Graphic design is made up of visual elements. These visual elements are arranged in a layout to convey an idea.
The basic visual elements of graphic design include:
Space creates the visual essence & dynamic of a composition.
In design, there are two types of space.
In 2D design, visual dynamics can be created through:
Visual dynamics create the illusion of depth or space in a composition.
a) Proximity: is simply the distance shapes are from one another. Shapes could be far apart or close together. Proximity suggests relationships between shapes.
b) Overlap: is the effect where shapes are arranged to appear to be on top of each other. This illusion makes the top element look closer to the observer.
c) Opacity: is the effect where objects appear transparent. Opacity is the lack of transparency. Depending on the degrees of opacity that can make an element look heavy or light. Heavy elements suggest dominance. Opacity blurs the barriers between positive and negative space.
d) Light & shadow: can give an object a 3dimensional look. Shadow can create the illusion that an object is on top of another, and suggest how far apart they may be.
e) Perspective: is created through the arrangement, creation, and manipulation of shapes to look like they appear in real life. Shapes appear to get smaller the further away they get. Perspective can also be achieved through the use of sizes of objects, overlapping objects, and blurring and sharpening of objects.
*In graphic design there is no way to determine the depth of the space, only the order of closeness.
*In graphic design we can use positive and negative space to create a focal point, create balance, set a visual tone, and define a look & feel.
