Waiting.

Here I am waiting... Until I can get into that lab tomorrow! It's Sunday, a beautiful, cold Sunday, one of those ones where once you walk outside you can't help but smile because the sun is bright, you can see your breath, AND there is frost on the cars (well maybe you could do without that :)) But nothing compares to being able to work on your work and get it done... Illustrator is calling my name... To finish up my brochure and hope that everything works out! The anticipation is killing me!

But here I am waiting... Do I have other things I need to do... of course! But nothing will feel as good as being able to sit in front of my 27in imac working on my creativity!

Relationship Status: So it's irritating, but I miss it... guess it's love!

I need a break

I need a break College can get pretty crazy! Work that is overwhelming. I am realizing that Graphic Design is becoming my haven more and more everyday. Although I could not make it to the lab and work on my projects we have going on... Brochure in mac word and my color replication project, it brings an appreciation for the time I do have to work on my projects.The work that college provides can get somewhat overwhelming, however, my Graphic Design classes provide a get away!While yes the projects can get insane, the end result is always worth it!

Assignment # 2

Today marks assignment number 2.

Portraying accurate color reproduction when basing an illustration on a photograph is an important skill. Search for a high resolution picture online that is a mechanical device ie, a car, kitchen tool, children's toy, aircraft etc. Try to find an object that has a variety of colors rather then just one solid color and stay away from objects with fuzzy edges or fur. Then, using Illustrator do an outline of the picture with modest details. Be sure to use the techniques described in class when drawing the various sections of your photograph. Be sure to label your layers properly and use proper groups. Then when all the major components of the object are properly traced, start filling in each of the components with the correct color. You may attempt to use gradients if you feel ambitious. You may also break down shadow areas into different shapes to provide different colors. This work will be displayed on screen in class, no printing or mounting necessary.

OOOOkkkkk... Although this just our second project I feel as though there is pattern slowly, but surely forming...

Stages

1. Day one: hate it because it's so confusing
2. Day two: start to like it because I realize one thing an instant revelation and begin to like it
3. Day three: Liking it even more, learning more
4. Day 4: Hate it a little because something went wrong
5. Day 5: Start to love again because it's coming to a close and I figured out what I did wrong
6. Day 6: LOVE IT because it's over and it looks insanely awesome! Funny how when you're done you almost want to say... now that was easy!
   

I notice the pattern but also realize the love for project I'm just waiting for day 3ish, but definitely day 6!


Relationship Status: Day one: a little irritated

All Done!

So, yesterday I officially finished my Less is More project in graphic design... it turned out GREAT! It is so crazy how something so impossible turns out to work for the best.For my project I did an outline of a bicycle, as most of you know from my previous blogs, this project was rather frustrating. However, finishing has made it worth it!I am definitely becoming more acclimated to the idea using Illustrator, maneuvering the lines ect. makes the program more interesting to me, almost like a mystery.Ok, maybe I am being a little too dramatic, but really! figuring out how to use the program is so fun, it pushes you to want to learn more! So fun!

Graphic Design=Salsa

Yesterday was my one year anniversary with my boyfriend... He surprised me with a private lesson on Salsa dancing. During the lesson we practiced different steps and techniques to improve the dance skills neither one of us possessed...
Having the salsa experience made me realize something... the correlation between salsa dancing and Graphic Design.
In Salsa there are very distinctive moves that characterize the dance.
In Graphic Design, there are distinctive characteristics that characterize the degree, versus computer science for example.
Using Illustrator for the Less is More project for example, there are certain steps to take and it is important to realize that those steps are all part of a graphic designers characteristics, as far as their job requirements.
Another step in Salsa is the idea of putting your personality in the moves...
If there is anything that sets graphic designers apart it is there ability to allow their creativity to flow! Personality is key in the graphic design world, that is what sets you apart from the designer next to you...
SO, while most would not connect graphic design with salsa, it's true!
Step one: learn the moves
Step two: Personality

Relationship status: Loving it more everyday!

Love Hate Relationship

Assignment 1: Less is More...

Find a picture online that allows you to zoom in for more detail a second and a third time. Be sure the picture dimensions are at least 1000x1000 pixels so that you can zoom in close enough to see useful detail. Then, using, Illustrator do an outline of the picture with modest details, then a second zoomed in with more details, and a final zoomed in at least 10x closer then the first. Color is not necessary but is allowed. Try to include more details as you get closer each time. The final frame should be recognized as part of the first but should be able to stand on its own. This work will be displayed on screen next class...

Yes, it sounds simple in so many ways, easy language, directions given in an understandable way, and overall a simple project. But try mixing this project with a non-technological human named Kara. Yes, it was hard! I couldn't comprehend the use of the tool which maneuvers the lines to create the image. It was all very overwhelming, but at the same time extremely interesting! I am challenged, but it's exciting because even from this one project I am learning so much and loving it, soon I will be writing the programs for Graphic Designers! All that being said, the project is a perfect mixture of a pinch of frustration and a pinch of luring learning opportunities.

Things that I learned and scratched the surface of the Adobe Illustrator world:

-Pointer
-Use of the canvas
-Artboards
-Layering (of course we only used 3 layers and it is possible for on a regular occasion in a graphic designers world for there to be 2000 layers, so I do not even think I could say scratched the surface :).
-Zooming in and out
-And other basics in Illustrator

Relationship status:
Love, hate relationship

It's a new day

2010, new opportunities, new ways to look at things. Not to mention a step towards success. The beginning of a new semester allows for the excitement of progressing in graphic design so real. It is very exciting because the idea of learning the technology, the different aspects of graphic design, and the limitless opportunities the field presents give me a sense of security which challenges me to push myself to higher creative levels. I plan to go into this next semester with an open mind to learning the software, but also to learning how to work with others who share the same passion. I am going into these classes with an empty cup expecting every ounce to be full with graphic knowledge by the end of this semester! Visual Communications and Techonology for Graphic Design HERE I COME!