Contrast and Connections

Good Design

This business card not only communicates immediately that it is for yoga; but also does so in a humorous way. The way they used the finger holes to complete the pictures makes the business card interactive and fun. This is a good way for people to remember your business. The simplicity of the reverse side with the contact information is perfect so that this business card doesn't become too cluttered. Also, the slogan "get stretchy" at the top is great placement because it helps you to get a better idea of what is going on with the image and the point of it. 

This flyer garbs your attention immediately with the large BBQ in the center. This works well because it tells you what the flyer is for and its the first thing your eye goes to. Then it flows into the image below it which symbolizes a BBQ. This flyer has a great flow and your eye moves nicely through the information provided. Also the colors used are consistent throughout the flyer as well as the repeat in fonts. Using the same fonts in different spots shows repetition and ties everything together nicely.

This brochure works well because although the front cover has a lot on it, it shows what the brochure is all about and its a fun a bright colored design. The bright colors with the dark background makes the images stand out and pop more. on the inside the imaged continued along with the information keeps the brochure visually satisfying. The repetition of the colors creates a completion to the brochure over all and keeps it looking organized and clean.

Bad Design

A business card like this on the other hand is not as appealing; there are too many words and the white glow behind the words is unattractive. This business card has too much going on. There are a lot of colors and everything looks very crammed on the card. The glow around the word "Founder" is much too close to the image of the person being represented. The colors chosen for the background as well as the image. which is an odd choice in itself, do not make the business card pop and pleasing to the eye.

The use of font and color in the flyer is straining on the eyes. There is too much going on in this flyer and the lack of images does not give a good visual. At the top the very fist font is too hard to read and throughout the flyer the words that have a 3-D effect with multiple colors almost causes a headache. When looking at this flyer the eye doesn't know where to focus and what to look at next.

This brochure has a lot going on; it looks too crowded and messy. Although there is repetition of images there seems to be too much which makes everything look very cluttered. The use of images is good in a brochure but in this case there are too many. There should be more information and the type should be formatted better. Everything looks very scattered right now and unappealing. 

Visual Communication

Communication is the key to human development; from a young age we learn everything from verbal and non-verbal communication. We understand how people feel, their beliefs, what they think; all by communication. Today communication has expanded beyond just verbal face to face communication. Today one may communicate via text message, email, phone call; even video chat. With today's technology we have access to this kind of communication right at our fingertips. With Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and much more we have evolved through Social Media and created a much easier but less personable way to communicate. Personally I find that I respond best to verbal and visual communication. I learn best when someone explains something to me, and also being shown it. I have always been a very hands-on learner so seeing things helps me to get an understanding of what is being communicated.

Visual communication is everywhere in today's society. Everyday, visual communication is being mindlessly communicated to us. While driving down the thruway you may look at a billboard and for a few minutes after driving past that you may continue thinking about that billboard. This is how the company of that billboard is visually communicating with you and you may not even realize it. We see this with the front cover of magazines and newspapers; headlining an important or juicy story. They use this visual to draw you in and get their point across. Visual communications is also used with logos. If you see a Nike commercial starring the latest and most popular athlete... this will make you want to have something also made my Nike. And then when you wear your Nike clothing you are giving a visual message to the people around you because you are wearing that symbol.

Apple:

I chose the Apple symbol because I find it to be a simple yet meaningful logo. Apple is one of the most popular brands; everyone wants the latest iPhone, iMac, iPod, and iPad. This logo which is clearly an apple, is so simple for this company but has so much power behind it. The simplicity of it makes it look elegant and fresh. For the most part the symbol is usually white, silver, or black. This keeps it looking sophisticated and clean.

Starbucks:

Another image I chose is the Starbucks logo. This has become such a popular logo with many women. This symbol is of a mermaid; it is said to be the “welcoming face” of Starbucks. The colors are simple and the use of the shapes to create the image really makes it interesting.

World Wildlife Fund:

The last image I chose is the logo for the World Wildlife Fund. The black and white image of this panda bear is the perfect logo to help capture the idea of what this organization stands for. Although in some spots the image does not connect or look like it is completed; the contrast of the black and white makes the image as a whole look complete.