Alternative Representation Project

When we first got assigned this project I was really excited. I enjoy working with different media and I was happy to have a break from the computer, especially since I don't have all of the technical abilities of knowing how to make the programs do what I want them to do. I chose to use "Leaf Man" as my logo idea for this project because I knew that it would be interesting and fairly easy to come up with an advertisement using this logo. I actually used more than 10 different medias for creating my "Leaf Man." I just kept coming up with different ideas on what I could make him out of and really had fun with this part. My favorite "Leaf Man" was the one that I hired my dad to make out of his ivy plant. I just kept coming up with fun and interesting places for Leaf Man to visit. If you look at my picasa web album you will see all of the cool places that Leaf Man went. I actually used this ivy Leaf Man to come up with a series of advertisements that I thought would be good for a company that I named Extreme Green Adventures. The whole idea behind this series is for Leaf Man to be an icon for an Adventure company that takes people on explorations that allow them to really get in touch with nature and all of the wonderful sites/activities it has to offer while at the same time respecting nature. The company is all about being GREEN.

Using Photoshop . . .

When I used photoshop for my first picture, all I did was get rid of a glare that was on the table. This was quite easy due to the fact that I was in class at the time and Mr. Babcock showed me how to do it. Once I got home to do the rest of my Photoshopped pictures, it was a whole other story. I had some really awesome ideas about what to do with my pictures, however my lack of knowledge about photoshop rendered me helpless. I spent all weekend on one measly picture that didn't even turn out the way that I had originally viewed in my mind. I did try to get on the internet to look at the lectures that Mr. Babcock was so thoughtful to record and have accessible to us (students). However, my computer was being difficult and would not allow me to view the lectures. So, I did my best and in the end I ended up with an OK result. It was very frustrating at times and quite tiring, but I usually enjoy a challenge and my end result made me feel good that I had not given up. Even though it was not completed using the best method, I am still proud of my Leaf Man in Egypt.

Story Graphic

This was the first drawing I did for the story of a happy Christmas with my family. I soon learned that there are way too many objects in the picture and that I used too much line instead of shapes.











This was my second idea for my story graphic, but I still didn't like it. I felt that I was still relying on line and not shape. I was also afraid that it wasn't easy enough to understand that the images are Christmas ornaments.







This is the final image for my Christmas story. I like that the holly berries are easily recognizable, solid shapes. I used a thick line for the leaves so that it would be easier to see from a distance. I also think that even though there are several images they fit well together to form an overall image/message.

Gestalt

People tend to use their brain to group images and make sense out of them. As designers we need to allow people the opportunity to work out our graphics. By letting people use their intelligence to understand how random shapes are put together to convey a message, it makes them feel good. This in turn, gives our image more power. If a person can understand the meaning behind our image then it will sell that image better than if they were just told what the image represents.

Key Principles of Gestalt System

Emergence: when recognizable images are made from random shapes, marks, or splatters.







Reification: when shapes are seen because of their surrounding shapes. There might not be an actual triangle drawn but we can see the triangle because of the negative space around it.




Multistability: when two or more images coexist with the same shape or outline. We usually can't see both images at the same time, however.



Invariance: when one object or shape is changed somehow, either by rotating or twisting it, but is still recognizable as the same object or shape.






Pragnaz

"The fundamental principle of gestalt perception."

• Law of closure - we can see a closed object or shape when we are given enough information
• Law of Similarity - we put similar elements together and see them as a collective entity depending on their shape, size, color, texture, etc.
• Law of Proximity - we make groups of images depending on their spacial relationships
• Law of Symmetry - we put images together if they have similar symmetry
• Law of Continuity - after seeing a pattern on paper we will continue that pattern in our mind
• Law of Common Fate - we group elements that show the same movement and flow of line

By using the information given about Gestalt psychology, we as designers will be able to convey the meaning behind our images to our audience in the most efficient way possible while allowing the viewers to use their intelligence to really think about the meaning which causes them to remember it better.

Notes

Remember: when drawing designs silhouettes are good. Side views are also easier to understand. We want to make sure and get our message across. Need to use more shapes and less lines.

(icon)

CAR (symbol)

Semiotics

Semiotics is "the study of signs, and the production of meaning." What viewers get from the signs of communications depends on the viewers personal experiences. There are multiple meanings to different signs. As designers, we must be careful about how we put these symbols, icons, and indexes together so that we can communicate our message clearly. The person or "sender" of a sign must be familiar with the targeted audience. They must understand how the audience thinks as well as their culture and language. This is important so that the audience understands what the sender is trying to portray. The context in which the sign is placed is also very important. A symbol can have multiple meanings just because of where it is located.

Classes

Fall '09

• Drawing I
• Intro to Graphic Design & Illustration
• Typography
• Ideas in the Visual Arts

Spring '10

• Logo/Trademark Design
• Drawing II
• Design II
• Printmaking I

Fall '10

• Design for Advertising
• Pub Design
• Painting I
• Multimedia I

Spring '11

• Package Design
• Interactive Design
• Watercolor
• Introduction to Photography

Fall '11

• Motion Design
• Fundamentals of Printing Processes
• Studio Seminar
• Design Internship

Spring '12

• Survey of Non-Western Art
• Contemporary Art & Design
• Artists in Contemporary Society
• Foundation of Professional Photography & Lab
• Design III

-I would really like to take some of these in the summer. I also am going to have to squeeze in two foreign language classes and a colequia (?) class for the honors college. I am totally up for suggestions.

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