For this assignment, I examined The Book of Kells to evaluate how the authors incorporated principles of graphic design. I examined a page of text (Fol. 104R) and a picture (Fol. 27V) to complete this task. My first impression of the picture was that everthing is aligned vertically and horizontally and that the color choices utilize contrast to draw the eye to certain areas. Upon closer examiniation, I notice that border sections show repetitive patterns but that their placement is in opposition from top to bottom and left to right. This subtle element adds interest by breaking up the overall symmetry of the piece. The four focal pieces of the design are positioned in the four central quadrants showing that they are related by their proximity to each other. The text page shows vertical alignment of the text along the left margin. Each segment of the text is preceded by a picture demonstrating proximity and helping the reader easily locate related text. The black lettering sharply contrasts with the white pages and the same font is used throughout.
Principles of graphic design may be a new concept for some of us but they have been in use for centuries. Human brains percieve and process information in expected ways making it possible to create documents that evoke specific thoughts or emotions. In today's materialistic world, these principles are used everywhere to promote products and drive our economy.
To veiew the documents I evaluated for this assignment go to:
http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/bok/index.htm
Sunday, November 21, 2010
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