Gestalt

People tend to use their brain to group images and make sense out of them. As designers we need to allow people the opportunity to work out our graphics. By letting people use their intelligence to understand how random shapes are put together to convey a message, it makes them feel good. This in turn, gives our image more power. If a person can understand the meaning behind our image then it will sell that image better than if they were just told what the image represents.

Key Principles of Gestalt System

Emergence: when recognizable images are made from random shapes, marks, or splatters.







Reification: when shapes are seen because of their surrounding shapes. There might not be an actual triangle drawn but we can see the triangle because of the negative space around it.




Multistability: when two or more images coexist with the same shape or outline. We usually can't see both images at the same time, however.



Invariance: when one object or shape is changed somehow, either by rotating or twisting it, but is still recognizable as the same object or shape.






Pragnaz

"The fundamental principle of gestalt perception."

• Law of closure - we can see a closed object or shape when we are given enough information
• Law of Similarity - we put similar elements together and see them as a collective entity depending on their shape, size, color, texture, etc.
• Law of Proximity - we make groups of images depending on their spacial relationships
• Law of Symmetry - we put images together if they have similar symmetry
• Law of Continuity - after seeing a pattern on paper we will continue that pattern in our mind
• Law of Common Fate - we group elements that show the same movement and flow of line

By using the information given about Gestalt psychology, we as designers will be able to convey the meaning behind our images to our audience in the most efficient way possible while allowing the viewers to use their intelligence to really think about the meaning which causes them to remember it better.

Notes

Remember: when drawing designs silhouettes are good. Side views are also easier to understand. We want to make sure and get our message across. Need to use more shapes and less lines.

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CAR (symbol)

Semiotics

Semiotics is "the study of signs, and the production of meaning." What viewers get from the signs of communications depends on the viewers personal experiences. There are multiple meanings to different signs. As designers, we must be careful about how we put these symbols, icons, and indexes together so that we can communicate our message clearly. The person or "sender" of a sign must be familiar with the targeted audience. They must understand how the audience thinks as well as their culture and language. This is important so that the audience understands what the sender is trying to portray. The context in which the sign is placed is also very important. A symbol can have multiple meanings just because of where it is located.

Classes

Fall '09

• Drawing I
• Intro to Graphic Design & Illustration
• Typography
• Ideas in the Visual Arts

Spring '10

• Logo/Trademark Design
• Drawing II
• Design II
• Printmaking I

Fall '10

• Design for Advertising
• Pub Design
• Painting I
• Multimedia I

Spring '11

• Package Design
• Interactive Design
• Watercolor
• Introduction to Photography

Fall '11

• Motion Design
• Fundamentals of Printing Processes
• Studio Seminar
• Design Internship

Spring '12

• Survey of Non-Western Art
• Contemporary Art & Design
• Artists in Contemporary Society
• Foundation of Professional Photography & Lab
• Design III

-I would really like to take some of these in the summer. I also am going to have to squeeze in two foreign language classes and a colequia (?) class for the honors college. I am totally up for suggestions.

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