Now everyone is a graphic designer.

With the ever-growing social media world, everyone believes they are a graphic designer. While it is not hard for someone to notice a flow or certain aesthetic within an image, many times people cannot see the graphic No-Nos.

Siren Call, more like Call 911.

It is clear that this magazine layout aimed for a minimalistic approach with a hard black and white theme. At first glance the layout is interesting and eye-catching due to the large curvy “s” and Emma Watson staring back at you. Though upon further dissection, it is easy to see that there is too much happening between the pages. First, the large overbearing “s” catches the direct attention of the reader not allowing them to see anything else. Though the S is so large it hangs off the page and whether this is either intentional or unintentional, it disrupts the flow of the page. After staring at the image, it almost creates a sense of unrest and does not aesthetically appeal to the eye. The top of the ‘s’ acts as the dot to the “i” in siren but this concept could have been further manipulated to make the dot more recognizable and make it look like less of a blob. The other graphic weakness seen in the image is the way that the bottom curve of the “s” protrudes into the left alignment in the first column.

Aside from the overbearing “s”, the image that is paired with the article complements the slight tilt to the right the “s” has. Emma Watson in leaning left, creating an aesthetic curve to the eye, bringing the two things together. Though with the minimalist approach in mind, the harsh contrast and highlight in the image creates a sense of hardness thus, negating the minimal appeal.

"chjones01@syu.edu"

This resume has definite successes in terms of drawing attention. The name is clearly the first thing that the employer will see upon first look. The elongated “I” then draws the employers attention down the information provided. The use of the elongated “I” along with the text being aligned alongside it, creates a gentle flow. If the information was to be completely straightened out, it would lose the interesting appeal to the resume. The way that the information under the skills subheader is arranged from large to small back to large words in a wave motion is another interesting piece that catches the eye of the employer. The font is very blunt and straightforward with no frills or accents which creates a professional theme. Though upon analyzing the information presented in the resume, it seems that Ms Jones did not retain resume advice from her professors at Syracuse University. For starters, she used her college .edu email as her contact email, which those in Professor Pabico’s class know is not proper. She also provided her home address, which is not necessary on a resume. Another weakness is that the information in the subheaders is a third font, therefore bolder than the actual subheader. While the resume is eye-catching, it could still use some tweaks.

While nothing in graphic design can be absolutely perfect, it is important to properly access one's design and the overall flow of the final product. While on first glance something looks pleasing, it is important to sit and analyze the small details that always mean the most. Though, because everyone can be a graphic designer these days it the details can sometime be overlooked.