Elements of GD Nick Kelly

1.) Grid

Designers can use grids as a starting point for how they would like to approach a design, and it can help unify the piece as a whole. While general rule is that it’s fine to place elements of design within the grid format, breaking away from the grid can help make certain aspects of the work stand out and be emphasized. The most common type of grid is the 3x3, however, grids can be as big or as small as the designer needs to fit the piece they are working on. Generally with todays software, the grid will not appear once the work is done, but can be left on the piece if the designer chooses so. Every once in a while it’s important to take the grid off the work to view it in its entirety, as keeping the grid can cause the eye to see the piece as fuller than it may actually be.

2.) Pattern

Pattern is a key design choice in many artistic professions. There are three “forms” of pattern: dot, line, and grid. A dot can be just a singular dot, a flower, an image, a singular object. A line is two dots connected. A grid is the interaction of the two. There are also several was to form patterns, whether that be computer generated, randomly repeating patterns, setting the pattern to a grid, or in a line. 

3.) Point, Line, and Plane

Point, line, and plane are the building blocks of design. Every design uses one or all of these in unison to create a visual. A point marks a position in space, and can be represented by (x,y). A series of points form a line. In typography, the point is the period that ends sentences. A line is an infinite series of points. A line can be a positive mark or a negative gap. Graphically, lines exist in multiple thickness and length. A plane is a flat surface extending in height and width. A plane is the path of a moving line. These can be used to create 3D space on a 2D surface and perform a variety of artistic things.

4.) Rhythm and Balance

Balance can be achieved in a variety of ways, using symmetrical or asymmetrical designs, balance can be seen in life with things such as arms and legs and how they help life have mobility through stability. Unstable balance in design can lead the viewers eyes being stuck in one particular spot in the design. Rhythm is a strong repetition of pattern, the book uses the example of shipping containers all lined up to show repetition. Balance and Rhythm work together to create works that breathe with life and pulse, allowing for stability and surprise. 

5.) Modularity

Limitations create the fun and challenge of making a design. Modularity uses a fixed element within a larger whole to create, the book uses the example of a pixel. Limitations allow a designer the freedom to explore different problem solving methods for a design while possibly freeing them from the overwhelming decision of where to start and stop with creation. The book then goes on to showcase differently made typefaces and describes a little bit of each. The book then demonstrates works that uses symbols in the creation of the works.