Flash scares me. When I watch examples in labs and lectures I wonder how I will ever successfully pull this assignment off. I enjoyed Photoshop, simply because I’m used to it; Flash on the other hand, is new grounds for me. Hopefully I do a decent job before week 9!
I did come up with a concept, thankfully. After I watched “Are You Emo?” by Quinn Danielis and “Thief” by Andrew Miguel on blackboard, I decided I wanted to create an animation that was funny, with a simple vibe. I’m keeping it simple for I don’t want my expectations to become too high. If I become a master however, perhaps I will work backwards and add any touch-ups and new ideas to the finished product.
My vision consists of two kittens watching the moon, slowly falling in love. They begin to kiss, and roll over the field in lust (nothing sexually hinted here, simply rolling). This action goes on for an awkward length, when suddenly you hear a voice of a third cat. It happens to be the male cat’s girlfriend, scolding him for cheating on her. The video ends with the cat’s girlfriend ranting about the situation to the two awkward cats caught in the act.
It is random, I’m aware. Yet I believe the randomness is what will make the Flash movie enjoyable. I actually came up with this concept when watching cat videos on Youtube (i.e. “Two Cats In Love”). I chose cats simply because I think two cats rolling around in grass embracing each other is funny. I will have to research the details on what a cat looks like, and their movements for the video. Having realistic characters in a non-realistic setting adds to the comedy. Although if the vision doesn’t work out, I may change the cats to a different type of animal.
My idea is going to take many hours in the lab. Because I’m a rookie, I will have to master these tutorial handouts quickly before the due date. The techniques used in Flash (i.e. quality buttons, tweens, animation, sound) depend on how quickly I develop these skills and what works and doesn’t work with my layout.
Additional Sources
Petrou, Laurie. "Motion Graphics". Lecture. Ryerson University, Toronto. 13 Oct. 2009.
"YouTube - Two Cats In Love." YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. Web. 22 Oct. 2009. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7VMwsAsUI&feature=PlayList&p=6C233A0FC4F7A95A&index=9
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Week 5 - Photoshop Poster Assignment
I had already decided I was going to make a poster for a fictional movie. I love imagining random movie concepts, so applying that interest to this assignment made time spent on my poster very enjoyable.
Ironically, I began by brainstorming what qualities would make for a hilarious photograph, not by what a good movie should be. I wanted to create something edgy, without crossing lines; and most importantly, make people laugh. Only once the picture was taken, I would begin to mold the idea into a movie concept. Eventually I envisioned myself using a toilet in a woman’s public washroom, offending nearby bystanders.
With help from females on campus, and an Image Arts photographer, I was able to capture my vision. I could not settle with an average quality camera, and used my residence’s resources to get the perfect picture. Finding the perfect washroom was a challenge however, for I specifically wanted a shot of an open stall for the girls to crowd around. As well, finding the right angle, turned out to be a feat in itself. We eventually settled with a photograph of the washroom’s mirror, which coincidently left me with a beautiful sink reflection in the right hand corner of my finished product.
I chose my favourite take, and began working with Adobe Photoshop. This led to another problem, which again, worked out in my favor. I originally believed the image would take the full 8 x 10 size, however I soon realized that would be impossible without stretching the photo. This left a border on the sides that I completely hated, although did display great alignment.
While venting, I toggled with the photo’s colour. The image needed blue, to match water one would find in a washroom. This led to borders becoming a lighter shade of blue, contrasting the photo. Although still not satisfied, I eventually began to make the image appear as if the viewer is looking in a mirror, rather than simply an image with a dull border.
With the brush tool, I drew white lines on the corner of the photo to give a glossy, mirror-like appearance. It was simple, yet very effective. As well was the movie title, “The Ladies Room”. Although blunt, I really wanted to use the woman’s washroom logo as a text in the font. Once creating my own replica, I found a font similar to the drawing.
The tagline, like the movie concept itself, was due to brainstorming. Using “this guy has balls”, as a branding slogan, worked perfectly for my edgy theme. A male had the courage to use the woman’s washroom - the problem being, he was a male. I completed the design by researching professional movie posters, viewing what criteria was found on all of them (i.e. the credentials, movie website, release date, etc.)
A problem then occurred. Due to my placement of the tagline on my character’s back, if I correctly centered all the text, the poster would appear awkward - and oddly enough, not appear centered at all. Therefore I purposely left text not quite in the middle of the design.
After viewing my completed project, teens (13-19) are the target audience, due to borderline offensive humor in the concept and design. Using teens in the photo itself, I believe, also successfully addresses the target audience with ease. I was worried a movie poster wouldn’t showcase advance Adobe Photoshop techniques, however the assignment took a lot more effort and time than expected.
I worked with this program before, however never have I focused so much on key design principles. From doing this assignment, I am now familiar with what makes a great design. This will stick with me forever. As well, having an in-class critique of my work also was beneficial. This was able to tell me that I did use the CRAP principles correctly. Overall, the piece exceeded my initial goal, and I am happy with what I created.
Additional Sources
Petrou, Laurie. Ryerson University, Toronto. Lab. 08 Oct. 2009.
Ironically, I began by brainstorming what qualities would make for a hilarious photograph, not by what a good movie should be. I wanted to create something edgy, without crossing lines; and most importantly, make people laugh. Only once the picture was taken, I would begin to mold the idea into a movie concept. Eventually I envisioned myself using a toilet in a woman’s public washroom, offending nearby bystanders.
With help from females on campus, and an Image Arts photographer, I was able to capture my vision. I could not settle with an average quality camera, and used my residence’s resources to get the perfect picture. Finding the perfect washroom was a challenge however, for I specifically wanted a shot of an open stall for the girls to crowd around. As well, finding the right angle, turned out to be a feat in itself. We eventually settled with a photograph of the washroom’s mirror, which coincidently left me with a beautiful sink reflection in the right hand corner of my finished product.
I chose my favourite take, and began working with Adobe Photoshop. This led to another problem, which again, worked out in my favor. I originally believed the image would take the full 8 x 10 size, however I soon realized that would be impossible without stretching the photo. This left a border on the sides that I completely hated, although did display great alignment.
While venting, I toggled with the photo’s colour. The image needed blue, to match water one would find in a washroom. This led to borders becoming a lighter shade of blue, contrasting the photo. Although still not satisfied, I eventually began to make the image appear as if the viewer is looking in a mirror, rather than simply an image with a dull border.
With the brush tool, I drew white lines on the corner of the photo to give a glossy, mirror-like appearance. It was simple, yet very effective. As well was the movie title, “The Ladies Room”. Although blunt, I really wanted to use the woman’s washroom logo as a text in the font. Once creating my own replica, I found a font similar to the drawing.
The tagline, like the movie concept itself, was due to brainstorming. Using “this guy has balls”, as a branding slogan, worked perfectly for my edgy theme. A male had the courage to use the woman’s washroom - the problem being, he was a male. I completed the design by researching professional movie posters, viewing what criteria was found on all of them (i.e. the credentials, movie website, release date, etc.)
A problem then occurred. Due to my placement of the tagline on my character’s back, if I correctly centered all the text, the poster would appear awkward - and oddly enough, not appear centered at all. Therefore I purposely left text not quite in the middle of the design.
After viewing my completed project, teens (13-19) are the target audience, due to borderline offensive humor in the concept and design. Using teens in the photo itself, I believe, also successfully addresses the target audience with ease. I was worried a movie poster wouldn’t showcase advance Adobe Photoshop techniques, however the assignment took a lot more effort and time than expected.
I worked with this program before, however never have I focused so much on key design principles. From doing this assignment, I am now familiar with what makes a great design. This will stick with me forever. As well, having an in-class critique of my work also was beneficial. This was able to tell me that I did use the CRAP principles correctly. Overall, the piece exceeded my initial goal, and I am happy with what I created.
Additional Sources
Petrou, Laurie. Ryerson University, Toronto. Lab. 08 Oct. 2009.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Week 4 - Typography
Once again, I was excited for this Digital Media lecture. With a continuation on Adobe Photoshop, I didn’t mind waking up for 9 a.m. this week. Although the previous class focused on colour schemes and design principals; typography would be the main topic of interest this go-around.
While I’m creating a design, I believe the font is just as important as the image. I have seen many examples where the artist has a strong image – just to be ruined by a poor choice in font. Finding a typography that correctly conveys the message/theme makes all the difference. This not only allows the image to connect with text, but also make overall visual very appealing.
Typography is everywhere. Even the simplest of fonts have been used over and again. However, in some cases, the designer creates their own fonts to best suit the piece. I have comes across many different typographies on the Internet - each with a unique theme; that is easily displayed through the use of font.
Although not much text is present, the typography for Kid Cudi’s debut album, Man on the Moon: The End of Day, is very effective. The font, which looks similar to ‘BlairMdITC TT’, has a very futuristic outer space appearance. This theme goes hand in hand with Kid Cudi’s sci-fi lyrics and rhythms found in his music. The font also creates a connection with the image of the moon and stars on the right-hand side. Yet while kept relatively simple, the typography leaves the viewer with a sense of curiosity – much like what the audience gets while listening to this rising artist.
My next graphic is located on a Jag “Skinny Jeans” billboard. This typography is very popular, yet works outstandingly well with the product’s concept. Using a font similar to ‘Arial Narrow’ makes the advertisement clear that Jag’s jeans are skinny in size. With such simple font and red colour, the typography is easy to read. This is very important, for everyone is going to see this billboard. By choosing this font, the overall appearance also creates, a clean and classy look. With a beautiful model as the image, having a tidy appearance makes for a great display.
My last design is for Kraft’s ‘Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Crème’. With using a mixture of ‘Cooper Std Black’ and ‘Comic Sans’, this designer was able to create a typography that completely matches the appearance of a real marshmallow. The bubbly letters also works very well with the rainbow pattern seen in the background, allowing the product to appear fun and enjoyable. This design is probably my favourite.
Typography is very important to any design an artist creates. In Digital Media, the correct choice of font creates tone, themes, and connections that may of not existed before. Having the perfect typography strengthens everything about your design, and makes it better than ever before.
Look around. You’ll be amazed by the impact typography creates.
Additional Sources
Petrou, Laurie. Typography. Ryerson University, Toronto. Lecture. 29 Sept. 2009.
Images
Kid Cudi, Man on the Moon: The End of Day. 2009. (CD cover)
http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00026388.html
Jag, Skinny Jeans. 2006. (Billboard)
http://my_sarisari_store.typepad.com/my_sarisari_store/billboards/
Kraft, Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Crème. 2009. (Product label)
http://www.candypirate.com/kraft-jet-puffed-marshmallow-creme---196g---short-dated-22nd-sept-665-p.asp
While I’m creating a design, I believe the font is just as important as the image. I have seen many examples where the artist has a strong image – just to be ruined by a poor choice in font. Finding a typography that correctly conveys the message/theme makes all the difference. This not only allows the image to connect with text, but also make overall visual very appealing.
Typography is everywhere. Even the simplest of fonts have been used over and again. However, in some cases, the designer creates their own fonts to best suit the piece. I have comes across many different typographies on the Internet - each with a unique theme; that is easily displayed through the use of font.
Although not much text is present, the typography for Kid Cudi’s debut album, Man on the Moon: The End of Day, is very effective. The font, which looks similar to ‘BlairMdITC TT’, has a very futuristic outer space appearance. This theme goes hand in hand with Kid Cudi’s sci-fi lyrics and rhythms found in his music. The font also creates a connection with the image of the moon and stars on the right-hand side. Yet while kept relatively simple, the typography leaves the viewer with a sense of curiosity – much like what the audience gets while listening to this rising artist.
My next graphic is located on a Jag “Skinny Jeans” billboard. This typography is very popular, yet works outstandingly well with the product’s concept. Using a font similar to ‘Arial Narrow’ makes the advertisement clear that Jag’s jeans are skinny in size. With such simple font and red colour, the typography is easy to read. This is very important, for everyone is going to see this billboard. By choosing this font, the overall appearance also creates, a clean and classy look. With a beautiful model as the image, having a tidy appearance makes for a great display.
My last design is for Kraft’s ‘Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Crème’. With using a mixture of ‘Cooper Std Black’ and ‘Comic Sans’, this designer was able to create a typography that completely matches the appearance of a real marshmallow. The bubbly letters also works very well with the rainbow pattern seen in the background, allowing the product to appear fun and enjoyable. This design is probably my favourite.
Typography is very important to any design an artist creates. In Digital Media, the correct choice of font creates tone, themes, and connections that may of not existed before. Having the perfect typography strengthens everything about your design, and makes it better than ever before.
Look around. You’ll be amazed by the impact typography creates.
Additional Sources
Petrou, Laurie. Typography. Ryerson University, Toronto. Lecture. 29 Sept. 2009.
Images
Kid Cudi, Man on the Moon: The End of Day. 2009. (CD cover)
http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00026388.html
Jag, Skinny Jeans. 2006. (Billboard)
http://my_sarisari_store.typepad.com/my_sarisari_store/billboards/
Kraft, Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Crème. 2009. (Product label)
http://www.candypirate.com/kraft-jet-puffed-marshmallow-creme---196g---short-dated-22nd-sept-665-p.asp
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