This assignment required the creation of icons for a variety of things that are enjoyed by people. In this assignment, I was able to use the line and shape functions of Adobe Illustrator to good effect. One thing I learned is that icons should be abstract. I realized this when I had to remake my comedy icon because my picture of the laughing boy winded up being too realistic.
Assignment #2: Texture Grids
This assignment called for tracing over various texture patterns. I was able to learn about the use of various elements of design by using a different one as the emphasis for each row of squares. I got to practice using the elements of texture, space, and value. The pen tool was very useful in completing this assignment. The need to use different elements of design helped me to look more closely at tiny details in the patterns, such as the exact shades of grey present in the bottom squares or the texture of the patterns in the top row.
The objective of this assignment was to create a color wheel using two objects that were related to each other. I was able to use the pen tool to even greater effect in this assignment because I had to create the spoon and fork properly. I got to understand the process of creating colors in Illustrator properly. I could have improved on this assignment by creating more intricate and challenging designs.
The goal of this assignment was to create four portraits of ourselves in different color schemes. This assignment helped me understand color schemes and use them in different ways. The complementary color scheme portrait, I used an appearance style similar to that of the Batman villain Two-Face. I utilized the analogous color scheme in a fire-imitating way to make that portrait look attractive. The split-complementary color scheme on the bottom right was used to help my skin stand out from the rest of the picture. I also used it to make it look like I had paint on me.
The goal of this assignment was to create a photomosaic. I chose the primary image as the Taj Mahal, and chose many India-themed pictures as the smaller images. This assignment helped me understand the concept of random patterns and also showed me how attractive photomosaics can be.
The goal of this assignment was to imitate the artistic style of Stephen Kroninger by compiling various images and putting them together to look like an image. The principles of design that can be considered to have been used in the assignment were repetition (as seen in the snowflakes) and variety (seen in the various different images used. In my opinion, I could definitely have done much better on this. Somehow, I think that the work should have looked more like a collage of pictures.
The goal of this assignment was to modify a group photo of favorite celebrities so that I myself looked like I was with them. In this assignment, I used the layer masks to cut off the background of my picture so that I could look like I was with the stars of Harry Potter. I'd say that I did pretty good on this assignment and it was definitely a fun assignment.
The objective of the assignment was to create an image from only text. It was an intriguing assignment. What I like from the design is that it doesn't exactly look like only text from afar. I think I did a good job on altering the text to show different values. Next time, I would probably twist the text better.
The objective of this assignment was using text to create designs with various different principles in mind. I think I did a rather good job using the pathfinder function of Illustrator. I also think I worked well in altering characters to look like particular things.
The objective of this assignment was to manipulate both text and photos in such a way that would look impressive. I used layer blends to make the image of the dancer statue look more harmonious with the color of the crumpled paper. I also made sure to use complementary colors on the smaller and larger texts so that they stood out. I tried to make the design look like it was for an art show or something similar.
The objective was to create a poster that had the objects that resembled the letters of the alphabet. Getting the letters themselves was rather complicated because a lot of outside-the-box thinking was needed. The final product looked pretty good, and I feel that making the background black made it look even better.
This was an unusual assignment which called for piecing together body parts from different things. This was a group effort. One person developed the head, another the torso, another the legs, and so on. This assignment was fun and strange at the same time. We had free rein in Photoshop or Illustrator. I think we all did a rather good job with matching up the balance, although it constantly dawned on me that the parts were not evenly aligned. However, it turns out that exquisite corpses are supposed to be this way, so I think this was a job well done.
Assignment 14: Career Poster
This assignment called for creating a poster for a certain career or organization related to the graphic design industry. This assignment could be considered a bit difficult due to the necessity of incorporating the Z pattern. However, the final product appeared quite decent.
This assignment required the creation of an illuminated manuscript using the lyrics of a poem, song, or speech. I chose the 'All the world's a stage' speech from William Shakespeare's As You Like It. This assignment was interesting because I had to use special brushes to make the design of the paper. It was fascinating to use all of the different brushes to create designs of grass, people, and the Earth.
Assignment # 16: History Timeline
This assignment required creating a timeline for the history of visual communication. I felt that a railroad would be an innovative way of demonstrating a timeline. Starting the timeline at the engine and ending it at the caboose was, I feel, a good way to show how events progressed over time. I also hoped to make the gray smoke a line that would guide the viewer's eye towards the engine of the train.
The goal of this assignment was to create logos for fictional companies. For the first logo I tried to use contrast to make three threes look roughly like the Roman numeral '3'. For the second one I utilized figure/ground to put the TV in the background of the pear. Contrast was also used in the records logo. I also tried using emphasis to the best of my ability in the three logos. I tried to make the logos as simple as possible.
The goal of this assignment was to create logos using only the names of fictional companies. I tried to put as much emphasis as I could on the important parts of each company name. I always tried to put less important emphasis on the classification of the company (photography, flower shoppe, hotel).
The goal of this assignment was to make a business card for a fictional company. I chose a restaurant called Ted's Hot Wings. I chose the colors red and orange because I thought that a fiery theme would suit a restaurant specializing in hot wings. However, I feel that if it was allowed, I would have used black instead of white on the business card.
The goal of this assignment was to make a letterhead for Ted's Hot Wings. I made a transparent version of the logo in the center to add interest to the letterhead. I also continued the fire motif from the business card.
Assignment# 19 Part 3: EnvelopeThe goal of this assignment was to make an envelope for Ted's Hot Wings. I maintained the fire motif even in this design. I felt that it would be appropriate for the assignment.
The objective of this assignment was to make a poster about a certain social issue. I chose the issue of gun control. I took a picture of myself with the peace gesture to convey the peace that is synonymous with gun control. I chose to use the colors red because it symbolizes power. I also used orange in the design to represent caution because that's what gun control is all about.
