Adobe live docs is a great feature to aid anyone's usage with adobe softwares. The online resource feature is better than having some heavy dictionary user guide that you rarely refer too and is overall a waste of paper. The great thing about having an online resource guide is that as the program prompts the user for software updates, the updates are also reflected online, thereby eradicating the need for a second volume or edition of a printed user guide. Having the user guide online saves time as well. All one needs to do is type in what they need and in one second multiple results are a click away...ranging from definitions, video tutorials, written tutorials with or without pictures and the like. Live docs resembles the help feature on most programs, yet the videos and step-by-step pictures are of greater assistance. This is due to the jargon that sometimes one might not be familiar with.
I first discovered live docs while I was in ART 200 a graphic design class. The teacher was assisting other students and I just needed to know how to properly place a a pull-quote. So I navigated to Help and sought out the online help resource. There I easily found how to use a pull-quote, instead of waiting for the teacher to be liberated! I have learned many other tricks and features of the adobe suite through adobe live docs. I will continue to refer back to it as I face questions in using the programs. While perusing through Illustrator's live docs I focused most of my search on giving illustrations a more organic-hand-drawn feel. The suer guide is very helpful and is in a PDF format. Therefore, it can easily be saved onto the desktop or printed. Overall, live docs is very user-friendly and provides quick help much like a dictionary or cook book.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Scrabble Bananas!!
I am an avid scrabble player. Recently I tied one of my opponents. First tie I have ever experienced with scrabble. The game was tough...the upper left quadrant was not used! I had to take a snap shot to grab that moment of history. Here it is for the rest to enjoy!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Weekend Image Upload Scavenger Hunt
The following images are some of many that inspire me and keep me engaged/inspired. The order is no reflection of their rank vis a vis favoritism and the like....
Lisa Strausfeld of Pentagram
This technique of mapping intrigues me. It demonstrates The intricacies involved in everyday as well as the extraordinary situations we encounter. This type of visualization is extremely mathematical and multifaceted. I enjoy how clear, simple yet complicated these images are and can be. This type of art reminds me of some of Tad Savinar's art pieces. I would like to know exactly what plays into certain angles being at such degrees as well as the variance in the length of rays. What variable or attribute results in a point being in a certain position on the image? What would a person's daily routine or life look like if represented through this mapping/design technique? How long is the process to create such imagery? How long would this image take to create?
Sagmeister Inc.
I came upon this poster while hunting around. The poster was made using only one punctuation mark: the apostrophe. This reminds me of our current project (typography patterns). It would be interesting to see if it would be possible to make an object easily recognizable out of several letters of the same letter of the alphabet as well as font. Once an object has been created it could then be repeated in order to create a pattern effect. I like this picture due do its rigidity and use of lines. I also love that the trigger is in a bright yellow, creating a stark contrast against the gun. It seems like only some parts of the apostrophe are used in some areas in order to establish sharp corners. Perhaps the white lines within the gun were added later. Did they crop parts of the apostrophes in order to establish certain shapes to reach the desired object? I wonder how hard it would be to use these design parameters with other objects as well as different punctuation marks or letters.
Andreas Müller at Hahakid
This piece about memories caught my attention due to its creative use of space on a page. I find the artist's way of placing words in such a textural manner to be quite interesting. The lightness of the concept creates such movement in the words...they are blowing in the wind. I wonder exactly how the 3-dimensional space is achieved in such a program as Illustrator. I wonder if there is a tool in a program that exists that could establish perspective through opacity or percentage of brightness/darkness automatically given the dimensions and preferred angle at which the image is trying to be.
Taobot for the Omega Code Project
I have been interested in learning how to implement layering in this manner. I love the textures that are established. If you follow the link the other images that demonstrate this technique are quite appealing as well. I would like to learn how to manipulate layers in order to achieve thy type of imagery. The organic forms grow on the eyes, which is why I enjoy this piece. I read a couple tutorials on how to create such images and seemingly it takes hours to get to the end result. I wonder if there is a fast or faster way to use this technique. Is it really necessary to have such high numbers of layers? Is there a way to manipulate the base image to the final result or is it necessary to use multiple images?
Rebeliarts
It's pretty clear that I am inspired by images which incorporate a lot of digital layering and morphing of reality. I enjoy mixed media and the marrying of different elements and subjects. I'm all about multitasking and so are these types of graphic images. I feel that it enables the audience have even more of a choice in how to perceive-incorporate the work. Although I wouldn't really qualify this image as being one of my favorite, its purpose here is to illustrate the various techniques that were used in its creation. I wonder if this image is just a composite of various layers that were then laid upon one another without really taking into account the other layers or environment. Some of the layers seem to be separate from the focus of the image: the girl. I wonder if the mesh/vortex layer would look better if it took into account the girl, by for instance bending when it comes into contact with her and changes its angle. Would the image become more 3-dimensional? How would this picture look if it were in a grayscale?
Lisa Strausfeld of Pentagram
This technique of mapping intrigues me. It demonstrates The intricacies involved in everyday as well as the extraordinary situations we encounter. This type of visualization is extremely mathematical and multifaceted. I enjoy how clear, simple yet complicated these images are and can be. This type of art reminds me of some of Tad Savinar's art pieces. I would like to know exactly what plays into certain angles being at such degrees as well as the variance in the length of rays. What variable or attribute results in a point being in a certain position on the image? What would a person's daily routine or life look like if represented through this mapping/design technique? How long is the process to create such imagery? How long would this image take to create?
Sagmeister Inc.
I came upon this poster while hunting around. The poster was made using only one punctuation mark: the apostrophe. This reminds me of our current project (typography patterns). It would be interesting to see if it would be possible to make an object easily recognizable out of several letters of the same letter of the alphabet as well as font. Once an object has been created it could then be repeated in order to create a pattern effect. I like this picture due do its rigidity and use of lines. I also love that the trigger is in a bright yellow, creating a stark contrast against the gun. It seems like only some parts of the apostrophe are used in some areas in order to establish sharp corners. Perhaps the white lines within the gun were added later. Did they crop parts of the apostrophes in order to establish certain shapes to reach the desired object? I wonder how hard it would be to use these design parameters with other objects as well as different punctuation marks or letters.
Andreas Müller at Hahakid
This piece about memories caught my attention due to its creative use of space on a page. I find the artist's way of placing words in such a textural manner to be quite interesting. The lightness of the concept creates such movement in the words...they are blowing in the wind. I wonder exactly how the 3-dimensional space is achieved in such a program as Illustrator. I wonder if there is a tool in a program that exists that could establish perspective through opacity or percentage of brightness/darkness automatically given the dimensions and preferred angle at which the image is trying to be.
Taobot for the Omega Code Project
I have been interested in learning how to implement layering in this manner. I love the textures that are established. If you follow the link the other images that demonstrate this technique are quite appealing as well. I would like to learn how to manipulate layers in order to achieve thy type of imagery. The organic forms grow on the eyes, which is why I enjoy this piece. I read a couple tutorials on how to create such images and seemingly it takes hours to get to the end result. I wonder if there is a fast or faster way to use this technique. Is it really necessary to have such high numbers of layers? Is there a way to manipulate the base image to the final result or is it necessary to use multiple images?
Rebeliarts
It's pretty clear that I am inspired by images which incorporate a lot of digital layering and morphing of reality. I enjoy mixed media and the marrying of different elements and subjects. I'm all about multitasking and so are these types of graphic images. I feel that it enables the audience have even more of a choice in how to perceive-incorporate the work. Although I wouldn't really qualify this image as being one of my favorite, its purpose here is to illustrate the various techniques that were used in its creation. I wonder if this image is just a composite of various layers that were then laid upon one another without really taking into account the other layers or environment. Some of the layers seem to be separate from the focus of the image: the girl. I wonder if the mesh/vortex layer would look better if it took into account the girl, by for instance bending when it comes into contact with her and changes its angle. Would the image become more 3-dimensional? How would this picture look if it were in a grayscale?
Friday, April 3, 2009
Quick Typography Project
This obviously isn't completed...but a good working start!
type on top of original...
type on top of original...
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
First 10 Tutorials (read/watched)
Pins!!!
This tutorial shows how to create pins! I've always wanted to create some funny pins and hand them to friends. The great part of having illustrator to create pins is that you can really show depth to designs. This tutorial shows you how to really create that button effect. I am certain that this is going to be a fun one to play around with! And perhaps creating a pin to go along with my portfolio as it flies to various companies would set me apart! A treat for whomever takes the time to look at my portfolio. I'm all about rewards!
10 Features in Illustrator CS4!
This tutorial shows 10 new features in AiCS4. I chose to read this tutorial in order to learn how to maximize my access to CS4 and see what added benefits there are to the newer version. The tutorial runs through the ten features with short detail... yet it is easy to branch into a full tutorial from the links provided with each stated feature.
Vector Eyeball
This video tutorial demonstrates how to create a vectored eyeball. The end product is pretty scary looking and quite frankly is a wonderful appetite suppressant. Maybe this is the beginning of a new dietary solution for people. If you gross out the morbidly obese to such a point...perhaps they will reduce their intake. This would be a non-intrusive solution...Ha!
Professional Business Card
This tutorial was easy and comprehensive. Their final product does not reflect what I would consider an effective business card. Yet the tutorial can easily be applied to any desired characteristics one may have. Thereby making this tutorial worthwhile. Creating business cards using word or whatnot is so passe!
Fairy-Tale Inspired Magical Hand Shaped Vine
This tutorial was attractive to me given its whimsical nature. I don't really like the idea of a hand-shaped vine... but the vine effect could be used for any object either inanimate and animate. The tutorial is fairly long yet it really goes into detail for each step, which is very helpful!
Environmentally Friendly Green Type Treatment
I chose to look through this tutorial as this type of type treatment seems to be quite popular in branding and advertising. The linking of what encompasses the company and its activities/services to the type is interesting to me. Generally these type treatments look fairly corny but a demand is a demand!
Vibrant Digital Collage Mixing Buildings and Vector Shapes on Paper
This tutorial was of interest to me as it uses both fireworks and illustrator together. Since I own the full adobe suite I enjoy discovering how to implement its many components together. This tutorial shows how to use multiple elements within a workspace in order to create an image with many textures and elements. The tutorial is fairly long...yet bearable.
Dramatic Vector Landscape Environment
This tutorial shows how to create landscape environments in illustrator. The tutorial is a little more difficult then others to follow as it requires you to have a reasonable understanding and ease of use with the program. This is mainly given its use of the pen tool without giving a full on tutorial of how to use the pen tool.
Watercolor Vector Flower Illustration
This tutorial shows you how to take a picture of a flower, for instance, and convert it into a watercolor painted flower. Instead of using a sketch you have drawn you can create an illustration off of a picture. The great part about this tutorial is that it teaches how to create texture and depth to illustrations.
Fading Light Vectors in Fireworks
This tutorial shows how to create some effects with fading light linear vectors in Fireworks, an adobe suite program. The tutorial is easy to follow. I chose this tutorial as I think it has the potential to be useful... especially when we begin to use photoshop or the class.
This tutorial shows how to create pins! I've always wanted to create some funny pins and hand them to friends. The great part of having illustrator to create pins is that you can really show depth to designs. This tutorial shows you how to really create that button effect. I am certain that this is going to be a fun one to play around with! And perhaps creating a pin to go along with my portfolio as it flies to various companies would set me apart! A treat for whomever takes the time to look at my portfolio. I'm all about rewards!10 Features in Illustrator CS4!
This tutorial shows 10 new features in AiCS4. I chose to read this tutorial in order to learn how to maximize my access to CS4 and see what added benefits there are to the newer version. The tutorial runs through the ten features with short detail... yet it is easy to branch into a full tutorial from the links provided with each stated feature.Vector Eyeball
This video tutorial demonstrates how to create a vectored eyeball. The end product is pretty scary looking and quite frankly is a wonderful appetite suppressant. Maybe this is the beginning of a new dietary solution for people. If you gross out the morbidly obese to such a point...perhaps they will reduce their intake. This would be a non-intrusive solution...Ha!Professional Business Card
This tutorial was easy and comprehensive. Their final product does not reflect what I would consider an effective business card. Yet the tutorial can easily be applied to any desired characteristics one may have. Thereby making this tutorial worthwhile. Creating business cards using word or whatnot is so passe!Fairy-Tale Inspired Magical Hand Shaped Vine
This tutorial was attractive to me given its whimsical nature. I don't really like the idea of a hand-shaped vine... but the vine effect could be used for any object either inanimate and animate. The tutorial is fairly long yet it really goes into detail for each step, which is very helpful!Environmentally Friendly Green Type Treatment
I chose to look through this tutorial as this type of type treatment seems to be quite popular in branding and advertising. The linking of what encompasses the company and its activities/services to the type is interesting to me. Generally these type treatments look fairly corny but a demand is a demand!Vibrant Digital Collage Mixing Buildings and Vector Shapes on Paper
This tutorial was of interest to me as it uses both fireworks and illustrator together. Since I own the full adobe suite I enjoy discovering how to implement its many components together. This tutorial shows how to use multiple elements within a workspace in order to create an image with many textures and elements. The tutorial is fairly long...yet bearable.Dramatic Vector Landscape Environment
This tutorial shows how to create landscape environments in illustrator. The tutorial is a little more difficult then others to follow as it requires you to have a reasonable understanding and ease of use with the program. This is mainly given its use of the pen tool without giving a full on tutorial of how to use the pen tool.Watercolor Vector Flower Illustration
This tutorial shows you how to take a picture of a flower, for instance, and convert it into a watercolor painted flower. Instead of using a sketch you have drawn you can create an illustration off of a picture. The great part about this tutorial is that it teaches how to create texture and depth to illustrations.
Fading Light Vectors in FireworksThis tutorial shows how to create some effects with fading light linear vectors in Fireworks, an adobe suite program. The tutorial is easy to follow. I chose this tutorial as I think it has the potential to be useful... especially when we begin to use photoshop or the class.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
ART 120: Blog Post 1
blog assignment #1
computer experience:
I have a lot of experience using computers and various programs. I was in ART 200 last term, providing knowledge in InDesign and some in Photoshop. I am proficient using Adobe Suite, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Office Suite, PageMaker, Visual Basic, and QuickBooks Pro.
what are you excited about?
I am excited about gaining more knowledge/skills in illustrator and photoshop.
I am also excited to create new projects.
favorite books & magazines:
I enjoy several magazines including: W, Objekt, Paper, Mode, Print, and I.D. to name a few.
The following are some books that I refer to at times and have enjoyed:
The Big Book of Graphic Design by Roger Walton
Graphic Design America 3: Portfolios from the Best and Brightest Design Firms from Across the U.S. by Jenny Sullivan
1,000 Graphic Elements: Details for Distinctive Designs by Wilson Harvey
Contemporary Graphic Design (French and German Edition) by Charlotte Fiell and Peter Fiell
Business Graphics: 500 Designs That Link Graphic Aesthetic and Business Savvy by Liska + Associates and Steve Liska
favorite websites:
bittbox
smashingmagazine
designfloat
designmeltdown
lynda
computer experience:
I have a lot of experience using computers and various programs. I was in ART 200 last term, providing knowledge in InDesign and some in Photoshop. I am proficient using Adobe Suite, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Office Suite, PageMaker, Visual Basic, and QuickBooks Pro.
what are you excited about?
I am excited about gaining more knowledge/skills in illustrator and photoshop.
I am also excited to create new projects.
favorite books & magazines:
I enjoy several magazines including: W, Objekt, Paper, Mode, Print, and I.D. to name a few.
The following are some books that I refer to at times and have enjoyed:
The Big Book of Graphic Design by Roger Walton
Graphic Design America 3: Portfolios from the Best and Brightest Design Firms from Across the U.S. by Jenny Sullivan
1,000 Graphic Elements: Details for Distinctive Designs by Wilson Harvey
Contemporary Graphic Design (French and German Edition) by Charlotte Fiell and Peter Fiell
Business Graphics: 500 Designs That Link Graphic Aesthetic and Business Savvy by Liska + Associates and Steve Liska
favorite websites:
bittbox
smashingmagazine
designfloat
designmeltdown
lynda
Monday, March 16, 2009
FINAL PROJECT: MAGAZINE
FRONT COVER/BACK COVER
FIRST PAGE (SEE Last spread for inside front cover...)
INSIDE FRONT COVER/ INSIDE BACK COVER
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