2D Design

1. 2D Design • Visual Communication Strategy: Emphasis M.C.Escher — Hands

2. In any image, space or design, some things are more important than others. • Emphasis involves drawing greater attention to selected features…while subduing or eliminating others. • Relief involves subduing attention to selected features…those that are less important, but necessary. • By controlling emphasis and relief, you implicitly communicate what is most important, from what is less important. • Unity and order are enhanced by establishing a hierarchy of emphasis--a graphic logic distinguishing what is most important from what is less important.

3. Sketching with emphasis • Varied line weights…what’s important…what is secondary?

4. Sketching with emphasis • Emphasis Tactic: eliminate or subdue whatever is unnecessary. • Where’s the kitchen..cabinets, counter, sink? • Its not needed. The sketch already communicates the context (apron, salt shaker, cutting board…)

5. Sketching with emphasis • Contrasting line weights. • Note how even subtle value contrast helps shapes to separate……and bold value/color contrast draws our attention.

6. Sketching with emphasis • Here’s the basic “bold contours” tactic. • Simple. • Effective.

7. Sketching is purposeful drawing • Leonardo — engineer, inventor…artistChariot with scythes • Which edges are sharpest…darkest…have the greatest contrast?

8. Sketching is purposeful drawing • Leonardo — engineer, inventor…artistStudy of Hands • Which regions of the hands have greatest emphasis?

9. Sketching with emphasis • Contours and mass forms bold…other features drawn with lighter lines.

10. Sketching with emphasis • Areas of contrasting value add variety/interest, but also enable bold contrast on important shapes/objects.

11. Sketching with emphasis • Note varied line weights. • Outer contours are emboldened to help separate on object from another.

12. Sketching with emphasis • Placement of shadows adds solidity and 3-dimensionality, but also emphasizes important bounding contours.

13. emphasis • White space need not be white…just a surrounding envelope of relief space...unbusied regions

14. emphasis • But the most basic and reliable tactic…heightened value contrast draws attention and builds emphasis.

15. emphasis • But most basic…heightened value contrast draws attention and builds emphasis.Here the contrast within the background image is reduced in some versions. In some cases, the value of the background is pulled lighter or darker than the emphasized type.

16. emphasis • Note also how the yellow-orange type changes as the background value changes.In general, light colors become more intense (chroma)against a dark ground.

17. Sketching is purposeful drawing