Graphic Design Conclusion

Favorite projects

Color Font Pairing Typography

     The typography assignment was one of the hardest projects this semester. We chose four quotes and arranged them digitally with specially picked fonts and colors (and graphics). I struggled with finding decent fonts that go together and go with my theme. I also had some difficulties choosing colors that complemented each other. However, I pulled through and learned a lot about both fonts and colors. My friend gave me some advice on what colors looked well together and what worked. My starting sketches were very basic and did not even factor in colors on most of them. In the end, I tinkered a lot with the design and got something I liked. I really liked this project because it helped me with choosing fonts, telling what colors go together, and arranging graphics/text.
Original photo

Vector Portrait

     Not only did I get to look at my adorable cat's face all the time, but the vector portrait taught me how to use new tools and techniques. We took a portrait of our choosing (mine was of my cat Buster) and created a digital version using only vectors. We could pick between organic vectors and trigonal vectors. I chose the former as organic things appease to me more. Sometimes, a project will test my patience if I do not like it and just want it done but this one did not. It was very slow, methodical, and therapeutic. It required little brain power and lots of visuals. Through this project, I learned about the curvature tool, which is now one of my favorite tools. One thing I did not anticipate with the outcome was the green color. My cat is gray but when pulling out the colors, a lot of them turned out green due to the meddling of the image, so I just went with it. If I could change anything, I might have chosen a slightly different background color. Still, I love the outcome and it was one of my absolute favorites!

Event Advertising

     One of the more recent adventures in graphic design was the event advertising. We started by choosing and researching an artist (museum or concert type). Next, we created posters, post cards, and tickets for a real or made up performance/exhibit of theirs. I chose Ruelle, a widespread but not well known singer who has her fingers in many proverbial pies. I put a lot of effort into creating a black and white vector image of her profile. Additionally, I made a microphone and a few basic music notes. This time around, I learned about how to use bleeds and copying color schemes. I really like Ruelle and the poster was my favorite outcome of this project. I quite like how they all turned out.












My Growth

Weaknesses

     For starters, I still struggle with deadlines a bit. I've definitely improved but it is still difficult. I also need second opinions on fonts and colors (sometimes a third opinion too). My creativity tends to stray to certain topics and refuse to move as well. I will lock onto an idea or visual, such as water (yeah) or flowers and just create several versions before trying anything else.

Strengths

     I can confidently say I improved this semester and this year. As year 2 of e-Comm comes to a close, I have definitely expanded my abilities. I learned how to use vectors, the curvature tool, how to better use colors and fonts, balancing images, and how to quickly use Adobe Illustrator short cuts. (On my own time, I learned how to use the live paint tool too). I am better at vector images than typography and logos over colors. I like creative freedom in what I do and tend to lean towards simple, appealing graphics rather than complicated or wordy products. I even dabbled in cover art, character design, and pattern creation on my own time.

Conclusion

     Overall, I loved learning about vectors and all sorts of convenient tools that are not as complex or obnoxious as the paint tool. If I could change anything, it probably would be the pop art project we did first semester. I did not like not having the ability to choose my subject and I struggled a little bit with finding different ways to do it. (I also had a poor understanding of color at the time but that is unrelated.) Next year, I simply want to keep expanding my knowledge and skills in graphic design, learning how to do lots of different products and different ways to do them. I also want to challenge myself to find ways to use that knowledge outside of school. I can not wait to see what we learn next year!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Houses

Image
     Our most recent project in my E-Comm class has been using the program Sketch-Up. We were tasked with finding a house on houseplas.com and turning it into a 3-D model on Sketch-Up. This is the house I used: https://www.houseplans.com/plan/2176-square-feet-2-bedrooms-2-bathroom-country-house-plans-0-garage-36032      We started with the outline of the house, and added the roof, windows, etc. When we were fully done with creating it, we went and found seamless textures to color it how it's supposed to look. (As in wooding siding, or shingles for roofing.) Here are the three textures I used.      O nce we finished with designs and colors, we chose at least six different angles to view the house, and creating a small animation by putting them together. Here is my finished product, and I hope you enjoy.
Read more

Video Reflection

     In Video Production for the past few weeks, we have been hard at work finishing up our Sophomore Edition of ONW NOW (our schools weekly 10 minute news show). Even before that, we have done videos such as a feature story on a classmate, and then one on something of our choosing. Overall, while some things were a challenge, it was mostly enjoyable. I got to interview many interesting people, talk about cool stories, and work with fun people.      I learned a lot and I am starting to get more comfortable working with the equipment and interviewing people. Adobe Premiere Pro is getting easier to use and I'm learning all sorts of tips and tricks. I probably could have done better on some things, but that's all in the process of learning. Improvements      I could probably improve in areas such as my editing, speed, and productivity. It's always the little things that trip me up in editing, tiny little mistakes here and there. I just need...
Read more

Printing Processes

Image
     We reviewed three different ways of printing: ink relief, intaglio, and lithography. They each share characteristics but have many different requirements, steps, and even tools. With different applications, resources, and finished products, each one is important. Ink Relief      Forms of ink relief was first used before the press was invented, so it could all be done by hand. With wood cut, the grain is important for the impressions it leaves in the black areas, while with the linoleum cut the black area is full and unbroken. In both cases, a previously drawn image can be traced or the image can be directly drawn onto the surface. Similar carving tools are used to define the white areas of the image, while places left alone are the black areas. Most styles are either white marks in a black area or small black streaks left in a white area. Many pictures use both is tandem. Once the image is complete, the object is treated properly then ink is applie...
Read more