Graphics, Animation and Visual Design Fundamentals
This domain tests design principles, colour and file formats, and basic motion graphics for screen. Expect questions on raster versus vector, RGB versus CMYK, title safe areas, and animation timing.
Design principles
Balance (symmetrical or asymmetrical), contrast, hierarchy, alignment, proximity, repetition and white space. Good hierarchy tells the eye what to read first. Typography choices must be legible at the intended size and distance.
Colour and files
Screens use RGB additive colour; print uses CMYK subtractive. Raster images are pixel grids and lose quality when enlarged; vector images are mathematically defined and scale cleanly. Common formats: PNG (lossless, alpha), JPEG (lossy), SVG (vector), MP4 (video). Resolution and pixel dimensions matter more than a nominal DPI for screen.
Motion basics
Keyframes define change over time. Easing avoids robotic movement. Timing and spacing create weight. Use title-safe margins so text survives overscan and different screens. Lower thirds should be brief, readable and consistent.
Worked example
A name lower third for a 1080p video. Keep the text inside title-safe, use a sans-serif at a readable size, provide contrast against the footage with a subtle bar or shadow, animate in over 12–15 frames with easing, hold for about 3 seconds, and animate out. Reasoning: safe margins, contrast and timing make the graphic usable on any screen.
Traps that cost marks
- Enlarging a raster logo and losing sharpness.
- Designing in CMYK for a screen deliverable.
- Placing text outside title-safe.
- Over-animating with no timing purpose.
- Using low-contrast text over busy footage.