Week 13 Page 1: Introduction to Graphics
Introduction to Working with Photos/Graphics
This week we're going to focus on different techniques for making the graphics on your web pages interesting, original and integrated into your site design. The goal is to move beyond boxy, plunked-on-the-page graphics and explore more creative ideas such as collages, edge effects, coloring effects, intriguing backgrounds etc. If you read the following lecture notes along with the textbook chapter on Imagery, you should get some inspiration and guidelines about incorporating images into your designs.
As you all already know: "a picture is worth a thousand words." Pictures (images, graphics) can really liven up a page and break up lengthy text content. They can also help you to create a powerful mood and enhance a message. It's also important to recognize their importance as a design tool... graphics can help you to apply a variety of design principles such as alignment, eyeflow, contrast, repetition, rhythm etc. to your pages.
So, are there any disadvantages to using images on your web pages? Definitely... If your images are not appropriate or well handled they can be a distraction rather than an attraction. Choose your images carefully and be thoughtful about where you place them in your designs.
Now let's start to explore the wonderful world of graphics and explore how they can help to make your screen designs sizzle!
Photo: Not my cat! Photo by Kevin Lim (Creative Commons Flickr)