This week we will spend some time on graphic design, an important part of web design.
Graphic design is a way to visually communicate with a particular audience. Some examples include ads, logos, book covers, product packaging, brochures, posters, mail pieces, and yes, websites.
You have learned there is a difference between how things look on a computer screen and how things look printed out on a piece of paper. Many graphic design principles will apply whether designing a product for print or for viewing on a computer screen- “Make it easy on the eyes but hard to ignore!”
For example: Text that’s easy to read and consistent in size/appearance; Use of white (open) space; A clear focal point of the design; and colors that don’t clash!
This week you will practice your graphic design skills while designing posters for our new classroom. We will work with vocational students in the graphic arts shop to design and print out our posters.
Everyone will make at least two posters (something from the list below and your name). Your choices are the following. 1, 2, 3, and 4 MUST be done. If no one picks them I will assign them to you.
1. Commonly used tags. Please use the following (and others if you’d like):
<br /> <html> <p> <title> <body> <head> </a> <style> <h1>
2. Websites we use in class (please pick from the following, you can do one or more): W3Schools.com, MHSWebDesign.com, wigflip.com, MedfordPublicSchools.org, xtranormal.com
3. Web Design Golden Rule: Every part of your website must serve a purpose.
4. Good websites:
Have a clear purpose
Are visually appealing
Are easy to navigate
5. Your name (to hang near where you sit like you did when in elementary school!)
6. HTML5
7. CSS3
8. Websites YOU like (Facebook, Google, Twitter, etc.)
What to use for a rough sketch of your design? Up to you:
1. Draw by hand on the yellow 11 x 17 papers (that’s how large our posters will be)
2. Use laptop- Word, PowerPoint, or Paint or try Wordle.net
We will be bringing our designs upstairs on Wednesday to the graphic arts shop. We might also print some out on our own on the printer in my office.
Free Stock Images
You might not need it for this project but there are two free stock image sites I like and use often. These sites provide free images for you to use for your website or other project in need of images or graphics. You can download them and use them as is or edit them to fit your needs.
stock.xhcng (need to create a free account)
Royalty-free images but not free of charge to use- istockphoto