Design Basics Demystified: The Visual Artist’s Handbook of Possibilities

Everyone can make good design choices if they simply know what their choices are. Design Basics Demystified: The Visual Artist’s Handbook of Possibilities is for every level of design enthusiast from those who know little about the subject to experts in the field. In this book the author defines and demonstrates the forty-three elements and strategies outlined in The Griffin Chart of Design Basics. Concise writing and a generous use of custom visuals offer the visual learner unparalleled insight into this complex and often vague discipline. With exposure to the wealth of practical and creative information that fills the pages of this book, the novice will learn to see as an artist sees, the student will gain a roadmap to the discipline they study, the educator will discover a seemingly endless resource for classroom instruction, and the seasoned artist will enjoy a visit with old friends. Included in this book: * The Griffin Chart of Design Basics Visual Elements, Phrasing Tools, Compositional Devices * Visual checklists of possibilities * Spot art that doubles as exercises * Illustrations showing the concepts in use * Forty pages delegated to the art of composition * Suggestions on how to integrate design strategy into personal work and the classroom * A demonstration of variation on a theme–a staple of the creative process * An illustrated glossary The author, Annette Bauman, is a graphic designer and visual arts educator who is fascinated by the basics. In twenty years of teaching at the college level she has, with rare exception, exclusively taught the subject of design. She views design as puzzles to solve and, with the basics to guide her, is never at a loss for solutions.