Feed the Pig

Last week's assignment was to create a poster for a PSA (public announcement advertisement), I chose a new PSA going around called Feed the Pig. It's a campaign promoting financial literacy, specifically for adults 25-34, and reminding them to feed their piggy banks. The piece I created is a twist on some of the advertisements I came across while researching. It's pretty simple yet still effective, I think.

Final Cover

The task for this project was to create a magazine cover for an existing magazine using my own photography. I chose to do a cover for European magazine, Advanced Photoshop. The image used is of one took earlier during the week of the cloudy sky. See here for original image. By manipulating the image and adding some effects, I was basically showing that you can basically take a dull image and turn it into something completely different. I hope you like. It was fun making it. Comments and critics are welcome.

Illustration 2, Week 2

Creating a font isn't as easy as it seems, especially when trying to come up with something new and creative. With that being said, it's also a challenge to create a font and create a gradient mesh portrait in five days. The font I created is pretty basic and simple; it's actually my handwriting, which I personally think makes it unique in itself.


Ah, the gradient mesh portrait. I can honestly say that I spent 80% percent of my time working on this project, and I'm quite glad I did. It was my first time working with the gradient mesh tool and I'm pretty satisfied with the results, but I'm always looking for ways to improve it.

It's ironic that I actually enjoy illustrating when I say I can't do it. Perhaps it's the perfectionist in me that pushes to the point I want to rip my hair out because I can't fix that one little flaw that no one will probably even notice.

It's now a new week with two completely new projects, and I have some brainstorming to do.

じゃね。

Uncomfortable? Good.

If you think creating a font is difficult, why not take a stab at gradient mesh? I guarantee you'll go running back to creating fonts in a jiffy. There's no sugar coating it, gradient mesh is frustration, tedious, time consuming...did I mention frustrating? Is that nostalgia creeping up from 3D modeling? I think so.

Oh yeah, my three deadly sins are complete and have been presented. If you want to take a peek I'm not gonna stop you. My choices were wrath, pride, and greed. I took the more "colorful" route, so to speak. As for the simplicity, I guess it's safe to say that's my style. However, I will-- no. I AM attempting to wander off from my comfort zone for a while.

じゃね。

Along for the ride

Now that spring break is over, it's now time to illustrate again. I can't say that I'm exactly enthusiastic since I've been in this creative rut for some time now, but I have to start somewhere to get it flowing again.

My first two assignments consist of four illustrations. Three of which will be a deadly sin and the last one will be a recreation of one of Saratoga Sake's art pieces. The deadline's Friday so you'll be seeing those posted by the end of the week.

On a personal note...

I was born and raised in New York city. Yes New York, New York. I moved to the central Florida area going on six years now. It did take some time to adjust to the atmosphere, yet I still prefer living in the city where driving isn't very necessary. In fact I have hopes of returning to the big city after graduating next year.

Quality in Web Design

When it comes to design it seems there is always room for improvement. Whatever bit of work you create it feels there is something not quite right or just something missing. After reading an article, How to Spot Quality with Websites: Tips and Tricks, I discovered that that specific something is called quality. Amazing, isn't it?

I have gone through some of the tips listed within this article (there is quite a few to go through) and they are eye opening, especially for those looking for that extra something to make their website stand out. If you're interested, feel free to check it out. I highly recommend it. If I happen to come across anymore helpful websites, I'll be sure to bookmark them. Check out my delicious bookmarks.

Benefits of Social Networking (SNS)

Web 2.0, the second generation of web development, is user based content where people can socialize using web blogs, rss feeds, bookmarking, wikis, etc. It is becoming a more common tool to use among people across the globe. For most users, it is a common way to keep track of people and information on the web. With that being the case, why is it unnecessary to use these tools in the classroom?

There are many schools that have restricted social networking tools, such as MySpace and Facebook, claiming that it is to protect students and keep them from getting distracted. In that sense, it is understandable. However, I question whether it has been considered that the very sites schools are restricting could also benefit many students educationally.

Continue reading...?

What is Multimedia?

Upon thinking up unique domain names for our class today, it occurred to me that not many people take in the actual definition of multimedia into perspective. I will admit, prior to attending school for graphic design had I really known what it consisted of.

Generally, people would categorize multimedia as movie or television production and not really take into consideration what is added to that, i.e. graphics, animation, etc. I personally think it's because the word 'media' is used with greater enfisis, that some people don't think about the prefix 'multi' as much.

This is just somewhat of my thought process on the subject. I'm sure had we continued on with the discussion in class about the words 'graphics' and 'multimedia', it could have gone on for a while.

Experiences

The last four weeks have been very interesting for me. Had someone told me, "you're going to have the knowledge to create three websites in four weeks," I would have thought they were crazy. Now, if the subject is ever brought up I can say, "I already have."

As a beginner, I know my designs are nothing too extreme or extravagant, but to have the knowledge to use HTML and CSS constructively is a satisfying accomplishment. Minus the frustrations of Dreamweaver's deceptions and the time constants, I think this is something I can get used to. After all, this is my passion.

If there was anything I could change about my learning experience last month, I wouldn't change a thing. All I hope for now is to learn more so I can spruce up my websites and create more in the future.

If you wish to view my websites, feel free to check them out.
Web Access discusses the importance of web accessibility and how web designers can make their site more accessible to the physically disabled. And Photoshop CS2torials is a website with a few easy Photoshop tutorials I put together.

Perhaps I am an overachiever, but it is disappointing to see individuals staying within their boundaries or not even trying different aspects of design. I know how frustrating it is to get familiarized with a new program and the thought of having to face it everyday is sort of a drag. Believe me, I know from experience.
Even so, isn't the whole point of enrolling in a graphic design program is to go beyond the boundaries of the average person? I'm not saying because you are a graphic designer that you're a member of the Fantastic Four, but it means that you have an eye for design. To others, that is considered gifted.
If you have a gift, why waste it by being afraid of going beyond the average range? Take that extra step, but be careful not to walk too fast or you might just trip over your feet. Pace yourself.

HTML

Hypertext Markup Language has appealed to me for many years. It started with playing with hex codes and changing the font face, and adding a few images here and there. Although I did grasp the basic concept of how to edit HTML, I was unaware of what it was really capible of.

Well, it's now roughly five years since then. Now taking part 1 of my Multimedia course I am now really able to learn how to use HTML (and CSS) constructively. You can't always teach yourself everything. I will admit, it can be frustrating but I know that it is something that I am passionate about. It is a field that I hope to go far in, but I'll keep my mind in the present times and finish my projects. That's the only way you can learn anything, right?