Semester 1 Week 12: Introduction to Photoshop 2

This week, we learnt to use more Photoshop tools to edit images; namely the magic wand tool. We also learnt to flip the image, scale, rotate and also adjust its opacity. Creating layers and applying texture were also covered in this lesson.

Firstly, we polished our skills in cutting out an image from its background using the quick selection tool. We also learnt when to use the magic wand tool at the appropriate times, which is when the background of the image has a colour which is starkly different. As seen from the image above, I have cut out the background of the different vegetables before placing them on the chopping board. It was a little more challenging to edit the image of the lettuce as compared to other vegetables because its edges are not smooth curves.

Then, we edited images of fishes and placed them in the fish bowl which was given a solid colour as its content. To make the picture look more realistic, the opacity of the water was decreased. If we compare the two pictures above, the one on the right looks more realistic because the opacity of the water has been decreased.

Lastly, we learned how to layer an image on top of another and used the multiply layer to create an image. For example, the image above was created from layering a picture of a crushed paper on a car. 

I cleaned the edges of the car to delete the parts of the paper off the car to ensure that the image looks realistic.

Out of the three, my favourite is the last image. I never knew that it was possible to layer an image on top of another to create such an effect. It is also not much of a hassle to clean up the sides using the eraser tool to ensure that the image of the crushed paper is not seen off the car. I look forward to discovering other pictures that can be layered on top of others to create many different effects.

Semester 1 Week 11: Introduction to Photoshop

This week's lesson covered an introduction to Adobe Photoshop. We learnt really simple tools such as using the selection tool and also the shortcuts to edit and resize certain parts of the photo.

Before                                                                                   After             

In the photos above, I have enlarged the lady's eyes. I used the quick selection tool to select her both her eyes, followed by the command button and the T key to select her eyes. Then, I resized her eyes simply by resizing the box. However, to make it as natural as possible, I did not enlarge her eyes too much. 

The image above is an exercise we did during class. We simply used the quick selection tool to select the mask and delete its background. Then, we dragged the image on the lion and resized it to fit the lion perfectly.

While doing these, I realise that it is quite difficult to ensure that the quick selection tool or the magic wand tool only selects the areas that we want due to the similarity in the colours with the background. It took me a few tries before I managed to select only the eyes of the woman without cutting into her face. It was easier to apply the same skills while editing the second picture of the lion with the mask. This is because the black mask was placed against a white background, hence making it easier to select the mask apart from its background and delete the latter.

Prior to this lesson, I knew about the wonders of Photoshop. However, it was after the lesson where I found out that simple tools such as quick selection and resizing the pictures can make a person's picture become much more pleasant to the eyes. Besides its main function for this module which is to use design our work, it is also beneficial when it comes to beautifying one's picture. The picture of the woman I edited above is an example of its magic. With such advancement in technology which is readily made available, anyone and anything can look beautiful in the virtual world.

Photo credits:   from https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIR-JfXTPetPGtWcwsPWOsSfk9E0R07HLYqcP5FKquoh6nfOqeqe-yQF5A020j4eT_OFwCDH85pkjxhFOKeP0GESoUmOgvElp5keY7oQsb0TDPlQGj3vCntOC5oAUYVjqqddNA0Tmw_Y/s1600/Ga-In.jpg

Tutorial 6: Introduction to Adobe Illustrator

This week, we learnt how to use Adobe Illustrator and use shapes to draw images. It was tricky at first, and it took me some time before I got used to handling the tools. We were introduced to the basic illustration tools such as the pen tools, type tool, selection and direct selection tools. We learnt to use the gradient tool and scale our drawings on illustrator, as well as using guides to arrange drawings and put them in place. The penguin below is a result of a whole day of sitting in front of the laptop and scaling the drawings.

Original penguin 

Penguin drawn by me

The penguin on the left is the original image while the one on the right is the result of my work. Although the lines and curves are not smooth, this is my first try and I aim to do better with more practices ahead.

During this process, I learnt that it is important for me to plan before I draw. It is always best to break the different part into layers so that I do not delete the parts that I have done by accident. I have also learnt that it is best to be thorough in my tight sketches so that I can scan them in and use them as a guide on Adobe Illustrator (AI) when I execute my designs on the software. However, I also need to use the rulers and guides on AI to ensure that my drawings are scaled and proportionate. I cannot depend on my tight sketches alone as they are only rough guides.

Adobe Illustrator is once I get the hang of it. However, judging from how my penguin drawing turned out, I believe I need to polish my skills more.

Visual Comm Week 5: Logo & Mascot Design and Introduction to Illustrator

Week 5 of Visual Communication was fun as we learnt how to use the Illustrator. We also learnt about the definite different types of logos and functions of mascots.

1. Iconic logo

Iconic logos are symbolic designs that represents a particular brand, without any indication of the name of the brand in numerals or alphabets. In order for an iconic logo to be an effective one, it has to have features that can me instantly recognised and remembered. 

The Apple logo is an example of
an iconic logo.

 2. Logotypes
Logotypes or wordmarks are graphics of the name of a particular brand. An example would be the logo of Mediacorp logo as shown below.

3. Combination Marks
Combination marks are logos with both the the organisation's name and an icon which represents the organisation.

The logo of Reebok, a brand for sports apparels,
 is an example of a combination mark. 

In order for a logo design to be effective, it is best for it to be simple, memorable, timeless, versatile and appropriate. This is because a simple logo would be easily recognised and remembered, making the brand or organisation more recognisable.

Apart from logos, I've also realised the importance of mascots. Mascots allow organisations to communicate effectively with the target audience and make their brand or products stand out. In order for a mascot to be of a good quality, it has to appeal to the audience by having a reasonable and interesting background story. It also has to be designed and styled appropriately, following the preferences of the target audiences. 

Lastly, we learnt how to use the Illustrator software. Below is a screenshot of what we did during class whilst familiarising with the software.

The tutorial this week made me realise how important it is to keep my logo designs simple in order for it to be remembered effectively by the audience. This caused me to make some adjustments to my rough sketches and thumbnails to make it as simple and memorable as possible for it to be an effective logo. It also reminds me of the few things that I have to keep in mind while working on my mascot design for my t-shirt brand. I hope to maximise the knowledge I've gotten this week to do my best in designing an effective logo and mascot. 

Photo credits:

http://keithsawyer.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/apple-logo1.jpg

http://www.cdrc-phil.com/visayas-and-mindanao-folks-cry-%E2%80%9Cwe-don%E2%80%99t-want-%E2%80%98ondoy%E2%80%99-to-happen-to-us%E2%80%9D/

http://fontsinuse.com/uses/5143/reebok-logos-1970s-2002

Visual Comm Week 4: Graphic Design History 2, Storyboards & Moodboards

This week, we learnt the second part of Graphic Design History. A short history of books was introduced, followed by an overview of the history of posters.

I found it unique and clever of the people in the past who made use of animal skins and palm leaves as surfaces to write.

A wax tablet, one of the earliest book forms, commonly
used by Greeks and Romans in the past.

We also learnt about the history of posters. Although there is a variety of posters available now, I prefer one of the earliest forms of posters, the broadside. Below are some examples of broadside posters.

I prefer the broadside printing of posters or advertisements because it is neat and has a structure. Although it may seem dull as it appears to follow a specific template, its vintage-like font and colour is unique to me because broadside printed posters and advertisements were more commonly used in the 18th and 19th century.

Lastly, we learnt about storyboards and mood boards. We were tasked to create our own moodboards and I chose to do mine based on the theme of music concerts.

Besides learning about the theories about graphic design, storyboards and moodboards, we also learnt about various art movements such as art nouveau, cubism, dada and pop art through the activities in class where we were tasked to do a research about the art movements and present out findings to the class. Such activities are not only beneficial as it polishes our public speaking and presentation skills, but also allows us to learn and teach each other about the various art movements in a more interactive way. 

Photo credits:

http://www.concordlibrary.org/scollect/Fin_Aids/Broadsides.htm

http://digital.lib.ecu.edu/staffpick/?p=2691
http://www.bibleandscience.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=207

Visual Comm Week 3: History of Symbols, History of Typography & Basic Photography (Composition)

On the third week of Visual Communication, we learnt about the history of symbols, including the different symbols such as ideogram, pictogram, trademarks and many more. We also learnt about the history of typography and basic photography. As part of our assignment this week, we were told to take pictures of the 5 themes of basic photography which are line, framing, rule of thirds, simplicity and balance.

1. Line

 

 

 

 2. Framing

This was taken through the glass window near the skate park. The panes acted as a frame around the subject.

This was taken at the end of a corridor. The side walls of the narrow opening acted as a frame around the subject.

This was taken near Foodcourt 3. The pillars acted as a frame around the subject.

 3. Rule of thirds

 

4. Simplicity



 

 

5. Balance

 

The vibrant colour of the murals on the left balances with the subject on the right of the picture. This way, balance in the photo is achieved.



Both subjects are in two similar poses and positions.

Both subjects are in two similar poses and positions as well.

 



Learning the basic photograpy compositions helped me to take better photographs. I can also differentiate the different themes implemented when I look through photographs. I believe that there are areas of improvement based on the photographs I have taken, and I will take more photographs after this as practice. It is a very useful skill that I will try to develop so that I can take better photographs.

Visual Comm Week 2 - Textures & Principles of Designs

The second lesson of Visual Communication was not filled with drawing activities like the first one. We spent more time learning about the Principles of Design and textures. We then moved on to design and draw our own textures.
Each of us were required to draw 3 different textures:
1. A texture that represents ourselves
2. A texture from the surroundings
3. A texture based on our perception of the future



Texture 1

I drew moons as a texture that represents me because of several reasons. Firstly, I have a predilection for the stars, our moon and other astronomical objects.I have always found them beautiful and amazing as their presence are always intertwined with many endless possibilities because there are many facts about them and there are more to come. Most of the time, discoveries made about the universe are beyond the realms of our minds. I chose the moon as is one of the astronomical objects closest to us. Beyond the moon,and beyond the solar system, there are more astronomical objects waiting to be discovered. I aspire to achieve, and I believe that every human being was created to break barriers and soar towards excellence. I see the moon as the first aim in my life, and I want to beyond it and achieve more, as there are many areas in life waiting to be unleashed.

Texture 2

I chose to draw the designs on the carpeted floor for the second texture.

Texture 3

Lastly, we had to draw a texture that represents the our perception of the future. I drew buildings that increase in height significantly. With advancement in technology, we will be equipped with more knowledge and skills. Hence, standards and expectations in most areas in life, in terms of work and academics, will escalate rapidly. The number of units in the buildings also increases. This is to represent the increased competition as everyone aims to outshine each other.


The second activity we did was to create a short presentation about the examples of Principles of Designs which we learnt. Through the short presentations made in small groups, I got a better understanding of the concept as we had to look for the examples ourselves. I can now identify the Pinciples of Designs in photos and magazine pages.

The last activity of the day was to sketch the Red Bridge, taking into consideration our perspectives and points of view. After about two hours, I finally completed the sketch as shown below.

My sketch of the red bridge

      

The red bridge













During this lesson, I have not only learnt how to identify the various designs according to the principles, but also on how to improve our drawings. After learning about perspectives, I realise how much it helps to include perspectives in our sketches. It makes our drawings look more realistic. Apart from that, I also understand the difference between actual textures and visual textures. Before today, I thought that textures only refer to surface illusions of things like water, wood, fabrics and metals. The activities we did were of great help as it aids my learning and improved my understanding of the theories.