Empowerment Technologies 12 MODULE 4
Empowerment Technologies 12 MODULE 4
Empowerment Technologies 12 MODULE 4
Module No. 4
Date September 27 and 29, 2021
Title Principles of Graphic Design and Image Manipulation Techniques
This module covers the principles of graphic design and some techniques in image
Overview
manipulation
549
manipulate text, graphics, and images to create ICT content intended for an
online environment
Objectives
evaluate existing websites and online resources based on the principles of
layout, graphic, and visual message design
Monday
Graphic design plays a critical role in brand-building and at the same time, in
showcasing your skill-sets. Although branding and design are an inseparable
experience, it’s important to understand the fundamentals of graphic design before
embarking on any new assignment. When working with clients, you get only one
opportunity to make a strong first impression, so why not infuse their experience with
your knowledge and application of design elements to a range of projects — social
media graphics, web and app UI, videos, banners, advertisements, et al. Of course, as
a designer, don’t worry about drawing outside the lines and having fun whilst doing it!
In fact, you must frequently colour outside the lines to pull away from a mediocre or a
repetitive design structure, but, the beginners must first know what those prescribed
lines are. So, let’s understand the ten basic design principles that will help you create
Content stunning graphics.
01. Balance
Balance lends stability and structure to an overall design. To understand it better, think
that there’s weight behind each of your design elements. Shapes, text boxes and
images are the elements that form your design, so it’s important to be familiar with the
visual weight each of those elements possesses. Now, this doesn’t mean that the
elements always need to be distributed evenly or that they must be of an equal size —
balance is either symmetrical or asymmetrical. Symmetrical balance is when the
weight of elements is evenly divided on either side of the design, whereas
asymmetrical balance uses scale, contrast, and colour to achieve the flow in design.
02. Proximity
The above is an example of ‘Proximity.’ Here, a consistent shape (circle) and colours
create an organised design.
03. Alignment
Alignment plays a pivotal role in creating a seamless visual connection with the design
elements. It gives an ordered appearance to images, shapes, and blocks of texts by
eliminating elements placed in a dishevelled manner.
The text, shape and image have been lined up in the middle, creating an ‘Alignment.’
In simple words, a hierarchy is formed when extra visual weight is given to the most
important element or message in your design. It can be achieved in various ways —
using larger or bolder fonts to highlight the title; placing the key message higher than
the other design elements; or adding focus to larger, more detailed and more colourful
visuals than those less relevant or smaller images.
In this design, you can easily point out the heading, date, shapes, image and also, the
text at the bottom.(Designed by: Anahat Rawal)
05. Repetition
In this online portfolio, the green colour is repeated across the page, creating cohesion
and a ‘Repetition.’ (Designed by: Anahat Rawal http://bit.ly/Anahat_Behance)
06. Contrast
Contrast happens when there is a difference between the two opposing design
elements. The most common types of contrast are dark vs. light, contemporary vs. old-
fashioned, large vs. small, etc. Contrast guides a viewer’s attention to the key
elements, ensuring each side is legible.
This image has been darkened to allow the text to create a sharp contrast against the
background.
07. Colour
Colour is an important design basic and it dictates the overall mood of a design. The
colours you pick represent your brand and its tonality, so be careful with the palette
you choose. As a graphic designer, it’s always helpful to have a basic knowledge of
colour theory, for example, gold & neutral shades evoke an overall feel of
sophistication, bright colours signal happiness, and blue creates a feeling of calmness.
Colour palettes can be used as a contrast or even to complement the elements.
We’ve discussed the importance of colours, images, and shapes, but what about the
space that is left blank? It is called the ‘negative space’, which in simple words means
the area between or around the elements. If used creatively, negative space can help
create a shape and highlight the important components of your design.
09. Typography
Typography is one of the key pillars of design, and it speaks volumes about a brand or
an artwork when executed stylistically or even customised. Sometimes, ‘type’ is all you
need to showcase your design concept.
10. Rules
Once you’re an adept graphic designer who understands the foundations of design,
then it’s time to break some of those rules. And, by that, I don’t mean, use pixelated
images or an illegible font type. Remember, whatever it is that you’re choosing to
communicate, should not be compromised.
While these principles may require some of you to be more observant and take mental
snapshots of novel designs (that you stumble upon), they’re key principles for those
who want to create a great brand by way of strong visuals and content.
https://medium.com/@anahatrawal/10-basic-principles-of-graphic-design-
b74be0dbdb58
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65WjYDEzi88
Wednesday
1. Cropping
2. Color balance
This command will allow you to make changes in the mixture of colors in
an image.
This command is the most basic when adjusting the image tone
(highlights, shadows, and midtones).
5. Color blending
Use the different special effects buttons available in the different image
editing software. You can combine colors and commands that will give
you a more dynamic image result.
https://medium.com/@anahatrawal/10-basic-principles-of-graphic-design-
b74be0dbdb58
References
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFyOznL9UvA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65WjYDEzi88