#desugn

Time and dimension: Order 

Movement creates a sense of action in the visual arts. It can be created by repeating visual elements (motifs): lines, shapes, colours. When depicting a person, movement is achieved by changing the person's balance point and posture, as seen in the illustrations of contemporary New Zealand artist and film animator Erica Russell.

Feet of Song by Erica Russell

Feet of Song by Erica Russell

Another very interesting way to create movement is by using illusion.The beginning is connected with the appearance of the Op-art movement in the middle of the last century. It uses the human brain's ability to perceive complex patterns built through repetition and contrast. In this way, an illusion of movement is created in the still image.

Spinning Illusion, Source : Pinterest

We consider this approach extremely suitable for illustrating Alice's adventures,In relation to the whole context. Therefore it will be used frequently in the layout of the spreads.

Visual attributes: Movement / on illustrations of my 'Alice' project 

Visual attributes: Movement / on illustrations of my 'Alice' project 

Time and dimension: Sequence

Sequence is the relationship between elements that determines their order in the composition. It is closely related to hierarchy as both follow the principle of "orderliness".(The sequence follows The English reading comprehension : left-right/up-down.)

Sequence = Alignment/Proximity+Position for 'start'

We will visually demonstrate the principle of consistency in the cover of our product.

Use of Аlignment - it serves both to give a tidy appearance to the cover and to help convey information.

Typography - I chose to use two fonts in the cover layout: Spirax and Alex Brush. This contrast in fonts serves to emphasize the hierarchy: Spirax has a dominant role, bringing to the fore two words: "Alice" and "Wonderland". Alex Brush imitates handwriting. It has a supporting role and is used for the preposition "in" and for the author's name. Although completely different, the two fonts do not seek opposition. They are consistent within the overall layout. It can be said that they are grouped consecutively into two groups, with the title above the author's name, aiming to focus attention on it.

There is also Colour contrast within the title. It is achieved as a sum of the two colors: black and red. Contrast is used sparingly. The only word in red is the preposition "in", which aims to draw attention to the connection of the two words "Alice" and "Wonderland" in a single group.

Light and colour: hue saturation

Light and colour: Tone saturation

Light and colour: Transparency 

Light and colour: Opacity

Factors of visual grammar: mass, unity, fragmentation, regularity, irregularity, activity, passivity, space, order, randomness, continuity, interruption. 

Visual grammar According to Gestalt, "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts," but let's look at them anyway.

Mass By common definition in art and design, mass is the amount of matter (visual weight) in any one object in a scene. It is closely related to balance, i.e. to the positioning of the various objects. Their visual weight should be balanced around a central point so that the composition feels complete.

Unity Unity in design is cohesion between its various elements using powerful factors such as color, proximity, font, alignment, contrast. The goal is a maximally satisfying aesthetic perception for the user. -Choosing the right colours and their consistency within the design reinforces the connection between individual pages (if it's a web design) or individual elements (if it's a logo or print design). -Proximity helps to understand which elements within the design are related and how they are related. -Font is also a unifying factor, both in web design and in logo or print design. The combination of different, skillfully chosen and complementary fonts can build consistency across individual pages, as well as build hierarchy when needed. -Alignment unifies and enhances the user experience by arranging all elements on a single axis so that they appear connected. -It is important to note that unity does not always mean equality. Depending on the context, some design concepts focus on contrast in color scheme or fonts to distinguish separate groups of elements or simply to create a different mood. Adherence to Unity ensures a correct understanding of the message even by those users who do not have professional design knowledge.

Exploiting the cultural contexts surrounding 'Alice in Wonderland' and critically examining its use as a sign, symbol, icon and metaphor.

INDEX - We designate the smile of the Cheshire Cat in this image as an index because it is a consequence of the cat itself, which is no longer there, but was once there, and has disappeared, leaving its smile behind.

 INDEX / Smile of Cheshire cat, Source : DeviantArt

SYMBOL - An issue by Tim Walker is a fashion collection for Vogue Italia, which rather emphasizes the presentation of clothes, but due to the specific scenography and mise-en-scene, it gives the impression of being close to Lewis Carroll's books. Symbols could be found in the references that the decor creates.

SYMBOL / An issue by Tim Walker for Vogue Italia, December 2015; Model : Edie Campbell, Styled by Jacob K. Hair by Shon. Make-up by Miranda Joyce

METAPHOR -

METAPHOR :

“The time has come,' the Walrus said,

      To talk of many things:

Of shoes — and ships — and sealing-wax —

      Of cabbages — and kings —

And why the sea is boiling hot —

      And whether pigs have wings.’

                                                          L.Carroll

“When pigs fly" is not just a common saying or a funny phrase. Usually behind it lies the idea that the probability of something happening is very small or almost non-existent. This is probably the message that Roger Waters wants to convey at his legendary "The Wall" live concerts, because the allusion to Carroll's text is obvious.

METAPHOR / Roger Waters concert "The Wall" in 2013, Sofia, Bulgaria, Photo : personal archive

ICON - This is my idea for Alice, which is the result of many years of personal interest and professional research.

My idea is that she should be presented in a minimalist style, and the play between positive and negative space should emphasize the illusory world of wonders in which it has fallen. Although not very realistic, we define this image as an icon because it bears a physical resemblance to the object it signifies.

ICON / Alice, herself, on my 'Alice' project

Questions about "Alice in Wonderland" in a range of contexts, meanings and values of the shape.

1/ What is the significance of Alice's fluctuations in size and shape in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland?

2/ How does Alice reach new knowledge about the interrelationships between shape, colour, smell, taste, content?

3/ What is the meaning of form in the world of the imaginary real?

4/ How does Alice challenge the physical laws of space, time and distance?

Written by Lien Design ©2019

If you are in the food industry, the material you use when packaging your products will be a major consideration. It must contain the food, preserve its quality against physical and biochemical changes, be an effective marketing tool and provide convenience to the user.

To determine if a certain packaging is right for your product, here are some things you will want to think about.

Packaging Design Cost:

A food company must maintain that delicate balance between a material that is high in quality and affordable. Buying in bulk can help save money, but it is not always feasible for companies to make such a big investment. Companies should also make sure the materials they are using will be available year round.

Product Security:

You will want to provide packaging that is as secure as possible so that it will maintain the quality of the food. Be sure it will not burst or become damaged while in transit. It should also be tamper proof and resist the absorption of foreign flavors.

Environmental Friendliness:

Using environmentally friendly packaging material can benefit companies in several ways. Not only are these materials kind to the earth, they are preferred by customers who have environmental concerns.

Branding and Marketing:

Remember that the appearance of your branding and packaging design will be a major factor in getting consumers to make a purchase. Be sure the packaging material you use is shelf-ready and stacks in an appealing fashion.

Also, make sure the packaging you use is consistent as this will make your product more easily recognizable and it will add to its integrity.

Manufacturing Needs:

Be sure to choose a packaging material that enhances the efficiency of your packaging plant. Use a material that is compatible with the machinery they have in place.

The Distribution of Your Product:

Your packaging will go through many hands and locations before reaching its destination. Therefore, you will want to choose a material that will not be affected by varying climates. If the product will be handled by multiple individuals, a flexible material is recommended over one that is rigid.

Once you have determined what type of packaging you will be using, you will need to think about how to incorporate graphic design to make for a product that pops on grocery store shelves. You may want to join forces with a professional branding design agency to make sure your items look as attractive as possible.

If you are in the San Diego area, Lien Design is highly recommended. With years in the industry, Lien Design has the know how to create a label design that will make your product shine.