Design is important because it can quickly create atmosphere and understanding.
Susan says, “Interesting color space, no? I like the juxtaposition of the fall harvest colors on the woman’s Pendleton coat with the young man’s zebra hat with the hot pink fringe. The colors that each has chosen clearly defines that they are apart, and have, at the very least, contrasting ideas of fashion. Together, however, they do define a circle comprised of each of their bodies. So while they are not in color harmony, they are together in space. Design is most often used to show how things work together, to create an environment that creates a congenial whole. Here design is working to do a push-pull between color and shape. In a presentation, aim for harmony, but know that if you are looking for dissonance, design can do that for you, too.”
Lucia says, “Nice description, Susan. I really was going for shapes when I made this photo. Sometimes it’s good to have a photography exercise in mind when going out on a photo shoot. On this day it was shapes. And there are many here – their curved backs, the curve of the fringe on his hat, the lines of her jacket. My favorite part is how his pink fringe stands out from the rest of the muted colors. The fringe adds a touch of humor just as design can do in your presentation. This is especially helpful in keeping you audience engaged with complicated or dry topics.”
