The Computer Revolution/Computer Graphics/Basics of Computer Design
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If you are considering designing your own stuff for your business or show or something where graphic design is required then this information will help you a lot. It explains why some art looks good and some don't. All designs have to have 5 important features, balance, symmetry, rhythm, proportion, harmony. I will discuss each of them in detail with relevance to computer graphics.
Balance: this means that I if was to compare one end to another of the design for example a flyer. The contents should be balanced on either end. For example if the flyer for a real estate agent has a big mansion on the left end and on the right the flyer has some type that is very condensed and fine, it will look odd with a view of something vital missing as one side of the flyer is heavy on one side then the other. The solution is to make the house a little smaller and bolded, heavy text on the right and add logos the Realtor is associated with in the bottom to create the same type of illusion of weight on both ends.
Rhythm: This means that there is an overall movement, a centralized theme in the artwork. This would include colors and shapes that constitute a layout a type of structure in the artwork. For example it is easy to notice that as you can look at it and create mental frames. Looking at dot patterns the flow of everything. For example using swooshes and italicized fonts constitute movement flexibility.
Proportion: this means that if you are using two trees in the flyer the tree in the back on the mountain should be considerably smaller then the tree in front. Proportion of size i.e Size constancy, distance constancy, etc. This is quite vital for creating abstract and computer art on the computer. The collage of pictures, etc. You have to be very careful with the size constancy, often artists and graphic artists use this idea to create emphasis. In order to get a message across or differentiate but be quite careful as people look at it with a critical eye and may notice something not right in the artwork instantly and point the difference.
