Charlene's Drawing Board
Some Principles of Layout and Design
and a 3DS Max tip
Whether you are creating a document for the web or print, the information
should be organized in a readable and coherent fashion. Graphics and photos
should be arranged in an interesting way so that the viewer's eye is drawn
toward the relevant content. Studies have shown that the viewer's eye tends
to follow a prescribed pattern when viewing a page either in print or on the
web, which is a zigzag diagonal line from the upper left corner to the lower
right corner of a page.
Bad Layout vs Good Layout:
More than one dramatic graphic on a page can confuse the eye and fail to
convey the information in a logical manner, placing the content in a
centralized and organized manner is more pleasing to the viewer or reader.
Also, placing text in the center of a web page is considered very
predictable and to be an unsophisticated design technique. Organize content
neatly and slightly off-center for visual appeal and eye-catching attention.
If you are using background graphics on a web page, keep them understated so
the text and other information is readable.
Creativity:
Adding interest by using an artistic graphic, creative photography or unique
texture can add to your document if it is done tastefully and is not
overpowering. The idea is to enhance and draw attention to your message not
distract from it. Curves and gradual shapes are great design elements, and
help you get away from an overly blocky look. Try adding feathered images
and shapes, and avoid dull-looking block graphics or photos in your document
Customizing the User Interface
in 3DS Max
This will allow you to
visualize and easily access the needed tools for your 3D modeling and
texturing. To access objects or shapes you simply click the tabs on the
upper left. Primitive objects, or basic building blocks are available on the
Objects menu. These primitive objects can be arranged to build models such
as pencils, buildings, household objects, lighthouses, circuit boards, etc.
Drawing tools and text tools are available from the Shapes tab.
After clicking the desired
viewport with your mouse, you may change characteristics of the selected
viewport.
Viewport configuration is
accessible from the Customize menu. Go to Customize> Viewport Configuration
and the window on the right will be displayed. Notice that under rendering
level, I have selected the 'smooth and highlights' radio button.
<<<back to contents
Charlene Russ is an instructor with
Eclectic
Academy, and is currently teaching Introduction to 3D Studio Max.
She teaches novice students the basics of 3D design and modeling techniques.
She is also an adjunct instructor with a Florida community college in the
Digital Arts dept. Charlene's personal site is
Chromacrys Media:
Graphic Design, which features a wide gamut
of useful design related information.
,
