*Makeup – Didn’t Have Textbook: WSINYE ch. 4 + 5

Reading Summary:

In “White Space Is Not Your Enemy,” Rebecca Hagen and Kim Golombisky discuss the dos and don’ts of design. In chapter 4, the specific things to avoid also known as “layout sins” are outlined. These flaws range from cluttered designs to “centering everything” in the work. By laying the foundation of what not to do in design, the authors then transition into describing tips on creating good designs. In chapter 5, these creative techniques are examined in detail. It begins with explaining the basic elements of good design, but then transitions into certain “principles.” Overall, chapters 4 and 5 provide great advice for people new to the world of design. 

Outside Example:

One movie series I have always really enjoyed is The Dark Knight Trilogy. I specifically remember being a young kid and walking through the movie theatre and seeing the poster for The Dark Knight. The background is a gloomy world and building with Batman at the forefront. At this time, I wasn’t old enough to watch the movie in theaters. However, I specifically remember waiting until it was released and getting the movie at Blockbuster. Luckily for me, my parents were pretty cool about me watching violent content at a younger age. I loved the batman series, but I can accredit my initial drawing towards the movie to the first time I saw the movie cover.

Connection:

I found The Dark Knight movie cover to align with a lot of what was talked about throughout the chapters. For starters, the cover is very simple and spreads the message of it being a chaotic scene without making the movie cover cluttered. In terms of colors, everything is in darker colors except for the bat symbol on the building. This symbol is in a bright orange shade and serves to contrast the gloomy colors of the background. By contrasting these colors, a focal point is placed on the bat symbol. As I have learned in class, violent, action movies often use this orange color to highlight the fact that there will be weapons and explosions throughout the movie. Furthermore, there is a lot of balance throughout the piece as batman is right in the middle with each half of the building directly on his sides. Overall, I think this movie cover is so intriguing due to the fact that it follows the rules of good design and maintains a simple arrangement.