Thursday, September 26, 2013

Sound Design



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ogCVi0WqrQ

Sound is a HUGE industry and holds many varied career opportunities. In the movie industry alone - whether it be small independent productions or massive blockbuster movies, sound production is technical, creative, artistic and crucial in making the visual in audio-visual really shine.

ASSIGNMENT: Please submit a written document - Printed!
Please watch some or all of these videos and read through some of the information in the links below.

1. Post on your blog what you have learned about sound design and production. Specifically, name and describe in your own words, the various components of sound in film production. How do they all work together to make the final viewing experience what it is?

2. Watch the following clip (the first 1.5 - 2 minutes - no need to do more, but feel free to watch all of it) and decipher all the various audio component that you hear. Describe as best you can, ALL the sounds you hear and what categories of sound design they fall into. Then provide a brief analysis of how the sound impacts your viewing experience.




You'll have to watch it directly on youtube.
Try this link if the above doesn't work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSwy412nttI&feature=player_embedded

Due: Monday September 30th, 2013




Sound Design for King Kong















Here are some sites to explore to learn more about sound production and post-production.

Videomaker.com - an online magazine dedicated to creating and publishing video

Filmsound.org - for the art of sound design for film

Equipment Emporium - an online resource for film and video production, specializing in production recording

Film Inside Out (iofilm) - here's an article on recording good sound for film and video in a blog called iofilm, on the art and craft of making movies

Here is a lick to an article called Sync Tanks that discusses post-production sound in depth.

Year One Logo Assignment

After the QUIZ...

Once you have completed the tracing of your logo - the pictorial visual (tracing and representation of the animal you chose) you should ensure that you have one version in black and white and another in colour. Then you should post them on your blog with the written statement. See instructions below for what to write about.

If you are still working on it you can continue, and if you need more help, you can meet with Ms. Silverman next week during lunch or after school.  At the very least, you should try to complete the animal image by the end of class on Friday. If not, you can come in at lunch next week to finish it.

Note: We will NOT be having seminar after all on Thursday, as that is the AGO trip for the seniors so Ms. McFadyen and Ms. Silverman will not be in class that day. You will have to come in on other days to complete the logo.

In Brief: Create a post titled LOGO ASSIGNMENT
1. Post Black and White traced animal logo to blog (save as png)
2. Post colour version traced animal logo to blog (save as png)
3. Written Statement
(If you have other versions, you may post up to two more, but it is not required - ie. with text)

AND As always
DROP OFF FOLDER PLEASE WITH .AI FILES!!
SHOW ME YOUR LAYERS!!

Finished logo project FINAL DEADLINE is next Friday October 4, 2013


WRITTEN STATEMENT: WHAT TO WRITE

1. Where did you begin? 
Start with the two or three qualities that you have that would serve you well in a CyberARTS related career. Then discuss the animal you chose to represent you and why you think that animal works to represent you.


2. Elements and Principles. 
Now discuss your choices of shape, colour, line quality, direction (thick, thin, gritty, smooth, diagonal, horizontal, curvy etc.), texture and space. Also discuss your choice of typography if you added any. What do those letterforms (the way the letters look) say? Are they edgy, artsy, confident, corporate? Be as descriptive and specific as possible. State the shapes used. State the colours used, the name of the font, the description of the lines. And then, explain the meanings behind all of these design choices. (ie. I chose a circular shape because it represents the sun, the moon and all of eternity (or whatever it represents to you). I chose to place the pictorial image so that it overlapped the circle to represent the idea of leaping forward etc.) Also discuss principles of design such as emphasis, rhythm and unity.

3. Get technical.
Discuss your technical process. What did you learn and how did you use Illustrator? What tools, use of layers, any effects etc.

4. Your thoughts and opinion.
Are you happy with the logo and how it turned out? Would you do anything differently if you had more time? What did you learn about designing a logo? Now that you know more about Illustrator, what do you want to do next? What do you want to learn more about?

If you have more time, you can make some changes to your logo, such as typography. Try several versions of it where the pictorial visual (your animal) is smaller compared to the text and where the text is smaller compared to the pictorial visual, versus similar in size. Try a variety of fonts and placements until you are happy with one.

You can choose to place up to four variations of your finished logo on your blog, but two of them MUST include the black and white version and colour version of just the pictorial visual (animal only). You can also do the combination with the text in both black and white and colour.

Also, please drop off your final logo(s) in .ai format, into your drop folder on the Lakeshore NAS server.



Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Year Fours Look HERE!!

First off, your Info Graphic.  You're all working hard on this and doing a great job. I know I've sent some of you back to the drawing board and I think with some tweaking and additional imagery you're well on your way to producing a dynamic and informative info graphic.

When you are finished...and I will give you until the end of this week to complete it (outside of class time if you're not already finished) with a written statement (instructions to follow)...please post your info graphic on your blog. You should be exporting or saving as a gif or png.

Written statement should include:
1. Explain your concept and how you attempted to visually represent your career choice using the various visual elements and design principles. (think colour, graphic images, layout etc.).
2. What is your reason for choosing this career and how did you represent that in your info graphic?
3. What techniques did you use to create it? Everything from drawing/scanning to details about the computer program(s) and tools you used. Be specific - this is where I can assess how much you know and understanding the technical tools you use and will contribute to your knowledge/understanding mark.
4. Your final opinion. Are you satisfied with the work? Was there a particular info graphic you saw that inspired you? If you had more time, or looking at it now, would you change anything, and if so what, and why?

NEXT...

And now for something a little bit different.

Your last year in CyberARTS is meant to prepare you for admissions to University/College programs or apprenticeships, internships or starting your own business if you're really bold and brave.

You need to begin thinking about your portfolio requirements and what you might need to add to your current work to 'beef' up your existing portfolio.

But FIRST, you will design a logo and visual identity system for yourself.
Create an identity for your company - whether you want to sell your own artwork, or be a video game designer, you should have a logo, a business card and a graphic identity system that helps you visually define your company and set you apart from others doing similar things.

Read through this article on Branding, Identity and Logo Design 


In particular, take a look at the list of visual devices you can use to identify yourself.
Understand the difference between a brand, an identity and a logo and begin to think about how you will create the foundation of your brand.

Look at the first three links at the bottom of the page - all except the one on finding a logo designer. You'll be designing your own logo.

DUE MONDAY: INITIAL PROPOSAL
Submit an initial proposal by Monday September 30th - on paper (to submit to Ms. Silverman) 
AND be prepared to discuss your ideas with the class.
Your classmates may be able to offer some feedback and great ideas.

Requirements:
A company name
A logo
A stationary system
A flyer (to use as a template to announce upcoming shows or to send out/leave places to advertise your services)
At least two other types of visual (and/or audio/smell) devices (apparel, packaging, messaging, video etc.)

Monday, September 23, 2013

Logo Assignment - Animal Trace (Year One)

Given what we know about logo requirements (shape, weight, presence, contrast, recognizability, simplicity etc.), your task is to choose an animal that represents some of your best qualities that would be useful as a graphic designer or any CyberARTS professional.

We talked about a few in class:
Personable and friendly
Organized and efficient and fast
Dependable and motivated
Hard-working
Creative and thinking outside the box/problem-solver
Smart

1. Come up with 2 or 3 qualities that you possess that will serve you well in this field.
2. Come up with an animal that possesses similar qualities that best represents you as a person and as a professional.
3. Tell me why this animal best represents you.

Write this down - the 2 or 3 qualities and the animal to hand in to Ms. Silverman tomorrow morning (Tuesday, period 2)



Here are a few interesting  sites to check out.


http://www.demilked.com/logo-history-future/

http://www.fuelyourcreativity.com/50-kick-ass-logos-for-inspiration/

http://www.1stwebdesigner.com/inspiration/72-creative-and-smart-typographic-logo-inspiration/

Types of logos
http://www.logodesignsource.com/types.html

http://www.nodinx.com/5-basic-types-of-logos/

On making logos - tips

http://www.webdesignfromscratch.com/web-design/logos/

Adobe TV tutorials

http://tv.adobe.com/show/visual-design-cs6/

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Introduction to Illustrator

For those of you who are new to Illustrator - Year Ones, and some of the advanced placement year three and fours - take some time to follow these introductory tutorials. You can use the "leaf guy" image - copy it out of this post. Get to know the pen tool. It's your friend!

Year One Tech - Due this week!

The following TWO assignments are due this week:

1. Rhythm/Repetition Assignment: Due Thursday September 19, 2013
Posted on your blog (as .png) with your written statement
AND final .ai files dropped into the dropoff folder ON THE SERVER - Lakeshore NAS

Written Statement: 

Write a paragraph discussing how you created a sense of rhythm in each of your images, why they work in a different way and what your thinking was. Do they work? Which one works better? Are they both pleasing to the eye? Is one more discordant than the other? What do they make you think of?

NOTE: When writing posts for your blog ALWAYS spell check, check for grammar, punctuation AND proper capitalization. ALWAYS read the instructions carefully and make notes from the original handout. ALWAYS write your blog posts in word FIRST, THEN post it on your blog once you've double and triple checked for spelling and grammar.

2. Post your profile pic: Due Friday September 20, 2013
Take your altered profile photo that you created the other day in class and post it on your blog.
Remember that the exercise was to make a "creative, anonymous self-portrait". 
Write a few sentences to explain your thinking. 
Why does the profile photo your created represent YOU as your self-portrait?
How did you alter the original photo? Be specific about ALL the tools, effects and/or filters you used. Why did you make the changes you did? What program did you use?

Friday, September 13, 2013

Storyboarding and planning example for Year 3 Cyber TECH

The Walk off the Earth video "Red Hands"

Unedited footage:

Edited final footage:




Storyboarding tutorial to check out. PLease read it and post one new thing you learned about storyboarding and include the link to this article in your blog post.



Thursday, September 12, 2013

Rasters and Vectors What???

Look through these links for more info. Read and learn about rasters OR vectors, depending on which you were assigned. Take notes and be ready to meet with your group in 15 minutes.



http://www.logodesignworks.com/blog/vector-graphics-and-raster-graphics-difference

http://www.youthedesigner.com/2012/08/12/how-to-explain-raster-vs-vector-to-your-clients/

http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/forum/graphic-design/resources/89-an-explanation-of-raster-vs-vector?s=a10010aa3a3be55b09b248763a106d99

Venn Diagram online: http://tinyurl.com/ny7f64g

Year One CyberARTS students

Welcome to your first week as a Cyber Artist! If you have found this post you are well on your way to becoming a savvy blogger! Please cut and paste your blog address (URL) into a message attached to this post so I can add you to my sidebar. It is going to be an amazing year! Mrs. McFadyen

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Movie Trailer Parody Assignment - Year Three Tech


Movie Trailer Parody Assignment.
TGI 3M1 CyberARTS Year Three                                                     
Ms. Silverman

Sound in multimedia productions has a tremendous impact on the outcome of the final product and on the viewers’ interpretation of the production.

Try watching any movie or tv show without the soundtrack – even just without the music and you will be amazed at the lack of emotional impact – or the lessening of emotional impact.

Þ   Your assignment is to effectively and drastically change the mood and emotional impact of a movie trailer for a well-known Hollywood movie.
o   You may rearrange the clips from the trailer
o   You MUST change the soundtrack (music AND sound fx)
o   You may use the original voice-over, or create your own, or “borrow” from other sources
o   Your trailer must be around 2 minutes long - give or take 30 seconds. Please, no longer than 2:30 and no shorter than 1:30. You will lose marks for going over or under.

The important thing is that the changes you make effectively and drastically change the mood and emotional impact of the movie trailer.

You will be evaluated on the following:
Effective and dramatic change in mood                                               
Effective choice of soundtrack/music                       
Effective use of sound fx                                               
Effective use of voice-over     (you should be re-recording the voice-over)                                   Syncing and placement of Audio in relation to visual

When you are finished, you must post the original trailer as well as the altered trailer on your blog with a written report stating:
Your process - how you came up with idea - take use through your creative process.
Your choice of sounds - music, fx, voice to change the mood.
How you did - why you think you effectively and dramatically changed the mood of the trailer.

The written report will be evaluated on the following:
Communicates clearly, professionally                       
In depth description of how mood change was achieved (sound and visuals)
–      original vs. new trailer



Movie choice and sound ideas must be submitted to me by Friday September 13 at the beginning of class. 

Final Trailer posted on your blog with the written report, ready to present in class 
DUE: Friday September 20th, 2013

Please save your final trailer in the original file format as well to drop into the drop folder. 


Here is a spoof of Stephen King's classic horror film, The Shining turned into a romantic comedy.




Here is a suggestviely homosexual romance mashup of Top Gun.



And a horror/obsessive stalker version of Mrs. Doubtfire





For some more inspiration, check out some of our past year's student work:

Toy Story 3 By Blaire 

Spiderman: The horror by Niem (from two years ago)

Also, look on Year 3 blogs from past students and you'll find their trailers and written reports.

For info on how to download a trailer check google. There are many tutorials on how to do it. Help each other out.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Infographics and the Design Process - Year Four

For the Design Process, I thought you'd like to see this infographic that also happens to be about the Design Process!


Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Design principles review for CyberARTS Year 3 and 4

We will be studying and reviewing the 
ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN.

Your objective is to gain (or re-gain) a solid understanding of:
     1. The difference between elements and principles of design

     2. DEFINITIONS and EXAMPLES of ALL the elements and principles of design you can possibly research so that you can A) Be able to analyze all forms of visual media in terms of effective and ineffective design and B) Be able to confidently and effectively USE the principles of design to improve your own work, whether it be in web design, print media, photography, video, animation, game design, costume design etc.


Procedure:
These powerpoints below are great starting points for really understanding design.

Please view them and take notes by filling out the blank charts provided. You should have a clear written definition (in your own words as much as possible) AND an interesting and clear visual example that you draw. Your objective is to gain a better understanding of these elements and principles. But you also MUST hand in your sheet by the end of class.

*If you prefer to work on the computer you can fill in the chart there - I've left blank copies of the charts in the PICKUP folder (1059 - PICKUP - Ms. Silverman - CYBERARTS) 

However, work to finish this exercise by the end of class. Do whichever gets the job done more efficiently. Pace yourself. One of the objectives of this exercise is to have you work quickly and effectively. If you need more time, you might have to finish this for homework.
It MUST be finished by your class on FRIDAY - NO EXCEPTIONS. 



On the back of the chart, please write down a clear definition of what you think the DIFFERENCE is between ELEMENTS and PRINCIPLES of DESIGN.



principles of design from Patrick Morgan



002 week of the 25th from jbarzaga

FRIDAY
Once you have completed Step 1 - The CHARTS, you're ready to begin your analysis. You have one period to complete this.

1. Go to these sites to find really well executed designs.
Ms. Silverman's Pinterest board
or THIS other Pinterest board. You should have enough to choose from.

Give yourself no more than 10 minutes to select a design. Remember, your objective is to be efficient! Time management is one of the skills we will be working on this year!!

2. Using a blank chart, or blank paper, write down every element of design AND principle of design that you recognize in the design. Indicate WHERE it is being used, DESCRIBE the element/principle in detail, and EXPLAIN HOW it is used as an effective design tool.
(ie. the fine, wispy, curving lines beginning in the bottom left corner of the poster, help create movement as they lead your eye from the bottom left around to end up in the top right of the poster, right to the large red circle)

Elements and Principles of Design - CyberARTS Year One

The Elements and Principles of Design are the foundations of design, whether it be in the print industry, photography, illustration, advertising, animation, video and film, web, fine arts, graphic design etc.

Once you know and understand these basics, you will gain the ability to control where your viewer looks, and when, or in what order! And then, the WORLD!!! Or at the very least - unbelievably cool looking posters, logos and other designs...

Once you have seen the powerpoint presentation in class, or if you missed it, find it HERE, fill out the handouts either by hand - or on the computer (whichever you prefer). Or you can see it right here from the blog post, if the link isn't working, or vice versa.





Elements of Design and Principles of Design Handouts Due: end of class on Thursday, or first thing Friday morning - handed in.


Step 2: Analysis of a poster design - to be presented
AND please hand in your worksheet for your group.


Look HERE for some beautifully designed posters
or HERE at my pinterest board of fantastic posters.

or take a look through this blog called Gentle Pure Space. It's lovely.

Don't spend too much time looking, because you do need to do your analysis as well.

1. Choose one fantastic poster or design that really speaks to you/your group. Try to find something that has a variety of elements and principles to discuss.

2. Using another blank chart, begin listing any and all elements and principles of design that you see in the image. Write them down as a group - have one person do the writing, but all of you should be doing the looking and the thinking. Make notes about how each of the elements used in the poster helps to create the principles of design.
 i.e. the thin, wispy, curving lines help create movement in the poster by leading your eye around the image. OR the vibrant use of bright red against the neutral gray coloured background creates a strong point of emphasis

Analysis: Due Monday Sep 9 to present in class.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Welcome to CyberARTS

Welcome to CyberARTS and our main blog where you will find interesting information, essential information, and links to other students and their blogs. Your teachers will also post assignments here sometimes that include links to websites, videos and images that you will need in order to complete your assignments.

You will also be required to post things on your blog - which means...you need a blog. But you'll work on that with Mrs. McFadyen.

First things first... let's get everyone logged onto the computers.