a mouse that is the size of an elephant. Seeing that most of the work done by graphic designers resides in the world of 2D, scale and proportion are so important in creating a layout that both communicates a message clearly, and a composition that is diverse and full of visual interest.
Scale, Depth & Motion
For this project, we will be creating 8 unique visuals that uniquely and creatively illustrate a pair of descriptive words. We will only be using letter forms for this, in a constant solid black and solid white palette.
The guidelines are as follow:
Begin by creating fully developed sketches of each word relationship listed below. One of the largest factors in the grading of each will be your creative approach. If your approach seems thoughtless and simple, you will score very low on the execution and effort category on the project rubric. Consequently, if your work is exactly like a friend or neighbor’s work, both of you will receive a zero for this project. It is important that you work alone for this project, and keep your thoughts to yourself.
The following is the list of word pairings you will be illustrating:
Obviously, there will be 8 in total. Use the edges of your page to play with scale and proportion, and keep it visually appealing…in other words, keep the layout interesting. As you finish each one, you will save your illustrator file as whatever you please, but what you will be sending me is a PDF file.
The file name will be “YOUR LAST NAME_OUTSIDE.INSIDE (for example).PDF”
When you change the file to a PDF and the final dialogue box opens, DESELECT the box that says “preserve Illustrator capabilities.” This will send only what is inside of your documents bounding box, therefore cropping any overlapping elements that you had. Each file will be saved with whatever words you were illustrating.
For this project, we will be creating 8 unique visuals that uniquely and creatively illustrate a pair of descriptive words. We will only be using letter forms for this, in a constant solid black and solid white palette.
The guidelines are as follow:
- You are to work in Illustrator
- The dimensions of your document are to be 8 inches by 8 inches, in an RGB color profile.
- You can use any type setting/font that you would like, but be aware, that the font cannot be used to illustrate any of the words (for example, a hand-scripted font cannot be used to illustrate ‘complex’). Keep the type setting simple, let your creativity do the work.
Begin by creating fully developed sketches of each word relationship listed below. One of the largest factors in the grading of each will be your creative approach. If your approach seems thoughtless and simple, you will score very low on the execution and effort category on the project rubric. Consequently, if your work is exactly like a friend or neighbor’s work, both of you will receive a zero for this project. It is important that you work alone for this project, and keep your thoughts to yourself.
The following is the list of word pairings you will be illustrating:
- Outside—Inside
- Stay—Go
- Full—Empty
- More—Less
- Front—Back
- Simple—Complex
- Order—Chaos
- Narrow—Wide
Obviously, there will be 8 in total. Use the edges of your page to play with scale and proportion, and keep it visually appealing…in other words, keep the layout interesting. As you finish each one, you will save your illustrator file as whatever you please, but what you will be sending me is a PDF file.
The file name will be “YOUR LAST NAME_OUTSIDE.INSIDE (for example).PDF”
When you change the file to a PDF and the final dialogue box opens, DESELECT the box that says “preserve Illustrator capabilities.” This will send only what is inside of your documents bounding box, therefore cropping any overlapping elements that you had. Each file will be saved with whatever words you were illustrating.
Works Cited
Lupton, Ellen & Jennifer Cole Phillips. Graphic Design, The New Basics. New York, Princeton Architectural Press, 2008.
Lupton, Ellen & Jennifer Cole Phillips. Graphic Design, The New Basics. New York, Princeton Architectural Press, 2008.