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Art and Design A comprehensive guide for creative artists - Aaltodoc

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Lowercase<br />

The lowercase alphabets are constructed in a smaller <strong>for</strong>m<br />

as compared to upper cases. In Swanson's (2000, 105)<br />

typography of lower <strong>and</strong> uppercase: “Words are perceived<br />

by their specific word-shape outline, which is unique <strong>for</strong><br />

lowercase ... one researcher found that more reading errors<br />

were made in reading lowercase words than words set in all<br />

caps, indicating that all caps words are indeed read letter by<br />

letter, while lowercase words are not.”<br />

It is absolutely important <strong>for</strong> the learner to first of all look<br />

<strong>and</strong> judge the different ways—lowercase letters can fit on a<br />

well composed design or sentences be<strong>for</strong>e putting then to<br />

any final use.<br />

Let us use the table below to make a clear analysis of the<br />

stylistic representation of lowercase (type) <strong>and</strong> how they<br />

appear with straight <strong>and</strong> round strokes:<br />

Round <strong>and</strong>/or with a stroke<br />

Round, straight strokes above <strong>and</strong> below<br />

Straight, round <strong>and</strong> open strokes<br />

Upright, straight with a single stroke<br />

Straight with slanting or oblique strokes<br />

Use a sketch book <strong>and</strong> draw each letter carefully. Pay<br />

attention to the extremely useful strokes (above <strong>and</strong> below<br />

on specific letters) be mindful of their individual shapes as<br />

well as the different ways each letter can cause an impact<br />

on a word or sentences. You can make your own grid of<br />

squares.<br />

Layouts<br />

This is an aspect of design that deals with arrangements of<br />

text or pictures on a set out page. Layouts are characterised<br />

by constant changes, they can be vertical, horizontal or<br />

radial.<br />

A reasonable conclusion of a functional layout can be<br />

reached after considering expected out comes of the final<br />

design, in addition to how the absolute layout shall be<br />

displayed. The effectiveness of a layout can be determined<br />

by the feasibility of its implementation to users along with<br />

their ability to follow a logical path of identifying the most<br />

important in a design created.<br />

Lidwell et al. (2010, 198) assert. “In fact, complex in<strong>for</strong>mation<br />

requires the simplest presentation possible, so that<br />

the focus is on the in<strong>for</strong>mation rather than the way it is<br />

presented.” That is to say, a lay out page persistently goes<br />

through a process of arranging text, images or both <strong>for</strong><br />

an optimal balance. This course of action is matched with<br />

various elements <strong>and</strong> principles of design. A careful look<br />

at newspaper layouts suggests a surprising display of well<br />

laid out text, usually accompanied by illustrations, both in<br />

different sizes <strong>and</strong> colours on different page displays. This<br />

causes ordinary readers to wonder how individual parts<br />

were delightfully co-ordinated to fit proportionally on each<br />

page without influences of mis<strong>guide</strong>d judgement.<br />

Let us assume that the type of layout you plan is meant <strong>for</strong><br />

a poster; vary the words or text accordingly <strong>and</strong> probably<br />

put emphasis to the most important—decide on what<br />

should st<strong>and</strong> out most. In Lidwell et al.'s (2010, 86) view,<br />

“the strongest exposure effects are seen with photographs,<br />

meaningful words, names <strong>and</strong> shapes <strong>and</strong> the smallest<br />

effects are seen with icons, people <strong>and</strong> auditory stimuli.”<br />

Layout C<br />

90 91<br />

Layout A<br />

Layout B<br />

A: Symmetrical<br />

B: Asymmetrical<br />

C: Radial

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