CRITIQUING

Practicality:
Does the work meet the minimum requirements of the assignment?
Are the images readable?
Is the typography readable?
Is there a clear hierarchy (would the reader know where to begin)?
Can the piece be produced in quantity?
Are there sufficient margins allowing for trim and fold?
Does any type cross a gutter?

Appropriateness:
Who is the specific audience for the piece?
What is the retail price range of the piece?
Do the elements allude to another time period or place?

Concept:
What is being sold or presented in the work?
What metaphors and/or cliches are used? Are these effective?
What is the concept of the work?
Is that concept too subtle, too obvious, too tricky?
Is the presentation of the concept plausible?
Do the images in the work support or refer to the concept clearly?
Does the structure and format support the concept?
Do the colors support the concept?
Are there any unnecessary or arbitrary decorative elements?

Aesthetics:
Is the design interesting to you?
Would you pick up the piece if you saw it laying around?
Is there any movement on the page?
Is there any depth on the page?
Is there contrast between elements and white space?
Is the eye “dragged” or does it become “stuck” anywhere on the page?
Is the quality of the image and detail of typography appealing?
What is the overall effect of the color scheme?

Typography:
Is the kerning in the headlines comfortable?
How does the color of the text compare to other elements?
How does the texture of the text compare to other elements?
If more than one type face is used, are they compatible?
Is there a sufficient difference between text, sub-headline and headline?
Does the typography compete with the image?
Does the typography invite you to read?
Is there an apparent grid structure?

Miscellaneous:
Does the work seem honest or contrived?
Is the work a discussion with the reader or a speech?
What gestalt essence or feeling are you left with?
Does the work look professional? How does it compare with professional work you’ve seen?