Surface Design

Abstract

The contextual values of the surface design are so intimately hidden that only well-experienced designers are able to interpret it thoroughly for more effective visual communication.

As for junior designer or students, you are encouraged to begin your design concept together with the final execution context (production & materials choices) in mind at the very beginning stage.

“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free”

“In every block of marble I see a statue as plain as though it stood before me, shaped and perfect in attitude and action. I have only to hew away the rough walls that imprison the lovely apparition to reveal it to the other eyes as mine see it.”

Michelangelo

So do you see your “Design” hidden within the material or the expression of material hidden within your design?

No matters from which discipline you are into the fundamentals are always the same.

Here are some tips for you to start with

6 Ways of using surface

1) Tactile Texture
Tactile textures do trigger our visual perception toward the materials characteristic. May it be rough, smooth or velvet ... every single texture is trying to convey their message and making their standing point like human personality. Stop staying at the generic materials zone and let be more inventive, create one if necessary.

2) Overlapping
The beauties of overlapping transparent layers are the opportunities of looking through the surface rather than concealed wall, as the cross over textures and colour through translucent layers will create new visual impact. Make good use of soft and hard visual effect from the translucent value.

3) Embedded
Surface can be use together with others foreign textures to increase theirs’ visual contrast and be bold in exploring possibilities of visual excitement.
Embedded alien substances into surface or materials give a hidden visual value and thus project more impact full fresh new look.

Play with your materials but not your food!

Look at how designers’ combine steel and cement on wall surface or textile with paper in card design

4) Opening
Opening should be view as another gateway to another space. It is the marking of liberation into segmented frontier. Use die-cuts, windows, holes, doors or any opening for an “eye opening design”. Withdraw the possibilities from these opening and travel into another side of the hidden wall or pages to invite in the light or visual.

5) Emboss
Emboss or extrude can be view as the extension of inner expression that trying to shout aloud, in prints’ it is always regards as the quality statement. If apply on furniture or wall surface, it can represent the mute language of design.

If the seal mark makes the statement louder, let make it to the “wow” impact.

6) Deboss or engraving
Deboss carry similar value like Emboss effect but it is regard as more medieval era taste compare to the moulding machinery outlook of emboss. Engraving execution is cool to convey exclusiveness or commitment statement.

Talking about commitment, have you ever carve you name on tree? Stop doing that ok. Ha ha.

I believe with the shared knowledge it is time for you guys to look into the materials and set free your design.

Best Regards