Post #10

Compare and contrast vector graphics and pixel images.

Vector graphics utilize lines in order to form the image instead of pixels, allowing images to be expanded without causing it to become blurry or pixelated. However, pixel images are easier to edit and are able to create more complex designs, as well as better translates into the real world.





What resolution is necessary to print raster images?


300 PPI



What resolution is necessary to display raster images on the internet?


100 PPI

Post #9

Who is Steve Jobs?


Steve Jobs is the now deceased founder of the computer company Apple that began in his garage and over the course of the years became an influential worldwide company producing products other than simply computers.





What company was he CEO for many years?

Steve Jobs was the CEO of the company Apple Inc., an American multinational company that was founded by Jobs in 1976 and today produces consumer electronics, software and personal computers.


What did he do for the computer industry?

Steve Jobs effectively brought computing outside of massive server rooms and into the homes of the average consumer, advancing the concept of a personal computer and in the process formed many of the precedents followed today in computer building such as the popularization of the mouse as a pointing tool, of which was a revolutionary development in personal computers during the time.


How did this man impact the graphic design industry?

Steve Jobs impacted the graphic design industry by helping in bringing the world into a new era of computing in which simple design work can be done at home with a personal computer. He also created the first GUI, allowing the image created to be displayed on the screen.

Post #8

Why must designers pay close attention to how color is utilized within a composition?
Designers must pay close attention to how color is used within a composition because that the way color is used impacts many portions of a particular design, such as the focal point of the design and the mood of the entire work






Why is the color wheel an important tool for graphic designers?


The color wheel is important for graphic designers because it helps the designer select the color scheme of a design and how these colors interact with all others.






Find an example of neutral colors utilized within a design (hint: google poster design). Near the sample, discuss why you feel the designer included neutral colors within the composition.






The following design is the logo of Logitech and makes good use of various neutral colors in order to form the image of an eye. The contrast seen between the colors of white with gray causes the human eye to rest more upon the darker grey, and by contrasting itself with the background along with clever placement, forms the likeness of an eye. I feel that the designer selected these neutral colors in particular because that it causes the logo and the company in general to appear more modern and sleek, as grey has become a common modern color.







Briefly describe how we "see" the color of an object?


We "see" the color of an object from the light emitted or reflecting off of it and this light finding it's way into our eyes. For example, light travels from the sun, striking a green leaf, of which absorbs all other colors beside green, reflecting that color of light and this light is what is deciphered by our eye and brain.

Post #7

Describe white light?

White light is a combination of all colors of light, and is emitted in sources such as the Sun that illuminates the Earth


How do we see color if objects "have no color of their own"?

Objects absorb all other colors that they do not appear to be, reflecting that color into the viewer's eye. For example, a green cup is hit with white light, absorbing all other colors except for green.


What seven colors result when white light is refracted through a prism?

Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Purple. However, the existence of purple in the color spectrum is hotly debated and some say that the last three colors of light should be known as Cyan, Blue and Dark Blue, saying that a dark blue in small amounts appears to be purple.


Describe hue?

Different shades of color, such as Purple, Green, Blue and Red


What happens with white?

White is created when all colors are combined, mixing together to create a pure color.


What happens with black?

Black is the absence of light, as due to the fact that no colors in black, this particular 'color' fills the void in the mind of the viewer


How color is perceived depends on what?

Color perception is a combination of the factors of saturation, brightness and tint or shade


What is a color wheel?

A color wheel is a representation of many main colors that can be seen by the human eye and a color's relationship with all other colors


What are primary colors? Name them?

Primary colors are colors that cannot be made by mixing other pure colors together, they are Red, Green and Blue


What are secondary colors? Name them?

Secondary colors are colors that can be formed by mixing two primary colors together, and they are Yellow, Cyan and Magenta.


What are tertiary colors? Name them?

Tertiary colors are colors formed by mixing any combination of secondary colors together, or one secondary color and one primary color together. All colors that are not listed above, such as orange and violet.


What are neutral colors? How can they be created?

Neutral colors are white, grey and black. they can be created by including all forms of light, some light by mixing white and black, or no light at all.


How can a neutral color help a design?

A neutral color can provide a certain sense of space or contrast with one another or with other colors.


What are complementary colors? Name them?

Complementary colors are colors opposite of each other on the color wheel and include Red with Green, Blue with Orange and yellow with purple.


What is color value?

Color value is the value and hue of something, and lowering a color value is to make something appear more black and white rather than in sharp color.


What is a shade?

A shade is the darkness of a color, or it's mixture with the color black.


What is a tint?

Tint is the lightness of a color, or it's mixture with the color white.


What is saturation/intensity?

The saturation or intensity of a color is it's distance from the color of gray, making the image appear to be more sharp or more muted


What happens when you mix complementary colors together?

Mixing complementary colors together yields the color of brown.


What is a color scheme?

A color scheme is the choice of colors used in a design in order to convey a certain feel or message through it.


Describe a monochromatic color scheme?

Monochromatic color schemes incorporate all colors of the same hue only with different tints, tones and shades.


Describe an analogous color scheme?

An analogous color scheme uses many similar colors, such as blue, dark blue and teal. These colors tend to be set next to each other on the color wheel.




Describe a complementary color scheme?

A complementary color scheme uses colors that are across from each other on the color wheel and tends to make the design seem to stand out or emphasize a particular area.


Describe a split-complementary color scheme?

A split-complementary color scheme uses colors adjacent to a complementary color, an example of which is Green with Orange and Magenta.


Describe a triadic color scheme?

A triadic color scheme utilizes colors that are placed in a triangle around the color wheel such as Light orange, Violet and Green.


What colors are considered to be warm colors?

Colors such as Red, Orange and Yellow


Describe the psychology of a warm color scheme?

A warm color scheme causes the viewer to feel a sense of homeliness and energy.


What colors are considered to be cool colors?

Colors such as Blue and Purple.


Describe the psychology of a cool color scheme?

A cool color scheme causes the viewer to feel a sense of relaxation and refreshment.


Why is important to consider which colors are being used within a design?

Colors used within a design determines the mood that the viewer feels when looking upon your design, as well as what is emphasized upon it and in general, how aesthetically pleasing the design may be.

Post #6

What is the pen tool used for?




The pen tool is used in Adobe Illustrator in order to create a curved line that follows a certain degree of curvature, or path. This tool creates two "anchor points" that can be manipulated in such a way to create the line.

How can you manipulate a path/line in Illustrator? Discuss the use of the white arrow tool. Pen+, pen-,and convert tool.


A path or a line can be manipulated in Illustrator by clicking and dragging in order to move the path or line, its anchor points can be modified by the handles in order to curve the line or deleted altogether. The white arrow tool, or the direct selection tool, allows the user to select one line or point in particular. The Pen+ tool adds an anchor point to a line, and the Pen- tool removes one. The convert tool changes smooth points into corner points, or anchor points.

How can you utilize the layers palette in Illustrator?


The layers palette in Illustrator can be used to change the order and opacity of different layers, allowing some to overlay onto other layers, or be slightly transparent, creating a new design.

How do you create a clipping mask in Adobe Illustrator?

You first create an object that you want to use as a clipping mask, for example a rectangle with a circle cut in the middle in order to create a circular opening. Then move the mask over everything that you want to mask, both in different and same layers. The simply go to Object>Clipping Mask>Make.

Post #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, advertisement, 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.


1: The Black Swan (Space)

This advertisement for the movie, The Black Swan makes an extremely efficient use of Space in order to create its design. The large amount of white and gray space surrounds the main center design, the swan/eye. By providing such a large space, the contrast of the black and red on the background of the white more effectively forms the image of a swan, also chiseled out of the eye. The eye in itself spaces grey curved points among the white in order to resemble the makeup applied to the eyes of a ballet dancer, of which is one of the main focuses in the movie.

2: The Shining (Value)

This poster for the movie The Shining, based off the book of the same name by Stephen King, makes a great use of value in order to convey a message. Dark orange and black of the trees is used to create an eerie atmosphere in this horror movie. The center of the poster sees a maze that is given a rusty, spotty brown coloring, indicating that it is possibly old, or set in an abandoned place. Finally, the white coloring towards the background, as well as the white circle and shading are to also create a spooky atmosphere, showing the full moon and a misty environment.

3. Buried (Texture)

This poster, for the movie Buried makes an excellent example of the use of Texture in a design. The white on black, coupled with the shaky and uneven lines provides the illusion of depth and falling, even though it is printed on a two-dimensional surface. The use of black and white on the lying person also shows texture, attempting to show the wrinkles of clothes and the features of a face.

4: Tree Scout (Shape)

The poster shown above for the movie Tree Scout makes a use of shape in order to convey its message. The green triangles strewn about the design are used in some parts to resemble trees on a topographical map. This is in a rather simplistic style that also tells the audience what the movie might be about, nature. In addition to this, other triangles to the top of the design are placed in a way resembling directional arrows.

5: American Psycho (Line)

The poster for American Psycho shown above is an example of the use of line in design. Particularly in the knife placed on the left side, striped lines are placed over this blade shaped object to also make it resemble a tie. This suggests that the main character is a normal person who has a secret. 

Post #4

Why/how can icons be used to communicate?

Icons are representatives of certain ideas and themes, such as the light bulb being an Icon for the idea of an idea. These icons resemble the ideas or items that they represent.

 

Via the internet, find 2 examples of common icons that clearly communicate their message. 
Post both in this entry and explain your choice.

 
 The headphone icon clearly communicates its message, showing that headphones can be used with this device, commonly placed alongside an audio jack.
 
 This phone icon, modeled after the common dial phones of the mid 1900s is commonly placed alongside areas where phones may be used, or one is available for public use, such as on pay phone boxes



What is the difference between copyright and public domain?

Copyright is an idea, work or other intellectual or tangible property that is protected by law to be used only with permission of the copyright holder. Public domain is an idea, work or other intellectual or tangible property that is NOT protected by law, and thus can be used by any person, so long as this use is legal.

 
How can you avoid plagiarism in this class?  In other classes?
Plagiarism can be avoided in this class by protecting them from access by other people in the class, and to provide proper awareness of the disadvantages of copying another's work.
 

Post #3

What is OSHA? What do the letters stand for?

OSHA is the Occupational Safety Health Administration, a main government charged with the enforcement of health and safety in the workplace.


How can graphic designers effectively communicate? In your own words, explain the communication process.

Graphic designers effectively communicate using verbal and online communication methods that include email and text in order to properly stay in touch with other graphic designers.


Understanding the history, culture and movements of fine and graphic arts will make you a better producer of visual messages. Why?

Understanding history, culture and movements of art will assist in using certain historical styles and incorporating them into your designs, as well as properly understanding upcoming design trends and adjusting to compensate.

Post #2

What does it take to create good graphic design?

Good graphic design requires both individual talent and skill as well as knowledge of the elements of art and how a piece of design is made

What is the difference between elements and principles?

Elements are the building blocks of design, whilst principles are the applied use of these building blocks in order to create the design

Name the six (6) elements of design.

The six elements of design are: Line, Shape, Color, Value, Texture and Space

What can lines aid in, when alone or combined with  other lines or shapes?

Lines can aid in guiding the eye of the viewer to other parts of the work, or to create an interesting or moving design.

Which lines suggest a feeling of rest? Why do you think?

Horizontal lines. They are often attributed with areas to rest or sit, such as beds, benches and homes.

Vertical lines communicate a feeling of what? Why do you think?

Granduer, loftiness. They are attributed with things that are tall, such as columns and high ceilings

What lines suggest a feeling of movement? Why do you think?

Diagonal lines. Things in nature normally do not move in perfect horizontal and vertical directions, thus diagonal lines are more characteristic of normal movement.

Soft, shallow curved lines suggest what? Why do you think?

Comfort, safety and relaxation.Soft curves are usually more comfortable to be around, such as pillows.

These lines suggest confusion and turbulence? Why do you think?

Curved lines. Curves are more turbulent in nature.

What element defines a specific area of space? What is the difference between two dimensional shapes and three dimensional shapes?

Shape, two dimensional shapes include both width and height. Three dimensional shapes are similar, except that they also contain depth.

Describe the difference between geometric shapes and organic shapes?

Geometric shapes are structured and symmetrical, such as hexagons, squares and triangles. Organic shapes meanwhile are found in nature and are often irregular and fluid.

 
Which basic shape projects an attitude of honesty or equality?

The Square

 
What do triangles suggest?

Action, or stability if it is pyramid shaped 

 
Circles convey feelings of what?

Feelings of protection and infinity.

Describe positive space and negative space? What is texture? Incorporating texture into a design can help do what? What is value?

 Positive space is the objects and elements used in a design, while negative space is the areas between these elements and objects. Positive space can include the lines, shapes and text that makes up the graphic. Texture can be the actual surface of the design, or something that the reader can feel, like the surface of a paper. It can also be the visual illusion of these properties, created by the designs. Incorporating texture into design can help to create a feeling of depth and richness. Value is the degree of light to dark, from black to white and every color in between.

What is another name for value? What can the element of color do when incorporated into a  design?

Value is also known as tone. Color can convey mood, create images and attract attention.

Post #1

I took this class because I was interested in learning how to use graphics design software and creating images and icons digitally. Even though I was forced to take this class due to scheduling conflicts, I chose this class out of all others due to the reasons above. My goals include performing well in the work assigned by the class and learn what is necessary.