1. Week 2a: Fundamentals of Graphic Design
I. Formal Elements Check out Catch Me If You Can
Opening credits on YouTube.
II. Design Principles
III. Manipulation of Graphic Space

2. I. Formal Elements
The building blocks of two-dimensional design
are called the formal elements. They are:
• LINE
• SHAPE
• COLOUR
• VALUE
• TEXTURE
• FORMAT

3. Line A line is a mark made
by a tool as it is drawn
across a surface. A line
can also be called an
open path. Line
attributes can be
straight or curved or
angular. Line direction
can be horizontal,
vertical, or diagonal.
Line quality can be
delicate or bold, smooth
or broken, thick or thin.
Henri Toulouse-Lautrec
Page 53

4. Shape
The general outline of
something is called a
shape aka a closed path.
A shape can be empty or
filled with texture, or
colour. We can translate
real-world forms into
representational or non-
representational shapes.
www.grainedit.com
Page 54

5. Colour
Colour holds emotional
value. Elements of colour
are Hue, Value, and
Saturation. 1) In paint,
primary colours are red,
yellow, and blue. 2)
Colour on a computer
comes from mixing light,
RBG. 3) In offset
printing, inks come in
CMY+K.
Page 55 - 57

6. Value
The relationship of
one element to
another in respect
to lightness and
darkness is called
value contrast.
Steerage, Alfred Steiglitz Page 58

7. Texture
The tactile
quality of a
surface or the
representation
of a surface is
called a
texture.
Page 59
Starry Night, Vincent Van Gogh

8. Format
Formats for graphic
design can include screen
based design -- web,
mobile, videogame, or
video/film screens, or
print-based work like
brochures, packaging,
magazines. (Screens are
kicking butt as 21st
century design platform.)

9. II. Principles of Design
• BALANCE
• EMPHASIS
• RHYTHM
• UNITY
Make sure you read this material on pages 61 - 72.
Is it essential to upcoming assignments and tests.

10. III. Manipulation of Graphic Space
• Positive and Negative Space
• Illusion
Make sure you read this material on pages 73 - 79.
Is it essential to upcoming assignments and tests.