In my Graphic Design 2 class I am currently enrolled in at the University of Northern Iowa, we just finished a Hierarchy Exercise. The purpose of our project was to make 30 black and white compositions using the Universe Family of fonts using different variations. By moving through these variations, we explored and observed what occurred when minimal changes in complexity were made in a visual field. In other words, even in the most limited conditions there are aesthetic possibilities. We were confined to certain guidelines for different compositions. In compositions 1-10, the goal was to see how little was needed to accomplish a sound hierarchy that was also attractive and refined. We were limited to use a small range of text size, number of grid systems, and flush left text. In later compositions we were able to expand more on the alignment of text and six relationship. We were also allowed to explore the use of bar rules, swatches, and images of the UNI Art Building to help strengthen the hierarchy.
In the end we were able to take all of your compositions, make a title, and bind it in a book. I love having the work that I have done physically in front of me to flip through and acknowledge. There is just something about it that makes me feel good inside.
I learned a lot from this project. I learned how much you can do with such strict guidelines and text. When first approaching this project, I felt that the rest of the class and I were going to have such similar compositions. I soon found that I was wrong. There are so many things you can do with limited size and alignment of text. I also found the importance of grids. Without a grid system, compositions like these would be scary to look at. Grids make designs a hundred times better and easier to make. Critiques ARE IMPORTANT. It is very important to have others look at your work and say their feelings about it before you finalize a piece. Critiquing opens your eyes to numerous amounts of opportunities that you can go with your designs.
Following are some of my favorite compositions of mine from this project.
For the above composition, were had the opportunity to use bar rules. I like this composition because I feel that it creates a nice flow of white space and shows the data effectively.
The above composition, we were allowed to use large areas of black, or swatches, to order the space in a way that strengthens and enhances hierarchy. I enjoyed this composition as the black swatch comes down from the top of the page and leads you through the information appropriately.
The compositions above and below were had the opportunity to use images of the University of Northern Iowa Art Building as additional elements in the design, but each of the compositions had a different percentage of image that could be showing. The above image has 60 to 70% of the image showing and the below image has 85% or more of the image showing.
Should I keep posting personal projects I have done? Let me know what you think in the comments!
Until Next Time,
Kels
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