Computer Graphics Week 15

This week is our last class.  We needed to have our final and published copy done of our magazine and to make sure that our websites worked so that others could see our work and possibly choose to buy it.  My website works and can be found right here on my  page in the upper right hand corner.  My magazine, however, did not come.  I received an email from Lulu.com saying that they were having difficulties an didnt know why.  They did say that they would try to find out the problem and then ship my magazine as soon as they could.  

As a final farewell to computer graphics, I would like to show my viewers my favorite piece of art from my magazine.  Its my favorite because I was able to experiment with all sorts of tools while I was creating my final cover for my magazine.  I really wanted it to have an artsy feeling, somewhat of doodling in a notebook- type of feel.  

New Website!

CLICK HERE

our class is finally wrapping up the year and we are trying to complete our websites to promote our magazines. I made my website using iweb in our mac lab. I selected the style of website I thought would best promote my magazine. From there I added pictures from my actual magazine and then added my own commentary about myself and my magazine. In class we went over how to find out magazine and to buy it on our website. It was pretty simple. All we had to do was go to the site where we could purchase the magazine, copy the url- go back to our website and click the bottom "add html" and paste the website. Now anyone who looks at my site can also purchase the magazine if they choose to.

Computer Graphics week 11

Using the new way of online distribution- using the web- I think its a great way to promote your unique designs. I, myself, am excited about my website and putting my book up on the web for people to check out. By using the web and having information about my book and myself, it will be a great way for my family to see what i am currently doing in classes since they are so far away. Not only will family be interested, but it could open up career opportunities for me as well- being able to see what I can do by using computer graphics. As a whole i am very excited to be making a web page about my book and my art that i created with the help of the class.

Computer Graphics week 10

Craft:

For this image I didnt really have to improve it all that much.  The first step I took for making this layout was clearing the page of anything that was there prior.  Next I clicked and dragged the image of the box with an X through it.  I went to "File- place" and chose the image that I wanted.  To add the text, I did the exact same thing.  For the heading I wanted something that really spoke for the image, and to me, placing myself in the image, that would have been the best seat in the house- laying in a hammock on the beach.  

Composition:

I arranged this layout this way because it was simple and focused primarily on the image, which is what this layout is all about.  I wanted the people reading the layout to really be drawn to the image first.  

Concept:

The Article and Illustration was created by Marissa Finazo.  From the article she really wanted to place the reader on the beach and have them able to feel at peace just like the illustration gives that feeling.  

Computer Graphics week 9

* Best layout

Craft:

for making this layout I used the tool with the box that had the "X" on it, dragged it, and then clicked on "file" and "place" to get al the images onto the page.  I then used the text box to make the heading and filled it in with pink to really make the title stand out.  For the pull quote, I used the oval-drawing tool to make the shape then copy and pasted the quote that I wanted and placed it inside.  

Composition:

I chose this photo for my layout page because it was my best one that I did and I thought that it would be easiest to work with and really jazz up.  The majority of the class chose this as my best one.  They said that it was simple, easy to follow and looked most like a magazine spread.  

Concept:

The concept for this layout was to have it be eye-catching with the image first.  Then the title, pull quote and then lastly, the actual text.  I wanted my spread to look like it was just pulled out of a weekly magazine with all the latest gossip in it.  

Computer Graphics week 8

Craft:
with my two layouts it was really easy. My first layout, Abe on the red carpet, was pretty simple in layout. I left the background white, went to file-place, and then added my picture from Illustrator. Next I did the same thing (file-place) and put my text in, explaining all my thoughts and feelings about the illustration. I made the title stand out by having 'Abe' in bold red and then following it with a smaller size the rest of the title. With the text I used a pull quote and also a drop cap, just to give it more of a professional feel. My second layout was my favorite to do (so far). The illustration is of the Claddagh ring. I really liked this one because I really felt like it was more of my style. I went out on a limb and made the background black and text white to model the style of the illustration. I used the exact same steps as I did with the Abe illustration on putting everything in the layout, the only difference is in the set up of the text. I put my own personal, not really the norm, style to it by having my paragraphs "step down" from eachother. Another part of my illustration is the main point of focus- the actaul illustrastion. Im really diggin how I put the words in greys around the ring- AWESOME!

Composition:
With the the Abe layout, I wanted it to be real plain, simple and really just let the viewer enjoy the picture and enjoy it without having to feel obligated to read about it. I chose the text to be black because thats the normal color for a magazine and I wanted it to look as professional as possible- especially with the big title, and columns with the block quote in the middle. The Claddagh illustration was a bit different. I really wanted the ring and words around it to stand out, but I also wanted the viewer to get a big of a history about it as well which is why I made the letting in white to follow the setup of the image. I arranged the paragraphs the way I did because I thought it followed the pattern of the image as well- more like a circular motion.

Concept:
As for the concept, I really just want my viewers to appreciate my work and understand the meaning of the ring and the history/story of abe, which is both written in the text. I want my images to be bold and something that really catches the viewers eye. I hope I did that.

Computer Graphics week 7

For my next project, my idea for my magazine continued, first I still want to work on my image. I need to fix my lettering text style to really make it stand out. As of right now its really plain and I want to fix it up a lot, and really have people inspired by it. For the magazine- I know for sure I dont want to have any Abraham Lincoln pictures in it, unless I absolutely have to. I want my magazine to be very creative, almost styled like an individualist- no one would have anything like it. I want it be based off of others people ideas and emotions, with a touch of my own thoughts and designs. I've been looking through a lot of different magazines trying to understand their layout techniques and their personal flare and I aquired some of my own as well through out the process. The one thing I want to happen throughout this project is for people to understand and know what my personal style is, based soley on this one magazine.

Computer Graphics week 6

Craft

When making this illustration I found an image of a claddugh ring and made layer after layer using
primarily greys to bring out and make the shadows
and highlights of where the light hit the ring.
I tried finding a a unique background to make it
stand out more, but I decided I wanted my audience to just notice and pay attention to the main topic. For the background I used the gradient radial tool- adding more blacks, greys and whites.

Composition:

The compostion I decided for this illustration was to just have the image centered and by itself. I wanted this because it's the main point of intrest. Im still not completely satisfied with the background, I still debating if I want a picture of some firemen in the background, since this ring is their moto, and have them kinda faded out. Until I find the perfect picture to go in the background I think Im going to keep it this way because its simple but elegant. Im also still debating on the text issue... I cant decide if I like it the way it is or not or if I should really expand on it- make it big, and bold or have the image speak for itself.

Concept:

The concept of this image is the fact that its supposed to represent whats really important in my life, and life in general- Love, Loyalty, and Friendship. Not only is it what my life is centered around but I aslo was thinking of having it be a tribute to the fire department. They are so loyal to the communities, they love their job and their friendships that they make with their team is unbreakable.

Computer Graphics week 5

My idea for this upcoming project, for the magazine, is going to be about happiness and what makes me happy.  I came to realize that Im a very happy person in general but didnt really know how to say that by one concept, until I looked at my right hand.  My claddagh ring.  This ring represents everything that makes life meaningful: friend, family, and loyalty.  

Here's a brief history of my favorite ring. 

Claddagh Ring Meaning (http://www.claddaghring.com/articles.asp?id=122)

"The Claddagh's distinctive design features two hands clasping a heart, and usually surmounted by a crown. The elements of this symbol are often said to correspond to the qualities of love (the heart), friendship (the hands), and loyalty (the crown).

 The way that a Claddagh ring is worn on the hand is usually intended to convey the wearer's romantic availability, or lack thereof.

 Traditionally, if the ring is on the right hand with the heart facing outward and away from the body, this indicates that the person wearing the ring is not in any serious relationship, and may in fact be single and looking for a relationship: "their heart is open."

 When worn on the right hand but with the heart facing inward toward the body, this indicates the person wearing the ring is in a relationship, or that "someone has captured their heart".

 A Claddagh worn on the left hand ring finger facing outward away from the body generally indicates that the wearer is engaged.

 When the ring is on the left hand ring finger and facing inward toward the body, it generally means that the person wearing the ring is married." [1]

Computer Graphics week 4

Craft:

When making this illustration, I used many layers.  I used solid filters as well as gradients. For the background I used the flare tool to make the background look more like flashes coming from cameras.  I focused on the small details, but details that I think make a huge difference in the illustration.  The shadows by the feet, the oscar in her hand, and the highlights in her hair are just a few of the details I really focused on. When working with the background I also took my time in making the flooring blend in together to make it seem more of a "red carpet" feel.  I think I accomplished the look of this illustration as Abe On The Red Carpet.  

Composition:

I picked this photo and background because it represents and sends the message about my illustration the best.  Its clear and I think everyone who sees this will understand what the point of this illustration is.  I decided to have this illustration centered because Abe and his date are the main focus points.  I tried using colors that complement each other in the background and also the foreground.  The colors in the background (pinks, reds, and a little orange) give a sense of warm and wealth, and really makes the black clothes of Abe and his date stand out.  

Concept:

Lincoln is placed during the 21st century in the heart of the Red Carpet.  This illustration is supposed to capture the idea of Abe being famous and extremely wealthy.  Like most celebrities, Abe is being photographed left and right because of all he's famous for- his presidency, freeing the slaves, etc...  Of course he's awarded an Oscar because of his performance as a president.  

Computer Graphics week 3

Abraham on the Red Carpet
Craft:

When creating this illustration, I wanted Abe to look older.  I used a greys for his hair color and put extra emphasis by adding lighter greys into this hair.  I also kept the details on his face pretty simple, the shadows and wrinkles around his eyes.  For his outfit, I wanted a classy black tux look for his, since this is supposed to represent him on the Red Carpet.  With the background, I had a hard time figuring out how to make flashes look realistic.  I tried using the circular gradient tool with blacks, greys and whites but it didnt look right, so I changed the background to a simple linear gradient instead.  

Composition:
I picked this photo (for all three of the scenes) because I think it captures the typical look of Abe "on the job".   This illustration also focuses on his face/upper body.  I think this because people recognize him for the looks of his face rather than the size/ height of his body.  Having this illustration being centered also helps because it makes it easier for me to add him in different places, wherever needed, and have it still look as if he were really part of the picture.  

Concept:

In this photo of Lincoln, I pictured Abe to be on the Red Carpet.  My original plan was to have it look as if he was being photographed by the paparazzi, just like every other celebrity living in Hollywood.  I picked this theme because he is very well known for who he is and what he did for America.


Abraham Lincoln on the 4th of July

Craft:

For this illustration I wanted the theme of The 4th of July. For the background I used the gradient tool with reds, blues, and yellows trying to get the idea of summer and fireworks.  The sky is a midnight blue, also giving off the idea of night sky, lighting off fireworks.  I made Abe hair darker- more of a middle aged look to give the idea of him at his prime in his presidency.  I used a brush tool to give him detail and highlights in his hair and his beard.  The details on his face, the wrinkles on his forehead, and the shadowing give off the idea of a realistic sense and makes him look more aged.  I designed his suit to look more semi-casual but still stay classy.  I used the pencil tool to outline the suit and changed the color to a darker grey but then brighten it up with a white shirt and a red bow tie.  I used shadowing along the tie to give make it appear more real, by going around the picture with pencil and filling it with a darker red. 

Composition:

With the composition, I used the same picture, because Abe is the center of the idea.  I wanted people to look at Abe and then focus on the background realizing he's celebrating the Independence of the United States and freedom for all.  I made the fireworks set off in the background to show emphasis to the 4th of July theme.  

Concept:
Lincoln, in this photo, I pictured Lincoln at a 4th of July party celebrating the Independence of America, with fireworks being lit off in the background.

The names Abe... Abe Lincoln

Craft:
With this illustration I used the pencil tool to outline everything about Lincoln and then went back and colored in the colors necessary.  I made his hair a darker brown, giving him a younger look, at the start of his presidency and then went back and put detail by using the brush stroke with a lighter brown.  I kept the details on the face the same from the last two illustrations and the eyes the same as well.  With his suit I wanted the look of a James Bond.  I designed it a sharp black suit and black tie to complement it.  I also put detail within the suit by using the brush stroke and brushing on a pocket and a button to spice his suit up a bit.  

Composition:
I arranged it the way I did because it was simply, easy and Abe was the main focus in the picture, and because every picture of James Bond is centered on him and his serious-ready to fight look.  

Concept:
In this illustration I picture Abe as a serious James Bond impersonator.  

Computer Graphics week 2

Process:
How did you do it?
I completed this illustration of Abe Lincoln by creating many layers with different color pallets and then expanding them by creating detail with in the face.

Composition:
Why this photo?
I picked this photo because I thought it represented Abraham Lincoln in the simplest form. I'm a beginner and did not want to start off doing anything to hard or complicated.
Why these colors?
I would have picked much more appropriate colors, but I'm very knew to Illustrator and did not know how to change the color pallet that I was given.
Why did you arrange it this way?
I arranged it the way I did because of the colors I was given to pick from, they were unique and pastel like colors so I made the picture of Abraham unique as well.

Concept:
Where/when should Lincoln be in this portrait?
Lincoln should definitely be put in a circus... the colors I made him are not the finest, and neither are the colors of a circus.

week 1

Assignment 

set-up blog

Craft

supplies- a photo of myself, a computer, the internet

step 1- confirm gmail account (gmail.com)

step 2- login to blogger (blogger.com)

step 3- create blog (sxu-cg-afischer) 

Composition 

I picked this photo of myself because it represents my personality the best.  I try to be worry free, love to smile and have a great time.  

Concept

I am a sophomore, student, soccer player at SXU.

What makes me happiest is being with people who love me for who I am.

Im from Lincoln, Nebraska.

The last time I was blamed for something was two days ago, for stealing my sisters socks.

What makes me get out of bed in the morning is knowing that i can spend as much time as i can with my friends.

I get what I want by knowing what to say, how to say it and who to talk to.