Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Assignment 13 Research and Inspiration

Research
  • Exquisite corpse is a method by which a collection of words or images is collectively assembled. Each collaborator adds to a composition in sequence, either by following a rule or by being allowed to see the end of what the previous person contributed. - Wikipedia
  • Used to be played as a parlor game with words.
  • Originated in the late 1920's.
  • Used most often by surrealists.
  • Surrealism is an art form where artists drew from ideas rather than real objects.
Brainstorm
  • Silly, non-traditional,
  • Communicating surrealism, fun.
  • Audience is myself.
  • Audience would enjoy vibrant colors and non-traditional styles
  • Legs: muscle anatomy, skeleton bones, cool/interesting shoes, non-realistic colors, animal legs, frail legs, tattoos, robot, Stephen Kroninger- different/unexpected things making up the legs, socks, tail. Clothes: Interesting pattern/texture, not an actual article of clothing- texture cut in shape of, american flag shorts, newsprint pants, patterned tights, tutu, ballerina, feather skirt. Background: solid color, texture, paper texture, black, sky.
Inspiration


This image stands out to me because I like how each part of the image has something quirky within it. Rather than just creating normal parts, they added interesting things such as the oversize moustache, the clothing, and the characters at the bottom.

I like this image because of the colors and the interesting sections that you would never imagine to go together.

Monday, January 30, 2012

The Creative Process

The creative process is a series of steps repeated every time something is designed.
Why is this process necessary?
  • Improves consistency
  • Ability to plan and time your work
  • Raises the quality of your work
  • Communicates more effectively and in a more professional way
What are the steps?
  • Research: Find what else is out there, inspiration, background information on your subject or message, audience. Books, magazines, online, everywhere.
  • Brainstorm and Inspiration: Who is my client? What message am I trying to communicate? What am I trying to tell my audience? What kind of colors or styles will work for this audience? Come up with adjectives that will describe your message and your piece. Find pieces that inspire you and have pieces that you like and may want to include in your design.
  • Sketch: Create thumbnails to quickly record thoughts and ideas - placement, colors, typefaces, images.
  • Execute: Combine type and imagery into a well developed composition. Use design principles, visual organization guidelines, different techniques and options. Don't try to force an idea.
  • Critique and Revise: Take a step back and look at the design objectively. Have someone else look at the image. Tweak the design if something isn't working.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Photography Guidelines

Snapshots vs Photographs
  • Snapshots are quick, spontaneous shots taken to record a moment in time.
  • Photographs are planned images taken with care and thought.
 Rules of Composition
  • Rule of thirds: imaginary lines drawn dividing the frame of your camera into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. Avoid placing the focus or subject in the center. Place the horizon line at the top or bottom horizontal divider. Also can fill up the frame with the subject for a close up image.
Leading Lines
  • Use the lines created within the foreground or background of the composition to lead the viewer's eye through the photo.
Point of View
  • Change the way that the subject is perceived by changing the camera position. To make the subject appear very tall, take the shot so that the camera is looking upwards.
Simplicity
  • Keep the background simple and clear of clutter. The mood and effectiveness of a photo can be altered by what is in the background. A chaotic composition will cause the viewer to look away.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Semester Reflection

I have learned so much over the course of this semester of graphics. Before this class, I thought I was advanced in Photoshop, although I only used the basic tools. I have learned so many features that the graphics programs can do to help me create my desired image. I have developed an appreciation for these tools that I have access to in my school’s Graphics Lab. Not only have I learned the tools of graphics, I have also learned the concepts. As a class, we spent time reviewing the color wheel and color schemes and how they can influence and help our designs. This semester has taught me a lot, from the little things to the broad subjects, it has helped me realize my love for graphic design.

Review Week 17

The post on the website I Love Typography titled “Who Shot the Serif?” is an informative post about the serif and its origins. From this post, I have learned a lot about the serif. The serif originated when Romans painted letters before inscribing them, their brushes left strokes at the ends of the letters, which resulted in the serif after carving. Also, the origin of the word “serif” is unknown, although there is speculation to its etymology. In addition, I learned that there are different classifications of serifs such as adnate and abrupt. This post was very informative and has benefitted my knowledge of serifs and typography in general.

Review Week 16

How many points are in an inch? How many points are in a pica? 72 points in an inch. 12 points in a pica.

Of the seven classifications, which classification(s) would best work as body type? Why? Modern, sans serif, and old style work best as body font because they are simple and easy to read.

Identify the lowercase characters that have ascend
ers? a, b, d, f, h, i, j, k, l, t

Identify the lowercase characters that have descenders?
g, j, p, q, y

Slab serif because of the large serifs and uniform line weight.

Script because it is reminiscent of handwriting.

Decorative because it has a distinctive design style.

Sans serif because it doesn’t have serifs and is uniform in weight.

Blackletter because it resembles calligraphy and is highly ornamental.

Old style because it has wedge shaped serifs and a low contrast between thick and thin strokes.

Modern because it has thin, flat serifs and a high contrast between thick and thin strokes.

Review Week 14

Academy of Art University:

· San Francisco, California

· Offers Masters of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Associate in Arts, Certificate, Continuing Art Education

· Requires high school diploma or equivalent. MFA and MA programs – Bachelors degree, submission of portfolio and statement of intent.

Digital Media Arts College:

· Boca Raton, Florida

· Offers Bachelor of Fine Arts

· Requires High School Diploma, Drawing Portfolio, Essay, and Entrance Testing.

Fullsail University:

· Winter Park, Florida

· Offers Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree

· Requires: High School diploma or GED from a recognized and accredited school. Two letters of recommendation are suggested, but not required.

Georgia Southern University

· Statesboro, Georgia

· BFA, MA, MFA, Undergrad

· Requires: Minimum 1010 SAT score, Satisfactory GPA, Application fee, and High school transcript.

Harrington College of Design:

· Chicago, Illinois

· Offers BA, MA, MFA

· Requires: Official US high school transcript, GED or equivalent, Personal Statement of Intent, SAT/ACT or Placement Scores, Payment of non-refundable application fee, Aptitude for creativity, Commitment to achieving professional and personal goals.

What is a portfolio?

A showcase or collection of someone’s work to display their skills.

What is the importance of a portfolio?

Having a portfolio is necessary for college and jobs. The work in it represents who you are and what you are capable of.