A theory in psychology that discusses the general idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It's based on a human need to search for stability and meaning, which leads to organic movements towards wholeness. Gestalt Theory assumes there are inherent flaws in how we perceive forms and patterns, and it holds that this innate tendency transforms into an active process of looking for order in reality.
Also known as visual hierarchy, hierarchy is the ordering of priorities in a design. This may include different visual elements, such as contrast, colour, font size and placement on a page. The graphic designer's job is to create an understandable document using organisational systems that the reader easily understands.
The last line of a paragraph following the rest, or a single line in a paragraph that is out of place with the rest.
The written information that accompanies a design.
When you need to break a line of text and start on a new line in a text box.
A set of colors which can be used to create a particular visual effect. It is usually composed of multiple primary, secondary, and tertiary colours.
Black, white, and all the values of shades in between.
A symbol that is used in the design industry to give a more personal touch. Lettermarks can be an individual's name or initials that are cleverly designed and incorporated into a company's logo.
A letter, symbol, or another alphabet unit.
The typographic term for the dot above the letters 'i' and 'j'.
A graphic element that has a definite length and direction. Examples of vectors would be straight lines, edges, or curves.