CREATIVITY... yeah, it deserves all caps ;)

44Read "Launching the Imagination" (Cultivating Creativity: pages 128-137). Then start a new post in this forum with your name in the title and discuss the following questions:

1. Compare your creative process with that of Roger Von Oech. Where are your strengths and weaknesses?
2. Why is creative thinking as important as any technical skill?
3. Which of the seven characteristics of creative thinking describe your personality best? Which ones do you need to cultivate more?
4. What are some ways to manage your time?
5. What are some ways to reduce stress?
6. Do the goal setting exercise on pages 130-131, then describe your top four goals along with a rough timetable (be sure your goals are "good" goals).
7. Update your blog for the week and post a link to your blog (target=new window); review your team member's blogs (optional: post comments on their blogs)                                                                          >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
   1.) Roger Von Oech uses math and shapes to complete his many works. I guess my weakness would be not incorporating enough math in my work. I tend to just guess and hope for the best, but precision is one of the main components to creating a piece. Especially for graphic design. Like, Roger Von Oech I like shapes and I like using them in my art work.
   2.) Creative thinking is the main building block to creating a piece worth while. With creative thinking as a main component, your imagination can go wild in so many different directions. Using creative thinking makes your piece stand out from the others because it is from your mind and your creativity.
   3.) Out of the secen characteristics of creative thinking, I believe receptivity describes me the best. Out of the seven, I think I need to work on conviction. I need to remember that it is OKAY to try different things.
   4.) Write down your schedule, make notes of what you NEED to do in a certain span of time. And make sure you DO Them. Maybe even reward yourself later if you get what you need to get done in a timely fashion.
   5.) Ways to reduce stress would be: Breathing exercises, doing hobbies you love and can express yourself through them. Maybe running or working out. Cussing works, but not recommended at work to your boss ;)
   6.) My four goals include: Better time management, Relief of stress (figuring out what relaxes me), Motivation, and Money Magament.
   7.) http://gdslikecrazy.blogspot.com/

Texture in Art: Prepared to be Amazed!

                       http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium/textured-green-sunflower-nadine-rippelmeyer.jpg


WOAH! Look at that flower!

Notice the paint gives the flower a sort of rough look. The paint makes the flower look somewhat bumpy. The artist did this for contrast... Rough texture, but delicate subject. 

Texture and everything else :)

Read "Launching the Imagination" (Texture: pages 22-29; Value: pages 29-34; Illusion of Space: pages 92-100). Then start a new post in this forum with your name in the title and discuss the following questions:

1. How can textures be used to enhance depth?
2. Why is value relative?
3. Why might high contrast be especially important to commercial artists?
4. How can value help create an illusion of volume, space and depth?
5. How many different devices are there to show depth? Name them.
6. In order to understand linear perspective, what must be present?
7. What is the difference between one-point perspective and two-point perspective?
8. What kind of linear perspective is closest to what you see in photography? Why?
9. When would it be appropriate to use depth in composition? When should it be avoided? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

1.) It all depends on the quality of the texture and how defined the texture is. Through bold lines, and shadowing-- the effect of enhanced depth can be made.
2.) Value is extremely important! The value of lines and shadows really do play a part in whether or not it gives off a certain texture.
3.) Having high contrast in a project can make the object pop. Therefore, this is plays a vital role in the graphic designer's job. Without high contrast, the designer won't be able to depict something AND make it appealing to his/her audience.
4.) Having high value can create an illusion of volume, space and depth. How can that be? Well, for starters high value means bold lines, deep shadows, fierce highlights... having these elements can create an illusion of volume, space, and depth... it only depends on how you use them and what roles you make them play.
5.)There are four: linear perspective, overlap, size variation, and definition.
6.) In order to understand linear perspective, you must have a picture plane, vanishing points, and a horizon line.
7.) One point perspective have only one vanishing point whereas two point perspective have two.
8.) I think it depends on what kind of photo you take and how many vanishing points you got. Realistically, the more I look a photographs, the more I see there are more than one vanishing point. So, with that being said I believe I believe the closest linear perspective in photography would be the two-point perspective.
9.) It should be used when wanting to make an image with perspective. It should be avoided when your goal in the image is to not have that fancy perspective stuff... for example: when you are making a 2D object.\

 

MUSICAL RHYTHM... :) Rock on!

 This video has great flow and LINES. This is a pretty good example of musical rhythm :)

This youtube is of the White Stripes singing "Seven Nation Army" Check out that flow!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J2QdDbelmY&ob=av2e

Example of rhythm in art...

... notice the flow in the lines. :) Amazing.

                                                                     http://art.patrickraymond.com/Rhythm/image/rhythm101.jpg

I've got rhythm... and lines too :)

Read "Launching the Imagination" (Line: pages 2-10; Rhythm: pages 83-84). Then start a new post in this forum with your name in the title and discuss the following questions:

1. What kind of lines can communicate motion? Stability? Energy?
2. Why are human beings able to see "implied" lines?
3. How might a graphic designer use lines differently than a fine artist?
4. How is visual rhythm different than musical rhythm?
5. What must be present for rhythm to exist?
6. Update your blog for the week and post a link to your blog (target=new window); review your team member's blogs (optional: post comments on their blogs)

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1.) Wavy lines can create motion-- pretty much any line with an angle or a series of lines with a certain pattern to it. Straight, boxy lines convey stability. Wavy, circular lines convey energy.

2.) The human mind automatically completes patterns and automatically "connects the dots" so to speak. When an object is not complete, we fill in the blanks to what it could be. For example: If I drew a stick figure of a dog, we know it's dog. We aren't guessing as to what it could be because once we have the basic shape of a certain object, our minds automatically fill in the detail. It's human nature. We're like a cool version of Yoda or something. Haha

3.) A graphic designer may use lines to show something, for our eye to automatically catch it. The goal of a graphic designer is to attract the public eye. An artist's goal isn't nessacarily to attract the eye, but rather to give their piece purpose or to even make the public eye think. A graphic designer may use bold lines and coloring... a fine artist might use skinnier lines just to complete their piece.

4.) Lines, in a piece depicting musical rhythm, must flow and be constant. Visual rhythm isn't about the constant line, rather the pattern of it. So, with that being said, musical rhythm has more flow than say visual rhythm. Visual rhythm may be more abrupt because it is only showing pattern, not nesscarily the flow of it.

5.) For rhythm to exist, there must be somewhat of a pattern. Whether it be flowing or not, it must be present.

MY BLOGSITE:http://gdslikecrazy.blogspot.com/

Example of a rough rough sketch

Examples of Balance

The B A L A N C I N G A C T of art

Read "Launching the Imagination" (Balance: pages 74-81). Then start a new post in this forum with your name in the title and discuss the following questions: 

1. How is visual weight different than physical weight?
2. What happens to objects when they get close to the edges of a composition?
3. Why are human beings more comfortable with balanced compositions?
4. What happens when there is imbalance?
5. Is there a place for purposeful imbalance? Give some examples.
6. Why is symmetrical balance so popular in architecture?
7. Can different types of balance be used in a single composition?
8. How many ways are there to achieve asymmetrical balance? Name them.
9. Is radial balance always symmetrical? Why or why not?

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1.) Visual weight is simply judging how much something weighs by only looking at it. Whereas the physical weight of an object is what you feel when you are holding it. With each term, you use a different sense. Visual weight is through the eyes. Physical weight is through touch or feeling.

2.) Objects that tend to get close to the edges of a composition, lose their affect on the piece.

3.) The human mind naturally completes a design. It's human nature, the minute we see something that's off balance, we kinda want to fix it or add something else to the piece. It makes us feel wary.

4.) Imbalance in a piece can become unattractive to the eye. This may lead to confusion, not knowing what the piece is stating.

5.) There is a time and place for purposeful imbalance... maybe for humor or maybe the artist is intending the piece to imbalanced to give that confused, wary feeling for the public eye.

6.) Symmetrical balance in architecture is popular because it is the most functional among all uses of work in building. It is simple, and balanced and easy to work with.

7.) Yes, sometimes it is nescessary, but it's not always a good idea to go over the top with imbalance.
8.) There are many ways: such as a large object going off the page with a small object in the opposite corner, a large object coming closer to the middle with the smaller object in the opposite corner leaving the page, a large object angled coming off the page with three small objects stacked near each other toward the bottom corner of the page, a large object coming off the page no longer angled with a triangle in the opposite corner sitting near the edge. Those are just some.

9.)  No, radical balance is not always symmetrical because there are times when the lines could be imbalanced on either side or when something is not completely right... when it's just a little off. It has happened.

 

Sizzilin' Shapes and Emphasis

Read "Launching the Imagination" (Shape: pages 10-22; Emphasis pages 84-86). Then start a new post in this forum with your name in the title and discuss the following questions:

1. Why is it important to design the positive and the negative shapes of a composition?
2. What is the difference between representational shapes and abstract shapes?
3. What are some of the ways emphasis can be achieved?
4. What kind of subjects attracts attention?
5. What happens when there are too many focal points?
6. Why is emphasis important, especially for graphic designers?
7. Which is more important: a strong focal point or unity?

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SHAPE SHAPE SEVERUS  SHAPE.... DUMBLEDORE! ( inspired by: Harry Potter Puppet Pals)

1.) It is important to design the positive and the negative shapes of a composition because both elements affect and impact the importance of the other. They both balance each other out and make the design whole.
2.) Representational shapes are representations of what is recognizable to the human eye. Abstract shapes, on the other hand, are shapes that are nothing recognizable to the human eye. They shapes are free, nothing real.
3.) Emphasis can be achieved through space, line, placement, or even color. Also through isolation and contrast.
4.) Subjects that are emphasized, colorful, bold are the ones that attract the most attentioni. Even simple art attracts the viewer because it's sweet to the point and doesn't have a lot to look at.
5.) When there are too many focal points, the focus of the artwork becomes unclear. The piece becomes hard to understand, even chaotic.
6.) Emphasis is important-- especially for graphic designers-- because to every piece they make there is a point. Emphasis helps make that point clear the viewing eye. Without emphasis, the public may not get what the artist is trying to convey.
7.) They are both important... you need both to make a piece worthwhile.

Unity at it's finest!

UNITY is, of course, one of the most important main components in artwork... Van Gogh's "Starry Night" is a perfect example of unity at it's finest. This painting not only screams color and placement, but it's also shouting unity. We see this through the swirls, the stars, and even the large object towering over the town. Every element of this painting works together to create a unified atmosphere.

Bam!

So... why exactly is "design" so important to visual communication again?

This poster, featuring the movie "Black Swan" shows bold colors and bold lettering-- which attracts the attention of the viewer right away. Also the fact that poster sticks to a color scheme: red, black, and white-- simplifies the view of the poster.

                                          http://s3.amazonaws.com/auteurs_production/post_images/2694/MPOTW_Best2010_3.jpg?1293805075

Introduction and UNITY

Read "Launching the Imagination" (Introduction: pages xvi-xxiii; Unity: pages 66-74). Then start a new post in this forum with your name in the title and discuss the following questions:

1. How can mistakes help you learn?
2. Why is "design" so important to visual communication?
3. What is the best way to get creative compositions and ideas?
4. In your own words, define the word "design"?
5. Why is composition important in graphic design?
6. What happens when a design is too unified?
7. What happens when a composition lacks unity?
8. How many different ways are there to create unity?
9. How can one make compositions that are more memorable?
10. What does Gestalt psychology have to do with all of this?
11. Update your blog for the week and post a link to your blog (target=new window); review your team member's blogs (optional: post comments on their blogs)

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1.) Mistakes can help you learn so you may never repeat them again. This is a solid rule for pretty much everything. Making the mistakes we make can help us  become better individuals because we learn the right way of getting our tasks complete.

2.) "Design" has always been an important part of communication. As humans, what we see and what we are instantly attracted to can determine wether or not the design is successful. Color. Shapes. Bold Lines. Limited wording. Helps us view what we need to know in a timely fashion. People, especially nowadays, prefer efficiency. We aren't going to stop and read a sign that's 3 paragraphs long. Yawn. Who has time for that? The better the "design", the more successful it will be for the critical eye.

3.) In the book, they list many ways. Writing your thoughts down or even sketching out your ideas can help you clearly see what you are doing. Getting further ideas could be getting it off the streets through the hustle and bustle of everyday, viewing other people's work (and simply get inspired).

4.) Design is the use of color, bold lines, and wording to create a space in which a person is atractted to it enough to take the time to look at it.

5.) Composition is important because it's all about the balancing of objects on a page or in a display or what have you. Composition is all about the way it will look to people. Composition is very important because without it, no one would have a sense of what goes together.

6.) When it's too unified, it becomes boring to the eye. There's no outlet for a creative surprise because the eye has already figured out what's next-- there are no surprises.

7.) When compositions lack unity completely, then it's just a big mess. It's confusing and almost chaotic to the eye. The point of the design would be too hard to figure out. Because without unity, it would seem like there was no point to begin with.

8.) There are many many many ways to create unity. The main idea is to have the main idea of what you want your design to be focused on in mind.

Hello My Name IS...

Due to some further technical difficulties, I could not get my blog to work. But now it is up and running.
Here is a little bit about me :)

Start a new post with your name in the heading. Introduce yourself to your classmates by talking about the following topics:

1. Where were you born? What was your home town like?
2. Tell us about your education. What is your preferred way of learning?
3. Who is your favorite artist? musician? filmmaker?
4. Tell us about your computer experience. Rate your comfort level with technology.
5. Attach an interesting photo of yourself and tell us about the picture.

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1.) I was born in Norfolk, VA. I honestly don't remember my hometown because on my first birthday (to the day), we moved here to Champaign. From visiting it since, I have gathered that it is a very nice town... and hey the beach is like 5 minutes away :) Sometimes I honestly really do regret my parents decision in moving here.
2.) I prefer learning hands on and visually... this class is perfect for that.
3.) My favorite artist is Van Gough and Monet because their use of color is phenomenal. My favorite musician... well band... is Fleetwood Mac. Love their sound, and their messages. Filmaker... probably Jim Henson. Gotta love the Muppets, they're kind of a classic and a solid part of my childhood I will always remember.
4.) I love computers, but personally I'm more of a PC gal, so you'll have to excuse my lack of knowledge in the Mac world. When it comes to learning new things, I just need it to be repeated over and over a few times, then I will finally get it. I will get there. Eventually.
5.)    This picture brings back so many memories. A few years before my best friend got really sick, she took this picture of me lying down in a park near my house. We were trying to be artistic in conducting a photo shoot. She literally told me, "Get on the ground and pretend you're dying" haha And I did... with some dramatic hand positions. :) Such a great day.