Preliminary Information
Introduction
Before beginning new projects, gather all pertinent information. Weed
through the data to eliminate nonessential items. Determine the main
message and focus all other material in the composition to reenforce that
message.
KISS
KISS is the acronym for keep it simple, stupid. We call this the principle of
simplicity and clarity. Picasso epitomized the search for simplistic
communication in twentieth century art. Because he was a contemporary and
prolific multi-media artist, you can trace the evolution of Picasso’s struggle
for simplicity.
Study Picasso’s early work and you will find a traditional
academic art foundation. In his later work you will find his technique is
simplistic yet sophisticated. Use the KISS principle to pare down
information to the basic intended message.
Incidental
material
Once you select the subject for a picture, choose all secondary elements
based on how well they support the main topic. Limit your selection to those
elements that contribute the most to understanding the subject.
Attitude or
impression
Know the attitude or impression the originator wants to convey. Dynamic
compositions are inappropriate for funerals and weddings. Solemn
compositions are not effective in festive applications. Some originators want
to impress potential clients with their elegance, others like crass or brusque
designs. Attitude affects composition. Decisions regarding object size,
location, and arrangement, color, texture, and perspective should be made in
the preliminary composition, before beginning the final artwork. This
strategy allows you to anticipate and compensate for any unexpected
impediments before committing man-hours and materials.
Text
Consider text or lettering as an integral part of design. Lettering is part of an
overall composition and should be planned as carefully as you plan the
composition.
End product
Consider how the product will be presented to an audience. Will the image
be a painting, photograph, printed material, poster, slide, or flyer? The final
form of an image determines to a large extent how you create it.
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