Reading Questions

Module 1

1. What does it take to become a well-rounded designer, according to GDS?

To be a well-rounded designer, it not only takes the ability to use a specific computer program or get something printed that makes you a good designer, it is knowing a whole range of skills. You need to learn the practical skills of design. Also you should be aware of what is going on in the communications world.

2. What are a few forms of research that you can do on a regular basic?

Reading different newspapers about the same event and see how it is different, read books, have as many experiences as possible (ex. go to someplace you’d never go to), and talk to people.




3. What is the difference between primary and secondary research?

The difference between primary and secondary research is that primary research is gathering material that has never existed before, like taking a picture or drawing and secondary research is gathering material that already exists like design work, magazines/newspapers, and photographs.

4. What is contextualization? Give an example that is not given in the book.

Contextualization is the process of placing something within the interrelated systems of meaning that make up the world. An example is surfing the web and seeing how websites use graphic design and the layout of their sites.

5. What are four types of photography, and what are their main differences?

The four types of photography are objects and products, portraits and images of people, landscapes and buildings, and ephemera and texture. The main differences are that each type has a different focus, for example a landscape might have more styles in the image compared to a product image that is very sharp and brightly lit.

6. What are a few techniques you can use to strengthen an initial photograph?

Some techniques that strengthen an initial photograph are cropping, balancing light, and to take a sharp, clear image because it makes it easier for the image to be altered as opposed to a blurry image.

7. What is Photoshop used for?

Photoshop is used for editing and manipulating images, as well as using text. Photoshop replaces darkroom techniques and makes it easier and quicker to retouch and edit photos.

8. How are pixels and resolution related?

Pixel and resolution are related because pixels are what makes up an entire resolution. A pixel is the smallest element of a computer screen, so if there are many small pixels, the clarity of the resolution will be higher. A lower resolution will be highly pixelated.

Module 2

1. What is a thumbnail? How are they beneficial?

A thumbnail is a small, rough, visual representation of the bigger picture or the final outcome of the design. Thumbnails are beneficial because it can be more comfortable working with a smaller size of the image you are working on.

2. What is abstraction?

Abstraction is an aesthetic concept meaning something that is drawn from the real but has been “distilled” to its barest minimum form, color, or tone, often removed from its original context. Abstracting from real life helps understand that you are translating the language of color into tone and substituting monochromatic tones for a wide range of colors in the existing object.

3. What is the difference between denotation and connotation?

Denotation is what a sign literally means, for example if it is a picture of a flower, then it means it is a flower. Connotation is an extended meaning associated with a sign that can be emotional, personal or cultural. So if you were to look an image of a flower, the connotation might be associated with beauty or nature.

4. What is a metaphor? Give an example not in the book.
What is symbolism. Give an example not in the book.

A metaphor is a word or image that sets up associations or comparisons to other words or images. An example of a metaphor is an image of a heart or a kiss that can be a metaphor for love. Symbolism is a way of representing an object or word through an image, sound or another word. An example of a person who has a dress on can be a symbol that means that this area is meant for women only, like the signs you see in the bathroom.

5.What are a few questions you should ask yourself regarding target audience?

Some questions you should ask yourself about your target audience is what do they want or need? What do you know about your target audience? How will you grab their attention?

6. What is customer profiling? 


Customer profiling is the process of creating series of parameters or set of information that defines the desires, trends or interests of a demographic so that designs can be pitched or marketed to them.

Module 3

1.What is design composition?

Design composition is the arrangement of elements or parts of a design like text or images on the page.

2.What is the difference between positive and negative space?

The difference between positive and negative space is that positive space a form, image, or word printed or formed on a page that to the eye appears to exist while negative space is the white or colored area around an element. Negative space is the empty space left over.

3.What do each of the following types of lines signify: soft, zigzagged, converging, horizontal, vertical?

Horizontal lines suggest horizon, vertical lines suggest power and strength, soft lines imply tranquility and harmony, zigzagged lines imply jarring and discordance, and converging lines imply a point disappearing into the distance.

4.What is Gestalt psychology?

Gestalt psychology is a theory that suggests that the mind perceives and organizes holistically and finds patterns in that which appears to be unconnected.

5.What is the difference between a symmetrical and asymmetrical design?

The difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical design is that symmetrical design is a composition where elements are balanced or mirrored on a page where asymmetrical is a composition where elements are juxtaposed and do not mirror the other forms on the page.

6.When would a symmetrical design be appropriate versus an asymmetrical one?

A symmetrical design would be appropriate if you are creating something that is calm, peaceful and balanced. If you are looking to create a dynamic image with movement and special tension then an asymmetrical design would be appropriate.