Author Archives: Jacqui

Good & Bad Examples of Print Ads

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Bad Examples:

"Florida State Parks"

“Florida State Parks”

"Bake Sale"

“Bake Sale”

Connected fonts with little flourishes (such as Brush Script) can pose problems when printing with certain methods. However, that’s not the only reason why Brush Script is a horrible font. It’s an outdated typeface that’s been used in print media since Baby Boomers were actually babies.

 

The only time you should ever print something in Curlz is if you’re making invitations for a six-year-old girl’s birthday party—and even then, you owe it to that little girl to use a more creative font. Curlz has an association with immaturity and it can give off an impression of cheap gaudiness and unprofessionalism.

 

Good Examples: 

IKEA

IKEA

This is a great example of minimal print ads that say a lot. The humor and simplicity is spot on. And the use of typography is truly commendable.

 

This ad is for Aasra Suicide Prevention Helpline. The clever use of visual pun is an ideal way for a print ad to say everything in just one image.

Depression

Depression

What is Graphic Design?

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To me, graphic design is the combination of shapes, colors, typefaces, images and words that cause you to react or feel something. It typically conveys a message, shines light on an issue, maybe solves a problem, expresses beauty or sets a feeling. I’ve always thought aestically, composition was one of the most important features of graphic design and key to a successful design. The reading quickly changed this opinion.

This article helped me to grasp what graphic design truly encompasses.The use of images, text, position and overall psychology to help reel in their audience are the main components to a successful design. What I love about design is that is goes hand-in-hand with psychology which is one of the main reasons why I made the decision to major in both Graphic Communication and Psychology to get a better handle on what the audience sees, wants and understands. The psychology behind the design influences how you perceive the idea and as a designer how you convey your message.

My question to the author is if there could be one essential trait behind a successful design, what would it be? So many factors contribute in the process of creating but what is it that one must always keep in mind? The audience? Perspective? Feeling? Message? No matter the answer, it will be subjective and it will depend on who is the audience and what is the message but if there is one idea that applies to all of the above, what is it? I want to know the key ingredient, the inside scoop!