Review and Critique

Reading 8

In Reading 8, ' Looking good in Print: A guide to basic design for desktop publishing ' 2nd edition, by Parker, RC, it is mentioned that because there is no "universal rules" in graphic design, it has become a challenge. Parker also mentions that "If design were governed by a set of universal rules, computer programs would replace graphic artist- and every advertisement, book, brochure, newsletter and poster would look the same. In this reading, Parker also mentions different points to take note to "look good" in print.

Points to take note

• Planning- The design process is simply an extension of the organizing process that began as you developed the concept for your project.

• Experiment- Turn off your computer and start to experiment.

• Seek inspiration- Train yourself to constantly analyze the work of others.

• Relevance- Every graphic element should relate to its particular communications function and unique environment.

• Proportion- The size of all graphic elements should be determined by their relative importance and environment.

• Direction- Effective graphic design guides the reader through your publication.

• Consistency- Consistency leads to an integrated style.

• Contrast- Contrast provides dynamic interest.

• The total picture- Think of graphic design as the visual equivalent of a jigsaw puzzle.

• Restraint- Strive for simplicity in design.

• Detail- Success in desktop publishing is based on attention to detail.

• Examining Proofs- Analyze reduced-sized copies of your pages.

I found this reading very easy to digest as basically Parker has made all the points as heading and below it, there would be a sub heading to sort of summarize the point. Then the details of the points. Even with more detail explanations, Parker would have short sentences to summaries the details which is basically the main point of the detail at the side border. It would be good as fast reference as well as there would be no need to read through the whole chapter again. For fast reference, one just need to read the heading, sub heading and the short sentences at the border and the memory is refreshed again. There you get it, how to look good in print!