Elements Elements of Graphic Design | Graphic Design Elements Basic Elements

Graphic design as an art close to what we call beauty (aesthetics). The beauty of the needs of each person, containing the values ​​of subjectivism. Therefore the quality of one's artistic taste is different too. Well, in producing works that visually appealing graphic design and artistic merit, understanding of the elements or the basic elements of graphic design is mandatory.

Eelemen-elements or the basic elements of graphic design is as follows:

::: LINES

The lines in the graphic design is divided into four, namely: vertical, horizontal, diagonal, and curves. In the graphic design work, the line used to separate the positions of other graphical elements on the page. Besides it can be used as a bookmark specific parts for the purpose of explanation to the reader.

In the context of the tabloids for example we can use lines to separate column names with the news. In a diagram of God as Alpha and Omega and the process toward that for example, we can deliver a line indicating the direction of how the process occurs and as a guide directing the eye movements.

The line is also used as a separator between the two parts of different publications or provide emphasis. As seen below the horizontal line separating the information is applied in advertisement of a book. At the top of the line is the book information. While below is information about the author.

Likewise with the line that separates between the rising period of a tabloid with news underneath.

::: LETTERS

Typeface, of course, is all around us. In graphic design, the goal is to not only put the text only on the artwork, but rather to understand and use it effectively for communication. Choice of font (typeface), size, alignment, color, and distance all come into play. The font can be taken further by using it to create shapes and images.

::: FORM

The form is a field that occurs because it is limited by a contour (outline) and or limited by the existence of a different color or by dark shading or light on so the textures. The form can be a natural form (figure), which is not at all resemble the natural form (non figure). The form has a change of form of stylization, distortion, and transformation. This meaning is constructed in two-dimensional graphics. Also commonly called an area. While the graphics in 3-dimensional shape with a mass disamaartikan.

::: ROOM

Space is due to the perception of depth that feels distant and near, high and low, looking through the sense of sight. This element in the practice of newspapers such as graphic design used as elements of breathing space for the reader's eye. This is so that not too tired to read text that is too long.

A blank space separator between columns confirm the newspaper text. Besides giving the impression of design is roomy and neat. This is termed by white space (empty space). Empty space means the absence of text or images. Really empty, and are not necessarily the place wasted and in vain, not at all. Empty space is its own language of design that you create.

::: TEXTURE

Texture is an element a way that indicates a sense of the surface material (material), which is deliberately created and presented in the order to achieve a form of appearance, either in real or fictitious. For example the impression of wood grain, feathers or glass.

Meanwhile, according to Kusmiati in "Basic Theory of Visual Communication Design", texture is the nature and physical qualities of the surface of a material (material), such as rough, shiny, dull, dull, which can be applied by contrast, and harmony.

::: COLORS

If you asked what the difference between lemon and grapefruit, what would you answer? Physically you will probably answer the lime is smaller than a grapefruit. And the answer to your second possibility is a lemon you're holding a green and yellow grapefruit. Well, from here to understand which represent the actual color of orange juice and grapefruit physically seen by the eye. Although there is indeed a lemon yellow and vice versa, meaning the same.

Then why is the color of an object can be seen by our eyes? The color of an object is determined how light falling on the object and is reflected to our eyes. Because light has a spectrum (systematic series) color, and color spectrum is exactly what helps humans recognize colors. Color spectrum is represented by the white light of physics, such as from the sun or the light bulb. Because they contain colors balanced out. Meanwhile, if the colors are not balanced out we will see another color other than white. That is why the object looks lime green because it reflects green light.

Wavelength / The following represents the color spectrum warnawarna produced white light. The colors can be seen by the human eye is the color in the range 400 nm to 700 nm. Whereas above 700 nm is infrared rays. While below 400 nm is ultraviolet light, sinarX and Gamma rays.

Color caused by the difference in the quality of light reflected or emitted by objects. At the moment we see color, we actually see the light waves are reflected or emitted by the objects we see. (Wartmann, 2004).

Just as shapes, colors give the impression of a more profound message. The color red for example an impressive enthusiasm, excitement, and the heat of fire. Or purple impressive pallor, and did not wilt the spirit. The combination between the color gives a visual impression of varying which of course impacted on your graphic design work. As is clear graphic design expert David Dabner in Design and Layout: Understanding and Using Graphics, colors that you select an extraordinary effect on the impression of the design and the way people respond (feedback).

While an object looks shiny because light reflects into the eye. The object will look transparent because light penetrates the surface, touching the object behind it and is reflected back to the surface.

According to Russell and Verrill (1986) in Permana, color particularly in visual advertising products can be used for several reasons, namely:

Color is a tool to attract attention.
Some products will become more realistic, if displayed by using color.
Can show or give an emphasis on certain elements in the design work
Color can show a certain impression which shows that there is a psychological impression of its own.

Meanwhile, according to Walker (1980) in Widodo use of color is based on the following reasons:

The emphasis is applied to the word, bagin words or other elements appear to be more conspicuous.
Contrast with a contrasting background would be expected manuscript more readable.
Identification of specific colors are often used for the identification of a logo.
Appearance of pages in color would be more interesting than black and white
Effects to display the visual effects of the object or the other.

Basically the color quality is classified into three, namely:

HUE means the name itself is the basis of color: red, yellow, green.
Saturation is the degree (intensity) of the brilliance of the color of a hue. For example as scarlet, actually resulting from mixing the original red color with black.
Lightness is the brightness of colors. Red will form the bright red pinkjika plus level.