Friday, December 9, 2011

Semester Reflection

   Throughout this semester, I have definitely learned a lot about graphics, designs, and of course graphic designing. I have learned a lot about art through all of our assignments. I learned about color schemes and what other things in a design can mean. Everything in a design can have a meaning or purpose. There are different ideas, feelings, or emotions that designers try to get you to feel when you look at their images or works. It is a really complicated area of study but it can be really fun, you just have to let yourself and your imagination run freely.
   Next semester, I want to work on getting my details just right and work on my craftsmanship. I want to try to erase my little mistakes that I am making now. I don't really know what projects or techniques I want to learn how to do next year, but I am up for anything. :)

Review Week 17

After reading the article "Who shot the serif?" on www.ilovetypography.com, I did learn some new things that I didn't already know about letters in general and serifs. I didn't know that the parts of letters have a name. The serifs on the letter i are connected to the "stem" of the letter. There are a lot of other body parts of the letter as well, like the counter and bowl of the letter a, the spine of the letter s, etc. Also, I learned that the origin of the word serif is a little bit of a mystery. The word "sanserif" was actually discovered/noted first, before serif was. There are many kinds of serifs, but the two main types are Adnate and Abrupt.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Review Week 16

How many points are in an inch? How many points are in a pica?
~72 pts in an inch; 12 pts in a pica
Of the seven classifications, which classification(s) would best work as body type? Why?
~Sans serif fonts; because they are easy on the eyes when reading and simple
Identify the lowercase characters that have ascenders?
~t, f, h, k, l, b
Identify the lowercase characters that have descenders?

~q, y, p, g, j

 This font is Modern:
 03.png
There are serifs that are perfectly horizontal.

This font is Script:
 01.png
It looks like a type of handwriting.

This font is Decorative:
 05.png 
It doesn't really fall under any of the other classifications and also has a sort of theme.


This font is Sans serif:
04.png
It is very plain and simple. It doesn't have a serif. It is easy to read. Its strokes are uniform in weight and have a monotone appearance.

This font is Blackletter:
07.png
There are a lot of differences with thick and thin strokes within each letter. It resembles calligraphy.


This font is Old Style:
06.png 
The letters have angled/wedged serifs.


This font is Slab Serif:
02.png

It has a uniform line weight and thicker, square serifs.


Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Podcast #4 Typography

Define typography?
~the art of expressing ideas through the selection of appropriate type faces
Where did the word "typography" originate from?
~Greek words: "form" [typo] and "writing" [graphy]
What does typography involve?
~Selection of appropriate fonts; sizes, line spacings, spacing of the letters
What is a typeface?
~distinct visual symbols; 
distinctive design of visual symbols that are used to make a image or design
What is another term for typeface?
~fonts
What is a character?
~
A symbol that makes up a typeface; letters, numeral, punctuation marks, etc.
What is type style?
~
 Modifications in a typeface that create design variety while maintaining the visual style of the typeface: bolding, italic, underlining
What does type style "create" within a design?
~variation
What is the waist line and what does it indicate?
~the middle line that is at the top of the lowercase letters
What is a base line and what does it indicate?
~the bottom line where everything sits
What is an ascender?
~lower case letters that pass the waist line
What is a descender?
~lower case letters that pass the base line
Describe a serif?
~the top stroke/ end of some letters of some fonts that conclude the character
How can the size of the typeface be identified?
~using points
What is a point?
~the measurement you use to determine the size of a font
How many points are in an inch?
~72
What is a pica and how many are in an inch?
~a unit of measurement used before they had computers; 6
How many points are in a pica?
~12
What is body type and where can it be found?
~smaller type sizes that are less than or equal to12 pt
What is the key to selecting appropriate typefaces to be used as body type?
~readability; you need to make sure that you can read what you are making or if someone else can
What is display type and how is it used?
~headlines or sub headlines; above 14pt; used to show the main idea
What is reverse type and when would it be used?
~when white type is on a black or darker backgroung, like a stop sign; get people's attention
What is a typeface classification?
~a way of organizing fonts
When was Blackletter invented and how was it used?
~mid 1400s; used for the printing press
Describer the characteristics of a Blackletter typeface?
~resembles caligraphy; highly ornamental with elaborate thick to thin strokes
When was Old Style invneted and what was is based on?
~15th and 16th centuries; ancient Roman inscriptions
Describe the characteristics of an Old Style typeface?
~angled/wedged serifs; difference in strokes but not as drastic as Blackletter
When were formal scripts developed?
~around 17th and 18th centuries; resembles a handwriting
When were casual scripts developed?
~20th century
Describe the characteristics of a Script typeface?
~serifs; not as much thick and thin
When was Modern typefaces developed and why?
~18th and 19th centuries; everything was very formal, this was the new radical font
Describe the characteristics of a Modern typeface?
~thick and thin strokes; there are serifs that are perfectly horizontal
How early can Sans Serif typefaces be found? What happened?
~15th century[with writing]; there wasn't any place to have Sans serif
When did they become popular?
~in later times - 1900s
What does "sans serif" mean?
~No serifs
Describe the characteristics of a Sans Serif typeface?
~
Its strokes are uniform in weight and have a monotone appearance
When was Slab Serif developed and why?
~19th century; for advertisements
Describe the characteristics of a Slab Serif typeface?
~a cross between modern and sans serif; 
uniform line weight and thicker, square serifs
Describe Decorative typefaces?
~distinct font styles; anything that can't fit into the other groups
Why were they developed?
~for specific themes or designs; a more playful design
What are they best used for?

~Large point sizes or display type

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Review Week 14

5 colleges that offer graphic design (or related) majors:

1. Cranbook Academy of Art
  • Address: 39221 Woodward Avenue
                   Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304
  • Graphic Majors Offered: Fine Arts, Architecture
  • Requirements for Admission: Bachelor's degree in some kind of art [depending on what you're going to enroll for]
2. Yale University of Art
  • Address: 1156 Chapel Street
                   New Haven Connecticut
  • Graphic Majors Offered:Graphic Design, Photography, Printmaking
  • Requirements for Admission: High degree of capability and commitment; Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or a diploma from a four-year accredited professional art school
3. Maryland Institute College of Art Graphic Design
  • Address: 1300 W. Mount Royal Avenue
                   Baltimore, Maryland 21217
  • Graphic Majors Offered: Painting, Photography, Graphic Design
  • Requirements for Admission: Diploma
4. Savannah College of Art and Design
  • Location: Savannah, Ga
  • Graphic Majors Offered: Graphic Design BFA, BA, MA, MFA, and Minor
  • Requirements for Admission:High School diploma, ACT/SAT scores
5. Purdue University Herron School of Art and Design
  • Address: 735 W. New York St.
                   Indianapolis, IN 46202
  • Graphic Majors Offered: Art Education, Art Therapy, Visual Art, Visual Communications
  • Requirements for Admission: Bachelor degree in Art [depending on what class you are taking]
What is a portfolio?
~A portfolio is your pieces of work that you collect or form together to showcase your skills or talents

What is the importance of a portfolio?
~Whatever is in your portfolio can change the mind of whoever is hiring you; your portfolio portrays you and your abilities

Friday, November 11, 2011

Review Week 13

Principle of Repetition
In this design, the designer repeated the candy hearts throughout the whole design.














Principle of Proportion and Scale
In this design, the designer exaggerated the proportions and made the fish really big, while the fisherman is very small. People usually love to catch big fishes. :)
http://elizabethxto.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/proportion-scale.gif

Principle of Balance
In this design, the designer uses the balance between light and dark, or black and white, to have a cool effect in the design. It complements the yin-and-yang theme.


Principle of Emphasis
In this design, the author uses emphasis to deliver the message of emphasis. :) He uses a light blue for the other rectangles and lines and has one bright orange rectangle somewhat in the middle to help get it centered and focused on.


Principle of Unity
In this design, the designer wanted to show a feeling of togetherness and it helped to have uniting objects to also give a sense of unity.


Principle of Variety
In this design, the designer uses a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. It helps spread the viewer's eyes throughout the whole design. You just feel like you have to look through all the differences and adversity.
Indian Paisley Variety Design

Principle of Rhythm
In this design, the designer has a sense of rhythm throughout the design. It feels like you could just flow all the way through what you see.


Principle of Contrast
In this design, the designer is trying to get the point of contrast across, obviously. He or she uses black and white to help the viewer see the difference clearly.


How do you add a layer mask to a particular layer?
~You click on the "Add Vector Mask" button; it is located at the bottom of the layers palette


What two colors are used to create the mask?
~White and black


Describe the process of using a layer mask?

~Using a layer mask lets you edit a picture without actually erasing everything. This way, if you still need it in a later process, you can bring it back instead of having to back track on your history, which would also delete whatever you had done afterwards.
~Add a layer mask, then edit it to the way you want.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Stephen Kroninger

What kind of art/design does he produce?
~Collages
 

In what publications/media studios has his work been featured?
~Magazines[ESPN, Forbes, Time, etc.]
~Television[CBS News. MTV Networks, PBS, Nickelodeon, etc.]

2 samples of his art.


http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2010/11/14/fashion/14OPRAH-span/OPRAH-articleLarge.jpg
 
This photo was published. It was published in the New York Times.
 

What principles of design were utilized within the piece? How?~Principle of Repetition: using the repeating theme of planets
~Principle of Proportion/Scale: Opera has the biggest proportion because she is the main thing this image is centered around
~Principle of Emphasis: Opera is emphasized because she is the main topic
~Principle of Unity: the picture is united in one theme of the Universe
~Principle of Variety: different planets

 
What elements of design were utilized?
~ Line
~ Shape
~ Space
~ Texture
~ Color

http://img.timeinc.net/time/daily/2009/0904/a_cklein_0413.jpg 











 This photo was published. It was published in the U.S. Time Magazine


What principles of design were utilized within the piece? How?
~Principle of Balance: the picture has a lot of light and dark colors but still unique and united
~Principle of Emphasis: Opera is emphasized because she is the main topic
~Principle of Unity: the picture is united in one theme, it is a kind of hippy-feel
~Principle of Variety: different colors around
 
What elements of design were utilized?
~ Line
~ Shape
~ Texture
~Value
~ Color

Review Week 12

  • How can you, as the designer, use principles of design to help compose a page?
~Utilize all the principles, but do not over do or under do any of them
 

  • What are the principles of design (define each in your own words)?
~Principle of Repetition: when you repeat something within a design
~Principle of Proportion/Scale:the sizes of the elements of the design and their differences with one another
~Principle of Balance: the way heavy and light objects are spread on a design
~Principle of Emphasis: the stressing of one [maybe more] element[s] of a design
~Principle of Unity: the feeling of wholeness in a design
~Principle of Variety: having different shapes/objects and elements in a design

~Principle of Rhythm: the ability of a design to flow throughout the entire design
~Principle of Contrast: the differences between each element that can make the design more interesting to look at

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Podcast #3 Principles of Design

Define principles of design?
~concepts used to arrange the structural elements of a composition
 

What do the principles of design affect?
~the expressive content or the message of the work
 

What is the principle of repetition?
~repeating some aspect or element of the design throughout the entire document
 

Describe ways that the principle of repetition helps the composition/audience?
~
acts as a visual key that ties your piece together; controls the reader's eye and helps keep attention to the piece
 
What are ways that you can incorporate repetition into your designs?
~bold font, thick line, certain bullet, color, design element, particular format, or spatial relationship
 

What should you avoid when working with repetition?
~not to repeat so much that it becomes annoying or overwhelming
 

What is the principle of proportion/scale?
~refers to the relative size and scale of the various elements in a design; relationship between the objects/parts of a whole
 

What is the most universal standard of measure when judging size?
~human body
 

How can the principle of proportion/scale be used as an attention getter?
~unusual or unexpected scale
 

What is the principle of balance?
~the distribution of heavy and light elements on the page
 

Which kinds of elements/shapes visually weigh heavier/greater?
~large elements
 

What is another name for symmetrical balance?
~formal balance
 

Define symmetrical balance?
~occurs when the weight of a composition is evenly distributed around a central vertical or horizontal axis; exists when there are identical elements on both sides of the axis
 

What is another name for asymmetrical balance?
~informal balance
 

Define asymmetrical balance?
~occurs when the weight of the composition is not evenly distributed around the central axis; exists when both sides are not identical
 

What is the principle of emphasis?
~the stressing of a particular area of focus rather than the maze of details of equal importance
 

What happens to a design that has no focus?
~nothing stands out
 

What is a focal point and how is it created?
~center of interest, where the eye tends to go first; created by making one element dominant with all other areas contributing but subordinate
 

How many components of a composition can be a focal point?
~one
 

What ways can emphasis be created in a design?
~contrasting the primary element with its subordinate, sudden change in direction, size, shape, texture, color, tone, or line
 

What is the principle of unity?
~the whole-ness of a composition; a feeling that all the elements work together
 

What three ways can unity be obtained?
~1. Put objects close to one another

~2. Make things similar

~3. Direct vision by a line, actual or implied, that travels around the design

What is the principle of variety?
~pretains to the differences and diversity; makes a work of art interesting
 

What ways can a designer add variety to a design?
~vary textures, color, and shapes & alter their contrast, tone, and intensity
 

Why is it important to find the right balance between unity and variety?
~too much unity can be boring, and too much variety can look chaotic; find the right balance to have a successful effective design
 

What is figure?
~a form, silhoutte, or shape; part of a composition that we pay attention to
 

What is another name for figure?
~positive shape
 

What is ground?
~the surrounding area around the figure
 

What is another name for ground?
~
negative space
 
When a composition is abstract (has no recognizable subject) what will the figure depend on? What does that mean?
~what you see first; whatever you see first is the figure, and the rest will be the ground
 

Why must a designer consider the composition as a whole?
~because the figure/ground relationship is very important; you need to consider everything or else the image will only be partially designed
 

What is the principle of rhythm?
~the continuity, recurrences or organized movement in space and time
 

How is rhythm achieved?
~through the orderly repetition of any element, line, shape, value, tone, or textures
 

What three ways can rhythm occur in a design?
~1. when the intervals between the elements, and often the elements themselves are similar in size or length

~2. with a more organic, flowing, sense of movement

~3. a sequence of shapes through a progession of steps

How does rhythm help a composition/design?
~controls the viewer's eye movement; also adds "life" and interaction to an otherwise inanimate page layout
 

What is the principle of contrast?
~occurs when two related elements are different; the greater the difference, the greater the contrast
 

How can contrast help a design?
~draws the viewers eye into the piece and helps guide the viewers through it; adds visual interest
 

What is wrong with having too much or too little contrast in a design?
~too much similarity becomes monotonous and boring; too much contrast can be confusing
 

What is the key to working with contrast?
~make sure the differences are obvious
 

What are some common ways of creating contrast?
~create differences in size, value, color, type, texture, shape,  alignment, direction, or movement

Friday, October 21, 2011

Andy Warhol

Within what art genre did Warhol work? 
~Pop art

Define the genre? 
~Art that is based on modern popular cultures and mass media

During what years was he alive? 
~1928-1987
 
2 Samples of His Art:

 
Title of the piece: Mickey Mouse
~It utilizes the colors orange, pink, blue, red, and black.
~Uses the triadic color scheme
~I notice that the art work is 4 of the same image. It is very simple. The color scheme is used as the background.

Flowers, 1964 (1 red, 1 yellow, 2 pink) by Andy Warhol art print
Title of the piece: Flowers
~It utilizes the colors of orange, red, and a hue of pink with a green background.
~Uses the analogous color scheme
~I notice that this picture is very simple, but it still speaks to a viewer. It is simply complicated. :) The analogous colors bring the picture together.