Post #6

What is the pen tool used for?
The pen tool is used to make shapes in art of design by using straight lines or curves.

How can you manipulate a path/line in Illustrator? Discuss the use of the white arrow tool. Pen+, pen-,and convert tool.
One can manipulate a path/line in Illustrator by clicking and dragging it with the direct selection tool (white arrow tool). You can add more pr delete anchor points in a path/line by using the Pen+ or Pen- buttons. The convert tool curves and shifts the anchor points to the desired size/location.

How can you utilize the layers palette in Illustrator?
I can utilize the layers palette by putting each figure in each layer. The layers palette help organize the order of where certain objects are placed. 

How do you create a clipping mask in Adobe Illustrator?
You create a clipping mask in Adobe Illustrator by clicking on a figure and click on the "clipping mask tool" to mask it. 

Post #5

For each of the 5 elements of design (shape, line, texture, space, value), find an example that utilizes each element within the design (Google search for poster design, advertisement, etc.). You should have 5 DIFFERENT sample designs.  For each, evaluate the design in 4 to 5 sentences.  Label each with the appropriate element.  Then, discuss how that particular element is used and how it enhances the design.

Shape

In this piece of artwork, each figure is made out of different shapes to become into one. You can easily tell that there are 2 figures in this artwork even with all the little pieces that make up each figure. The bigger shapes bring more attention than the smaller shapes. They are easier to notice and build more smaller shapes on top of it.

Line

This artwork's main focus are lines. Areas that have less space in between lines simulate the darker areas of the photo. Darker areas of the picture are easier to notice than areas with lines with more space in between. While adding curves, more dimension is added into the artwork.

Texture

Texture is another important factor, because it gives off a "vibe" or a "feeling" to a picture. It can also emphasize a certain "theme" that an artwork is going for. The details of the texture can help you imagine the texture's touch. This picture gives us a feeling that this surface feels like a bunch of ropes.

Space

Space helps the viewer guide their eyes to the most important(s) part of the picture. It is the part that outshines every other part of the picture. This piece of art work shows that there are two different colors in the background, which is black and white. In the white section, the black pattern represents birds, making the white section representing the sky. The bird pattern soon transitions into a black background, which translates to water to compliment the white spaces which are fish.

Value

Value gives a picture dimension. It can help the viewers imagine the width, length, and height of a certain graphic on the photo.  It also gives illusions on how far something looks, to compliment reality. This picture shows off the curves and size of the sphere. 

Post #4

Why/how can icons be used to communicate? 
Sometimes not everyone can read the text that are signs. One thing that everyone can understand are pictures. Icons are simple images that everyone can understand so it is easier for people such as foreigners in another country to find their way or being able to understand certain restrictions within a certain area.

Via the internet, find 2 examples of common icons that clearly communicate their message.  Post both in this entry and explain your choice. 

This icon is the handicap icon. This graphic shows a person on a wheelchair who would most likely be handicapped. It is seen everywhere such as public buildings and businesses.

These icons are signs used in bathrooms which are also in public buildings and businesses. They help differentiate male and female.

What is the difference between copyright and public domain? 
When a something is being copyrighted, one would need permission to use someone else's work. A public domain does not need permission from the original creator to use their work.

How can you avoid plagiarism in this class?  In other classes?
How I can avoid plagiarism in this class and other classes is to not cheat or to copy someone else's work. If I do plan to take something from another source, such as the internet, I would need to credit them to avoid legal trouble. Especially when quoting an article, it is important to paraphrase or quote their text.

Post #3

What is OSHA? What do the letters stand for?
OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA makes sure workplaces have safe working conditions by training and educating people on safety hazards.

How can graphic designers effectively communicate? In your own words, explain the communication process.
Graphic designers can effectively communicate by drawing attention to the viewer using all the elements of art.  They have to think up certain ways of how certain pictures relate to the viewer so they can effectively send the correct message to them.

Understanding the history, culture and movements of fine and graphic arts will make you a better producer of visual messages. Why?
By understanding the history, culture, and movements of fine and graphics art will make me a better producer of visual messages by being able to relate to consumers and keeping up with social media. It's also important to look at the history, culture, and movements to see what types of graphic design works and what doesn't work so we don't make the same mistake twice.

Post #2 - Video #1 Elements of Design

What does it take to create good graphic design?

It consists of using computer graphic software to create a design that conveys information and is also pleasing to the eye. It also requires the understanding of the elements of principles of design.

What is the difference between elements and principles?

Elements are the components or parts which can be isolated in any visual design. They are things that we add in the actual design.

Principles tell us how we should organize elements on a page or screen.

Name the six (6) elements of design.

Line, Shape or form, space, texture, value, and color.

What can lines aid in, when alone or combined with other lines or shapes?

Lines that are either alone or combined with other lines or shapes can aid in the readability, appearance, and message of a design.

Which lines suggest a feeling of rest? Why do you think?

Horizontal lines suggest a feeling a rest because flat surfaces are horizontal to other flat surfaces, which compliments gravity.

Vertical lines communicate a feeling of what? Why do you think?

Vertical lines communicate a feeling of loftiness. They can define how some things are shaped and emphasize a certain area of a picture.

What lines suggest a feeling of movement? Why do you think?

Diagonal lines suggest a feeling of movement because it is something that seems unstable in relation to gravity. Examples would be a falling book or flying a kite.

Soft, shallow curved lines suggest what? Why do you think?

Soft, shallow curved lines suggest comfort and relaxation because they have a graceful and delicate effect.

These lines suggest confusion and turbulence? Why do you think?

Deep, acute curves suggest confusion and turbulence because they tend look loud and bold.

What element defines a specific area of space? What is the difference between two dimensional shapes and three dimensional shapes?

Shape defines a specific area of space. A two dimensional shape has width and height, while a three dimensional shape has depth, including the width and height.

Describe the difference between geometric shapes and organic shapes?

Geometric shapes are structured, often symmetrical shapes. It includes squares, circles, and triangles as well as octagons, hexagons, and cones.
Organic shapes are found in nature or they could be man made shapes. They are often irregular and fluid. Leaves are an example of a natural shape.

What are abstract shapes?

Abstract shapes are stylized or simplified versions of natural shapes. They include symbols found in signs. An example of this is the wheelchair sign indicating handicap access.

Which basic shape projects an attitude of honesty or equality?
Square

What do triangles suggest?
Action and stability(if pyramid shaped)

Circles convey feelings of what?
protection or infinity

Describe positive space and negative space? What is texture? Incorporating texture into a design can help do what? What is value?

Positive space refers to the object and elements used in a design. It is the area, which contains all of the elements you have added to your design. It may include text, graphics, photos, lines, or shapes. Negative space refers to the shapes around and between those objects and elements. It gives a pace for the eye to rest, which is needed in order for the message you're trying to communicate to be absorbed. It is also a visual cue that indicates a break in the content or that the content is finished.



Texture can refer to the actual surface of the design with the reader actually being able to feel the texture of the paper and materials in the printed design. Incorporating texture into a design will help create a feeling of richness and depth.

Value is the degree of light and dark in a design. It is the contrast between black and white and all the tones in between. It can also be used with color. It gives objects depth and perception creating spatial illusions.

What is another name for value? What can the element of color do when incorporated into a design?
Another name for value is tone. Color can be applied to any other element of design. It can convey moods, create images, attract attention, and identify objects.