Jury involves a group of expert artists meeting to appraise a finished layout or artifact and make constructive and artistic suggestions for improvements. It can also be a way of evaluating a graphic design work, especially whether it is meant for competition, examination, campaign, commission, etc. In this sense, the jury gives a decision and award prizes or marks for the works. The elements of the work that merits the eye of the members of the jury board include the format and orientation of the paper, the position of the text, headlines, illustration, harmony or color contrast and visual appeal.
The jury system doesn’t judge the suitability of a work or award marks based on the intuition of members. However, their weighed criticisms are based on some set criteria accepted for proficient productions in the world of graphic designing. These criteria have been explained below.
1. Creativity and originality showed by the artist
Members of the team look out for evidence of originality or uniqueness within the creation of the artist. They ask themselves that ‘What recent thing has this artist brought on board?’ or ‘what has he added to that area of graphic designing which was not formerly there?’
2. Suitability of the work to its theme or objective
Usually, when a project work is assigned in the sector of Graphic design, it comes with a subject. Such as ‘Produce a shopping bag for use for purchasing a birthday present for a girlfriend.’ Therefore, the ultimate work is assessed on this theme. The selection of design, colors, lettering style in addition to the development of the package must resonate with this subject. If the selection of the design doesn’t correlate with birthday, or it shouldn’t be feminine to be utilized by a female, then the target for the production, was thus, not achieved.
3. Significance of colors and the way they’re used
Graphic artists exhibit their supreme knowledge of color psychology and symbolism of their mastery selection of colors to suit the theme or occasion when it can be used. For instance, producing items for joyous occasions like Christmas calls for the use of gay or vibrant colors while products meant for solemn occasions similar to funeral posters demands the use of somber colors like brown, red or black.
4. Technical proficiency or ending
This refers back to the dexterity of the artist shown within the usage and application of the tools and materials for production. Also, it seeks to guage the work based on the rubrics of the graphic communication tool designed. For instance, if the product is a poster, does it agree with the accepted standards of poster designing similar to legibility and readability of text, clarity within the illustrations, and harmonies within the selection of colors? In addition, the ultimate appearance have to be aesthetically pleasing and attractive, giving no room for complaints by prospective clients.
5. Evidence of study (written report including introduction, tools, and materials used, processes, illustrations etc. used for the work)
This is essential in projects meant for educational purposes similar to the grading of students within the High school or at tertiary institutions. To vouch that the project was solely executed by the candidate, s/he has to explain the processes that were carried out to reach at the ultimate production in a written report. Moreover, it can furnish members of the jury information on the procedural steps, tools, and materials in addition to ending technique employed by the artist for the production.
A jury team is crucial in the overall skills development of each amateur and matured Graphic artists. The under listed points illustrate some of the advantages of a jury.
1. It helps in determining the factors for qualification in a competition.
2. It sets the usual for grading works into excellent, excellent, good, average etc.
3. It determines the suitability of text, illustration or color to the aim or theme of the project.
4. It serves as a means of analyzing, criticizing and interpreting works.
5. It allows designers or competitors to interpret their works.
6. It assists in recommending one of the best works for prices or awards.
7. It encourages critical pondering.
8. It provides a variety of solutions to a pressing need.
9. It improves efficiency.
10. It builds the capability for effective assessment.
11. It builds self-image and confidence.
12. It prepares the artist for the world of work.
