Layout and Publication Design – 2-1 Activity: Composition Techniques

12612Overview
Composition techniques are a vital part of graphic design. The use of space and symmetry to organize different text and graphic elements is very important in determining how the audience will perceive your design. For example, a page with too many elements can be very distracting. However, clever use of white space can help differentiate the different sections or elements you need to help improve the user experience. Similarly, element proximity and alignment and other aspects such as color, contrast, and movement also impact the audience’s attention and engagement with the design.

In this activity, you will compare and evaluate the use of basic composition techniques in two advertisements that use different design approaches. You will choose one advertisement based on your preference and compare the layout and composition to the one provided in the Module Two Activity Composition Techniques Template.

Directions
Review the advertisement in the Module Two Activity: Composition Techniques Template. Then, find another advertisement that uses a different design and layout approach. Answer the questions in the template to compare the layout and composition techniques used in both advertisements.

Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:

Share the image of an advertisement that uses different layout or composition techniques than the sample provided in the template.
Compare the use of grid structures in the two advertisements.
Do both advertisements use a grid structure?
Which grid type do they use?
Is the choice of grid type effective? Why or why not?
Evaluate the use of proximity and alignment in both advertisements.
How are the different visual elements organized within the design space?
What alignment settings or techniques do they use?
How do the grid layouts impact the proximity and alignment of the page elements?
Compare the use of balance in both advertisements.
What is each advertisement’s approach to using symmetry and asymmetry in its layout?
How does their use of symmetry and asymmetry impact the design’s effectiveness?
Evaluate the use of space in both advertisements.
How well does each advertisement use white space in its design?
Are there any areas for improvement in their use of space?
Examine the use of other composition techniques in these advertisements. Consider the following in your response:
Color
Contrast
Movement
Texture
What to Submit
Submit the completed Module Two Activity Composition Techniques Template(attached). Sources should be cited according to MLA style.