Applied Graphics and Design
Applied Graphics and Design
This elective tests graphics as a design communication tool: perspective, shade and shadow, presentation composition and computer-generated presentation. The aim is to make a proposed form readable before it is built.
Core rules
- In two-point perspective, the horizon line is at the observer’s eye level, and the two vanishing points sit on it. Vertical edges remain vertical when the picture plane is vertical.
- Set the station point and picture plane deliberately: moving the station point changes the cone of vision and the apparent distortion.
- Measure heights on a measuring line through a front corner, then project to the vanishing points. Do not invent heights by eye.
- For shade and shadow, fix one light direction and keep it consistent. Shade is on the object’s unlit faces; cast shadow falls on other surfaces and obeys the same light rays.
- Presentation layouts need a clear hierarchy: title, key view, annotations, material notes and a scale or orientation cue.
Worked example
Draw a rectangular kiosk 3 m wide, 2 m deep and 2.5 m high in two-point perspective. Place the horizon at 1.6 m, set the station point so both vanishing points lie within a reasonable cone of vision, and draw the nearest vertical edge true height using a measuring line. Project the top and bottom edges to the left and right vanishing points. Transfer the 3 m and 2 m plan dimensions from the measuring line to find the far corners. Add a 1 m door on the front face by dividing the face in perspective, not by measuring equal distances directly on the receding edge.
Traps that cost marks
Putting vanishing points too close together, changing horizon height between views, measuring receding dimensions directly, inconsistent light direction, and confusing shade with cast shadow.