Analyzing Design #2 - What Makes a Good Graphic Design?

 

This design is pretty simple but very effective. The first thing that draws the eye is the distinct contrast between black and gold. They're both equally demanding of attention but in different ways. The black being matte and the gold being shiny adds to this. From there, the numbers stand out second. They take on contrasting colors to their respective pages, which helps them stand out. That, and they're large enough to fill the entire page. It is then clear that said numbers are made up of maple leaves. This level of detail is not matched anywhere else on the page, so the eye is drawn there for that reason as well. The inside of the "0" contains more information, highlighting that it's been 50 years since fighting for freedom in reference to Canada. The white text stands out more than the black text, but the black text balances by being larger. It is not English, but French. They are the same sentence translated into different languages. 

The flow is relatively straightforward. Once one registers the "5" in one's mind, the top of it points the eye toward the "0." Although it's not a perfect circle, it's a very straightforward way of highlighting that the information inside is important. Circling something is universally understood as bringing attention to it. The contrast between the white and black text actually bounces the eye back and forth between them, although the white text takes slight priority due to it not appearing anywhere else on the page. However, it seems that they're meant to balance each other out somehow. There are actually only two hierarchy levels here, considering that the smaller black and white text are balanced out. The maple leaves on the numbers are also sized so that they don't overtake each other and don't look clunky.

Hierarchal List 

1.) 50

2.) 50 Years of Fighting for Freedom / French Translation 

This design is trying to convey themes of remembrance and celebration. Since this is explicitly about Canada, individual representation is also significant. Black and gold used in combination are usually seen as formal and elegant. It's a classic combination and is used for invitations to important occasions such as graduation or award ceremonies. In this case, it's being used to celebrate an important national anniversary. The color choice makes it feel celebratory but dignified. The length of time is the most important, so it makes sense that it would be the most prominent thing on the page. 

In terms of tying it to Canada specifically, the most obvious choice is the use of maple leaves to make up the large numbers on each page. Maple leaves are intrinsically associated with the country. Additionally, Canada is made up of a somewhat equal combination of French and English Canadians. Having the two languages both be there is an apparent reference, and it's made more understandable with how the different text is different but still well balanced - two sides of the same whole. 

This booklet page invokes solemn yet overall positive emotions. It's a reminder of what people have and that it had to be fought for in the first place. To some, this might be grim, but this is a case of it being largely up to interpretation. It may also invoke nostalgia which will generally happen when referencing a significant amount of time. Again, that color choice helps as it's widely used and recognized for serious occasions.