Questions for Type

_ define the word “grid”

A pattern of regularly spaced horizontal and vertical lines.

_ why do we (designers) use a grid? what are the benefits or functions?

We use grids to build both complex and austere layouts that enable hierarchy and accessibility through
flexibility and consistency. The grid allows us to use different design elements and have them work in a cohesive manner within a layout.

_ what is a modular grid?
A modular grid has constant horizontal divisions from top to bottom in addition to vertical divisions from left to right.

_ define and illustrate: margins, columns, grid modules. flowlines, gutter
Margins: the space that surrounds the content of a page. It helps divide where the text begins and ends.

Columns: Vertical blocks of content positioned on a page, separated by gutters and rules.

Grid Modules: Individual units of space that are separated by regular intervals. They are the basic building blocks of grids. They create columns and rows when repeated.

Flowlines: Horizontal lines that break the space into horizontal bands. They can be used to help guide the eye across the page and can be used to impose starting and stopping points for text and images to be aligned.

Gutter: The inside margins or blank space between two facing pages. It is extra space allowance used to accommodate the binding in books and magazines.

_ define hierarchy
An arrangement of items in which the items are represented as being "above", "below", or "at the same level as" on another.

_ define typographic color (this does not mean color as in change it to a color)
It is the relative lightness or darkness of a block of text. The shade is dictated by features including font size, the space between letters (kerning), the space between lines (leading), as well as the font selection itself.

_ what are ways to achieve a clear hierarchy?
Through the proper and conscious implementation of visual prompts that emphasize significant content within the design while gradually minimizing the attention needed for the other elements, whether by exaggerating the size of text or image, by isolating a design element, or by employing additional graphics that call attention to specific place in the layout.

_ define white space
The space where no text or no image exist. (negative space)

_ define contrast
Difference in visual properties that makes an object distinguishable from other objects and the background.

Typography

In class we had an assignment to create the word MADE with any material we could find in an hour. Allie and I decided we would use edamame from our lunch. We decide to mix up each letter, with some pods closed up, others open, and some beans even sown. I love how this type turned out and I wish I could create a whole alphabet with edamame.

Seahorse

The animal I have chosen for the project is a Seahorse. I picked this animal because every time I go to the zoo and visit the aquarium I find myself intrigued by these amazing fish. Seahorses are found in shallow and tropical environments. They are a boney fish but they don't have scales and their skin is camouflage in color. Theses fish are relatives of the pipe fish. Unlike most animals the males carry the eggs in their pouches until they are fertilized. At that time the sea horses hatch and miniature seahorses are born.  Seahorses are not very good swimmers and in stormy seas they often die of exhaustion. The only way they can propel through the water is with their small fin located on their back. They steer with their two pectoral fins near the back of their head. They use their tail to attach to sea grasses and corals and use their snouts to suck plankton and small crustaceans.

A sculpture of a heraldic depicition of a seahorse, by unknown 19th or 18th century French artist, showcased at the National Maritime Museum in Sydney, Australia, photographed by DO'Neil.

I Heart Design

The first thing I remember that made me interested in design was the opening title sequence of the movie Napoleon Dynamite. It was something I had never seen before, it was such a creative way to introduce a movie.

After I saw this movie I started noticing other movies title sequences. Juno is another great example of awesome opening title sequences.

This passion for title sequences followed me through high school when I worked on the graphics for my high schools broadcast program. This design lead me where I am today studying graphic design, I hope someday I can make title sequences for big movies.

Completed Cardboard Chair

I finally got done with the chair at 10:30 this morning. It supports me, but it is a little wobbly. I am happy with the way it looks but it is a little skinny. If I could do it over again I would ad a few more layers in the cardboard.

Look you can sit in it both ways!

Chair Making Process

I worked many hours over the weekend on this chair. It was very hard to cut the pieces exactly right in each piece but they lined up fairly well. The photos turned out very well.

These are photos of the basic structure complete.

When I was working on this on Saturday the light was creating nice shadows against the concrete floor. 

Finally I got all the slats glued on and it is almost done!