Exploration/Refinement is the fourth stage of the design process. This chapter talks about how to explore and refine concepts to make them clearer. According to Aspelund, the "most recognizable method of exploring design is to visualize it through sketching and modeling." Sketches are used for two main reasons: to explore the possibilities inherent in the idea and to communicate the idea to someone. Aspelund talks a great deal about the importance of sketching, offering these following tips for graphic designers:
- Sketch quickly and repeatedly
- Sketch constantly
- Sketch large and small
- Avoid limitation; use different media
- Consider the purpose of your sketching
- Practice
Sketching is an excellent way to describe and drive one's thinking. Designers should carry around a small pad and sketch out every thought and idea that s/he has. The scale of the sketches should be changed every now and then. One should sketch large to get a feel for scale and to envision detail; small sketches should be used when a designer wants to focus on the form and avoid going into too much detail. Designers should also experiment with different media, such as crayons, pencils, markers, and paint. Speed, color quality, and accuracy are points to consider when experimenting with a new medium.
As a graphic design student, my art professors at CSULA are always telling me to sketch, sketch, and sketch. Sketching is a very crucial aspect of design because it helps bring ideas to life. My classmates and I are always told to sketch out lots and lots of ideas before starting on a project. That way, we'll have plenty of ideas to choose from when we start on our projects. But I don't think I do enough sketching though; I would just come up with one or two sketches and call it a day. Sketching is definitely something that I need to work on if I want to become a better graphic designer. I need to learn how to sketch quickly and constantly.
No comments:
Post a Comment