How to do "planning" in graphic design

Chapter 4: General Flow of Graphic Design

The process of graphic design is a planned, step-by-step process of continuous improvement. The success of the design depends largely on whether the concept is accurate and whether it is perfect. The beauty of design is endless, and perfection depends on attitude.

I. Investigation

Surveys are the process of understanding things. Design needs are purposeful and complete investigations. Background, market research, industry surveys (on brands, audiences, products...), on positioning, performance techniques,... Surveys are the beginning and foundation of design (background knowledge).

Second, the content is divided into two parts: the theme and the specific content. This is the basic material for designers before designing.

Third, the concept

Idea concept is the first step in the design. In the design, "thinking" is more important than everything else. The idea is always independent of the design. It may be the hardest thing to convey "ideas" in your visual works.

Fourth, mobilize visual elements

The basic elements in the design are equivalent to the "components" of your work. Each element has the function of transmitting information. Really good designers tend to be "squeaky," and they use every element to start with the overall needs. In a layout, constituent elements can be divided according to categories. For example, they can be divided into: title, context, background, color tone, subject graphic, blank space, visual center, and so on. Graphic design layout is the process of organically combining different elements. For example, in the layout, often using frames (also called skeletons), there are many forms. Regular framework and non-regular framework, visible framework and hidden framework. There are also elements in the font, for the selection and matching of fonts and fonts is very particular about. The process of choosing the font style is a process of aesthetic judgment. There is also the use of the element color to reflect a designer's understanding and cultivation of color. Color is a language (information). Color has emotions that can make people think, make people feel cool, front and back, weight, size, and so on. Being good at mobilizing visual elements is one of the designer's must-have capabilities.

Fifth, choose the method of expression

The technique is skill. Today, with the proliferation of visual products, it is not easy to move audiences. More visual works have been automatically ignored by people's eyes. There are several ways to get your message out? One is a complete and perfect design that is expressed in traditional aesthetics and will be read and remembered by the audience. The other is in novel or surprising ways (including materials), and the third is crazy advertisements for carpet-type forced bombing. And what do we need more?

We have learned many kinds of graphic processing and performance techniques in the three major components, such as contrast, analogy, exaggeration, symmetry, primary and secondary, light and shade, variation, repetition, contradiction, radiation, rhythm, thickness, coolness and warmth, and area. There are also graphic effects such as paintings, pencils, watercolors, prints, crayons, graffiti, etc. There are others such as photography, old photos, and so on. What kind of choice do you have? It depends on your purpose and target group, as well as your design skills.

Sixth, balance

Balance can bring about visual and psychological satisfaction. Designers should solve the balance of force field in the picture and the balance between front and back. The sense of balance is also the ability of the designer to compose the picture. Balance and imbalance are relative, and the criterion of whether to meet the theme is the standard. Balance is divided into symmetrical and asymmetrical balances, including point, line, surface, color, and space balance.

Seventh, out of color

Remember, you have to create visual excitement to sublimate your work.

Eight, about style

As a designer is sometimes opposed to "style", the formation of a fixed style means self-zombie, but the style is also a performance of a designer's personality, preferences, experience, self-cultivation, but also a sign of maturity of the designer. Thought that "understand Datong, we can only take the edge."

Nine, production

Check items include: graphics, fonts, text, color, layout, proportions, bleeding...
Requirements: The visual imagination and effect must be pleasing to the eye, and more importantly, it must be understood by the audience!