Tuesday, April 7, 2015

photographing work...

there are a ton of resources/guide/tutorials and free advice just a google search away. this one simplifies the process and shows some pretty neato outcomes >> here.

simple enhancement...



















without changing the lighting or set-up, here's a quick and very basic-level fix. open in photoshop:
  1. image/auto color
  2. image/auto contrast
  3. image/adjustments/photo filter/deep blue
  4. filter/sharpen/smart sharpen
  5. save

Thursday, April 2, 2015

explore—photographically please

remember that the way you visually present the work can effect perception. please explore the communicative potential of photographing your work in different and diverse contexts:
  1. aka: lifestyle—in use, in store, propped, etc.
  2. neutral—white, grey, off-white...high key 
  3. contrasting—opposite of your primary color (in the design)
  4. align with attributes—eg: "order" attribute on against an impeccably well-crafted tile 
  5. scale—well-groomed human paws
^ evidence of these are due—posted on your process blog—in advance of thursday's class.

the photographs...

post on the course blog prior to class on the_th:
  1. overall from the front mostly, 3/4 view—all of your three proposals
  2. overall from the back mostly—the three proposals
  3. overall of the proposed/final design—the design you "choose" for the client. perhaps the front and back shown at the same time or other appropriate arrangement.
  4. an alternative view of the proposed design—you choose the view
  5. close-up of something interesting, note-worthy or lovable but not bad craft
  6. a close-up something else that is really interesting—not awesomely bad craft
remember that a brief statement must accompany your photos—describe why your design looks the way it does. and heck, include that attribute(s) too. 

also remember that your photos should be (approximately) 600 x 800 pixels and to label/tag your post with your name (from the label list) and the "p1 final" label. extra points if you use georgia (typeface) and align all element in your post on the left side.

informational...














and perhaps "structured." nicholas felton is >here<

more p1 thoughts...

  • the project in a “nutshell” is to use the given content and 3d form to make meaning (aka: communicate)
  • first few classes were devoted to experimentation—intended to open up the possibilities, consider new, different methods and approaches to visual form making. it’s okay to experiment and fail miserably. some were successes, some not. it’s okay. but, if you did not try something new you probably failed :-)
  • these explorations/experiments are not the only answer—remember that ultimately, it’s your responsibility (as a designer) to communicate one/three of the attributes in the project brief 
  • create and present a range of solutions—just like you would in professional practice 
  • at least one (perhaps all) of your designs should display what i’ve been calling an “alternative product/brand hierarchy.” this means that “rice krispies” and “kelloggs” should not be the most prominent visual element—although both elements are required in all three proposals—please find something else to make important. 
  • please remember that this is a typography-focused project—limit boxes, shapes, ornaments, etc. please do not use photographic patterns in your proposals.
  • as you continue your design development—working towards our tuesday—consider and know what (attribute) you’re communicating. make sure your design does it—communicates—as clearly as possible.
and:

please never indent and paragraph break text—ever.

please never indent a first paragraph—ever.

important...

C o N T R A S T .