Graphic Abstraction

This exercise will be the first part of a personal logo design project. Through the method of Simplification, you will abstract a chosen object down to its basic two dimensional parts exploring line and shapes. You will look for both the lines and shapes that make up your object as well as the lines and shapes created by the light and shadows falling on the object. Working through the design process (thumbnails, roughs, and creating a comp), you will draw your object first from different points of view, then create a series of thumbnails, refine those thumbnails into rough drafts, and finally scan them and draw a comp in Illustrator.

This exercise is all about observation. Observing lines and shapes and simplifying those down to their most basic parts. Observe where lines and shapes start and stop, how they are placed next to one another, how the object naturally divides negative space, etc. Simplification means understanding how to change what your seeing to a basic, easily understandable, representation of your object. You will also hone your skills at working through the design process, and understanding how to use Adobe Illustrator to create a vector graphic.

Scanning and Tracing your own drawing

Today we will complete the Scanning and Tracing exercise.

Make sure you:

Are using layers
Are using color
keep the scanned image on it's own layer
Can identify and use the Selection tool, the Direct Selection tool, and the Pen Tool

Copy your project to the SCANNING AND TRACING FOLDER on hs2design when you are finished. Be sure to include your name in the title of the file.

Using the Epson scanner

Today I will give an in class demonstration of our scanner. We have 4 of them and you can check them out and use them at anytime during the school day, from 7:30 to 3:30.

Intro to Adobe Illustrator

Today we'll begin working with adobe Illustrator. Illustrator is a Vector Based graphics program. So far we have worked only with a Bitmap based graphics program, Photoshop.

For a discussion on the difference between the two programs click the link below:
Vector and Bitmap Images

Here is an example of the same image in both formats. The Vector graphic is on top, the Bitmap graphic is on bottom. Notice that as the Vector graphic is enlarged the edges stay smooth, whereas the bitmap graphic becomes pixelated.


Today we will learn about the some of the basic tools in Illustrator and do a brief exercise using these tools.

Selection Tool
Direct Selection Tool
Pen Tool
Layers Pallette

Photoshop Text Effects Project is due today

The Photoshop Text Effects project is due today at the end of class. After I present the next project this morning you can finish it up.

Photoshop Exercise – Magical Realism Using Scale

Using the provided images plus at least one of your own, (either from the web or a photos you have taken), create a magical realist composition using exaggerated scale. You may select, crop, and place the elements in the composition in any way that presents them in an incongruous, unusual or “super normal” manner.

Activities/Skills/Followed Directions:

Set up document at stated size and resolution.                                                           5/________

Photoshop Skills 

Made precise selections                                                                                                               5/________

Used Transform-scale tool to change at least one selection/layer.                           5/________

Used move tool to move selections from one document to another.                

5/________

Used Multiple Layers                                                                                                                     5/________

Named Layers                                                                                                                                   5/________

Include at least 1 additional image to the composition                                               5/________  

                                                                                     

Creativity

Met requirements for concept: Magical Realism using scale                                       5/________

                                                                                                                               

Helvetica - the Documentary

The class recently watched the documentary Helvetica, a "film about typography, graphic design, and global visual culture." The students were then asked to review the PBS study guide and respond to questions 1 and 9 plus two others of their choice.

1. How does a typeface create a mood, feeling or image? Can

you describe an occasion when you had a particular reaction to

something in print, not because of the content, but because of the

typeface?

2. In HELVETICA, design writer Richard Poynor says, “The designer

has an enormous responsibility” as the person who is “putting

wires into our heads.” What does he mean? How would you define

that responsibility?

3. Think of the font you most commonly use when working on your

computer. Which one is it and why do you use that one?

4. American designer David Carson says, “Don’t confuse legibility

with communication.” What does he mean? What’s the difference

between them?

5. How is design an expression of the times? How does politics

affect the art of design?

6. What is your reaction to the grunge style of type and design? Why

do you think you respond to it that way?

7. Imagine that the post office, your local bank or other government

or corporate entity whose signage is familiar to you started using

a different typeface. How would that change their image or your

feeling about that business or organization?

8. What might you take away from this film in terms of possible

effects on your work or other aspects of your daily life?

9. What changes, if any, has this film made in how you think about

print and graphic design? 

The responses are in the comment sections below.