Odisha CHSE +2 Vocational Graphic Art flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Elements of art

The basic visual components used to build any artwork: line, shape, form, space, texture, value and colour. They are the raw vocabulary that design principles then organise.

Asymmetrical balance

A composition where unlike forms on either side of an axis carry equal visual weight. It feels dynamic rather than static and is achieved through size, colour or placement.

Negative space

The unoccupied area around and between subjects in a composition. Deliberate use of negative space defines silhouette, reduces clutter and directs attention to the focal point.

Rule of thirds

A composition guide dividing the frame into a three-by-three grid. Placing the subject or horizon near an intersection or grid line produces a more engaging image than centring.

Blind contour drawing

A drawing exercise in which the artist traces the subject's edges without looking at the paper. It trains hand-eye coordination and close observation rather than producing a finished picture.

Cross-hatching

A shading technique that overlays sets of parallel lines at an angle to each other. Denser overlapping layers produce darker values without smudging or blending.

Vanishing point

The point on the horizon line where receding parallel lines appear to converge in perspective drawing. One-point, two-point and three-point systems use one, two or three such points.

Foreshortening

The visual compression of a form that points towards or away from the viewer. It is drawn by shortening receding lengths and enlarging the nearest parts of the form.

Baseline grid

A set of evenly spaced horizontal lines that body text sits on. It keeps lines of type aligned across columns and maintains consistent vertical rhythm throughout a layout.

Visual hierarchy

The ordered arrangement of elements so the viewer reads them in a planned sequence. Size, weight, colour, contrast and position establish which item is seen first.

Proximity

A design principle stating that items placed close together are perceived as a related group. Spacing therefore communicates structure without needing lines or boxes.

Colour mode

The numerical system that defines colours for a medium. RGB is used for screens and CMYK for process printing; spot colours are specified separately for exact brand matching.

Kerning

Adjustment of horizontal space between one specific pair of characters, usually to correct awkward gaps such as those beside capital A or T. It differs from tracking.

Leading

The vertical distance from one text baseline to the next. It is commonly set between 120 and 145 percent of the type size to keep body text comfortably readable.

x-height

The height of a lowercase letter such as x, measured from the baseline to the top of the letter body. A large x-height generally improves legibility at small sizes.

Widow and orphan

A widow is a short final line stranded at the top of a column; an orphan is a single line separated from its paragraph. Both are corrected by reflowing text.

Intaglio printing

A printmaking family where ink is held in incised grooves below the plate surface. Etching, engraving and drypoint are intaglio processes requiring high press pressure.

Lithography

A planographic process based on the mutual repulsion of grease and water on a flat stone or plate. Ink adheres only to the greasy drawn areas, not to the dampened ground.

Halftone

A reproduction method that simulates continuous tone using dots of varying size. Smaller dots read as light areas and larger dots as dark, creating the illusion of grey.

Edition numbering

A fraction written on a print: the lower figure is the total number printed and the upper figure is that impression's number. A/P denotes an artist's proof.

Vector graphic

An image built from mathematical paths with anchor points rather than pixels. It can be scaled to any size without loss of sharpness and suits logos and signage.

Resolution

The density of pixels in an image, expressed as pixels per inch. Print work typically needs 300 ppi at final size, while screen images are usually 72 ppi.

Layer mask

A non-destructive editing feature that hides or reveals parts of a layer without erasing pixels. The hidden data remains editable and can be restored at any time.

Bleed

Extra artwork extending beyond the trim edge of a printed page, commonly 3 mm. It prevents unprinted white slivers appearing if cutting drifts slightly.

AIDA model

A classic advertising sequence: attention, interest, desire and action. The headline typically captures attention and the call to action prompts the final response.

Unique selling proposition

The single distinctive benefit that sets a product apart from competitors. It anchors the advertising message and should be specific, provable and relevant to the buyer.

Call to action

A short instruction telling the audience what to do next, such as visit, buy or call. It usually appears at the end of an advertisement or landing page.

Thumbnail rough

A small, quick exploratory sketch made before full-size artwork. Several thumbnails test layout and composition options cheaply before a direction is chosen.

Comprehensive layout

A polished, near-final presentation of a design showing accurate type, colour and imagery. It is used for client approval before production artwork is prepared.

Portfolio

A curated collection of design work presented for assessment or employment. It should demonstrate both range across media and depth of process within selected projects.

Print-ready checklist

Verification before sending artwork to press: correct trim size, 3 mm bleed, CMYK colour, 300 ppi images and fonts embedded or outlined. Omitting any item risks rejection.

Sketchbook evidence

Annotated developmental work showing ideation, research and revision. In practical assessment it documents the thinking behind a final piece and carries marks in its own right.