Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Math Posters - Year One Tech

For Thursday and Friday this week, you need to begin the design process to develop your ideas for the math posters.

Step One: Know your objective!!

Create a math poster that is FUN, INFORMATIVE and/or that makes math ACCESSIBLE

Should be sized up to 18x24" (so if you're using Photoshop please remember that resolution is extremely important!!!!)

Step Two: Research

Review the PREZI HERE

Check out other math posters and also research some of the math concepts from the handout you were given by Mr. Meli

Step Three: Brainstorm

Choose two or three ideas that cover at least one INFORMATIVE poster and one FUN (math marketing) poster.

Brainstorm using a mind map and also create 15-20 thumbnails sketches for your ideas.
Yes, about 15-20 per idea. Which means a total of 30-45!!!

You can come up with 4 or 5 different ideas and then modify them (change the positioning and placement of text and image) in 4 or 5 different ways.

Be prepared to discuss your ideas with Ms. Silverman on MONDAY and to show your COMPLETED thumbnails sketches!!!



Monday, October 27, 2014

Year One Checklist and Written for T-shirt Design

Here's what you should have completed so far:
Everything here MUST be completed by Wednesday October 28, 2014 to be included in this report card!!

1. Typographic Identity - image and written on blog

2. Illustrator Logo - images (colour versions - indicating your 'best', black and white and grayscale) and written (see blog post for instructions on what to include in the written statement). + post original photograph as well.

3. Drop .ai files for Illustrator assignment into the CyberARTS year 1 folder found in the Yearbook folder in 1059. Make a folder with your name on it and place it into the Illustrator Logo folder.

4. Drop off T-shirt designs into CyberARTS year 1 folder in T-shirt Designs. Please use a pdf format as well as your original file format (.ai or .psd)

5. Post T-shirt designs on your blog and include the written statement (see below for instructions) AND the link for your pinterest board created for the research phase of this assignment.

6. Link your pinterest board to your blog in a blog list.


WRITTEN STATEMENT FOR T-SHIRT DESIGN

1. Discuss your creative process. How did you go from Step 1 - Understanding the goal to research and brainstorming to come up with your final idea? Discuss the steps involved.

2. Explain your technical process. What did you do to take your initial sketch to the final version you submitted. Discuss using correct terminology - include layers, scanning, tools used, programs used.

3. Elements and Principles of Design. Discuss your final choice for colour and why you feel that's the best choice. Any other elements/principles that seem relevant (shape, line, balance, emphasis etc.).

3. Your thoughts. Are you satisfied with your final result. Why/why not? Did you meet the initial objective? Why/why not? Discuss both form and function (visually pleasing design and sending the required message)

Friday, October 17, 2014

YEAR FOUR - VISUAL IDENTITY ASSIGNMENT

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 you setting you apart from others doing similar things.



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.

Submit an initial proposal by Monday November 3rd - 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 (could be your name - doesn't have to be fancy)
A logo (could be typographic, pictographic, abstract pictorial, or combined image/text)
A stationary system (letterhead, business card, envelope)
A flyer (to use as a template to announce upcoming shows or to send out/leave places to advertise your services)
An animated logo (make it move in Flash or After Effects - 10-15 seconds max)
At least two other types of visual (and/or audio/smell) devices (apparel, packaging, messaging, video etc.)

Final Deadline: Monday Dec. 1st

Keep in mind you are also working on your independent photography project coming soon is your Major Independent Project...
Start juggling!

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Year One - LCI Technological Skills Challenge T-shirt Design

Objective: Design a t-shirt with an image that expresses the excitement and fun of the LCI Technological Skills Challenge that speaks to an audience of Grade 7 students. The image should communicate something about technology, Lakeshore C.I. and fun.


Deadlines:

Due Thursday Oct. 16th by the beginning of class - Your Pinterest Idea board (researching inspiring shirt designs and/or Technology/skills related materials)

Due Thursday Oct. 16th by the beginning of lunch - 15-20 thumbnail sketches (based on your research and inspiration and brainstorming process)
These should indicate layout of how the text will look and work with the image on the t-shirt.

Ms. Silverman will circle the designs that stand out as having the most potential.
You will each meet with Ms. Silverman briefly to narrow down your best 2-3 designs to begin to create a rough mock-up of your best design on the computer (or hand drawn if that is your preference)

Due Monday Oct. 20th by the end of class - A refined version of the t-shirt design. Complete with font choices and colour options.

Due Tuesday Oct. 21st - Finished design.

Note: It's very important that you check in frequently with Ms. Silverman and with each other to "test and analyze" your solutions in order to get the best possible outcome in an extremely tight time period!




Tuesday, October 7, 2014

National Portfolio Day at OCAD

If you are serious about building a portfolio to enter College or University this is the event for you!

ABOUT THE DAY

At OCAD's National Portfolio Day event reviews are held from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and take place on a first-come, first served basis. No reservations or advanced registration is required. We recommend that participants arrive prior to the event to secure a spot in line. You will be waiting outside prior to the event so we suggest that you protect your work, bring an umbrella and a snack. Once you are inside, you will be given a map and you can join the line for the school you want to meet with.

See more at: http://www.ocadu.ca/admissions/undergraduate/preparing-a-portfolio/national-portfolio-day.htm

Monday, October 6, 2014

PHOTO BASED ART - PHASE ONE (Year Four)

For your photo-based independent project, consider the following two artistic questions:

1. How can I express the theme Black and White + One through photo-based artwork?
2. How can I explore using the medium of photography in a way that stretches my current knowledge and understanding AND suits my interpretation of the theme?

In class we began to brainstorm and deconstruct the meanings of Black, White and + One. Use this as a starting point and continue exploring until you find a way to express this theme that feels right to you.

Design Process - 
Step One: Understand the objective!

Step Two: Research 

  • Continue to explore the theme and also to explore possibilities. 
  • Search for contemporary photography and photo-based art or photo-based digital art. You can choose motion or audio-visual work, a documentary series, portraits etc.
  • Research the technique you are interested in exploring further.
Step Three: Brainstorm


Sketch, jot down notes etc.

Step Four: Test and Analyze

Try out your photo technique and see if/how it works. Then try your idea out and see if it needs any tweaking or adjustments.

Due: Friday October 10, 2014
Please show me your initial research in your sketchbook AND post a minimum of two paragraphs in a blog post as an initial proposal for your project. Each paragraph should address each of the two artistic questions.


Rating your photos - Using Adobe Bridge -YEAR ONE

Using Adobe Bridge CS6 - tips and tricks:

How to rate your images and move them to a specified "Best of" folder

1. For best operating speed - drag your image folder to your desktop and open up bridge. Find your images on the desktop folder you created. In the end you can create your best of folder in your home drive, or on your desktop. For working digital files, using the desktop in the CyberARTS lab will always give you faster processing times.

2. Rate your photos using a star rating system that works for you. I tend to rate only the ones I want to select. 3 stars = pretty decent but might need some tweaking during the editing process, 4 stars = really really good, focus is bang on, exposure is great, composition is great, 5 stars = award winning.
You can find a system that makes sense to you.

3. Filter your chosen selections so that you have only the ones you've narrowed down in your window. You may need to go through them again to narrow them down further if you have too many.

4. Select All - through edit - select all, or use the keyboard shortcut (Apple/Command 'A').

5. If you haven't done so already, create a best of folder ie. "Best_Garden1_Name" and put it in a location that makes sense to you - probably in your home drive and/or also on your desktop (you can always copy it to the desktop later)

6. With your best images selected in Bridge go to FILE - Move To - Choose Folder and find the best folder you just made. Click Open and the images will move to that folder.

7. Congratulations, you've just done your first edit!