WTF
(What the File)!?
(What the File)!?
This common photo format is best for continuous-tone images and web photos, but it uses lossy compression.
What is a JPG (or JPEG)
This principle creates stability in a layout through symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial arrangements.
What is Balance?
This is extra area beyond trim that prints to avoid white edges.
What is Bleed?
A session focused on constructive criticism of artwork either by peers or superiors for the purpose of improving your work.
What is a Critique?
Shading technique using two layers of closely spaced repeated parallel lines.
What is Cross Hatching
This raster format supports transparency and is great for web graphics like logos and icons.
What is a PNG?
Making certain elements stand out to guide the viewer's eye is achieved through this principle.
What is Emphasis (or Focal Point)?
These small lines on print files showing exactly where to trim the paper.
What are Crop Marks?
Carefully selected collection of your strongest artwork for college/job applications.
What is a Portfolio?
Imaginary horizontal line where parallel edges converge in drawings.
What is the Horizon Line?
This format combines vector paths with embedded raster images and PostScript code, making it a print-shop favorite.
What is an EPS?
Using differences in size, color, or texture to create visual interest and hierarchy applies this principle.
What is Contrast?
Inner margins between columns, pages, or layout elements where content gets lost in folds or binding.
What are Gutters?
This is legal protection preventing others from copying or using your original artwork.
What is Copyright?
What is 8 Heads High?
This format is great for sharing final layouts because fonts and images can be embedded and the file looks the same on different devices.
What is a PDF?
The way the eye travels through a composition, often via lines or repetition, defines this principle.
What is movement?
Four-color printing process uses these colors of ink, printing hundreds of dots per inch.
What is CMYK, (Cyan Magenta, Yellow, Black)?
This senior creative professional manages design teams and approves final layouts.
What is an Art Director?
Rough, textured stroke made by a brush with very little paint.
What is Dry Brush Technique?
This simple bitmap format stores pixel data without compression, leading to very large file sizes and is mostly considered outdated today.
What is a Bitmap (or BMP)?
Repeating elements like shapes, colors, or patterns throughout a design creates this sense of cohesion.
What is Rythm (or repetition)?
Colored test strips printed along the edge of sheets to check ink density, registration, and color accuracy during press runs.
What are Color Bars?
A professional will need this legal document if they wish to include a person in their photograph, or design.
What is a model release?
This drawing utilizes two different spots in which all objects on the page move towards in space.
What is Two-Point Perspective?