October Design Course 101 - part 1

October Design Course 101 for Fiskarscraft.typepad.com
By Debbie Buckland

In this course we will cover several basics of design and layout to help you plan your wonderful scrapbook layouts and projects.

I also recommend these books for further reference:

The left book is cheap and easy to understand -The Non-Designer's design book.
The right book is for more advanced reading and really really detailed stuff. (bit more expensive too) - Basic Visual Concepts and Principles.

Topics include:

1.       Contrast

2.       Repetition

3.       Allignment

4.       Proximity

5.       Colour theory

6.       Typography (styles of letters)

7.       The “it” factor

8.       Use of “white” space

9.       Composition

 

Part 1: Contrast

Definitions:

·         To compare in order to show unlikeness or differences; note the opposite natures, purposes, etc.

·         Opposition or juxtaposition of different forms, lines, or colors in a work of art to intensify each element's properties and produce a more dynamic expressiveness.

·         Photography: the relative difference between light and dark areas of a print or negative.

Contrast on any page really helps draw the eye to a subject, title or object. It creates interest and  defines what you want to stick out. Don’t be a wimp – do it with strength.

With contrast - two items are not exactly the same, or close in relation, they are really different.
ie: LARGE –small     Black-White    Dark – light      Narrow – wide      etc

Here are some examples of contrast from my past scrapbook pages and projects.

Top left: The dark strip is a good contrast against the white background.
Top right:  the black strip around the photo is a good contrast with surrounding background to draw the eye.
Bottom left: definate back and white here creates contrast.
Bottom right: the photo itself is a contrast to the page.

Top left: The thick photos and skinny strips behind it make great contrast.
Top Right: The contrast here is the small itty bitty flowers on the tags and the larger flowers on the layout.
Bottom left: Large and small hearts make contrast on this page.
Bottom right: Large letter contrasts with smaller letters in the title.

I hope you have learnt about Contrast and enjoyed this short lesson.
I’ll see you next time for part 2: Repetition

Signing off for now.... Debbie Buckland

 

 

 

Comments

[Donna M]

This is really interesting Debbie. Lovely examples. Looking forward to the rest of the lessons.

[Lyn Dwyer]

Love this tutorial Debbie......and great examples also........

[Debbie Buckland]

Thanks ladies.