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.