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Design Basics by David A. Lauer taught me some important facts about design. I agree with him when he says that nothing in design is accidental and that anything that a designer creates has to be through a planned process. The designer is a translator of all the information in the world .A good designer uses his creative vision and intelligence to create an interface for effective communication. His work has to be as universal as possible so that a larger audience understands it. This is where his art starts to function as a global language. Hence the designer has to incorporate universal symbology in his work so that his message is effectively communicated. This calls for observing one’s surroundings and absorbing meaning. Finally it is at the execution stage that the designer introduces other elements and refines his final artwork. Hence through the planned procedure of looking, thinking and doing one can design and communicate effectively.


Wucious Wong does a splendid job in “Principles of Two-Dimensional Design” in explaining the technical details of design execution. He explains how one can explore and play with basic 2D elements to create more complex artwork. For example, the tools of repetition, orientation, distance, size, texture, arrangement and reflection can be manipulated in infinite ways to produce multiple possibilities. His explanation amazes me as I think about my own compositions. I realize how everything can be broken down into simpler figures. We use design theory without realizing and when an artwork does not ‘seem right’, it is because the relationship between the elements and principles of design is not harmonious. Hence we can conclude that to make or discuss successful design it is almost essential to know the various elements and principles.

Francis D.K Ching introduces the math of design in “Architecture: Form, Space, & Order”. Besides addressing elements and form, he discusses the wonder of nature: the Golden proportion. As a student of design, I have often used a lot of geometry in my artwork. Progressions, proportions and permutations have always helped me in making compositions. The author discusses the use of the Golden Proportion in buildings like the Parthenon and the Pantheon. The use of geometry in architectural design illustrates the human need to use art to create harmony. Mathematical inventions, the Fibonacci series and the Golden Proportion almost have spiritual connotations because of their presence in natural forms. They continuously inspire artists. The use of symmetry, rhythm and repetition, hierarchy, axis and order in architectural forms is another way to create harmony. The author convinces me that making art is like making music where the notes can go high or low to reduce monotony but harmony and order are always maintained ,making music pleasurable.