Final Shape and Poster Products of C.R.A.P. Principles

 

Contrast:  By implementing a black background, the lighter and brighter colors stand out. I also added the gradient option to the shapes to allow an effect of light striking the left sides. Then, I lightened the smaller objects under the formatting option.
Repetition:  The repeating shapes, with similar ratios though differing sizes, form groups.  My intent was to create dimension and hopefully generate ideas of the shapes flowing and moving in space.
Proximity:  By situating the smaller shapes higher on the canvas, they appear more distant.  This helps create movement.
Alignment:  Rather than develop hard edges, I rotated the the circular objects (3D rotation - parallel; and 3D round - top & bottom). The rotations are consistent, yet by overlapping the objects, definite lines disappear.  Again, this helps to create depth which gives the picture greater dimension.

I am not sure that I completely eliminated my business card appearance, but I do believe this version has more appeal and catches the eye.
Contrast:  The green lettering on the yellow banner generates interest in the title. I also tried to contrast the font letters in the title by beginning each word with a much larger font.  I liked this. I also used a different font type for the title. Next, I added a reflection to the banner.  With the blue background, the reflection blends, almost appearing greenish-yellow (maybe giving the appearance of a hill with the sunlight streaming through?).
Repetition:  I used similar fonts for the rest of the entire poster.  By differing the sizes of the font and adding an italicized font in orange to the slogan, hopefully interest, not confusion, is added.
Proximity:  This was my toughest problem.  There were numerous text boxes and it seemed that regardless of the arrangement, information appeared jumbled.  I allowed the main information to remain at the top, but to create a simpler appearance, I moved the slogan below.
Alignment:  Finally, I decided to align all smaller text to the hard right, while allowing the title to remain centered. Then I rotated one line, and shortened both to create a frame for the information.
The watering can continued to perplex me.  Finally, I used the artistic tool to create a more outlined appearance and added a shadow for depth.   I know, from my previous art classes, and experience editing yearbooks, that it technically should sit to the left since it points in a right direction.  However, this did not seem pleasing.  Therefore, I pointed it towards the informational text.  I did like the way that the arm of the can fit into the outline of the text.
I believe this version is more attention-getting than the version I quickly created in class.  Sometimes, it helps to revisit my work after a few days.  Of course, give me a few more days, and I probably will think differently of this version too. LOL!

Principle of C.R.A.P. Put Into Practice

These were the initial designs that I worked on in class.  However, time was running short and I was not yet pleased with my results.  Therefore, I consider these a work in progress.  While I like the color in the shapes, they still look jumbled.  As far as the poster is concerned, it looks more like a business card. What was I thinking? 

Research and Explanation for the Arbitrary Data Chart

Organization of Shapes and Colors:  Well, after several attempts, I settled for a timeline visual coordinated with colors representing May / June.  By differentiating with colors, it becomes easier to note dates.  Also, I varied shapes.  I documented ongoing research with rectangles and arrows, while I denoted specific dates with circles.  Finally I incorporated a diamond shape to define the last steps of the project.  Of course, after I completed my shapes and loaded my post, I recalled that flow charts incorporate specific shapes to represent specific purposes, i.e. my diamond shape should represent input, and I think that squares show conclusions??? However, since my table is not necessarily a flow chart I decided to leave it alone. 
The Concept:  Teachers, students, parents, and any other administration involved were my target audiences.  I organized the chart for informational purposes, thereby allowing participants to keep track of important dates relevant to their needs.  Therefore, the information in the diamond, work conducted by the researchers that is not necessarily relevant to teachers or students, I kept to a minimum.
Critique:  At this point, I am somewhat satisfied.  I do think that I could adjust the sizing and alignment.  The circular shapes seem large, though it was hard to fit the text in without reducing the size of the font. In addition, it might be more appropriate to create a more separate space for the final stages that follow the preparation and research phases.