Research in Design

 As a graphic designer, to be interested in culture is vital to remaining connected with audiences as you work. Artists and designers take from experience, relevance, and everything existing in the world to inspire them. 

I am always aware of the design aesthetic of not just graphics, but also objects, architecture, fashion, art, landscapes and just about everything. I suppose it’s because it intrigues me. I also like to note to myself when I like the visual aspect of something, including shapes and colors and overall theme. 

Perhaps, this interest started when I was a little girl and marveled at the photography in National Geographic, the glossy ads In Vanity Fair, the artistic fashion in Vogue and beautiful landscapes and horses in a book I had. I would look through those and know instinctively that there was beauty there. I loved looking at them and would look at them, over and over. 

I wanted beautiful designs and wanted to look at beautiful designs. I also strive to always be authentic; expressing something of my own in a graphic design gives me great fulfillment. 

To be inspired by everything and create your own imprint. In Los Angeles, graphic design singularity is highly respected and appreciated because in a city of high diversity, we shouldn’t pretend to be the same. I’ve noticed that Los Angeles even praises those that stand out if it has great aesthetic value and purpose; maybe because this is a city where creativity is the engine of so many, big and small. 

For a graphic designer, Los Angeles can be a haven for creative inspiration and expression. But at some point, when you get a new project you have to do more targeted research because you have to provide the proper context in the design for the audience. 

In sum, be aware and read, see, appreciate the culture not just in your inner circle, but go far to the other parts of the world, (which can be done virtually). Also do specific research in the client’s industry and relevant to the design project at hand.

Using Shapes in Graphic Design

Graphic design utilizes shapes and the arrangement of them. Shapes can be isolated, divide the whole, or integrated into other shapes. Shapes underlie every graphic design, photography and art. They are used by artists and designers to communicate along with other elements. Shapes can be used in a direct or very indirect subtle manner. As a graphic designer, it's important to keep in mind the shapes that are seen, regardless whether they were intentional or consequential. To think and see shapes and other underlying ques are important for any artist or designer.

A shape is basically a form that has a boundary. A shape is different than a texture in that texture would be within a shape; though textures themselves are shapes, perhaps shapes in color variation. The manner in which we talk about shape here, is that the edges are clearly defined and differentiated from a background, other object, or other shape can be a significant color change or a line. I suppose a texture can be thought of as a group of shapes that are part of a higher order and together represent something.

Text are shapes that are automatically recognizable and immediately interpreted. However, graphic artist know the font  used in text can take many shapes and thus the arrangement and style can influence the perception.

In sum, shapes matter.

Perceptions in Graphic Design

Graphic artists do significantly more than just making branding and advertisements look good. Graphic design works using a mix of psychology and visual theory. As soon as we glance at an ad, we immediately notice that it is unlike a photograph; there are many different elements working together (or so it should). The brain is sifting and cataloging the visuals.

Our experiences, instincts and thoughts interact with what we see in front of us, regardless if it's on TV, a magazine or a postcard. Every graphic designer in Los Angeles knows that capturing attention in an effective and efficient manner is key because there are too many distractions in the city of angels.

Our eyes and minds interpret what we see and a designer must be able to guide our thoughts and conclusions in the right direction. Graphic designs are not just pictures; the best tell stories and communicate what was intended. Our past, future expectations and emotions, together, will form the total picture of what we look at in a graphic design.