Monday, September 26, 2011

Review Week 6

What is the pen tool used for?The pen tool is used to create either strait or curved lines and usually creates an image or shape.
How can you manipulate a path/line in Illustrator? Discuss the use of the white arrow tool, pen+, pen-, and convert too. You can use the white arrow tool to change the direction or placement of an anchor on a line. The pen+ and pen- tools can add or remove anchor points on objects for you.
How can you utilize the layers palette in Illustrator?
If you are tracing an image you can create layers for the image and the pen tool to trace on. Layers are used to separate work so that they won't get messed up when you are working on something else.
How do you create a clipping mask in Adobe Illustrator?
To create a clipping mask first create a box with no fill or border around whatever you want to keep. Then, select all of your image including the box. To be sure, go to the object menu and press arrange- move to front. Finally, on the object menu go to clipping mask and click create.











Review Week 5

For each of the 5 elements of design (shape, line, texture, space, value), find an example that utilizes each element within the design (Google search for poster design, advertisements, etc). You should have 5 DIFFERENT sample designs. 

For each, evaluate the design in 4 to 5 sentences. Label each with the appropriate element. Then, discuss how that particular element is used and how it enhances the design

5 elements of design:

Shape: This image represents shape
because it is made up of many shapes
that form together to spell a word. 
No text was used in the picture, but the
way the objects were arranged makes
it look like there is text.  The 
element of shape uses organic and 
geometric shapes to create
other images.



Value: Value is the use of black and
white to add a special effect to the
image.  For example, in this picture
there are shadows and lighting techniques
that make the images look more real.
Since there is a more contrast in
color, it makes the shapes stand out more.
 
Line: This adveritsment uses the element
of line.  In this case, horizontal lines.  
Horizontal lines usually mean rest. 
There could also be vertical, inticating
height; or diagonal, meaning movement. 
This picture uses lines to create 
letters that spell out their company
name.  Lines can also be used to 
give movement to an image.


Texture: Texture makes a 
2D image look 3D.  It tries
to make it look like the
object in the picture is 
right there in front of 
you.  In this picture the 
paper looks crinkled that 
gives it a 3D look.




















Space: The element of space consists  of
positive and negative space.  Usually 
in images using the element of
space there is two images that you 
can see.  In this picture the black
appears as two faces where as the white
looks like a vase.  This also happens with
black and white patterns.


Review Week 4

Why/how can icons be used to communicate?
  Icons are used to convey a message without the use of text so that it can relate to everyone despite language barriers. 
Via the internet, find 2 examples of common icons that clearly communicate their message. Post both in this entry.





What is the difference between copyright and public domain?
  Copyright is a legal protection that says you can't copy that image, and public domain means that anyone can use the object
How can you avoid plagairism in this class? In other classes?
  To avoid plagiarism in this class it is important not to copy an image off of Google and to create our own images, and in other classes you can reword your sentences into your own words so you are not plagiarizing. 

Friday, September 23, 2011

Review Week 3

What is OSHA? What do the letters stand for?
   OSHA stands for Occupational Safety & Health Administration.  It is a government agency that protects workers and their health. 
How can graphic designers effectively communicate? In your own words, explain the communication process.
   Graphic designers can communicate through their coworkers and clients.  The communication process involves researching the topic, making a rough draft, then making final edits to the finished product.
Understanding the history, culture and movements of fine and graphic arts will make you a better producer of visual messages. Why?
   If you truly know the complete back ground of the arts and graphic design, then it will help make you a better worker and have more knowledge over whatever is given to you.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Podcast #1 Elements of Design


What does it take to create good graphic design?
Convey information, pleasing to the eye, understanding of the elements

What is the difference between elements and principles?
Elements are compnents and priciples tell us how to organize them

Name the six (6) elements of design.
-       line
-       shape or form
-       space
-       texture
-       value
-       color

What can lines aid in, when alone or combined with  other lines or shapes?
Readability, appearance, and messege of a design

Which lines suggest a feeling of rest? Why do you think?
Horizontal lines because the line is calm and flat…it is at rest

Vertical lines communicate a feeling of what? Why do you think?
Loftiness because it has a sense of height

What lines suggest a feeling of movement? Why do you think?
Diagonal lines because they are unstable in relation to gravity

Soft, shallow curved lines suggest what? Why do you think?
Comfort, safety, and relaxation because it remindes you of being in a comfortable bed or chair.

These lines suggest confusion and turbulence? Why do you think?
Deep and acute curves because you feel like you are being sucked in or spun around.

What element defines a specific area of space?
Shapes

What is the difference between two dimensional shapes and three dimensional shapes?
A 2D shape has width and height whereas a 3D shape has depth, width, and height

Describe the difference between geometric shapes and organic shapes?
Geometric shapes are sructered and symmetrical however organic shapes include nature, man made shapes, and irregular shapes.

What are abstract shapes?
Stylized or simplified versions of natural shapes.  Example: symbols found on signs(handicapped)

Which basic shape projects an attitude of honesty or equality?
square

What do triangles suggest?
Action or stability

Circles convey feelings of what?
Protection or infinity

Describe positive space and negative space?
Positive: the are which contains all of the elements you have added to your design; ex: text, graphics, photos, etc.
Negative: the shapes around and between those objects and elements; can also be white space available for the eye to rest

What is texture?
Can be the accual texture of the design that the reader can feel or it can be implied through layers to give an image a 3D effect

Incorporating texture into a design can help do what?
Help create a feeling of depth and richness in the design

What is value?
The degree of light and datk in a design that contrasts between black and white, however it can also be used in color

What is another name for value?
tone

What can the element of color do when incorporated into a design?
Convey moods, create images, attract attention, and identify objects