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C.R.A.P. (or C.A.R.P.) Formula. The Non-Designer’s Design Book. Old Design. Know the rules before you break the rules. W I S D O M. ________________________________________. What does C.R.A.P. Stand for?. What does C.R.A.P. stand for?. Contrast Repetition Alignment Proximity.
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C.R.A.P. (or C.A.R.P.) Formula The Non-Designer’s Design Book
Old Design Know the rules before you break the rules. W I S D O M ________________________________________
What does C.R.A.P. stand for? • Contrast • Repetition • Alignment • Proximity
What is the rule of Proximity?
Proximity • Group related items together. • Separate unrelated items. • Purpose: Creates organization
AVOID Type running together like this (hard for the eye to follow)
What is the rule of Alignment?
Alignment • Nothing should be placed on the page arbitrarily. • Every item should have a visual connection with something else on the page. • Purpose: Organize, unify, create visual connections.
AVOID • The “raggy” look
AVOID Center alignment because it creates a “raggy” look.
Make it exact. • If an element is “close” to being aligned with something else, make it exactly aligned. • Use a grid and/or rules to make sure it’s exact. • Turn to pg. 46 in your book. . . . (exercise)
What is the rule of Repetition?
Repetition • Repeat some aspect of the design throughout the entire piece. • But avoid too much repetition. • Purpose: Consistency, unity, visual interest
What is the rule of Contrast?
Contrast • Don’t be a wimp. • If two items are not the same, make them very different. • Purpose: visual interest, organization
AVOID • Type that’s all the same(or close to same) font, size, color, etc. • Scattered type • Outlined type • Reverse type on complex images • Full borders on flyers and full-page ads (usually). They can be distracting. “Bleeds” are usually stronger.
CRITIQUE Critique this flyer in terms of contrast, repetition, alignment, proximity. Is there a good type hierarchy? How could it be improved? What other type and layout issues do you see?