Herb Agnew's Shop Notes: Jan. 23, 2006

[Mike Jackson]

Here are some notes from Herb Agnew's 1951 book:

A very important factor in the design is the matter of a focal point. No matter if the design contains a definite graded scale of values, it should have this one center of interest, a point where the eye naturally will light first,—a starting or "pick-up point". This strongest point of interest, this focal point, for the eye, may be created by color, shape, size, or the lettering itself.

The competent designer decides where he wants the eye focus to be and consciously, deliberately leads the eye there by various means...with a spot of contrasting color, a line of lettering or some "pointer" device, of which latter there are many types.

Food for thought January 23, 2006.

[Billy Pickett]

...THAT"S THE TRUTH! Mike Stevens stressed the same thing. By using the "right' combos of letters and colors to designate priorities to it's various elements, an astute designer can "guide" a viewer through a signs various messages, in their intended order. And for the intended result.