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.