Post #10

Compare and contrast vector graphics and pixel images. 

Vector graphics can stay clear when chaining the size of the image whereas pixel images become blurry. 

What resolution is necessary to print raster images?

The minimum is 300 ppi.

What resolution is necessary to display raster images on the internet?

The minimum is 72 ppi.

Post #9

Who is Steve Jobs?

The co-founder and later CEO of Apple.

What company was he CEO for many years?
Apple. 

What did he do for the computer industry?
He gave computers a personal feel instead of just a business kind of thing. 

How did this man impact the graphic design industry?
He created new programs that allowed designers to be able to draw on the computer.  

Post #8

Why must designers pay close attention to how color is utilized within a composition?

Using the wrong colors can give a different vibe or impression than what was intended.

Why is the color wheel an important tool for graphic designers?

It shows color relations which makes it easier for graphic designers to choose from.

Find an example of neutral colors utilized within a design (hint: google poster design). 

Near the sample, discuss why you feel the designer included neutral colors within the 
composition.
It gives it a sophisticated look.

Briefly describe how we "see" the color of an object?

The receptors in our eyes allow us to see the color of an object. 

Post #7

Describe white light? 
White light composed of all colors of light.

How do we see color if objects "have no color of their own"? 
When that color is reflected by an object but absorbs all other colors. 

What seven colors result when white light is refracted through a prism?
 Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and purple.

Describe hue? 
The purest form of a color.

What happens with white? 
It becomes prevalent when an object reflects off all the other colors of light. 

What happens with black?
It becomes prevalent when an object absorbs all the other colors of light. 

How color is perceived depends on what?
It is based on which light an object reflects or absorbs. 

What is a color wheel? 
A diagram that shows the colors in sections and their relationship to the colors next to them. 

What are primary colors? Name them? 
Colors (red, blue, yellow) that cannot be made by mixing other colors.

What are secondary colors? Name them? 
Colors (green, purple, and yellow) made by mixing primary colors.

What are tertiary colors? Name them? 
Colors (red-violet, yellow-green, green-blue, etc.) made by mixing primary and/or secondary colors. 

What are neutral colors? How can they be created? 
Colors (black, white, grey, brown) that are created by mixing all the primary colors except white.

How can a neutral color help a design?
It can help by being the in between of a picture with highlights and shadows.

What are complementary colors? Name them? 
Colors (blue and orange, red and green, yellow and purple) that are on opposite ends of the color wheel. 

What is color value? 
Shades and tints of a certain color. 

What is a shade? 
When a color mixed with black to appear darker.

What is a tint?
When a color mixed with white appears lighter. 

What is saturation/intensity?
They describes the vividness of colors in an image. 

What happens when you mix complementary colors together? 
You can make neutral colors.

What is a color scheme? 
An arrangement of colors. 

Describe a monochromatic color scheme? 
Where only the values of one door is used.

Describe an analogous color scheme? 
Where colors next to each other on the spectrum are used.

Describe a complementary color scheme?
Where opposite colors of each other on the spectrum are used. 

Describe a split-complementary color scheme? 
Where a color has two other colors next to the color opposite of it in the spectrum.

Describe a triadic color scheme? 
Where three colors equally separated in the spectrum are used. 

What colors are considered to be warm colors? 
Red, orange, and yellow. 

Describe the psychology of a warm color scheme?
Grabs more attention and gives off a exciting vibe.

What colors are considered to be cool colors? 
Green, blue, and purple.

Describe the psychology of a cool color scheme?
Gives a peaceful and calm vibe.

Why is important to consider which colors are being used within a design?
It helps convey a message to an audience.  

Post #6

1) What is the pen tool used for?
It's used for creating lines to make an object.  

2) How can you manipulate a path/line in Illustrator? Discuss the use of the white arrow tool. Pen+, pen-,and convert tool.
To manipulate a path/line in Illustrator, you can use the pen (adding and deleting anchor points) and the direction selection tool.  The direction selection tool, the white arrow, can directly select a certain line or a group of lines.  The Pen+ tool adds anchors and the Pen- tool deletes anchor points.  The convert tool can be used to move anchor points. 
 
3) How can you utilize the layers palette in Illustrator?
You can utilize the layers palette in Illustrator by separating colors and lines from each other.  

4) How do you create a clipping mask in Adobe Illustrator?
You can create a clipping mask in Adobe Illustrator by first creating the object you desire to use as the mask.  Then you create layers with the design you'll mask and then move the clipping path to the top of the layers and then clip the object.  

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.

LINES

This is an elephant created purely by lines.  The backdrop is completely black but white lines were used to fill in and outline the elephant.  The artist used different widths of the curved lines to make it appear almost 3D like.  For example, the width of the lines used for the tusks are much thicker than the others. The lines in the center of the elephant are thicker than the rest (excluding the tusks) to create an illusion that part being raised, adding to the 3D effect.  

VALUE 

This scenic view of the mountains is value because it uses tones varying from pitch black to white.  The white is used to create the clouds, and the snow on the caps of the mountains.  The black is used to show mountains in the background.  The gray is used show that the sky is cloudy.  

SPACE 

The picture of the ram in the grass uses negative space.  The white shape is the ram and the white lines is the grass.  The black is the background.  It almost looks as if the ram is wondering in a prairie at night when it is pitch black.  

TEXTURE 

The texture shown above is one commonly seen.  It is common metal texture.  The texture when used for structural things, can provide grip because of its design.  In design, one may question if those little oval like shapes are either pushed in, or raised.  

SHAPE 

The fish was created using scraps of paper.  The artist rearranged the scraps of colored paper to form the shape of a fish.  This shows that shapes can create other shapes, particularly complex ones. 

COLOR 

This isn't a particular image of anything.  That's why color is everything in it.  In colors bellow like blue and green, you can see the colors above, yellow and red, reflect in it.  However it's interesting that the reflection of red onto the blue does not create purple although that would be cool.  

Post #4

1) Why/how can icons be used to communicate?
Icons are used to to communicate because it doesn't matter how important or exciting the information you have to share if you fail to hook your visitors.  It is an effective way to lure people. 

2) Via the internet, find 2 examples of common icons that clearly communicate their message. 

The icon to the left is the handicap icon.  That icon shows where there is handicap accessible places usually.  The icon to the left represents portrays a woman and a man because it is used to show whether a restroom is for women, or for men. 

3) What is the difference between copyright and public domain?
Copyright is exclusive given only to the originate whereas public domain is free for the public to use. 

4) How can you avoid plagiarism in this class?  In other classes?
Most plagiarism is caused by procrastination so working diligently can help you avoid that. That also applies to other classes.   

Post #3

1) What is OSHA? What do the letters stand for?
OSHA is the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration which is responsible for every worker's safety and health protection.

2) How can graphic designers effectively communicate? In your own words, explain the communication process.
Graphic designers can effectively communicate by clarifying things such as ideas and goals, being ready to respond whether it may be for feedback or actually communication, having a board with samples, colours, images, layouts, and inspiration, and technicality like measurements, size, and that kind of stuff. 

3) Understanding the history, culture and movements of fine and graphic arts will make you a better producer of visual messages. Why?
It will make you a better producer of visual messages because you will be inspired by the history, culture and movements of fine and graphic arts.  It gives you a base to start from and then from there, you can add your own twists to it.  

Post #2

1) What does it take to create good graphic design?

Being able to visually translate ideas and concepts.

2) What is the difference between elements and principles?


Elements are the building blocks and principles are the arrangement of them.  

3) Name the six (6) elements of design.


Line, shape, value, color, texture, and space.  

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

It can show where something starts or ends, and it helps outline.  With other outlines, it can make more elements of design such as create a texture, shape, and more. 

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

Curved lines suggest a feeling of rest because it isn't harsh like other styles of lines. 

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

Vertical lines communicate a feeling of loftiness and spirituality because they extend upwards past human reach.

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

Horizontal lines suggest a feeling of movement because it's like life moving forward. 

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

Soft, shallow, curved lines suggest safety, familiarity, and relaxation because they recall the curves of the human body, therefore having a pleasing, sensual quality.  

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

Deep acute curves suggest confusion and turbulence because it's like violent waves in a storm.

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

Shape is an element that defines a specific area of space.  The difference between two dimensional shape and three dimensional shape is that one is a flat and another has volume (width,height, and depth).

11) Describe the difference between geometric shapes and organic shapes?
The difference between geometric shapes and organic shapes are that geometrics shapes are structured and organic shapes can be found in nature or are man-made.  Usually geometric shapes are symmetrical and organic shapes are asymmetrical.

12) What are abstract shapes?

Abstract shapes are stylized or simplified designs of natural shapes.

13) Which basic shape projects an attitude of honesty or equality?
Squares projects an attitude of honesty or equality.

14) What do triangles suggest?
Triangles suggest action.

15) Circles convey feelings of what?
Circles convey feelings of protection.

16) 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 elements used in a design.  Negative space gives a place for the eyes to rest. Texture is can be the actual surface of a design.  Incorporating texture into a design can help to create a feeling of richness and depth.  Value is the degree of light and dark in a design.  It is the contrast between white, black and the tones in between.  

17) What is another name for value? What can the element of color do when incorporated into a  design?

Tone is another name for value.  When incorporated into a design, it can help convey moods, attract attention, and identify objects.  

Post #1

Why did you take this class?
I took this class because I have always been interested in that kind of stuff and I am considering it as a possible career (or something like that) and this class is a good opportunity to try it out. 

What goals do you have for this class?
My goals for this class are to be able to create images all by myself.