ABRAHAM ADESANYA POLYTECHNIC

NOTES ON COMPUTER GRAPHICS FOR

MASS MEDIA ND1
MAC 124
BY
MISS BANJO. M.O.
AND
MRS OGUNNARIWO. B.O.
 WHAT IS COMPUTER GRAPHICS
DEFINITION OF COMPUTER GRAPHICS.
Computer graphics refers to a technology that generates images on a computer
screen. It’s used in digital photography, film and television, video games, and on
electronic devices and is responsible for displaying images effectively to users.
Think of computer graphics as the intersection of design and computer science,
with the purpose of delighting and engaging audiences.
You can find examples of computer graphics in action all around you. Some
examples include blockbuster films, such as the 2009 film Avatar, which depicts
the Na’vi species using facial motion capture technologies, images and icons you
see on your smartphone when you open mobile applications, and data presentations
like charts and graphs you might come across in your line of work.
Computer graphics generally means creation, storage and manipulation of models
and images. Such models come from diverse and expanding set of fields including
physical, mathematical, artistic, biological, and even conceptual (abstract)
structures.
Computer graphics is not a machine. It is not a computer, nor a group of computer
programs. It is not the know-how of a graphic designer, a programmer, a writer, a
motion picture specialist, or a reproduction specialist.
Computer graphics is all these –a consciously managed and documented
technology directed toward communicating information accurately and
descriptively.

BRIEF HISTORY OF COMPUTER GRAPHICS

The field of graphic communication witnessed the introduction of computers in
1985 as the Macintosh computer blazed the trail of the desktop publishing
revolution at the global level. Computers gained wide industrial use in the
Nigerian visual arts industry around the early 1990s. Computers, no doubt, acted as
catalyst for the rapid development of the visual arts industry in Nigeria in the last
two decades.
William Arens, author of the bestselling Contemporary Advertising, considers the
computer a time saver, a stress saver and a motivator to producing great visuals.
He says:
PC and Macintosh-based computer systems have been found to be very ideal for
computer graphics design. Design softwares that are commonly used in the
Nigerian graphic arts industry include: Pagemakers, QuarkXpress (for page
making), and CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator (for drawing and general graphic
design), Adobe Photoshop, Corel Paint (for image manipulation) and Microsoft
Word (for word processing). These computer hardware and software have changed
the process of preparing visuals in graphic communication. Generally, the
enhanced productivity which computers have engendered in graphic
communication has in many ways translated into profitability
GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION IN NIGERIA
By using graphics or imaging programs on computers, today's graphic artist or
designer can do much of the work previously performed by staff artists. On the
screen, the artist can see an entire page layout, complete with illustrations and
photos, and easily alter any of them in a few minutes. Before computers, designing
a variety of layouts could take days, and final art was not as so detailed 15or
complete as designs created today on the computer.
PC and Macintosh-based computer systems have been found to be very ideal for
computer graphics design. Design softwares that are commonly used in the
Nigerian graphic arts industry include: Pagemakers, QuarkXpress (for page
making), and CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator (for drawing and general graphic
design), Adobe Photoshop, Corel Paint (for image manipulation) and Microsoft
Word (for word processing). These computer hardware and software have changed
the process of preparing visuals in graphic communication. Generally, the
enhanced productivity which computers have engendered in graphic
communication has in many ways translated into profitability
and job satisfaction to graphic communicators. But it has also not been without
some casualties. The casualties who have been swept aside by the wind of
technological change are the traditional graphic artists who rely on the cut-and-
paste cum airbrush technique.
Evidently, the causalities are the recalcitrant skilled hands who refused to blend
with technology. As Lisa Walker and Steve Blount reiterate in their book, Getting
the Max from Your Graphics Computer, “the burning question is not whether to
use 16design computers, but how.” Since graphic communication is presently
largely driven by technology, the graphic communicators must adapt to change. In
adaptation lies their survival and job satisfaction.
APPLICATION OF COMPUTER GRAPHICS
Medical Imaging
There are few endeavors more noble than the preservation of life. Today, it can
honestly be said that computer graphics plays an significant role in saving lives.
The range of application spans from tools for teaching and diagnosis, all the way to
treatment. Computer graphics is tool in medical applications rather than a mere
artifact. No cheating or tricks allowed.
Scientific Visualization
Computer graphics makes vast quantities of data accessible. Numerical simulations
frequently produce millions of data values. Similarly, satellite-based sensors amass
data at rates beyond our abilities to interpret them by any other means than
visually. Mathematicians use computer graphics to explore abstract and high-
dimensional functions and spaces. Physicists can use computer graphics to
transcend the limits of scale. With it they can explore both microscopic and
macroscopic world
Computer Aided Design
Computer graphics has had a dramatic impact on the design process. Today, most
mechanical and electronic designs are executed entirely on computer. Increasingly,
architectural and product designs are also migrating to the computer. Automated
tools are also available that verify tolerances and design constraints directly from
CAD designs. CAD designs also play a key role in a wide range of processes from
the design of tooling fixtures to manufacturing.
Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs)
Computer graphics is an integral part of everyday computing. Nowhere is this fact
more evident than the modern computer interface design. Graphical elements such
as windows, cursors, menus, and icons are so common place it is difficult to
imagine computing without them. Once graphics programming was considered a
speciality. Today, nearly all professional programmers must have an understanding
of graphics in order to accept input and present output to users.
Games
Games are an important driving force in computer graphics. In this class we are
going to talk about games. We'll discuss on how they work. We'll also question
how they get so much done with so little to work with.
Entertainment
If you can imagine it, it can be done with computer graphics. Obviously,
Hollywood has caught on to this. Each summer, we are amazed by stateof-the-art
special effects. Computer graphics is now as much a part of the entertainment
industry as stunt men and makeup. The entertainment industry plays many other
important roles in the field of computer graphics.
WHAT DO WE NEED IN COMPUTER GRAPHICS?
In computer graphics we work with points and vectors defined in terms of some
coordinate frame (a positioned coordinate system). We also need to change
coordinate representation of points and vectors, hence to transform between
different coordinate frames. Hence a mathematical background of geometry and
algebra is very essential and also a knowledge of basic programming in C
language.
RELEVANCE OF GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION IN CONTEMPORARY
NIGERIA
Graphic communication finds extensive use in the following areas:
• Instructional education: Visualization is a vital tool in achieving educational
objectives. It is one of the strategies educationists use in achieving effective
communication in educational instructions. The varieties of visual materials used
in schools include photographs, line drawings, paintings, posters, slides, classroom
charts, signs, films, models, graphs, books and 12newspapers.
• Publishing: Publishers of books, newspapers, magazine and other periodicals
have found increasing use of images and effective layout as the audience become
more image-reliant. With the stiff competition from television, business-savvy
publishers have come to appreciate that the way to go is to put more images on the
printed sheet.
• Advertising and Public Relations: The marketing communications industry
remains the foremost user of graphic communication. Specifically, advertising is
one field that relies on extensive use of visual images to communicate messages to
target audience. Reports as at 2006 indicate that the advertising 13 industry billings
in Nigeria was in the region of N34 Billion. Advertising as an instrument of
organized marketing is 14reinforced by apt display of quality print materials. Print
items like press adverts, outdoor adverts, promotional items, etc requiring graphic
communication processes take quite a large chunk of advertising campaign
budgets. • Social marketing: Graphics are used extensively as visual materials in
behavioral communication for change.
• Multimedia design: design has taken graphic communication to new heights in
recent time. With the emergence of “motion graphics” that have found great use in
areas such as cartoon production and animation, the best is yet to come from
multimedia graphic communicators.
• TV Production: Graphics are used in producing montages used in television
programme production as well as footages that accompany news items.
• Business presentation: Business graphics are used widely in enhancing the
presentation appeal of business executives. A carefully packaged business
proposals embellished with good and communicative graphics is more likely to get
more attention from decision makers than a business proposal that presents the
facts and figures in a bland, uninteresting or non-captivating manner.
TYPES OF COMPUTER GRAPHICS
Raster graphics
A raster graphic is essentially a 2D image composed of rows and columns of
square pixels. Each pixel contains information about color and hue. When
combined, pixels form a coherent image. The more pixels per inch the more high-
resolution an image. A high-resolution raster graphic will appear sharper and more
true-to-life than one with low resolution.
Vector graphics
A vector graphic is made up of shapes and lines. Mathematical formulas determine
how the shapes and lines relate to each other, so that you can scale vector graphics
larger or smaller in size without distorting the shape or resolution.
CGI, or computer-generated imagery, turns 2D vector graphics into 3D
representations and converts them into raster images. CGI is used in TV, film, or
video games to depict characters, scenes, and special effects.
FUNCTIONS OF COMPUTER GRAPHICS
Communicate with People Who Read Different Languages
In a world that is linguistically diverse, almost no matter where your
communication is going to be, you will need to reach out to people who won’t be
able to read your language. There are sets of graphics that are designed to be a sort
of “universal language” using simple images that almost anyone can understand
regardless of language or cultural background. One such graphical “language” is
the Nobel Universal Graphical Language.
Evoke Emotion
The use of color and images in a mass media campaign is important because they
produce emotion. The picture of a starving child from Africa is often used by
organizations that are communicating messages for charity. Photographs of
earthquakes and other disasters are effectively used by organizations such as the
Red Cross and other nonprofit organizations to raise money for relief efforts.
Establish a Connection
If you see an image of a sandwich on a sign alongside the highway or even in a
magazine ad, you immediately respond to that ad. If you’re hungry, you’re
especially drawn to ads that feature graphics of food. Graphics of luxury cars are
used in commercials to show drivers what they could be driving.
DIGITAL PRINT PRODUCTION PROCESS
The emergence of computer technology has brought profound changes to the way
graphic reproduction is done. With particular reference to print advertising, the
most important development in computer graphics in recent years is the
digitization of images. Digitizing is a computer process of breaking an image
(illustration) into grid of small squares. Each square is assigned a computer code
for identification. With a digitized image, computer graphics specialists can break
down an illustration and reassemble it or import other components into the original
image.
There are various types of processes used in print production. The major ones are
letterpress, gravure, offset lithography, flexography, screen printing, electronic
printing and computer print production.
OLD VS. NEW: THE FACES OF PRINTING TECHNOLOGY
The digitization of print, as mentioned earlier, has brought about a new phase in
the history of printing. This has given printing technology an entirely new face. In
the traditional print production process, there are six stages. They are:
1. Layout and Design: the creation of a plan for the design. The graphic artist,
using a layout pad, T-square, triangle, pens, and pencils, works through various
alternatives on the best visual presentation of the message.
2. Composition: this is the assembling of alphabetical characters and image into a
paste-up mechanical that is referred to as the camera-ready copy.
3. Photo-conversion: this is the camera work of converting the camera-ready copy
into films. It involves photographing the mechanical unto light sensitive materials
using the darkroom camera. The exposed films are then developed through a
chemical process. The end product of this process is a positive or negative film.
4. Image carrier making: the image carrier could be a letterpress etched plate or a
lithographic plate. The activities involved include stripping and platemaking using
the films produced from the photo-conversion process.
5. Image transfer/duplication: this process is the mass production of the image
by transferring the image on the image carrier unto the substrate which could be
paper, cardboard, polymer etc. The printing machines used in doing this are varied
in working principles, sizes, speed and efficiency.
6. Finishing and binding: at this stage, the mass printed sheets are completed
through a series of activities that include cutting folding, perforating, drilling and
binding.
In sharp contrast to the above scenario, print production in the ICT driven society
is hugely streamlined, leading to faster production and high print quality. Here,
there are only three stages
PROFESSIONALS INVOLVED IN PRODUCING PRINTED MATERIALS
1. Pre-press stage: all activities involved in preparing the file for reproduction.
This starts with designing and ends with the making of the printing plates. This
includes stage1-4 in the traditional print production process
2. Press stage: the actual mass reproduction on the printing press using the
different printing processes available. This is stage 5 in the traditional print
production process
3. Post-press stage: popularly dubbed the finishing stage, it entails the collating,
folding, stitching and trimming of printed materials. All activities involved in
packing for distribution also under this stage.
WHAT IS TYPOGRAPHY?
Typography is the art of arranging letters and text in a way that makes the copy
legible, clear, and visually appealing to the reader. It Involves font style,
appearance, and structure, which aims to elicit certain emotions and convey
specific messages. In short, typography is what brings the text to life.
Typography is the visual representation of words and phrases. It works to combine
the principles of visual design, font, lettering, color and several other aspects of
print writing to create banners, billboards, signs, magazine articles, website
content, letters and letterheads and many other print and writing applications.
Oftentimes, typography can be considered an art form, much like photography.
However, typography can be a useful tool or function for many different business
applications.
BRIEF HISTORY OF TYPOGRAPHY
Typography can be dated back to the 11th century, during the innovation of
movable type. Before the digital age, typography was a specialized craft associated
with books and magazines, and eventually public works.
The first example of typography can be seen in the Gutenberg Bible, which kick-
started a typography revolution in the west. The style of type used in the Gutenberg
Bible is now known as Textura, and you’ll find it in the font dropdown menu on
major desktop applications today!
Fast forward to 2023, where typography is mostly associated with both the digital
design world and print.
With the birth of the internet came a creative explosion of the art of typography.
Suddenly, web designers had an abundance of fonts and type options at their
disposal, making typography more visually diverse than ever before.
WHY IS TYPOGRAPHY IMPORTANT?
Typography is so much more than just choosing beautiful fonts: it’s a vital
component of user interface design.
Good typography will establish a strong visual hierarchy, provide a graphic
balance to the website, and set the product’s overall tone. Typography should
guide and inform your users, optimize readability and accessibility, and ensure an
excellent user experience.
Typography builds brand recognition
Not only will good typography enhance the website’s personality, but your users
will subliminally begin to associate the typeface featured on your site with your
brand.
Unique, consistent typography will help you establish a strong user following,
build trust with your users, and help to carry your brand forward.
TYPOGRAPHY INFLUENCES DECISION MAKING
Typography has a profound effect on the way that users digest and perceive the
information conveyed by the text. Eye-catching type is much more persuasive than
weak fonts that don’t reinforce the message of the text
TYPOGRAPHY HOLDS THE ATTENTION OF THE READERS
Good typography could be the difference between someone staying on your
website for one minute or half an hour. It is important that your graphic is visually
stimulating and memorable, and typography plays a huge role in this process.
THE DIFFERENT ELEMENTS OF TYPOGRAPHY
To get started in typography, you first need to get to grips with the eight essential
typographical design elements.
Fonts and typefaces
There’s some confusion surrounding the difference between typefaces and fonts,
with many treating the two as synonymous.
A typeface is a design style which comprises a myriad of characters of varying
sizes and weight, whereas a font is a graphical representation of text character.
Put simply, a typeface is a family of related fonts, while fonts refer to the weights,
widths, and styles that constitute a typeface.
AN INTRODUCTION TO TYPEFACES
A typeface, is a single style of type, including all the letters, numbers, and
punctuation marks. “Typefaces provide a link between the author and the reader.
They take the place of the 1human voice, with their many expressive tones.”
Typefaces have many features and role to play in graphic communication. Some
are used to attract attention, some to inform, and others to express a mood or
feeling. From the foregoing, it can be safely asserted that without a wide variety of
typefaces, there would definitely be a gap in human communication.
A typeface is the equivalent of the human voice in communication. It can be used
to express moods and tones. While some typefaces talk loudly and used to attract
attention, others are used to explain things to people or simply to entertain them.
Factors in Choosing a Typeface
The following factors are to be considered when selecting the typeface to use in
graphic communication:
Legibility. Legibility means how easily the letters and numbers of a typeface can
be seen and recognized. Before choosing a type, ask yourself the following
questions: 1.Can the typeface be seen easily?
2. Can it be recognized at a distance and at close range?
3. Does it have a familiar shape and design appropriate for use?
Readability. Readability means how easily a letter can be read for meaning.
Attention should be paid to the following question:
1. Is the typeface easy for the eye to follow?
2. If the typeface is for a book or magazine, how easily can it be read without
causing fatigue to the eyes?
3. If the typeface is for safety or emergency signs, can it be read and recognized
from a far distance?
Appropriateness. The typeface to be used must suit the intended audience;
similarly, it must convey the intended message. It must positively project the
image of the clients.
Reproducibility. The printing process to be used in reproduction must be
considered while choosing typefaces because some printing process cannot
reproduce certain typefaces effectively. For example, typefaces with thin or narrow
lines get chirped when reproduced by the screen-printing or gravure process.
Practicality. This touches on the availability of the typeface or the amount of effort
required to acquire it within the limit of the budget or time at the designer's
disposal. In societies where copyright laws are effective, some typefaces can only
be used with the permission of their copyrights owners.
THE COMMON FACES OF TYPEFACES
Typefaces have classifications, which are well beyond the scope of this book.
However, an attempt is made in this section to give a brief overview on the
typeface classification. Generally,
The Serif typefaces: typefaces that have serifs e.g text typeface, Roman typeface.
The San Serifs: typefaces without serifs e.g. Univers, Gothic, Arial.
The Square Serifs: a cross between serifs and san serifs. The square serif
typefaces have rectangular rather than curved and pointed Serifs. They also posses
uniform strokes that resemble the sans Serifs.
The Script type style: these are the typefaces that look like handwriting or hand
lettering; possessing both thin and thick strokes.
Novelty type style: all other typefaces that do not fall under the above
classifications find shelter under this classification.
TEXT TYPEFACES
The text typeface, also called old English, possesses heavy vertical and angular
strokes; and decorated with extra strokes and thin lines. It is not to be used all caps.
It is used to suggest old age, religious mood or reverence and finds good use in
church invitations, wedding cards
Roman Typefaces (Serifs)
Roman types have many shapes of serifs and thick and thin strokes. The serifs may
be angular, rounded, rectangular or a combination of all the above shapes.
Much of reading materials, especially books, newspapers and magazines, are set in
Roman-typefaces because of its high readability.
San-Serifs Typefaces
Sans serif types have no serifs; the strokes of the letters have the same weight or
thickness. They have simple designs that make setting them in all caps possible,
making them to have high attracting power.
They find great use as headlines, and are being used increasingly (instead of
Roman typefaces) in books, magazines, and newspaper because of their
readability.
Square-Serifs Typefaces
The square serif typeface is a cross between Roman and sans serifs types. The
types are open and very legible. They are few in number, having companion italic
style for emphasis.
Square-Serifs typefaces are not suitable for body text of magazines or newspapers
because of their geometric structure. However, they find good use in advertisement
and newspaper headlines. This is because they tend to shout at readers.
Script Typefaces
Script faces look fragile and graceful. Though there are some that look strong and
bold. They are often slanted forward at 22 degrees.
They are popular when the need arises to use type to give a personal, handwritten
feeling especially in advertisements, greeting cards, and invitations e.t.c. They are
never composed in all caps as this makes reading almost impossible.
Novelty Typefaces
Novelty typefaces are usually slightly altered versions of other types of typefaces.
They often time have shading, outlining, uneven letters, and unique Serifs e.t.c.
They possess unique and eye catching features. They find great use in expressing
trade names of companies to assert their individuality.
GUIDELINES FOR USING TYPEFACES
There are thousands of typefaces; so many that the designer may be carried away
and may start using them arbitrarily. To avoid making designs look clumsy and
cluttered through the arbitrary use of typefaces some rules have been found useful
as guide for designers. Some of these include:
1. Controlled use of typefaces. Try to avoid using more than three fonts on any
page or spread, and only one font for the body text. This will help keep the focus
on the message and off the design problems. Using more than three fonts also
creates file size problem for it takes a longer time for outputting on some output
devices.
2. Consistency. Ensure consistency in the use of fonts. For example, don't write
one subhead in Helvetica and another in courier, It will make your project look
disjointed and disorganized. Typefaces can be used to convey themes, ideas, and
emotions just as much as the words they write, but they can become distracting if
used incorrectly.
3. Break up the monotony of text. Take advantage of subheads to organize your
message effectively. For instance, consider the newsletter. The body copy is placed
as one solid text block. There are only paragraph breaks. It is an improvement that
uses subheads inserted conservatively throughout the blocks of the copy. This
makes for a more readable and visual appealing copy.
4. Space subheads effectively. For subheads to be effective they must be distinct
from the body text. Ensure that subheads (and headlines too) are closer to the text
they introduce than the preceding text
5. Play by the rules. Implement general rules about body copy by using a minimum
of 9-point type and a maximum of 14-point type (depending on age and reading
skills of the audience and physical size of the piece).
6. Avoid using all caps body. Never use all caps for body copy. It makes reading
extremely difficult and tiring. Besides, it amounts to shouting at the reader.
7. Take care with text wrap. When shaping text around a graphic, caution should
be the watchword. Although justifying a text wrap gives a better overall look, big
gaps may be created in between. Text wrap requires extra work to make it look
well and this include editing the copy.
8. Work with columns. As much as possible, use columns to help break up your
copy to be more legible. Columns should be used especially when the text is small
as it helps avoid the problems of readers losing track of the line they are on. In
short, columns
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE/ FUNCTIONS OF TYPOGRAPHY?
Typography was created as a way to highlight or make writing and print stand out.
For instance, early newspapers and journals used typography to place visual
emphasis on certain words or phrases, used fonts and letter designs to turn readers’
attention to specific articles or stories and explored different aspects of using
typography for different writing, design and printing purposes.
As typography grew as a medium and skilled job industry, it became a tool
commonly used in many other applications, such as web design and graphic
design. Below are some other functions of typography:
Enhances online text and other writing
Typography can enhance the text displayed on websites and other online spaces
where content and writing are seen. This is because typography uses fonts, letter
spacing, layout styles and other design elements to bring attention to messages,
articles, headlines and other content. As an example, typography can be used to
make different parts of text blocks stand out with the main content. So businesses
who use content marketing strategies might implement the elements of typography
to appeal to their target audiences.
Makes writing appear more artistic
In many of its applications, typography stylizes and uses design elements to give
artistic elegance to writing and print content. In the case of advertising and using
writing to market brand messages, typography can be used to give different styles
and aesthetics to the writing displayed online and in print materials. A brand logo
can be entirely words with the appropriate application of typography.
Creates brand messages without images
Typography can serve a variety of purposes in branding. When a business creates
online and printed content like content marketing, social media posting, blog
writing, printed magazines, brochures or newsletters for building its brand, it can
use typography to convey its message or mission with a statement or phrase that
has an impact without images, graphics or pictures. Typography can be a powerful
tool in branding because of its ability to create an attractive and impactful print that
can make brand messages memorable.
Places emphasis on messages and text
In large blocks of text, such as blog posts, online articles and magazine issues,
typography can be used to emphasize certain words, phrases or smaller blocks of
meaningful text. This can affect readers by gaining their attention to the overall
meaning or purpose of the main writing.
RULES OF USING TYPOGRAPHY
Typography can be unlimited in its uses and applications, however, there are some
common rules and principles that can be related to best practices of implementing
typographic elements. The following rules and designing principles may
commonly be used as a guideline when using typography in content design.
Follow proper grammar rules
This is one of the most important rules for designers using design elements of
typography. Correct spelling, punctuation and proper grammar are required for
written communication, especially in a professional setting. Proper grammar can
mean the difference between a brand’s message being taken seriously and
appearing professional or being regarded as unintelligent and careless.
Keep fonts limited
One important rule of typography when using it for graphic design is to keep a
limit on how many fonts are used within a single page. Typically, fonts are
grouped according to a style family, and using unrelated font families or using too
many different fonts can end up taking away from the content. Generally, two fonts
can be used to create an attractive and cohesive font pair. Sometimes, up to three
different fonts can be acceptable, as long as the fonts used are balanced, appealing
and easy to read.
Use fonts appropriate to the audience
Graphic designers who apply typography principles may generally follow this rule
to ensure the style and appearance of content is matched to the audience it’s
written for. For instance, a graphic designer who creates brochures for a medical
supply company would use fonts, colors and styles that are more formal than fonts
that are colorful, animated or appear too informal for designing informational
content.
Learn the basics of kerning
Kerning refers to the proper spacing of lines, words and letters. Using kerning
means designers measure out and format every single letter and the loops, lines and
curves that make up the letter according to specific criteria. Learning the
application of kerning can ensure that content on-screen appears aligned, centered
or otherwise balanced in relation to other pieces of content on-screen.
Apply proper alignment
Alignment refers to line spacing, paragraphs, margins, headers and footers and
other blocks of text that appear in print or on-screen on a webpage. Typography
follows different alignment rules for different projects, so it can be more effective
to apply appropriate alignments at the onset of a graphic design project.
Implement print hierarchy
Print hierarchy refers to the method and order that is used for presenting text or
content. For example, an online magazine or news journal might use print
hierarchy to distinguish important snippets, captions, headings and subheadings
from the main text of an article it publishes. Implementing print hierarchy can also
help text appear more organized in a piece of print.
Work with design grids
Working with design grids can be an especially important rule of typography.
Design grids allow graphic designers to create text and content that is
proportionate, straight or in-line and balanced. Design grids are also effective tools
for projects that require different fonts, placements or graphics in line with text.
Pair fonts appropriately
This rule can also be an important principle of typography. When graphic
designers create font pairs, they may consider font family, size, style (like italic or
bold type) and other aesthetic elements to ensure the fonts they choose appear
cohesive and harmonious together. For instance, a bold, all-capital font may not fit
well with a flowing script-type font.
Apply proportion and measure
Graphic designers and other professionals who use typography may not only focus
on margin and line spacing measurements, they may also focus on letter spacing,
letter height and letter width. All these separate measurements can affect the
overall look of the text, so it can be important to make sure that letters, spacing,
lines and margins are all proportionately measured so the type appears in-line with
other elements of a page.
Focus on readability
It can also be critical to focus on the overall readability of the text design, font and
style. Other elements like color palette, size, spacing and alignment can affect the
legibility of the typography of a webpage or print text, so it can be important to
ensure that these aspects are created in a way that enhances readability rather than
takes away from it. For example, a lighter style font might not appear readable
when the color is a pale or light tone like white or yellow.
Choose font colors that work well
Color palette is also an element of typography that go into best practices for
designing text and content. To illustrate this rule, let’s say a graphic designer
creates a background for a client’s webpage. The designer makes the background
sky blue at the client’s request. Using color and design principles, the graphic artist
might choose colors that mesh well with the background like black, white or even a
darker blue. Contrasting colors like orange or yellow might clash with the
background and take away from the effect the designer is looking to achieve.
Avoid distorting type
Sometimes text may be too large or small for a space that needs to be filled with
content. However, it can be crucial to avoid distorting text by enlarging, widening
or manipulating the font in a way that distorts the look of it. There are specific
tools for resizing and enlarging letter spacing to make the text fit the way the
design requires without having to stretch or shrink it.
Keep the white space
Graphic designers may also follow the rule of keeping the white space. White
space is the blank space on a website or page that can be found between content
and text. While it can appear like wasted space, white space can actually enhance
the content design and make text look more crisp, organized and aligned.
Use typography tools
Using typography tools can help streamline design projects. Some software, like
Adobe’s, can allow graphic designers to create text and content that flows, follows
predefined style formats or templates and otherwise supports the artistic creativity
that typography can demand.
Typography is a versatile way of making print, content and other text stand out
online and offline. Used in businesses, typography can make a difference in a
brand’s message standing out or appearing disorganized.
CATEGORIES OF TYPES OF PAPER
Paper is produced both from recovered paper and fresh fibre directly from the
forest. Some common types of paper are:
Graphical paper
Graphical paper is produced in a number of qualities and is primarily used for
magazines, catalogues, and direct mail. There are potentially endless opportunities
in this range, depending on the impression you want. A thick “magalogue” with a
luxurious feel, or a slim publication that makes that characteristic rustling sound
when you turn the pages? A matte paper for optimized readability, or a glossy
surface for that crisp look? In the Holmen Paper range of graphical papers, you can
be sure to find a paper quality perfectly fit for purpose whatever you are looking
for.
Newsprint
Mainly made from recycled paper, newsprint paper is low-cost and strong enough
to endure high-speed rolling offset printing presses. Holmen Paper makes its
newsprint paper from fresh fibre and is renowned for a particular product: the pink
paper that is used for the financial pages in newspapers all over the world.
Tissue
Just as the name says, tissue is used when a soft feel is required as in napkins,
paper towels, and toilet paper. It has very good absorption and is produced from
either recovered paper or fresh fibre.
Fine paper
Great archiving properties make fine paper suitable for copy paper, art paper,
envelopes, and forms – anything that has to last for a long time without any
degrading of printing or quality. Fine paper can be made matte or glossy and is
available in various colours.
Flexible packaging paper
Naturally, strength is one of the most prominent characteristics of flexible
packaging paper. Sacks, bags and wrapping paper need to withstand tear and be
able to hold heavy weights. Flexible packaging papers can be produced from both
hardwood, softwood, and recovered paper.
Book paper
A nice typeface and good print quality give high readability – but the decisive
factor for an excellent book reading experience is the paper quality. Our book
paper is made from fresh fibre and has a smooth, clean surface specially developed
to promote outstanding readability. Another benefit is the neutral CO2 footprint;
this environmentally-friendly aspect along with the exceptional printing qualities is
well-sought after by publishing companies. Read more about our book paper
qualities here.

Packaging paperboard
The second most common product made from paper or paperboard is packaging.
As one of the most advanced paper products, packaging paperboard can be shaped
to any form and treated to hold the most sensitive foods or liquids. To keep the
container waterproof and protect the content, milk and juice containers are
supplied with a thin polyethylene film.
Cardboard
Cardboard, or containerboard, was invented in 1871 and is one the most versatile
packaging materials in the world. The excellent strength is a result of the
composition of the material; a strong and flat paper (liner) is glued onto fluting
(corrugated paper), giving the construction robustness and stability. Cardboard can
be made from both fresh fibre and recovered fibre. Please visit our packaging
papers section to learn more about our containerboard products.
Specialty papers
There are a number of different specialty paper types, each one with its own
tailored characteristic made specifically for a special purpose; money (bills),
security papers, tea bags, labels, and grease-resistant paper are just a few examples.
WHAT IS INK?
The definition of ink is a liquid substance used for writing, drawing, or printing.
It’s made of many ingredients and is most commonly found in pens and printers.
The history of ink can be traced back as far as 40,000 years ago. It has been used
since the dawn of humankind as evidenced by cave paintings that show inked
images of people, landscapes, and animals.
Our ancient ancestors would gather many different ingredients, including animal
fats, fruit or vegetable juices, charcoal, and plants, to make the ink. It was then
created using a process called muddling a technique that breaks up fresh
ingredients, like herbs and fruits, so they can bind better with a liquid or paste.
Today, we don’t have to gather our ingredients to make ink. Millions of gallons of
ink are made every day inside of factories around the world.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF INK?

Ink is a huge part of our everyday lives. Without it we wouldn’t be able to print
money, make road signs, or mail packages.
The different types of ink include:
Pen on paper; Pen Ink
Pen inks are oil or water-based and contain additives that dye the ink a certain
color. For instance, black ink pens contain carbon black, while blue ink pens
contain phthalocyanine blue.
Printer cartridges; Printer Ink.
Most color printers follow the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) model. To
make new colors and create an image, the printers will layer tiny dots of the four
printer colors.
Birthday cake; Edible Ink
Edible inks are made from water, sugar, and FDA-approved colorants. They’re
safe to eat and often are used to print photos or logos on cakes, cookies, and candy.
Tattoo ink
Pens on pad; Erasable Ink
The erasable pen was invented in 1979, but took 10 years to perfect. The ink inside
is made of a liquid rubber cement, which makes it possible to remove the pen
marks via a combination of friction and heat.
Glow bracelet; Phosphorescent Ink
Phosphorescent ink is made using strontium aluminate and phosphors. These
chemicals absorb and store light energy until the light disappears. Once it’s dark,
the energy is converted into visible light known as the glow.
Sharpie; Fluorescent Ink
Fluorescein is a chemical used to make highlighter ink. It’s what gives the
highlighters their neon color when the ink is applied to the paper. Different
additives are used depending on which color highlighter you’re using. For instance,
a chemical known as pyranine is used to make yellow highlighters.

Adhesive Ink
Temporary tattoos and decals are made from regular ink with a special coating
that’s printed onto transfer film. When moisture is applied, it soaks through the
film and transfers the image onto the surface.
Invisible Ink
Write a secret message and then uncover it using heat or light. Many items in your
kitchen can be used to create invisible ink including: lemon juice, milk, clear soda,
and vinegar. This ink is also often used by concert venues or theme parks as
stamps for admission.
LAYOUT AND DESIGN
Layout design is the process of arranging visual and textual elements on-screen or
on-paper in order to grab a reader’s attention and communicate information in a
visually appealing way.
What Is Layout Design?
Layout design is the process of arranging visual elements like text, images, and
shapes on a given page. Layout design is important for any project that conveys a
message through eye-catching visuals, like magazine layouts, website design, and
advertisements.
Good layout design is both dynamic and clear, creating visual points of interest
that guide the reader through a piece of content without overshadowing its
message. Many layout designers adhere to a set of principles (like alignment,
visual hierarchy, and space) when designing a unique and effective layout.
Designers may also use a grid to arrange their layout design elements in a clear,
legible fashion.
5 Elements of Layout Design
These are the standard design elements that any designer will use when developing
a layout design.
Text: Blocks of text in layout design include headlines, subheadings, headers,
footers, and paragraphs. In web design, text will also include menus and buttons.
Whatever style of typography you choose can communicate a different mood, and
you can pair different types of text to achieve different effects.
Image: Images in your graphic design can include photographs, illustrations, and
infographics that become a part of your layout. Large images can grab the attention
of your audience and communicate messages without text.
Line: Line refers to the way that two points in space are connected. Whether
they’re horizontal lines, diagonal lines, or vertical lines, lines can help direct the
eye toward a certain point in your composition. They can also draw boundaries
between sections or visual elements of your layout.
Shape: In its most basic form, a shape is a two-dimensional area that is surrounded
by an outline. There are three types of shapes: organic shapes which occur
naturally in the world, geometric shapes which are angular and mathematically
consistent, and abstract shapes that represent things in nature but aren’t perfectly
representative. Circles, squares, or any other shape can be used in layout design to
add graphic elements to a page, highlight text, or delineate space between other
visual elements.
White space: The blank space between elements in layout design can be as
important as the visual elements themselves. The spacing around an element can
draw attention to it and make it stand out.
5 Principles of Layout Design
Here are some of the layout design principles to consider when working on any
project that communicates information.
Alignment: Alignment refers to the way that a designer arranges the different
elements of their design in relation to one another. You can repeat design elements
in your image to establish consistency in your image, making it easier on the
reader’s eye. For text, designers will typically choose between edged alignment
which aligns text along the left or right margins or centered alignment which aligns
text along the centerline of your design.
Visual hierarchy: Good layout design visually organizes a hierarchy of information
that places the highest emphasis on the most important focal point in the image.
Hierarchy can sequentially guide your user through the intended journey of your
image. You can use size, color, contrast, or position to highlight the hierarchy of
important elements within your layout.
Contrast: Contrast is used in tandem with alignment and balance to help your
design look unique and eye-catching. Pairing contrasting design elements like
colors or different types of typography helps fuse different styles and moods to
make an original, distinctive product.
Balance: Visual balance refers to how the elements of your image balance each
other out. In layout design, look for ways to balance the visual information on your
page, whether through symmetry or balanced asymmetrical arrangements.
Proximity: Proximity refers to how close or far the elements of a layout are from
one another. Proximity can help users make connections between different visual
elements of a project.