Semester Reflection:
What did you learn?
I think that I have learned a lot in this first semester. Before I had no idea how to use Photoshop, or even knew Illustrator existed! Now I can (kinda) manage on those programs. I've also learned tons about graphic design and the many aspects of it. It is a really huge field and that surprised me at first.
What was your favorite and least favorite projects?
My favorite projects are the ones we used illustrator on (my favorite program so far is illustrator, too!). It seemed simple, but I had the best time working on things like the tracing shapes and rocket projects. This recent book cover design project wasn't the best either. I love the idea, but it kept getting changed and complicated with the adjustments we had to make with getting the books and sizing the covers.
Any suggestions for improvement?
Well... I'd say more of an order to what we learn in class, like actually following the posts (if we must) so that we learn what they're about before we have to do them in the order that we do them! And maybe not doing demos so fast. That's all, I guess.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Post #17
1. California College of the Arts, San Francisco and Oakland campuses, Graphic design major, requirements: common app or online app, nonrefundable $60 fee, they really do not specify anything else.
2. Platt College, Alhambra, Ontario, and Riverside campuses. Some majors are production artist, designer, illustrator, layout artist, or computer artist. Requirements: there is like no information for graphic design major admission requirements for any of these colleges. Platt college tells me their admissions staff looks forward to guiding me through the process, that's it.
3. FIDM, which has campuses in San Francisco, LA, and San Diego, and many others. The associates of arts for graphic design, and associates of arts for professional designation. Some requirements are SAT of ACT scores, admissions essay, official transcripts, application form, and portfolio and entrance project.
4. Academy of Art University, they're in San Fransico. The graphic major are Master of Fine art Graphic Design Degree, it requires a minimum 2.0 cumulative, a statement of intent, and a resume, and portfolio of work.
5. Chapman University, located in Orange, CA. They have a graphic design major. Admission requirements are statement of interest, of two most successful works, signed letter of recommendation, media uploads or portfolio and such.
What is a portfolio?
2. Platt College, Alhambra, Ontario, and Riverside campuses. Some majors are production artist, designer, illustrator, layout artist, or computer artist. Requirements: there is like no information for graphic design major admission requirements for any of these colleges. Platt college tells me their admissions staff looks forward to guiding me through the process, that's it.
3. FIDM, which has campuses in San Francisco, LA, and San Diego, and many others. The associates of arts for graphic design, and associates of arts for professional designation. Some requirements are SAT of ACT scores, admissions essay, official transcripts, application form, and portfolio and entrance project.
4. Academy of Art University, they're in San Fransico. The graphic major are Master of Fine art Graphic Design Degree, it requires a minimum 2.0 cumulative, a statement of intent, and a resume, and portfolio of work.
5. Chapman University, located in Orange, CA. They have a graphic design major. Admission requirements are statement of interest, of two most successful works, signed letter of recommendation, media uploads or portfolio and such.
What is a portfolio?
A portfolio is a collection of an artists work that showcases/sells them self and their good work to a college. It's a representation of them and what they are capable of.
What is the importance of a portfolio?
What is the importance of a portfolio?
The importance of a portfolio is to show a college, client, or such some of your work to raise their faith/trust in your abilities. It is a necessary way to market yourself as an artist and in which particular field of art as well.
Post #16
How many points are in an inch? How many points are in a pica?
There are 72 PostScripts points in an inch. There are 12 PostScript points in a pica.
Old style, transitional, modern, or slab and san serif could all work well for body type/text. This is because they are not as overdone like decorative and some script types, which allows these type to be used well in block of text since they will not overlap or be too hard to read when in close proximity.
Identify the lowercase characters that have ascenders?
These are: b, d, f, h, k, l, and t.
Identify the lowercase characters that have descenders?
They are: g, j, p, q, and y.
There are 72 PostScripts points in an inch. There are 12 PostScript points in a pica.
Old style, transitional, modern, or slab and san serif could all work well for body type/text. This is because they are not as overdone like decorative and some script types, which allows these type to be used well in block of text since they will not overlap or be too hard to read when in close proximity.
Identify the lowercase characters that have ascenders?
These are: b, d, f, h, k, l, and t.
Identify the lowercase characters that have descenders?
They are: g, j, p, q, and y.
Classify the following typefaces and briefly explain why you believe it should be classified that way:
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| Casual script, as this text looks like handwriting and is a more modern take on it and not very overdone and traditional. |
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| Black letter, due to the heavily designed, squarish letters which have many high, angular lines. |
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| Old Style, since there is little variation in thickness of the characters. And the serifs are small, course, and have a minute concave bases. |
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| Modern, because of the hairline serifs that go without bracketing. Also, strong contrast between thick and thin in character strokes is an indication. |
Post #15
Define typography?
The appearance/style of printed matter. What is the difference between font and a typeface?What is the waist line and what does it indicate? What is a base line and what does it indicate? What is counter?Area that is entirely or partially enclosed in a letter.
What is cap height?Height of a capital letter above the baseline.
What is x height?Height of lowercase x and all the lower case letters.
What is an ascender? Part of a lowercase letter that rises above the x line
What is a descender? The part of the lowercase letter that goes below the baseline.
Describe a serif? Small strokes that are on the end of a letter's main strokes for decoration.
What is leading? Distance between successive lines of type's baselines.
What is tracking? The consistent space between letters.
What is kerning?Adjusting space between characters in a proportional font.
What is a point? A measurement that designates leading, type space, and other space details.
How many points are in an inch? 72 PostScript points.
What is a pica and how many are in an inch?Unit of type size and line length equal to 12 points. 6 PostScript picas in an inch.
How many points are in a pica?12 PostScript points.
When was Blackletter invented and how was it used? Blackletter developed directly from Carolingian when in the 12th century they needed more books (Johannes Gutenberg carves a textualis typeface) It was used for the German language until the 20th century.
Describe the characteristics of a Blackletter typeface? Blackletter has narrow and tall letters whihc are formed by sharp angular straight lines.
When was Old Style invented and what was is based on? It was created between the 15th and mid-18th centuries. Based on Venetian types.
Describe the characteristics of an Old Style typeface? It is an early roman type that has little contrast from thick to thin and curved strokes with inclines to the left.
When were formal scripts developed? Formal scripts are modern designs stylized like handwritten letters of the 17th-18th century.
When were casual scripts developed? These scripts are from the mid-twentieth century and resemble regular (modern) handwriting. Describe the characteristics of a Script typeface? They ares based on handwriting, either cursive or more modern. There are two types: casual and formal.
When was Modern typefaces developed and why? Created in the late 19th century to be against the fanciness of that periods typefaces.
Describe the characteristics of a Modern typeface?It is sans-serif, with evenly weighted lines and simple construct.
How early can Sans Serif typefaces be found? As early as the 5th century BC, in Greek, Etruscan, and Latin. And then later as early as 1748.
What happened? In 1748 they were more of an experiment than something that became very popular.
When did they become popular? They were popular in the late 18th century when people started basing designs off ancient Roman and Greek designs.
What does "sans serif" mean? It means without serifs (which are those accents that finish the strokes of some types).
Describe the characteristics of a Sans Serif typeface? There are 3-4 groups of classifications. Like grotesque, which is described as realist. Then Neo-grotesque, that is a more modern evolution of grotesque. Humanist script have more variation in legibility and line thickness/width. Finally, geometric script are based off geometric shapes.
When was Slab Serif developed and why? In 1815 and 1817 by Vincent Figgins for advertising and headlines and posters and such.
Describe the characteristics of a Slab Serif typeface? It has very thick serifs that are look like blocks. And they do not have brackets connecting the strokes and serifs. They are very bold.
Describe Decorative typefaces?They are popularly used for headlines or short phrases, not long lengths of type. They are the largest category of typeface and it is very diverse. They often evoke a time period or feeling, like grunge or psychedelic designs.
The appearance/style of printed matter. What is the difference between font and a typeface?What is the waist line and what does it indicate? What is a base line and what does it indicate? What is counter?Area that is entirely or partially enclosed in a letter.
What is cap height?Height of a capital letter above the baseline.
What is x height?Height of lowercase x and all the lower case letters.
What is an ascender? Part of a lowercase letter that rises above the x line
What is a descender? The part of the lowercase letter that goes below the baseline.
Describe a serif? Small strokes that are on the end of a letter's main strokes for decoration.
What is leading? Distance between successive lines of type's baselines.
What is tracking? The consistent space between letters.
What is kerning?Adjusting space between characters in a proportional font.
What is a point? A measurement that designates leading, type space, and other space details.
How many points are in an inch? 72 PostScript points.
What is a pica and how many are in an inch?Unit of type size and line length equal to 12 points. 6 PostScript picas in an inch.
How many points are in a pica?12 PostScript points.
When was Blackletter invented and how was it used? Blackletter developed directly from Carolingian when in the 12th century they needed more books (Johannes Gutenberg carves a textualis typeface) It was used for the German language until the 20th century.
Describe the characteristics of a Blackletter typeface? Blackletter has narrow and tall letters whihc are formed by sharp angular straight lines.
When was Old Style invented and what was is based on? It was created between the 15th and mid-18th centuries. Based on Venetian types.
Describe the characteristics of an Old Style typeface? It is an early roman type that has little contrast from thick to thin and curved strokes with inclines to the left.
When were formal scripts developed? Formal scripts are modern designs stylized like handwritten letters of the 17th-18th century.
When were casual scripts developed? These scripts are from the mid-twentieth century and resemble regular (modern) handwriting. Describe the characteristics of a Script typeface? They ares based on handwriting, either cursive or more modern. There are two types: casual and formal.
When was Modern typefaces developed and why? Created in the late 19th century to be against the fanciness of that periods typefaces.
Describe the characteristics of a Modern typeface?It is sans-serif, with evenly weighted lines and simple construct.
How early can Sans Serif typefaces be found? As early as the 5th century BC, in Greek, Etruscan, and Latin. And then later as early as 1748.
What happened? In 1748 they were more of an experiment than something that became very popular.
When did they become popular? They were popular in the late 18th century when people started basing designs off ancient Roman and Greek designs.
What does "sans serif" mean? It means without serifs (which are those accents that finish the strokes of some types).
Describe the characteristics of a Sans Serif typeface? There are 3-4 groups of classifications. Like grotesque, which is described as realist. Then Neo-grotesque, that is a more modern evolution of grotesque. Humanist script have more variation in legibility and line thickness/width. Finally, geometric script are based off geometric shapes.
When was Slab Serif developed and why? In 1815 and 1817 by Vincent Figgins for advertising and headlines and posters and such.
Describe the characteristics of a Slab Serif typeface? It has very thick serifs that are look like blocks. And they do not have brackets connecting the strokes and serifs. They are very bold.
Describe Decorative typefaces?They are popularly used for headlines or short phrases, not long lengths of type. They are the largest category of typeface and it is very diverse. They often evoke a time period or feeling, like grunge or psychedelic designs.
Post #14
Who is Stephen Kroninger?A modern artist that helped start the collage renaissance, his work has been on many magazine covers. What kind of art/design does he produce?He makes collages. In what publications/media studios has his work been featured?The magazines Time, New York Times, Newsweek, and many others in Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
Post 2 samples of his art. Answer the following questions for each piece...Was this piece published? Where?It was published on the back cover of a book entitled Read the Beatles: Classic and New Writings on the Beatles, Their Legacy, and Why They Still Matter by Astrid Kirchherr (Foreword), June Skinner Sawyers (Editor). What principles of design were utilized within the piece? How? Some principles of design were used in this piece. Such as the contrast of the Beatles
and the white background. The particular alignment used in the piece is also an
element of design. And the proximity of the Beatles as well. What elements of design were utilized?Shape (the ones that make up the Beatles bodies and instruments), texture (the layering of the piece), and space (how it all is placed).
Was this piece published? Where?Yes, New York Times. What principles of design were utilized within the piece? How? Contrast (the red lips). Repetition in the eyebrow shape and then in the eyes/eyelids.
Aswell as off centered alignment of his face. What elements of design were utilized?Texture (the layering effect of the piece). Shape (the ones that were layered to create the face). Value (the shading of his face).
Post 2 samples of his art. Answer the following questions for each piece...Was this piece published? Where?It was published on the back cover of a book entitled Read the Beatles: Classic and New Writings on the Beatles, Their Legacy, and Why They Still Matter by Astrid Kirchherr (Foreword), June Skinner Sawyers (Editor). What principles of design were utilized within the piece? How? Some principles of design were used in this piece. Such as the contrast of the Beatles
and the white background. The particular alignment used in the piece is also an
element of design. And the proximity of the Beatles as well. What elements of design were utilized?Shape (the ones that make up the Beatles bodies and instruments), texture (the layering of the piece), and space (how it all is placed).
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| Michael Jackson |
Aswell as off centered alignment of his face. What elements of design were utilized?Texture (the layering effect of the piece). Shape (the ones that were layered to create the face). Value (the shading of his face).
Post #13
How can you as the designer use principles of design to help compose a page?
You can use the principle of designs as reminders and guidelines on what to do to a piece. They are helpful to remind a designer of what is important to focus on in their designs, and how to achieve those important rules.
What are the principles of design (define each in your own words)?Some principles of design are: Contrast--the difference between light and dark. Repetition--repeating. Alignment--the way in which something is lined up. Proximity--how close or far things are in the design. Balance--the evenness of the piece. Proportion--the different and hopefully even sizing. Emphasis--something drawing more attention to itself. Unity--how united in feel/flow/design/etc. Harmony--if the piece and elements in it work together well.
For each of the 4 principles of C.R.A.P., find an example that utilizes the principle within the design. You should have 4 DIFFERENT sample designs. For each, discuss how the particular principle is used.
You add a layer mask by using the "add layer mask" symbol/button.
What two colors are used to create the mask?
Black and white.
Describe the process of using a layer mask?
You first apply a layer mask to a layer you wish to create a mask on. Once the mask is created, you can then adjust the visibility of the masked layer by using white (to make things visible) or black (to cover things).
Also, answer the following questions in your own words. How do you add a layer mask to a particular layer?
You can use the principle of designs as reminders and guidelines on what to do to a piece. They are helpful to remind a designer of what is important to focus on in their designs, and how to achieve those important rules.
What are the principles of design (define each in your own words)?Some principles of design are: Contrast--the difference between light and dark. Repetition--repeating. Alignment--the way in which something is lined up. Proximity--how close or far things are in the design. Balance--the evenness of the piece. Proportion--the different and hopefully even sizing. Emphasis--something drawing more attention to itself. Unity--how united in feel/flow/design/etc. Harmony--if the piece and elements in it work together well.
For each of the 4 principles of C.R.A.P., find an example that utilizes the principle within the design. You should have 4 DIFFERENT sample designs. For each, discuss how the particular principle is used.
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| Contrast is used in the use of complimentary colors (orange and blue) and the light focusing on the flower and the shadow it creates. |
| Repetition is used here with the many leaves repeating themselves. It creates a pattern. |
 The Alignment in this piece is centered. It helps make it look finished and orderly. |
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| The proximity of the cells here create the image of a paw. Their proximity allows viewers to see this image clearly. |
What two colors are used to create the mask?
Black and white.
Describe the process of using a layer mask?
You first apply a layer mask to a layer you wish to create a mask on. Once the mask is created, you can then adjust the visibility of the masked layer by using white (to make things visible) or black (to cover things).
Post #12
Define principles of design?
The principles of design are guidelines for using the elements of design. They are contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity (CRAP) and balance, proportion, rhythm emphasis, and unity, and harmony.
What do the principles of design affect?
These principles affect all creative works, especially the elements of design, which then affect how a designer does their work.
What is the difference between the principles of design and C.R.A.P.?
CRAP is the four big principles of design, which differ from the rest of the principle of design. There are more principles of design than CRAP.
How can contrast help a design?
Contrast helps give your design a focal point.
What is wrong with having too much or too little contrast in a design?
Contrast helps you focus and "get" the message quickly, too much and there is to much that you are supposed to focus on. Too little contrast and there is nothing to focus on.
What is the key to working with contrast?
Having negative space, and using it wisely, so that you do not use too much or too little and then ruin your design.
What are some common ways of creating contrast?
The manipulation of space, color choices, and the position of elements, and text selection are common contrast choices.
What is the principle of repetition?
Reusing the same element throughout your design.
Describe ways that the principle of repetition helps the composition?
Repetition brings a design more unity, cohesiveness, and consistency.
What are ways that you can incorporate repetition into your designs?
You can repeat exact shapes, or repeat colors, or slightly different or contrasting shapes to help a design.
What should you avoid when working with repetition?
Too much repetition should be avoided, as it then distances the design from its true meaning and distracts rather than highlights a work's focus.
What is the principle of alignment?
It means that nothing should be placed on a design randomly, but all elements should be connects by invisible lines.
What is the principle of proximity?
This principle is about space, and moving elements closer or farther apart to make it look organized.
What is the principle of proportion?
It's the relationship of an object involving it's size and number.
Define symmetrical balance?
Using balance to make a stable, and confident feeling where the design is perfectly symmetrical and balanced.
What is another name for asymmetrical balance?
Informal balance is another name.
Define asymmetrical balance?
The balance of a design by using a diagonal line, which creates a balance that is less stable and confident than symmetrical balanced designs.
What is a focal point and how is it created?
It's usually the main part of a design, where the viewers eye is naturally drawn. It can be created by adding emphasis to a certain part of a work; emphasis can be added in many ways.
How many components of a composition can be a focal point?
You can have multiple focal points in a design, both a primary and multiple secondary focal points.
What ways can emphasis be created in a design?
Emphasis can be created by contrasting colors, size, shapes, or orientation. It can also be created by specific placement, just like how a focal point it made.
What is the principle of harmony and how is it different from unity?
Harmony involves using similar and compatible elements of design to get coherence in a work. The difference is that harmony is using different but compatible elements, while unity is using the same element again and again.
What is the principle of unity?What three ways can unity be obtained?
Unity is the coherency of a work; it makes a design feel like the different pieces of it are all working together
What is the principle of variety?
It's a principle of design that uses contrasts and differences to achieve variety (an interesting/eye appealing difference throughout a design).
What three ways can a designer add variety to a design?
You can get variety when you change elements, change size, or by changing color in a piece of work.
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