In completing the final for my graphics design class, we've been asked to construct a book of design interpretations. Each week, a theme is stated and from it, we're to photograph ourselves while personally integrating the theme into the composition in however manner we choose. We're then expected to transfer the images to an album (handmade or otherwise) - I titled my album {Project Design}. It follows the same premise as Project Life, though instead of documenting day-to-day activities, design visuals sit front and center and their explicit meaning and understanding is rendered via photos, papers and embellishments.
The first week's theme was "line". How often do you really stop to look and think about lines? My guess is, not very often. Line is primitive and the basis of most successful composition. Whether expressed through a hand-written illustration, or as a carefully aligned set of objects, line is limitless and associated with great design.
In looking at a layout, line is usually implied "visually" through the placement of elements. The boundaries are the layout's edges. There's also the drawing of an actual line. Sewn lines are one such example. Next time you look at a layout, just as you would a child's connect-the-dot activity, scan your layout, locate it's starting point, and follow it through to the end. That line should never drift off the page, but instead, bring you to the page's focal point; photo'(s), journaling, etc. Connect the Dots, always.
To emphasize the use of line further, above I contained the journaling and title work in the upper right corner. Surrounding it is a hand-drawn white line. Take that line all the way around, and then follow the vertical arrows and painted area upward. The yellow brad (a catchy item you can't miss!) brings the eye back to point "A" - the beginning. Quick, easy and convenient.
These handy-dandy arrows were crafted from My Mind's Eye "Indie Chic/Nutmeg Memories Tapestry Paper". I removed a portion of the zig-zag lines and backed them with two different colored cardstock pieces; Bright Pink & Grey. They look almost like pencil tips!
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The painted lines were inspired by this beautiful image from Pinterest...
Photo Credit: The Everygirl
Mine aren't nearly as pretty and perfect, but the effect is still similar. You almost can't escape that blazing, glittery gold!! There's lots of chunky glitter and texture on that palette - LOVE IT! And them vertical lines are a great way to create "direction" and interest.
**Note: Do apply glitter after the surrounding painted strips have dried or mix the glitter with gold paint before applying and add more thereafter. Also, start with a dark peach paint and mix it with varying amounts of white to create the lesser two shades.
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That concludes this week's running design theme; line. Next week's theme is balance - a more difficult application to express via photography, though one I look forward to. See you soon!
