Graphic Design Basics

Sumerians

Created the first written language around 3000 BCE.

Typography

The art and technique of arranging type for printed material.

Movable Printing Press

Invented in 1040 AD, it allowed for the mass production of books.

Balance

A principle of design that refers to the visual weight of elements in a design.

Symmetrical Balance

When elements on either side of a design are equal or similar.

Asymmetrical Balance

When the elements on either side of a design are different but still balanced.

Unity

The harmony produced by the arrangement of elements in design.

Contrast

The degree of difference between design elements to create hierarchy.

Repetition

Using repeated elements to create consistency in design.

Pattern

The repetition of multiple design elements to create a cohesive look.

Rhythm

A visual tempo created by the repetition of design elements.

Movement

The path a viewer's eye takes through a composition.

Emphasis

A design strategy to draw attention to a particular element.

Proportion

The relationship of sizes between different elements in a design.

Harmony

The cohesive quality of a design where all elements work together.

Variety

The use of different design elements to create visual interest.

Color Wheel

A tool for understanding color relationships and color theory.

Primary Colors

Red, Blue, and Yellow; cannot be created by mixing other colors.

Secondary Colors

Purple, Green, and Orange; created by mixing primary colors.

Color Saturation

The intensity or purity of a color, ranging from vibrant to dull.

Hue

Another term for color, representing a specific shade on the color wheel.

Value

The lightness or darkness of a color.

Shade

A color created by adding black to a hue.

Tint

A color created by adding white to a hue.

Tone

A color created by combining black and white or gray with a hue.

Color Harmony

Aesthetic color combinations that are visually appealing.

Complementary Colors

Colors opposite each other on the color wheel, like Red and Green.

Analogous Colors

Colors that are next to each other on the color wheel.

Monochromatic Color Scheme

A color scheme using different shades, tints, and tones of one color.

Triadic Color Scheme

A color scheme that uses three colors spaced evenly on the color wheel.

Color Psychology

The study of how colors can affect human emotions and perceptions.

Serif

A font style characterized by small lines or decorations at the ends of the strokes.

Ascender

Part of a lowercase letter that extends above the x-height.

Descender

Part of a lowercase letter that extends below the baseline.

Axis

The direction of the stroke in a character's form.

Ears

The finishing stroke on the upper right side of the bowl of a lowercase 'g'.

Bowl

The curved part of a character that encloses the circular section.

Shoulder

The rounded part of a lowercase letter like 'h' or 'm'.

Stem

The main vertical stroke of a letter.

Eye

The enclosed space found in the lowercase letter 'e'.

Ligature

A special character formed by combining two individual letters.

Lowercase

The small form of letters.

Uppercase

Capital letters.