Final answer:
Familiarity with the formal elements of applied media aesthetics does indeed enable one to exercise creativity to the fullest. This understanding assists in forming a comprehensive visual language that can convey complex artistic intentions and elicit diverse responses from viewers. The study and application of these elements and principles are integral to the creative process across various media.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question revolves around the assertion that familiarity with formal elements of applied media aesthetics enhances creativity. This is indeed true, as having a deep understanding of the visual elements of design and principles of visual organization allows for more informed and innovative creative decisions. Elements such as color, form, line, shape, space, texture, and value work in tandem with principles like balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, and unity to articulate artistic intent and produce a harmonious composition.
The field of formalism analyzes and describes artwork in terms of its visual effects, without consideration for its content or historical context. Knowing how different media and techniques have been employed historically is essential, as it helps one to comprehend the rationale behind particular visual qualities and may also aid in determining the provenance of an artwork. In practice, artists explore how these elements and principles interact to express a comprehensive visual language that can evoke a wide array of responses and interpretations from its audience.
An awareness of the interconnectedness between these formal aspects and their functionality—summed up by the adage 'form follows function'—is key to maximizing one's creative potential. This knowledge not only aids in the objective description of art but also in the search for its meaning, fulfilling both aesthetic enjoyment and practical applications, thus erasing the border between artists and craftsmen.