DEFINITIONS: GRAPHIC DESIGN

1. Budget
A financial plan to manage the spending and saving of money.

2. Project Brief
Statement that describes the purpose, and what the project consists of. It is an instruction of what is expected from the project.

3. Pantone Colour System + Swatch
- Solid colour communication system based on the visual matching of individual, pre-mixed colours.
- Swatch: a colour sample.

4. Process Colour
CMYK colour model.

5. Motion Graphics
Graphics that use video or animation technology to create the illusion of motion or a transforming appearance.

6. E-print
Digital version of a research document.

7. Offset press
Commonly used printing technique where the inked image is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to a printing surface.

8. Positive and Negative Space
Can be considered good design, negative is space where other things are not present, which gives a balance to positive space.

9. Copywriter
A person who writes advertising copy, the text used in advertisements.

10. Widows + Orphans (type)
Words or short lines at the beginning or end of a paragraph, left hanging at the top or bottom of a column, separated from the rest of the paragraph.
Widows: A paragraph-ending that falls at the beginning.
Orphan: Paragraph-opening, appears by itself at the bottom of a page.

11. Type Foundry
A company that designs and distributes typefaces.
12. Typesetter
Typesetting involves the presentation of textual material in graphic form on paper or some other medium.

13. Moveable type
System of printing and typography that uses movable components to reproduce the elements of a document.

14. Pica
Unit of measuring typesetting. One pica = 1/6 of an inch.

15. Spread
Two facing pages of a book or other publication.

16. Bleed
The margin around a page in which the contents sit within the outline.

17. Mock-up
A demonstration or model, rough visual of a publication or design.

18. Proof
A trial photographic print from a negative. An artist or a gallery proof.

19. Contact sheet (photographs)
Aka contact print. A print from a negative that encompasses all negatives on the one page.

20. Why don’t we use comic sans?
Because its tacky and hideous.

21. Why don’t we use rainbow gradients?
Because they are ugly and nasty.

22. Why don’t we use lens flares?
Because they don’t look good and they are tacky.

23. What is a SLR camera?
Single-Lens-Reflex camera. Can see exactly what will be captured. Can adjust everything to suit the environment and atmosphere your in.

24. Why shoot in RAW?
Better quality, and captures every bit of performance.

25. What is an EM?
A unit of measurement in the field of typography, equal to the point size of the current font.

26. What is POSTSCRIPT?
Dynamically typed concatenative programming language.

27. What is an EPS? + TTF?
- EPS: Encapsulated PostScript. Standard file format for importing and exporting files.
- TIFF: Tagged Image File Format. A file format for storing images.

28. What is the HSB colour system?
Hue, Saturation and Brightness. The three different ways of varying colour.

29. Describe David Carson’s work.
- influenced by his surfing life and early childhood, portrayed in his graphics.
- Subjective works, hands on designer.

30. Describe Alex Trochut’s work.
- very full on, his statement “more is more”
- skilled in typography and illustration
- may be simple, but effective approach.
- Rich, elegant, detailed works.
- Eg. Nike, Coca-Cola, The Guardian.

31. Is the London Olympics logo good?
No

32. Are you satisfied yet.
Yeahhh brew

33. Do some star-jumps!
I did, and cartwheels!!

Childrens Illustrative book

Creating a childrens book has been great, i have enjoyed every part of it.

My target audience for my story is to children around Pre-School age, so roughly 3 til 6. It is easy to read, whether it is themselves learning to read or someone reading to the child.

My intentions for this book is that its one book out of a series to collect. The name i came up with is "Max goes to Pre-School" and others would be names such as Max goes to a birthday party, Max goes on an adventure, etc.

The story has five characters and they include:

• Max
• His mum
• His teacher: Miss Molly
  
• Girl (child)
• Boy (child)

The story is about the little boy Max and all the things he gets up to in a day at Pre-School. He is a terror of a child and cant sit stil. It ends with him falling asleep when the teacher reads a story to the class.

This is my full story;

"Max goes to Pre-School"

• It’s Max’s first day of Pre-School. He is very excited.
• Max’s mum says goodbye as he walks into Pre-School. “Be good now, have fun.”
• Miss Molly welcomes the children. “Good morning everyone, today we are going to have lots of fun.”
• The day begins!
There is only one problem; Max doesn’t like to sit still.
• Painting. The class sits down to paint a picture.
Oh no! Max is painting everything except for the paper.
• Building Blocks. Max’s friends join in together to build a castle.
Oh no! Max runs through and destroys it all.
• Sleeping cats. Miss Molly tells everyone about the game “Sleeping Cats.” Whoever stays still the longest, wins!”
Oh no! Max doesn’t even last a minute.
• The Sand Pit. Max’s friends play in the sand, digging and building.
Oh no! Max is flicking sand out of the pit!
• Story time. Sitting back to relax, Miss Molly reads a story to the class. Oh no…
Surprisingly, Max falls asleep! Pre-School must be very tiring…
• When you can’t stay still.
• THE END.


Below are some photos of the sketches of characters. As it is aimed at younger children i have drawn simple characters for kids to understand.














I drew a rough outline of what the chosen two page spreads contain and the placement of characters a text. Here are the photos;










Here are the painted spreads. I chose to use a different approach to the appeal of the book. I roughly water colour painted the drawings and then used felt tip to outline everything, finishing it off.































Once the drawings and painting was completed, i scanned the spreads in, cropped them all to the same size in Photoshop to take off the pencil outlines. I then made a few adjustments to them, for example altering the brightness and contrast.

From here, i placed them into a layout in InDesign which i set up to be the exact size of the spreads, leaving no bleed so they cover the whole page.
I searched and came up with a few different fonts for the text. I used a plain, easy readable font (Helvetica) for the main text and a more childs, or hand written font for subheadings.

Below are images of the final, finished spreads, one by one. The first two do not continue on directly to the following two.

Playstation 3

I changed my idea for doing a PS2 cover to PS3 to be different. I found this challenge a little more difficult than the wii as i tried to make it look like it is the same game but tried to change the design a little. Was hoping to be able to print them off and try them out in the sleeves but my printer isnt working so will have to hope for the best in class on the due date.

I found this assignment over all pretty challenging, it wasnt as easy as i initially thought, it was great fun to do but.

below is an image of the PS3 design cover.

soundtrack

here is the final copies of my soundtrack design front and back..

wii and cd soundtrack covers

I have completed the wii games cover, just to add the barcode now.



I have also been working on the Soundtrack ,just need to make minor adjustments to the back cover to make a side strip.
I have gone with a minimalist appeal and used images from the wii cover so people will be able to identify the game.


















Now i plan on working on the Playstation 3 Games cover, today putting all the legal requirements on.

Wii cover

Up until today i have come close to finishing the wii cover slip.
Luke has given me helpful advice and guided me through the main elements of a wii's cover.
From the talk i have learnt what not to do and where to improve on such as using the pen tool for my smaller images or making changes to images in illustrator instead of photoshop if possible.
Today i created the background, completed the top half of the backcover and created more of the "legal requirements". I have the title to work on now, and just a few final touch ups then i can do the PS2 game cover.
Below is my progress so far.

wii games cover

Since i blogged last, i have done most of the components for the wii cover. These include conductig a photoshoot for the characters of my game and turning selected images into slight cartoon look alikes.

I have also collected and designed parts of the cover such as the rating, the barcode, the "Wii" logo, "Nintendo" logo, and the "DVD" logo. I have done a few different designs for the name of the game to choose from.

Below are images of my screen shots for the back of the wii games cover.

Wii Cover Design

On Monday i started the assigment, by doing some research on Wii games. I created a collection of various ones and then came up with my own idea.
My idea is to have the game based on dancing and the many styles. The names i thought up of are Dance Infinity and Dance Fanatic, in which i ended up with "Dance Fanatic."
I have sketchted up the layout of the Wii cover and labelled the elements within, as well as came up with a design for the front.
Today i am going to write the blurb for the back cover to describe what the game entails. I'll also do some designs for the smaller screen shots, then begin all of this in Illustrator.

"Me, Myself and I" final

Today i re-took photos for this composite.

I took a different approach to the last photos hoot to make it more interesting, especially with the poses. 

At a park, i took the 10 photos and worked them in using a variety of tools to make the scene look realistic.

I used vector masks, a few shadows and the eraser. This composite wasn't as easy as the other two to do, simply because it needs to look more realistic and also you need to make each pose unique because its the same person used every time. 

With this time round and re-doing the photos, i have learnt that in order to keep it real lighting and shadows need to be considered with taking the background shot and the elements to go within it.

Above is my final work.

"Me, myself and I"

I have started this scene, but am re-doing this composite as Luke has given advice that my images of myself don't fit in with the background's shading and ligthing etc. Will take photos tomorrow.

"Underwater scene"

For my underwater composite i chose to portray the idea of people swimming amongst a scary environment. There are battleships, boats and submarines below, while sharks lurk around above. I thought id attempt to create a bit of irony with the gold stash in the sharks mouth, necklace hanging out, and the snorkeler with the treasure chest. The central focal point is the human diving into the ocean, looking like he will end up in the sharks mouth. 

I utilized the pen tool/vector mask with most images (some from SXC, some google) and found this okay until actually placing them and trying to make them realistic. I have made other minor changes to each image also, such as reducing the opacity, adding a tinge of blue to make them fit in with the water scene.

"The Grass Is Always Greener On The Other Side"

For this composite my idea came from what occurs in everyday life whether people realise it or not. Whether it be a singer, actor or sportsperson, everyone is influence by someone and quite often people wish they could be just like their inspiration. The theme of my composite is to portray a child's dream or just wanting to be a singer. In this case it's my little friend, who wants to be "Britney Spears". People then come to realise that fame isn't everything and sometimes the people you look up to can be a bad influence, like Britney in my case. My little model realises this and is proud of who she is. 

I have used some images from google of Britney. I took photos also.

I used the eraser and other tools to create the soft glowing flowing look between images as thought all the Britney images are put together to form one background.

GPS - Wednesday 10th June

I have finished my MapSmart GPS packagings!

Below are photos of the analog and digital versions of GPS boxes. 

In the last week Luke has given me tips on where i need to improve the digital version. I analysed certain aspects such as the Gimmick, Information on the bottom and icons and then added/redesigne

d them to make the box look more realistic.

Today i cut and glued them together and took photos to test th

e realism. 

Had lots of fun designing the packaging, it was a new experience in the course!

Monday 1st June

I have finished the Analogue version of MapSmart GPS box. Made a mistake with one of the side panels but will hopefully fix that up somehow.

I have almost completed the digital version. Luke gave me advice on the actual logo and i fixed it up several times.
I altered the font for all the GPS box to Helvetica to keep it simple. I have also added gradients and other 3D effects to make them appeal real. I changed the serial number from the one on the analogue version, to make it all black as before hand it looked cheap.
Today i also printed it out to give luke a look and any advice to improve. What i have left to do are minor details and uploading some examples of the box components.
Below are some pictures of my work.

GPS

Thursday 21st May

In the last couple of weeks i have developed the Analgue version of "MapSmart" GPS.
I used pencils and pastels to achieve the design outlined in my diary.

This week i started on the Digital version. So far i have marked out the grid lines for the shapes on the box, designed icons, added the logo and serial number, and finally today i worked on the GPS itself and the map included.

GPS

Wednesday 6th May

This afternoon i worked on the assignment at home. I drew the box layout, labelling the dimensions. Also, i marked on all the parts of the packaging.I researched common contents, specifications, legal requirements, and gimmicks and then made up my own for "Mapsmart."

Changed the Company to "GoWhereAbouts" and used the "Discover More" idea as a tagline for MapSmart. Also changed the model number from MAP360 to S360 or S-360 to be more simple.
Thursday 7th May

Today i have gotten a fair bit done including the design sketches of the MapSmart GPS, there is a picture below of the final one chosen. I have went for a unique appeal, with a curvy edge on the top and oddly shaped speakers.
I made the Gimmick for the product, this being: "FREE bonus valued at $150: Carry Case & External Antenna".I've decided on the colours for the packaging, of sky blue as black and white both go with the colour. Made up some icons for the box to symbolise what the GPS features. These entail: touchscreen, Built in MP3 Player, Voice assisted and Safety camera alerts. Sketches are shown below...
Over the weekend i plan to buy cardboard and draw out the layout.
Next week i will bring in pencils and pastels to design the actual packaging.

GPS BOX Assignment

MOnday 4th May

Last Week we started on this assigment and i firstly researched navigators coming up with other words for a GPS.
I found: a helman, pilot, steersman, wheelman, explorer and adventurer.

I was also working on coming up with names for a navigator.
Ideas i came up with include:

• Explora-Guide
• Mapsmart
• Global Direct
• Go-Guide
• Fast Track

Here are pictures of the sketches of logos .
Today i chose a name for GPS, called it "Map Smart".
I created the logo in pencil and ink and also in illustrator. Luke helped me out with a few things in illustrator so i could complete the logo.
I came up with the serial number also, named "MAP360". The 360 symbolises the circle in the logo.
An idea for the company name is "Discover More".

Colour Psychology: Western Society ˚˙˚

RED

Red is a short radiating wave length in the electromagnetic spectrum. Periods of exposure to the colour red leave us feeling hungry or with an increased appetite. An increase is heart rate, blood flow and adrenaline can occur. Red makes people react quickly, which is why it is used in danger and safety signs. It can also make people angry and frustrated, extremely excited or opposingly, used as an expression of love and care. Determination, desire and courage are other emotions red strikes.

In Design - used with foods and beverages, flora and fauna. Continuously in fashionable prints (apparel wear). Valentines Day is expressed with the colour red.



ORANGE

This colour generates an ideal of warmth and or autumn. Dark ornage can be linked to deceit and mistrust. Orange is considered energetic and relieves feelings of self-pity, lack of self-worth and unwillingness to forgive and is known as an excellent anti-depressent. It is associated with ripe produce, healthy foods and eating.

In Design - Used as attention grabbing highlight. Used as an appetite stimulator, food production sites. Orange draws attention in traffic signs and advertising. Used for childrens clothes and toys. Orange is used for organic products.



YELLOW

From a Western View, yellow is all about vitality, energy and hope. It is a stimulating colour that can inspire an audience. People tend to have a low tolerance level for shades of yellow. It's attention grabbing and calls to mind liveliness and comfort. Yellow can make people more alert and decisive. Due to the amount of light reflected, yellow is the most reflective to the eye.

In Design - Used in small amounts to draw notice, such as traffic signs and advertisements. Can be overpowering, so it's excellent with marketing.



PURPLE

Is the focus of leadership, royalty, nobility, wisdom and respect. It's also seen as a luxury, mystery, elegant and magic colour. Purple is known to supress hunger and balance the bodies metabolism. It is associated with the imagination and is used in the care of mental or nervous disorders as they help balance the mind and transform obsession and fears.

In Design - As purple is used as robes for kings and queens, a sophisticated apporach to advertising is to use purple in some way. It is used for feminine and romantic advertising.




GREEN

Brings to mind nature, wellbeing or fertility. Durability, reliability, safety. honesty, optimism, harmony and freshness.

In Design - Can be used as a mental stimulation. Best used for bedrooms and living rooms as it's calming and resentful. Green is associated with money and therefore used in campaigns advertising wealth related issues.

PINK

Pink is a typical love and romance colour, with a calming effect. It's known to be peaceful, represent friendship, compassion, relaxation and symbolise emotions and unions. It represents the feminine principle, and survival of the species and is nurturing and physically soothing.

In Design - Due to its tranquilizing nature, pink is extensively used in logo related to spa, health care and cosmetic products.

BLUE

Is peaceful, and produces calming chemicals, soothing illness and treating pain. It is an overwhelming favourite colour. Studies show, more energy in a blue gym. Blue is associated with wisdom and loyalty (most uniforms are blue).

In Design - Website designs go with blue for a corporate, conservative look. It symbolises old establishment, traditional values, understanding and trustworthy.

BLACK

Is the colour of authority, power and protection. Popular in fashion, comforting and makes appear thinner. It's stylish and timeless, implies submission (for eg. god).  Black can also be overpowering, symbol of menace or evil. Associated with death and mourning in Western Society. It can be seen as a negative, passive colour. Seriousness, darkness, mystery and secrecy.

In design - Used to temper the sweetness of other sugary colours, such as pink. Very rarely used as a base colour. Used to show authority.

WHITE

Is a mere absence of colour. it represents purity or innocence. It is bright and can create a sense of space or add highlights. Described as cold, bland and sterile. Bring feelings of peace and comfort, and also isolation. Cleanliness, simplicity, security, coldness, hope.

In Design - White is worn by brides. Popular with decorating and fashion as its neutral, goes with everything. Frequently used in logos due to radiant character, used as text as illuminates other bright colours.

GOLD

Abundance, wisdom, understanding, knowledge, power, higher ideals, understanding. It is energising and inspiring, help fights against fear and uncertainty. 

In Design - Web design it suggests expensive and prestige. Perfect compliment for purple symbolising wealth and beauty. 

BROWN

Creates a neutral environment for open discussion. Maturity, credibility, harmony, outdoors, reliability, endurance, home and earth. Can also be sad and wistful.

In Design - Used as a background design element to communicate stability and harmony. Can be sophisticated with the right shade. 

GREY

The colour of independance and self-reliance. Usually thought of as the negative colour. Grey indicates separation, lack of involvement and ultimate loneliness. Unsettling, expectant, lack of energy, dampening effect on other colours. Quite suppressive, depressing.

In Design - to represent old age, sadness and dullness. Used heavily on technology websites, Creates sophisticated, classy and calm appeal. Commonly used to create shiny, gradient effects. 

SILVER

Balancing, harmonising, sensitive, mentally cleansing, prestige, cold, scientific.

In Design - Used predominantly in car advertisements, for sophistication and prestige, marketing people with high incomes.

DesiGn AgenCies....∆˙˚˙

These websites are design agencies that i think are appealing i one way or another.

Wide Open Media


The Lab


Swallow


Tactic


Base Creative

Five GREAT Designs...!!

One - "Hydro Seven Four"

This one is great because of the neon lights and colours are appealing.



Two - "Lots of little circles"

Appears to be 3D, very appealing, the placement of shapes and demensions.


Three - "Graphisme Series2"

The model wearing a black and white print... This picture is awesome, the design work around her blends in well... harmony!


Four - "Just before the thunderstorm"

Very eye catching. Juxtaposition of the dark sky with a bright lit up city. Then there's a bright light shining through from the right, which can bring out another emotion.


Five - "webdesign"

The "folded and hung" is a great design for a webpage! The colours and lighting bring out the salient feature of each page (model in this case).

[ check this out! its my fav use of colour....



>> colourful...! <<

=)

"deviantart"

My favourite colour pic... pink...

couldnt choose theres three:

1. city

2. lips and hair

3. eye

First In Best Dressed

Hi all,

Check out this awesome site i found when searching qbn.com, it has some very creative photography and manipulations. The fashion section was interesting.