Graphic Design 1 Vocabulary Flashcards
Graphic Design
The design of things people see and read.
Research
The first step in preparing a design solution; determining the parameters of the problem.
Thumbnails
The second step in the design process; idea sketches that provide visual evidence of the thinking, searching, and sorting process that leads to the final solution.
Roughs
The third step in the design process; Layout plans that come after preliminary thumbnails and are usually executed in half or full size.
Comprehensives
The fourth step in the design process. It is a highly finished layout for presentation.
Gestalt
Unified configuration having properties that cannot be derived from simple addition of its parts.
Icon
a sign that bears a direct relationship to the object described, such as realistic drawings and photographs.
Symbol
Type of trademark to identify a company or product. It is abstract or pictorial but does not include letterforms.
Figure/ground
Relationship between the figure and the background of an image. The eye and the mind separates an object (figure) from its surroundings (ground).
Typeface
Style of lettering. Each family of typefaces may contain variations on that typeface, like “italic.” typography
Serif
A short line that projects off the main stroke of a letter at the bottom or the top.
Sans Serif
Letterforms without serifs.
Ascender
Section of a lowercase letter that extends above the x-height.
Descender
The part of a lowercase letter that falls below the body of the letter.
x-height
The height of the body of a lowercase letter such as x or a. It does not include the ascender or descender.
Baseline
The line that typography sits on.
Counter
The white shapes inside a letter.
Intellectual Unity
An idea-generated and word-dominated method of unifying a publication.
Visual Unity
The placement of design elements to achieve a harmonious whole.
Symmetry
Formal placement of design elements to create a mirror image on either side. A less common form of symmetrical balance also creates the mirror image vertically.
Closure
The ability of the human brain to observe an incomplete circle, and to perceive it at complete
Figure/ground
The page, surface, or area in which the design will be placed.
Trademark
A word, slogan, color, or design that identifies the source of goods or services to distinguish the goods/services from similar offerings by others.
Logo
A symbol or design used to identify a company or organization, as well as its products, services, employees etc.
Combination Mark
A logotype or logomark combined into one logo.
Raster vs. Vector
Illustrator is a Vector application. Photoshop is a raster application.
CMYK
Cyan Magenta Yellow and Key (Black)
Design Process Steps
1) Research 2) Thumbnails 3) Roughs 4) Comps
Area Type
Type that is inside a shape. If you extend the shape (text box or circle for example), the type will automatically resize with it.
“5 invisible lines” that defines a typeface.
1) Ascender Height
2) Cap Height
3) X Height
4) Baseline
5) Descender Line
Font
Complete set of type of one size and one variation of a typeface.
