There are several
techniques that can be used to effectively communicate a message
through graphic design. What is important, is how the individual
pieces of the design come together to complement one another in order
to not only direct but also to please the eye of the viewer.
Magazine Layout
This two page spread
has a very interesting effect on the viewer at first glance. The eye
is drawn either to the photo of the woman, or the large swrling font
of the “S” in the word “Siren”. The font of the “S”
almost accents the shape of the model's hair and it creates a
pleasing yet subtle repetition for the viewer. Then you have the
colors. The black and white combination creates a clean looking
article but it goes beyond that. On the left, there is a vast amount
of white space which is obstructed only by the title of the article
and the small columns of print. The page on the right is taken up by
a large amount of black with a grey background. The lack of empty
white space on the right compliments the large swaths of white space
on the left which creates a genuine balance for the viewer.
Resume
This resume leaps
out at the viewer with the applicants named in large, clean cut font,
with the “i” from the applicant's first name extending down the
page to create two columns. It almost resembles a flyer for a band
or concert venue. The resume has a very smart layout and it starts
with the very clever use of the applicant's name to build the entire
structure of the page. She also included her contact information
above her last name which almost can go unseen but it works very
well. Then in the “Skills” section, the applicant uses an
appealing tapering effect by simply organizing the words with the
longest on the top or bottom and then creeping in toward the middle
where she has written the shortest word. The section titled “Work
Experience” has three bolded headings which clearly show the reader
her employers and job title. She then lists her job duties in a
smaller font which helps the reader organize items by importance.
In
the “Education” portion, the applicant lead with five bolded
items and then followed it up with the specifics written in a smaller
and unbolded font. This repetition is not only eye pleasing for the
viewer but it also helps to maintain the flow of information by it's
level of importance. Then there is the final section titled
“Professional Activities” which does a great job of communicating
a message of professionalism. It is often not a sub heading that you
see on resumes but it can go a long way in convincing the viewer that
you are a cut above the rest. The layout is similar to the
“Education” section although it is structured much more like a
paragraph rather than a list. The applicant uses the same font
techniques as earlier to continue their effective method of
communicating the important information first.
A good design layout
can transform what would otherwise be an unappealing message into one
that demands the viewers attention. It can change your resume from
being “just another one in the pile” to the most exciting resume
in the pile. A smart and well executed design layout can be the
difference between a missed opportunity or a massive success, but it
takes a bit of planning.
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