Graphic Greats: Production Graphics with Wendy Peck at webreference.com | 24

Graphic Greats 5: Unusual Lines

Text as a line ... unusual and eye catching. Images © Andy Mayer.

Andy Mayer
Here we have some powerful placement of regular lines, but I selected this site because text was used as a line. The vertical text is used to define the area on the left of the photo and balances the longer line to the right (see the close-up at the right here). So simple when you see it completed, but simplicity can be the hardest style to achieve. This site does it very, very well, and is most amazing when you consider it is a personal site.

How many varieties of “photos as lines” can you find? This site indicates that maybe there is no limit. Images © One Stop San Francisco.

One Stop San Francisco
There is some nice, traditional line work on this site. However, it is not the line use that caught my attention as much as the way small photographs were grouped and used as lines.

I suppose technically, a line of photos is not a line at all. But when photos perform as a line, direct the eye, increase the graphic interest in the page without taking up much visual weight or distracting from the message ... I tend to think ... line!

The One Stop site has a wonderful and eclectic presentation of the photos on each page, but the overall narrow rectangular shape is repeated and that provides the consistency.

When you think of the power of lines in design, add the phrase “in a line” to your pondering. You may be able to come up with a theme for a series of objects that achieves all the benefits of a line, but advances your message. The one stop site is a place for people to gather – they have managed to fit in a very large number of images for people to identify with into a small area. Great design!

That's it, but before I go ...

Learn to watch for special graphics techniques as you surf the Web. We often see great design as a whole without taking the time to put each of the pieces under a microscope. How did they do that? Why does that spot attract attention? The answer is often a very simple, but stunningly creative graphic treatment. Harvest ideas constantly to keep your work fresh and reduce the time it takes you to create great graphics.

Check the main graphics page regularly for new additions. Visit our new Links section, and don't forget to send URLs when you find "Graphic Greats." Send links.

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Graphic Greats Index

Design Lines Start/Lines with Masks Tutorial
Lines for Design
Subtle Lines at Work
Tiny Lines in Vivid Color
Unusual Lines