OUGD401 - Context of Practice - Task 2 - Beauty, Style & Taste

My 3 rules of aesthetics:

1. Must be high quality (pixelation / execution)
2. Type must be clear and legible/ readable but not necessarily clean.
3. A composition must be recognised IE a border/ layout.

High Quality Aesthetics:

With a high-definition photo in the background and a complimentary colour scheme, I would agree that this editorial cover is aesthetically pleasing. The highlight of one word from the greyscale background stands out vividly but not outrageously and still in-keeps with the minimal, contemporary theme. The type and layout does not interfere with the image and compliments the whole piece.

Although the compositions are somewhat crowded, the high quality execution of these illustrations compensate and balance it out. the soft gradients and crisp lines help to modernity and quality in this piece.

This high quality photo with the blank background and crisp edge around the subject is mirrored in the crisp outline of the logo. 

Legible Type:

Even though this choice of type is hand written in style and a little messy, this composition proves that not just sans-serif modern fonts are legible. Pushing the boundaries of type as image rather than just a caption for the image is apparent here.

Again, the idea of type as image is apparent in this cover and serves further interest in the design other than just the photo of the bowl of food. 

Although the title is almost invisible, to me, it is still very clear and readable, and especially on the magazine-sized scale it was intended. And the title 'Northern exposure' also challenges type as image, while still being readable and not interfering with the image itself.

A recognised border/ layout:

This may appear in contradiction with my point itself, but there is still a somewhat recognisable border that this design has both established through the title and other text and broken through image which I think is both interesting and clever.

The busy main subject is cooled with the plainly coloured border.

Again, the main body of busy text is main processable through the use of a recognised composition which is even on both sides.

Examples of non-graphic design that fulfill these same rules:

High Quality Aesthetics:

The smooth curves of the interior of the Guggenheim museum in New York are well thought out and have good focal points throughout. This high quality type of design reflects in this.

This unusual design works so well because of it's high quality execution and materials.

This design would look out-of-place and odd if it wasn't of such high quality. Instead, it is a spectacle.

In it's time, this was incredibly outlandish because of it's sharp shape. 

Legible type:

Using the numbers of a calculator can spell out readable words when turned upside down.

Topiary is a creative way of displaying type in an outdoor environment.

Although highly calligraphic, this tattoo is still clearly readable.

A popular and creative way of displaying type is through floral arrangements.

Although unreadable to me, the Rosetta stone has preserved the earliest forms of writing.

A recognised border/ layout:

The busy and precision layout of the Queen's table is perfectly centred and perfectly symmetrical.

The artwork in this gallery is given space, or a 'border' to view the artwork appropriately.

The path around the edge of this not only give access for maintenance but creates a perfect border to a beautiful layout to this knot garden.

The border around this defines the perimeter walls and the even composition ensures maximum readability,

The colour of the border around this stationary helps it to stand out and compliments the logo and the simplicity of the design.