Review Week 6

What is the pen tool used for? The pen tool places anchors on a path that creates an object eventually. You can use the pen tool when tracing or just drawing an object.

How can you manipulate a path/line in Illustrator? Discuss the use of the white arrow tool, pen+, pen-, and convert too. If you need to manipulate a line that you have drawn with the pin tool you and use the pen+ or the pen- tool. The pen+ allows you to create extra anchors on a line, which, in turn lets you manipulate the line to curve more, be straighter, become longer, etc. The pen- tool allows you to delete anchors on a line. You can use this tool to shorten a line or move a line a certain way. In order to add or delete anchors though, you must use the white arrow tool. When manipulating a line after adding or deleting anchors you also have to use the white arrow too. The conversion tool allows you to convert a corner point into a curved point.

How can you utilize the layers palette in Illustrator? You can use layers when tracing an object. Whatever you're tracing from can be locked on the layers palette so it doesn't move while you are tracing on it.

How do you create a clipping mask in Adobe Illustrator? To create a clipping mask you first draw a square around the object. Then you select the object and bring it to the front so it is on top of what you're tracing. Then you go to make clipping mask.

Review Week 5

Value: This design represents value of black and white. The lungs made from tree branches stand out because of the white background. They made it this way because the contrast from white and black makes the opposite stand out even more. 

Space: This design has and abstract and organic feel to it.  All of the lines flow right into the next.  Several shapes make us this design and they give a sense of calmness. 

Shape: This poster has very angular shape. It creates a harsh and serious feeling.   The  shapes used are triangles, rectangles, squares and a few circles. The shapes are used in the geisha's outfit mainly.

Line: This poster has curvy, smooth lines.  They make you feel calm and have a fun feel to them.  In a way, it look very retro and might remind you of the 60's.

Texture: This movie poster has lots of texture.  The title of the movie looks handwritten, the background looks like a wall inside of a house. Even the fork looks like a real fork. This poster gives off a dark feeling.

Review Week 4

Why/how can icons be used to communicate? Icons are used to communicate a message without having to use text. Everyone can understand the icon despite language barriers. 

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

  

What is the difference between copyright and public domain? Copyright is when there is a legal stamp on the item stating that you can't copy it without permission/ Public domain means that everyone is available to access and use it.

How can you avoid plagairism in this class? In other classes? You can avoid plagairism by doing your own work and using your own original thoughts not matter what you're doing.

Review Week 3

What is OSHA? What do the letters stand for? OSHA is a government agency in the Department of Labor to maintain a safe and healthy work environment. It stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

How can graphic designers effectively communicate? In your own words, explain the communication process. Some ways a graphic designer can communicate effectively are by being creative, informative, and memorable. The communication process starts with an idea and what message you are trying to get across to your target audience. To get your message across you have to decide what type of people are going to be in your target audience. From there, you give your target audience something they will find interesting and want to know more about.

Understanding the history, culture and movements of fine and graphic arts will make you a better producer of visual messages. Why? history tends to repeat itself so knowing how graphic arts worked 20 years ago or even further back can help you today too. It's just as easy to win someone over today as it was 20 years ago if it's something they want.

Podcast #1 Elements of Design

What does it take to create good graphic design? An understanding of the elements and principlesof graphic design.

What is the difference between elements and principles? Elements are the components or parts which can be isolated in any visual design. Principles tell us how we should organize elements on a page or screen.

Name the six (6) elements of design. Line, shape/form, space, texture, value, and color.

What can lines aid in, when alone or combined with  other lines or shapes? Lines can aid in the readability, appearance, and message of a design.

Which lines suggest a feeling of rest? Why do you think? Horizontal because parallel lines are at rest.

Vertical lines communicate a feeling of what? Why do you think? Loftiness because they show height.

What lines suggest a feeling of movement? Why do you think? Diagonal because they are in motion going one way.

Soft, shallow curved lines suggest what? Why do you think? They suggest comfort, safety, and relaxation because they soften and harsh lines and are easier on the eye.

These lines suggest confusion and turbulence? Why do you think? Deep, acute curves because they are harsh.

What element defines a specific area of space? Shape.

What is the difference between two dimensional shapes and three dimensional shapes? Two dimensional shapes have width and height. Three dimensional shapes have depth as well as width and height.

Describe the difference between geometric shapes and organic shapes? Geometric shapes are structured, often symmetrical shapes. Organic shapes are found in nature or can be man made.

What are abstract shapes? Abstract shapes are stylized or simplified versions of natural shapes.

Which basic shape projects an attitude of honesty or equality? A square.

What do triangles suggest? Action, it can also suggest stability.

Circles convey feelings of what? Protection or infinity.

Describe positive space and negative space? Positive space refers to area which contains all of the elements you have added to a design. Negative space refers to the shapes around and between those elements and objects.

What is texture? Texture refers to the actual surface of a design.

Incorporating texture into a design can help do what? Create a feeling of richness and depth.

What is value? The degree of light and dark in a design.

What is another name for value? Another name for value is tone.

What can the element of color do when incorporated into a design? Color can convey moods, create images, attract attention, and identify objects.

Intro Goals

I took this class because I thought it would be something new and interesting to learn about. My goals for this class are to learn new things, make good grades, and to have fun.