newspaper front page design (25 Feb 2013)

This front page design of The Sun newspaper is only for practice & tutorial purposes.

different type fonts (19 Feb 2013)

principles of design (4 Feb 2013)

emphasis -

Emphasis is a principle of design applied in a piece of work which carries the aim of incorporating a strong focal point that immediately draws the viewer’s eye. In other meaning, it is the element of making something in particular to stand out as a focal point. Thus, viewer can easily identify a starting point - understanding where to look first and then the next.

example:

As seen in the left image, principle of emphasis is clearly seen on the prime subject which is a woman and her child. There are a few points which makes the subject the focal point of the whole cover. Firstly, the provocative posture, where the kid (between age of 2-4) is feeding on his mother. Secondly, is the usage of colors; the contrast between the subject on the white background enhances its visibility. In addition, the color red used on the typography support the image strongly. Thirdly, dominance of the subject. The size of the photograph is big and bold enough to almost cover half of the page, this clearly shows a dominant position and placement of the image, making it stand out and become the focal point.
source: http://www.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,20120521,00.html 



contrast -
 

Contrast is a principle of design where element of design such as shape, colors, sizes, tonal value and even typography have a distinctive stand out among the norm. Or in another meaning, contrast occurs when two elements or more are different on the same page.

example:

As seen in the left image, contrast between the bold colors of red, blue and yellow can be clearly seen even from afar. The highly saturated trio color create a huge contrast whereby each color are clearly visible as a tone itself.
Besides that, the contrast between the size of the copy and the main focus which is the illustration (of a hand holding a gun) creates a big difference.
source: http://fontsinuse.com/uses/2797/the-gun-in-america-1968-1998

balance -

Balance is a principle of design where it is a state of equalised tension and a sense of equilibrium in a piece of work. There are mainly few types of balance; namely symmetrical balance and asymmetrical balance.
Symmetrical balance is a form of balance that provides a mirror image while asymmetrical balance is without symmetry.

example:

As seen in the left image, the balance of the illustrated figure provides an approximately symmetrical design. Although it does not have the exact mirror image, the space element and color usage however, provides a harmonious and balance of the overall cover design. The same sizing and unity of the illustrated figures provides a balance layout to the whole cover as well. 
source: http://yellowandotherinspiringstuff.tumblr.com/post/27774667789/suddeutsche-zeitung-magazin-dusseldorf-allemagne

alignment -

Alignment is a principle of design concerning of an extension of proximity. It has to do with placing items so that they line up.
This principle of design is a concept that produces both grouping and organises information to create order. There are two major types of alignment; namely edge and center.

example:

As seen in the image, the magazine double-page spread layout consist of mainly 5 columns for the body copy. Following the grid, the width of the columns are all same. Copies are flushed left as seen in the paragraphs (except the first one) and aligned on the edge. As for the headline, it is aligned with the first column and flushed left, though the copy in the first column is flushed. Overall, the magazine tightens the layout of design and eliminates the haphazard and messy effect.
source: https://wiki.carleton.edu/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=9965304

repetition -

Repetition is a form of repeating an element in layouts. Carrying the viewer with a consistent flow by repetition so that it acts as an indicator of a certain segment. This principle of design helps to create association and consistency.

example:

As seen in the left image, the backdrop design of the first page travels across to the second page creating a smooth and even rhythm. It is a repeating elements in a consistent manner. It produces the dominance of a visual idea, a feeling of unity, and also pattern.
source: http://lkmdesigns.tumblr.com/post/13563144343/double-page-spread-project-with-richard-mcdonald

flow -

Flow is a principle of design which its aims is to directs the paths of viewer's reading direction - which also known as user flow. It is crucial in publication design as readers need to know which copy to read first to the last. It is a guidance of the reading process that ensures the effectiveness of a publication.

example:

As seen in the left image, where the double page spread of the flow principle lies in the typography itself. Various typefaces and sizes are used to indicate which copy is the headline, sub-headline and body copy.
The headline is boldly placed in the middle of the spread with a rigid typeface, while the sub-headline is placed slanted with a slightly smaller size, and the body copy remains as normal font size.
Overall, the flow can be seen straight from a direction of left to right, taking readers from the headline to the end of the body copy - following the order of things.
source: http://line25.com/articles/tips-for-designing-unique-and-attractive-blog-posts