Reading Response Lupton (p16.21_34_36)

Lupton's reading helps me to understand concepts of composing lines within a composition to obtain interest. The beginning of the reading it is explained that a line can take virtually unlimited forms of length, weight, and direction. Its understood that there is also a defining point when a line no longer works as its representation and forms into a plane. This not only helps me develop an idea of the many different possibilities to shape a line on a composition, but also what forms the line. The context of a line being defined as "Infinite series of points"(Lupton p16) means to me that there is an opportunity to use imagery or typography to define the line in a page layout.

Its obvious lines are in every portion of design, but the less obvious is how we as individuals interrupt the lines and how to make proper use of them to accentuate our designs. The end of the reading brought me to this notion. Lupton beings to write about how using a underlying grid is good to organize a several page layout, but to remain visually appealing we use lines to carry the reader through the project. This approach also creates a theme of elements that bring all the designs together.

Typography words

I've brainstormed a few words but haven't narrowed it down or paired to much They are as follows;

smoke screen

silk sponge

satin slide

sheets straw

shade street

shave steeple

steel stream

steam spoon

snow spool

snail satchel

swing swine

sabre sash

scaffold scarf

salmon saloon

The only two pairs I thought of so far are... Satin Shave or Silk Saloon. Still a work in progress.

Final Statement

The theme I finalized was characteristics of ocean water in action. It took much dilberation to come to that theme. My initial thought was to develop an abstract idea that people can relate to in different ways through there own personal interpretation. Through out the process of this project I began to realize how abstract art needs to be structured to convey a specific idea in graphic design so we as designers can communicate a purpose. That being said I narrowed my theme to what ocean water does, and my title became "Within The Ocean." The composition principle framing was used throughout to maximize the field of view with the mind capturing that feeling of the vast nature an ocean has. Continuation, alignment, and proximity were also predominate choices made throughout my book. Proximity for example was used for size contrast and to show depth within the composition.

Once I was able to develop a solid idea the process of my design began to shape it self well. I think the over all concept of my book is achieved. The biggest thing I learned with this project was a new style of design. It dawned on me last week how using different layers of communication can broadcast a more specific idea in different stages. Also I began to understand how you can create different composition between the type, dots, and images that don't necessarily collaborate with each but all reach a common goal. In future projects I will keep that in mind and learn how to break a complex design goal with specific parameters, into three stages of design that will improve the overall outcome of my work.

While working on the project I was able to identify some of my strengths and weakness that I need to work on and there are a few things I would like to correct, but will be a life long process. First of all my work pace isn't productive enough for me to be able to spend more time on conceptualizing and not producing. I also have a nature ability to complicate things, which is a blessing and a cruse. These are the things I will be working on through my education and career in the design field for it will only benefit me to continually challenge my weakness until they become strengths.

In conclusion this was a great first project it opened my eyes to a new aspect of constructive design thinking, and I'm ready to take my new found knowledge to the next level.

My Book Theme update

I was going with a them of characteristics of water, and through the process I began to realize by constructive crits that my words were to vague for my theme. After deliberating and reiterating I realize my theme in general was to vague and generalized. I played around some some senariors of water and came up with some interesting words that I think work well. Discussing my chosen words in Type today it dawned on me that they fit will with a story of a storm. More specifically an ocean storm, and that is what my theme has been developed into.

The words are as follows and in a chronological order to narrate a ocean storm.

1. Turbulence

2. Cascade

3. Erode

4. Destroy

5. Isolate

6. Cleanse

7. Rejuvenate

8. Transform

9. Tranquil

the scenario I played off of were rainy days, surfing at the beach, hiking to glaciers, swimming at the lake, floating the river, and sailing the ocean. All developed similar words at some point through mind mapping and those are the words that I've chosen.

My Book (process)

The very rough stage to my book design. It seems I'm having a little difficulty grasping the the proper representation of my theme. My theme is water and the nature of water, but I've made it very vague and have to have a more direct approach. I know the idea is good just need to work out the kinks and find the right approach.

Project 3 for typography Perfect letter

Gauche was an interesting experience when I first played with it lucky I have had enough practice that this project turned out well.

Project 2 for typography

I tried out my air brushing skills on this project. We were suppose to Identify the basic terminalogy that defines a letter form. Something told me to rip the one on the far left, so I went for it. didn't turn out quite like I thought it should but it was still fun. The second one was much better.

Project 1 for typography

First project of the year not to bad. I like playing with depth, but need to learn how to simplify my ideas.

Orthographic Cabinet (hand drawing)

Reading Response

After reading Wong's insight into contrast with 2D design I was able to develop a few more rough ideas for my book. Its interesting how contrast within a design is rarely acknowledge unless its an extreme difference. It now makes since to pay close attention to the visual cues and the subtle difference that are created with contrast, and not just on the most pronounced levels.

Megg's "Type and Images" reading provided some great ground work for leading the imagination. The symbolism of shapes and how we can identify something globally, vaguely, or specific helps to me to visualize or at least begin thinking about different approach to the problems I've presented to my self. I also enjoyed the constructive ideas of exaggeration to convey a message and page layout to organize a composition. All great ideas to consider continuously throughout my design career.

Words for thought (20)

I began my mind map with the intentions of expressing different aspects of nature and the impact it has on mankind, but when I made the initial dive into this project I started at water and finished there. Mind maps I find very enjoyable, because of the ability to express every idea that is presented with no intention of digging to deep allow myself to focus on a more global idea. The ruff cuts of my idea are going to be the effects water has on people both mentally and physically.

I have twenty words to describe how to tackle this challenge but I feel I can continue to strengthen these words are time and research progress.

The words I have chosen are as follows:

Wondrous

Cherishing

*Lonely - Isolation

*Mystical-Transcendental

*Harmonious

Rhythmic

Peaceful

Abyss

*Captivating - Enchanting

Desolate

Revealing

Reflective

*Rejuvenating

Infinite-vast

Comforting

Nurturing

Painful

*Destructive

*Chilling

*Dismal-Gloomy

Thirsty- Yearning-desire

Did some fine tuning to the list still playing with the idea until I dive in. Trying to find some direct emotions like "Destructive" to balance out the theme. The theme I've narrowed down to the experiences that people have with interactions with water.

Find/Share

I chose this image to share today because when surfing around I felt this one was close to the topics we were discussing in class. The image makes good use of asymmetrical page layout, with a chaotic feel created with the imagery content. The ribbon strokes within in the image does a really nice job of leading your eye from the words to the focal point, then back again. The ribbon strokes also tie all the images into each other by follow certain contours to create a smooth transition throughout. In my opinion I found the balance of the image to be very appealing.