COURSE COM1005: VISUAL COMPOSITION

Level: Introductory

Prerequisite: None

Assignment 1: The Elements and Principles of Design 50%

a) Go to http://www.johnlovett.com/test.htm and read about the elements and principles of design

b) Create a book (by hand and or using the computer) or a power point presentation demonstrating your understanding of:

THE ELEMENTS OF DESIGNLINESHAPE DIRECTION SIZE TEXTURE COLOURVALUE or TONE

THE PRINCIPLES OF DESIGNBALANCEGRADATIONREPETITIONCONTRASTHARMONYDOMINANCEUNITY

c) For each page of your book/ PowerPoint, include your own definition as well as an illustration of the concept.

d) For each element of design, describe the impact it has on the visual message (For example, how can a line draw your eye into an image? How does texture add to realism?)

e) For each principal of design, describe the impact it has on the visual message (For example, how does gradation “trick our eye”, how does contrast make certain images stand out?)

Assignment 2: An Introduction to Typography 50%

a) View: A Lesson on Typography http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ki6rcXvUWP0

b) Search the Internet to fill in the Typography chart

c) Read the article: Breathing Room, The Role of the Space In Between, by Alvalyn Lundgren http://alvalyn.com/design-and-conquer/breathing-room-the-role-of-the-space-in-between/

d) Find a short quote that you enjoy and create a purposeful text creation demonstrating your understanding of typography.

Choose and discuss 2 elements of design and 2 Principals of design you employ in your creation. Warning: Do not copy a preexisting piece of word art.

Click the pictures below to see some examples of typography

e) Find or create a picture to illustrate your quote. Choose and discuss 2 elements of design and 2 Principals of design in the picture. If you have used someone else’s image, be sure to include proper citations.