From the course: Learning Graphic Design: Techniques

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The visual oxymoron

The visual oxymoron

From the course: Learning Graphic Design: Techniques

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The visual oxymoron

Today we have an example of what happens when your words say one thing, but your graphics say something else. Have a look at this sign above our dentist's office. It's a nice name. And the lower case handwriting was the designer's effort to make it look inviting. But that typeface, it's all needles and razor blades and barbed wire. It has hard edges and sharp points, even in the negative spaces. And those needles on the end (SOUND), red is not a good color for a tooth, even if it's intended to be in a little heart. And paired with blue, it's agitating too. There are many ways you can say gentle using type. A simple one is to use a typeface with round, pillowy shapes. Use light tones and for the dentist add fresh, watery colors like aqua-greens and blues. Add a dreamy little curve and you're there. Words and graphics now say the same thing. As you design, keep in mind that the words-graphics connection is an influential one. And always ask. How can I get these two things, working…

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