Objective

To learn design principles through exploration and experimentation. To learn visual grammar by making abstract compositions. To practice thumbnail sketching. To be introduced to Adobe Photoshop and InDesign's layout tools.

Discussion

Balance is the third of six critical design principles designers use every day. There are four ways to create balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical, random and mathematical (also known as "the grid"). These four systems of creating balance work only if they are used independent of each other (in other words, you can't really mix and match these systems). In fact, these four systems work so well, designers sometimes refer to these four ways of creating balance as "systems of visual organization." Balance implies stability, harmony, perhaps even gracefulness. When things are in balance (i.e. your checkbook), everything is at peace. Unbalanced visuals have tension, seem awkward and strained, perhaps even clumsy. Achieving visual balance is important because in mass media, it is unlikely that clients would want to present an awkward or clumsy image.

Note: For the purposes of this class, "radial" balance can be thought of as a specific type of symmetrical balance. And although some artists think of the grid as a way to unify visual elements, designers prefer to think of the grid as another way to create balance.

• Design Principles Lecture
• Download Common Graphics Formats

Procedure

Part A (Concepts and Thumbnails)

1. download starter files, examine files, read directions
2. using your sketchbook, begin to conceptualize possible solutions
3. launch Adobe Photoshop, start with a 12x12 pixel grayscale file
   (zoom in)
4. using the pencil tool, explore various options to achieve balance by making select pixels black or white (use layers, label layers, use one Photoshop file for each type of balance)
5. import the Photoshop file into InDesign for printing (file > place)
6. print only top portion of the InDesign file on letter-sized paper
7. in your assigned teams, critique each other's work

Part B (Best Solutions)

1. based on the critique above, make adjustments (if needed)
2. choose your best solutions and copy them to the bottom of the page
3. blow up the art to fill the space (cmd+shift drag on corner handle)
4. add your name to the file, then export a JPEG and publish it on your personal projects page for class critique
5. based on the critique above, make adjustments (if needed)
6. print entire sheet on tabloid paper (11x17) for grading
7. file graded proof in your Process Book for individual review
8. update your projects page by publishing a JPEG of your final art

InDesign Tips:

1. to import art into InDesign: select frame first, then execute
   file > place (cmd+D)
2. to blow up art: object > fitting > fill frame proportionally
   (cmd+opt+shift+E or use the icons in the option bar)
3. to duplicate frames: opt+drag
4. window > object layout > align: align and distribute frames
   (or use the icons in the option bar)
5. object > object layer options: reveal appropriate layers for each frame (when updating link=use layer visibility overrides, preview=yes)
6. window > links: update link if you see a yellow triangle
7. file > print: choose paper size and orientation before printing
8. avoid adding or deleting layers after placing (if possible)

Note: When importing images into InDesign, it is preferable to link to the image (as opposed to embedding the image). This will keep the InDesign file size reasonable and allow easy updating should the linked file change. Therefore, please keep all linked images in the same folder as the original InDesign file to avoid broken links. When moving files, move the entire folder (never move just the InDesign file).