Dimension/Depth/Space/Scale

http://chroniclesofmouse.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html

    The utilization of dimension, depth, space and scale in the above Japanese movie poster is related to this week's material.  The poster is presented in linear perspective to represent three-dimensional space on a two dimensional media (surface). Although we cannot see a obvious parallel lines converge as they get further away in this poster, we can notice the use of linear perspective by observing the convergence of the buildings on both sides of the poster. In addition, the different scale of the human figures in this poster giving depth cues to the viewers. In other words, the injured man, who is laying on the floor has a relatively larger size than the man, who is standing behind him. Relative to its size, the depth of the space is evidently illustrated. Relative size is a depth cue, which indicates "objects that take up small part of the field of view are perceived as farther away than objects that take up large part of field of view." Furthermore, another depth cue - overlap is also utilized in this poster to show interposition. The horses overlap the buildings, which make the horses seems as being closer to the viewers. Last but not least, relative height is also a depth cue. The horizon line of this poster is located in the middle. Therefore, the man who is standing above the horizon line tends to seem as being further away.

Tone and Color

http://www.examiner.com/article/what-s-wrong-with-modern-movie-posters

• How TONE is operating

In this movie poster, tone is operating a very important role. First, Tone allows viewers to recognize that it is a man portrait in this poster even though viewers can only see half of his face. Tones distinguish differences, changes and edges on a 2-D surface, which allows viewers to see the facial feature of the man. Without tone applying to this poster, viewers will not able to tell it is a human face. In addition, This poster has a high dynamic and tonal range, which provides more detail to be distinguished. Through seeing the strong differentiation of tones in this poster , viewers are able to see surface and form of the man's face.

• How TONE is interacting

Tone is also interacting between the figure and the background. Tone has an abstract power to create mood. The dark and mysterious tone of the background combine with a cool and evil facial gesture of a man, provide a very heavy mood to the viewers. Tones are communicating and interacting within the entire poster to express a very secret feeling.

• How COLOR is operating

Color is operating in this poster even though this poster utilizes a few colors only. The gold-yellow color of the iris around the man's pupil provides a high contrast to his thick black eyebrows above his eye, which create a strong focal point to the poster. Moreover, the white and pale color of the man's face also has a strong contrast to the deep blue black color of the background, which black and white is one of the "color-opponent" channels that emphasize differentiation.

• How COLOR is interacting

Color is interacting with the objects within this poster. The deep red color of the man's lips is chosen to inspire deep human emotions. Dark red is associated with vigor, willpower, rage, anger, leadership, courage, longing, malice, and wrath. Therefore, the dark red color of the man's lip uses to interacts with the dark blue color of the jacket (the man wears) to create a very mysterious and heavy mood to the viewers.

The Basic Elements - Magazine design

Scale

http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2008/08/another_magazine_cover_for_the.html

This magazine cover utilizes one the basic elements of visual communication: Scale. Scale is a general visual measuring tool that allows us to communicate actual scale and relative proportion.  By viewing this magazine cover as a whole, viewers will easily sense that the size of Obama's head is out of proportion in comparison to his body. This creates an emphasis effect and a focal point to the magazine cover. In addition, Scale also plays a leading role in typographic hierarchy. The slogan : "YES WE CAN'T" that is place in the lower center of the magazine cover catches viewers attention because of the use of large font. In short, Scale is one of the common elements that has always been adopted in magazine cover, for it can effectively stimulate our sense of rightness as well as draw our attentions.

Movement

http://bellyspin.wordpress.com/2012/08/06/magazines-movement-magazine-40/

Other than adopting scale as an element of design on the title of this magazine, this magazine cover utilizes another basic elements of visual communication: Movement. Movement is one of the most dominant visual forces in human experience, which has been commonly implemented in different media. Movement tends to imply motion and efficiently lead viewer's eye from one area to another. By briefly viewing this magazine cover, viewer's eye is directed to move from left to right direction because of the direction of the wave flow. The crest of the wave  unconsciously direct viewers' eye movement, which guides them to see the whole picture of the magazine. In summary, movement is one of the elements that interests viewers, which leads viewer's eye move from idea to idea.



Shape

http://www.monster-munch.com/monochrome-and-yellow/ 

The following magazine cover utilizes shape, which is also one the basic elements of visual communication. Two dimensional geometrical shapes, such as circle, square and square are commonly used in graphic media, for they are unambiguous shapes that represent cultural meanings and associations. For instance, circle usually means enclosure. In this above magazine,  there are two notable geometric shapes: a yellow circle and a white rectangle on the background. They combine together and provide a very outstanding focal point to this magazine cover. The yellow circle in the center of the magazine cover works as an enclosure, which "protect" and help emphasizing the contents (text) of the cover. In additions, the white (background ) rectangle makes the whole magazine cover looks static and solid. In conclusion, different shapes express different directions, associations, style or even period of time; therefore, shape is one the the useful basic elements of visual communication.