Time really flies very fast. I still remember very clearly the time when all of us first met. Everyone is so enthusiastic. As for me, this module really benefits me. Because I have always wanted to learn the “art” of drawing & the art’s view perspective. Such as, “What is really a good piece of work?” “How to improve those “weaker” ones?”
Since young, I had always wanted to learn to draw, but there isn’t any guidance available for me. Luckily, I found this module! Ha-ha! During the learning process throughout this entire module, I did find some changes in me. Such as, the values of art perspectives & functional perspectives can exist concurrently or independently. “To be or not be.” The different angles/possibilities of looking at situations helped me not only in this module, but also in my daily life.
“Critique Session”, which is very “new” to me at the beginning, also benefited me through the comments & suggestions made by other students/colleagues or clients. I regarded them as “clients” because, through their “expectations, I will be “trained” in dealing with customers in the near future; this is a rare chance for me to learn from others.
Last but not least, I would like to wish everyone all the best, and hope to meet up with everyone again in the near future. I would also like to express my gratitude towards my lecturer, Julian, for his kind & patience guidance.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
"Storybook" Critique Session
This is the last critique/tutorial session. This means that this module is coming to an end soon……… = (
As usual, the tutorial begins with no “volunteers”. He-he! When it’s my group’s turn, we are once again “awarded” with some feedbacks & suggestions. For example, the need to enhance/develop the storyline further, and to improve on the “drawings” for the characters. All of these need a lot of improvements.
Besides that, the layout of the book, the printing of the book and all the necessary “measurements” need to be improved so as to “develop” a better “storybook”. Phew! Now then I realized that the process of developing a book is so….. “Challenging!” Ha-ha!
All the Best for everyone! =)
As usual, the tutorial begins with no “volunteers”. He-he! When it’s my group’s turn, we are once again “awarded” with some feedbacks & suggestions. For example, the need to enhance/develop the storyline further, and to improve on the “drawings” for the characters. All of these need a lot of improvements.
Besides that, the layout of the book, the printing of the book and all the necessary “measurements” need to be improved so as to “develop” a better “storybook”. Phew! Now then I realized that the process of developing a book is so….. “Challenging!” Ha-ha!
All the Best for everyone! =)
BrainStorming 7!!!
This “Storybook” assignment is a group project, which consists of 3 persons. It’s a difficult and painful process for this “brainstorming”. My group faces a lot of problems deciding on the topic and the characters to use.
Despite all these challenges, we still come up with some ideas for the story first, before fixing the type of characters to use. Our approach is to design the characters using hand-drawn and to come up with a rough idea for the storyline.
But before all that, we are supposed to come up with the “design document” and the layout of the book before “all drawings” are drawn. Thus, I come up with a “rough” design document, with the help from my lecturer, Julian; as most of the terms used in the “Sample design document” are too “alien” for me. Ha-ha!
Last but not least, the proposed designs for the characters are, to use “mushrooms”. The story will evolve around a “mushroom” character, who is always bullied by his classmates. But until something happen, then they become friends. This story is to voice out the voices of the “bullied” ones, but at the same time, trying to show that someone “different” from others ought not to be bullied, as he/she may turn out to be a very nice person. “Never judge a person by his/her looks!”
Despite all these challenges, we still come up with some ideas for the story first, before fixing the type of characters to use. Our approach is to design the characters using hand-drawn and to come up with a rough idea for the storyline.
But before all that, we are supposed to come up with the “design document” and the layout of the book before “all drawings” are drawn. Thus, I come up with a “rough” design document, with the help from my lecturer, Julian; as most of the terms used in the “Sample design document” are too “alien” for me. Ha-ha!
Last but not least, the proposed designs for the characters are, to use “mushrooms”. The story will evolve around a “mushroom” character, who is always bullied by his classmates. But until something happen, then they become friends. This story is to voice out the voices of the “bullied” ones, but at the same time, trying to show that someone “different” from others ought not to be bullied, as he/she may turn out to be a very nice person. “Never judge a person by his/her looks!”
The 10th Lesson
This lecture is on “Typography & Visual Design”. In this lesson we are taught on the different types of “fonts” and “types of font faces”, and how it will affect one’s visual perspectives. Besides that, the “layout” of the text & illustrations are also a critical point to take note of.
For example, “San Serif” is a better one to use for text; because of its readability. As for the “layout”, avoid using more than 3 typefaces on a page, there should be prominent emphasis on the headlines, titles, and subheadings, so that one is able to figure out which is the body text from the headings easily.
Phew! What an enriching lesson for me!
Last but not least, we are taught how to use “grid layout” to better “illustrate” our design for the upcoming assignment (the last assignment). What is the last assignment? It’s, To design a Storybook for children, age between 6 to 9. This assignment will be due 3 weeks from now. Wow, this means that it’s a “major” assignment.
All the best for everyone! =)
For example, “San Serif” is a better one to use for text; because of its readability. As for the “layout”, avoid using more than 3 typefaces on a page, there should be prominent emphasis on the headlines, titles, and subheadings, so that one is able to figure out which is the body text from the headings easily.
Phew! What an enriching lesson for me!
Last but not least, we are taught how to use “grid layout” to better “illustrate” our design for the upcoming assignment (the last assignment). What is the last assignment? It’s, To design a Storybook for children, age between 6 to 9. This assignment will be due 3 weeks from now. Wow, this means that it’s a “major” assignment.
All the best for everyone! =)
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Tutorial 8 (Webpage Design)
Today’s presentation is on the PowerPoint slides that we have done research on; the 5 assigned websites. When it’s my turn to present my “work”, I have been “awarded” with some feedbacks & comments on the slide, “Proposed Design”. That’s, “to make the necessary changes when one feels that there’s something wrong with the design, and not just abide to it.” At first, I thought to “preserve” the “look” of the website, but in the end, I was pointed that it’s a mistake to do that……. Therefore, I have made the necessary changes to it. Thanks!
There’s a point that I have noticed throughout the presentations. For the “proposed design”, most of us have done it by giving verbal suggestions. I think if there are some “visible” suggestions, like layout of the suggestions or some designs, it will further enforce the “ideas” suggested. =)
But no matter what, all of us have done a good job! Cheers! =)
There’s a point that I have noticed throughout the presentations. For the “proposed design”, most of us have done it by giving verbal suggestions. I think if there are some “visible” suggestions, like layout of the suggestions or some designs, it will further enforce the “ideas” suggested. =)
But no matter what, all of us have done a good job! Cheers! =)
.jpg)
BrainStorming 6b!!!
Wow! This assignment is definitely a very “tedious” but yet “enjoyable” one. Ha-ha! It consists of 4 questions. 1st is to explain the terms used in the design elements. Then we have to explain 5 assigned websites in using the terms giving in the 1st question. Follow by choosing a good & a bad website from the 5. Last but not least, is to prepare PowerPoint slides for the “not so good” website by explaining with examples and to propose improvements for it.
This seems like a very “long, long” work but I did actually learn quite a lot from it. For example, I realized that most of the school websites focus more on the functionality rather than the design. If both exist, then it is a “bonus”. Out of the 5 websites, 4 of them did actually use Flash animation to help to “promote” the school.
For the good design, I like the design of the “Lees-McRae College" (http://www.lmc.edu/) & “Lehigh University” (http://www.lehigh.edu/). Both of them are simple in design, user-friendly, clear navigation tools, and “interactive”. A very simple webpage is, “LeMoyne-Owen College" (http://www.loc.edu/About%20LOC/About%20LOC/About%20LOC.htm). Because it has all the necessary navigation tools and it’s very clear for one to know where the links are. No “fancy” animation is incorporated. As for the “not so good” design, I think it’s, “Lee University” (http://www.leeuniversity.edu/). I feel that the website can be more “attractive” and more “clear” in presenting “itself”. Attachments below are some feedbacks & suggestions of mine done in PowerPoint. Please feel free to post some comments. Thanks! =)
This seems like a very “long, long” work but I did actually learn quite a lot from it. For example, I realized that most of the school websites focus more on the functionality rather than the design. If both exist, then it is a “bonus”. Out of the 5 websites, 4 of them did actually use Flash animation to help to “promote” the school.
For the good design, I like the design of the “Lees-McRae College" (http://www.lmc.edu/) & “Lehigh University” (http://www.lehigh.edu/). Both of them are simple in design, user-friendly, clear navigation tools, and “interactive”. A very simple webpage is, “LeMoyne-Owen College" (http://www.loc.edu/About%20LOC/About%20LOC/About%20LOC.htm). Because it has all the necessary navigation tools and it’s very clear for one to know where the links are. No “fancy” animation is incorporated. As for the “not so good” design, I think it’s, “Lee University” (http://www.leeuniversity.edu/). I feel that the website can be more “attractive” and more “clear” in presenting “itself”. Attachments below are some feedbacks & suggestions of mine done in PowerPoint. Please feel free to post some comments. Thanks! =)
Friday, October 26, 2007
A "Special" 9th Lesson
This lecture is a very special one. We had a guest lecturer to give us a “small” talk. He’s a student whom had been taught by my lecturer, Julian, before. He is invited by Julian, to share with us about, webpage design & how to incorporate the “Arts” aspect elements into a webpage design. This means to “combine” the concepts of webpage design with the concepts of the design elements or concepts of Arts, and what we have learnt so far in this module. Hmm…, this seems like an interesting lesson. =)
Well, after going through all the “experiences” that guest lecturer wanted to share with us, I somehow have some thoughts of my own. Something not very related to this module.
One of it is that, I personally feel that the guest lecturer is like a “salesperson”, trying to “sell” or “promote” his product(s). It is because the points & focus that he has mentioned, all evolved around how his website has “pick” up “its” steps, up to the “peak” of a mountain. This gives me a feeling that it’s an “entrepreneurship” lesson. Or it can also be a “marketing session” for him. Seriously, I didn’t mean anything, I just pointed out some points that I have observed through the presentation.
However, there are also some very good points to take note, like, how to design an “effective & efficient” and “user-friendly” website. Besides that, I have learnt that in order to have webpage design concepts & arts’ design concepts to be applied together to a webpage, there may be some forms of compromising between the two, in order to produce a “good” website. This is what I feel. He-he!
Last but not least, we were once again, given the topic of the upcoming assignment. THE WEBPAGE……..
Well, after going through all the “experiences” that guest lecturer wanted to share with us, I somehow have some thoughts of my own. Something not very related to this module.
One of it is that, I personally feel that the guest lecturer is like a “salesperson”, trying to “sell” or “promote” his product(s). It is because the points & focus that he has mentioned, all evolved around how his website has “pick” up “its” steps, up to the “peak” of a mountain. This gives me a feeling that it’s an “entrepreneurship” lesson. Or it can also be a “marketing session” for him. Seriously, I didn’t mean anything, I just pointed out some points that I have observed through the presentation.
However, there are also some very good points to take note, like, how to design an “effective & efficient” and “user-friendly” website. Besides that, I have learnt that in order to have webpage design concepts & arts’ design concepts to be applied together to a webpage, there may be some forms of compromising between the two, in order to produce a “good” website. This is what I feel. He-he!
Last but not least, we were once again, given the topic of the upcoming assignment. THE WEBPAGE……..
Thursday, October 25, 2007
7th Tutorial Lesson
Today is the 7th tutorial lesson. This is the 1st time where we have a group presentation for an assignment. The presentation is on posters review. This means that we have to form a group of 2, and then to come up with 2 posters. 1 that a group feels that it’s a good & the other is bad. This is based on the visual principles that we have learnt so far, and the recent topic, Gestalt Principles.
For my assignment, there’s a critical point that I missed out or overlooked. That is to have visual elements to support the terms that I have pointed out on the poster’s design. This way, will enable the viewers to have a clearer view & better understanding of the “message” that I wanted to convey with the support of visual elements. This is because, there are times where explanation through visual elements, like picture or graphics, will convey or explain better than through words or text. Thus, it will be a “bonus”, if the two are incorporated. Hmm…, this is a very important point that I have overlooked.
Thanks everyone, for all the comments & suggestions.
For my assignment, there’s a critical point that I missed out or overlooked. That is to have visual elements to support the terms that I have pointed out on the poster’s design. This way, will enable the viewers to have a clearer view & better understanding of the “message” that I wanted to convey with the support of visual elements. This is because, there are times where explanation through visual elements, like picture or graphics, will convey or explain better than through words or text. Thus, it will be a “bonus”, if the two are incorporated. Hmm…, this is a very important point that I have overlooked.
Thanks everyone, for all the comments & suggestions.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
BrainStorming 6!!!
Actually, I did quite like this assignment, as I’m able to express my views on some designs or visual elements. For this assignment, we have to select 1 design that we feel that it’s a good design and 1 that we consider as a bad design. But our analysis should be based on the visual elements that we have learnt so far. “To apply what we have learnt!”
After some searching through the Internet, I have decided to pick my choices from movie posters. Because, I feel that a good movie poster should be a one that is able to convey the main content of the show by using the visual elements, with limited text. I think in this way, will attract audience’s attention more easily.
After some searching through the Internet, I have decided to pick my choices from movie posters. Because, I feel that a good movie poster should be a one that is able to convey the main content of the show by using the visual elements, with limited text. I think in this way, will attract audience’s attention more easily.
.jpg)
Bad Design
1. Color Contrast
a. There’s no prominent color contrast
2. No Emphasis
a. Uncertain of which is the emphasis or there is no focus
3. Gestalt Principles
a. Figure & Ground
i. Can’t differentiate which is the figure
ii. There’s no good contrast between background & figure
iii. Figure & ground ambiguity
Good Design
1. Good Emphasis
a. Show the focus (person & crocodile) in the center
2. Good contrast in size & shape 
a. The person & the crocodile
3. Good Harmony (Visual Balance)
a. Balance of Space
i.The area between & around the elements(water) are active in participants in composition
4. Good Control for Attention
a. Breathing space(water) will keep the eyes inside the frame
b. The figure(person) is small(size)
5. Good Usage of Color & Meaning
a. The black color(surrounding & crocodile ) gives the effect of depression, darkness, death & despair
b. Blue represents the surrounding/place of the event (water)
6. Gestalt Principles
a. Figure & Ground
i. Size - Figure is smaller than background
ii. Details – Figure has more details than background
b. Good Proximity & Similarity
i. The text(ROGUE) with the crocodile
ii. Between 2 texts, “Rogue” & “Welcome to the Terrortory”
c. Good Continuity
i. From the top to the bottom
d. Good Closure
i. Able to figure out the top element is a person, while the bottom element is a crocodile
Thursday, October 18, 2007
8th Lesson - Gestalt Principles
It’s the 8th lesson – Visual Principles (Visual Perception). This is a very long topic as it has stretched to the 3rd lesson. The focus of this lesson is on “Gestalt Principles”. There are 5 types of it, namely, “Figure & Background”, “Proximity”, “Similarity”, “Continuity”, and “Closure”.
Well, after going through this lesson, I feel that now, I have a better understanding of how to “appreciate” a design; although this might be a very, very simple method. But, I still feel that I have learnt a lot of things, not only in education, but also in other aspects. Well, I don’t know how to explain in words; I just feel different in thoughts, maybe.
The contents of the upcoming assignments are to find 2 posters which we find “good” & “bad”. Our analysis will be based on what we have learnt from the past 2 lessons till now.
In order to have a better idea what are taught today, we had a classroom exercise; To create 3 images to demonstrate any 3 gestalt principles, by using simple shapes (circle, square, triangle, etc).
Well, after going through this lesson, I feel that now, I have a better understanding of how to “appreciate” a design; although this might be a very, very simple method. But, I still feel that I have learnt a lot of things, not only in education, but also in other aspects. Well, I don’t know how to explain in words; I just feel different in thoughts, maybe.
The contents of the upcoming assignments are to find 2 posters which we find “good” & “bad”. Our analysis will be based on what we have learnt from the past 2 lessons till now.
In order to have a better idea what are taught today, we had a classroom exercise; To create 3 images to demonstrate any 3 gestalt principles, by using simple shapes (circle, square, triangle, etc).
Monday, October 15, 2007
The 6th Critique Session
This is the 6th critique session. Today’s session is on our designs for “Personalize your Laptop”.
For me, I have chosen the 2nd design, “Harmony” for presentation.
To my surprise, my design doesn’t have much feedback from the “audience”, compared to the previous sessions. Besides that, everyone tends to look very restless this time round. Hmm…, maybe we have run out of “ammunitions”. Ha-ha! Fortunately, I did receive quite a bit of comments and help.
One of them is that, the colors or brightness of my “rainbow” of the exterior is different from the interior’s one. Both of them ought to be the same so that people will be able to tell which interior belongs to which exterior.
Besides that, instead of using a triangle, Julian, my lecturer, suggests that using a banner with the word, “Harmony”, on it will be a better choice. Hmm…., all these suggestions sound great. Thanks, everyone! =)
To my surprise, my design doesn’t have much feedback from the “audience”, compared to the previous sessions. Besides that, everyone tends to look very restless this time round. Hmm…, maybe we have run out of “ammunitions”. Ha-ha! Fortunately, I did receive quite a bit of comments and help.
One of them is that, the colors or brightness of my “rainbow” of the exterior is different from the interior’s one. Both of them ought to be the same so that people will be able to tell which interior belongs to which exterior.
Besides that, instead of using a triangle, Julian, my lecturer, suggests that using a banner with the word, “Harmony”, on it will be a better choice. Hmm…., all these suggestions sound great. Thanks, everyone! =)
Sunday, October 14, 2007
BrainStorming 5!!!
“Brainstorming Again”. ”Let’s do it!” This time we have to come out with 2 different designs for this week’s assignment, “Personalize your Notebook”. The design should be something “positive” & personal, or touched us personally. The restrictions are, we are only allowed to use colors to convey our “themes”, without using any photographs and other visual elements. Only minimum amount of texts are allowed.
Wow! This is tough! Only colors are allowed to convey our message. After thinking through again and again, and looking through the slides for this week, I decide to put my focus on the “Colors & Meaning”. My 1st theme is “dreams”. I thought of drawing a person daydreaming of his/her dreams. Then in the dream, there will be colors to reflect on how the person will look like or turn out to be in the near future. Actually, this is also part of my dream. Ha-ha! Thus, I decide to use the colors that will reflect how “I” will turn out to be and the “world” that I long for or look forward to.
As for the 2nd theme, it will be “harmony”. I always hope to live in harmony with everyone around me. This way, my life will be more meaningful and colorful. As such, I come out with a design, where 2 persons will be holding an equilateral triangle with the words “Harmony” in it. The triangle means that I hope to treat everyone around me the same. As for the rainbow, which is behind the triangle, I thought of using it to symbolize my wish for a colorful and meaningful place for everyone to live in through harmony.Hope these designs will meet the requirement of “how to make our planet or community a better place to live in”. =)
7th Lesson - Color
Today’s already the 7th lesson. After coming back from the mid-term break, we are now advancing into the last half of the semester. Time really flies… This lesson will be on “Visual Principles (Part 2) – Color”. I feel that the objective of this lesson is to expose us to the importance of colors and the meaning of colors, and how to use the “right” color combinations in our design.
I’m really surprise to know that “blue” color is the most popular color for everyone. Before that, I thought it is “white” color. I really feel that it’s a very interesting topic and color really can signifies what a designer wants to portray even of without much visual design or visual elements, like photographs or pictures. Now, I can understand why the main characters in the movie, “Finding Nemo”, are orange & blue in colors. He-he!
Sad to see that one of my favorite color, orange, is classified as, “unusual, and is the most painful to look at”. No matter what, I definitely find that this lesson is interesting. Before “dismissing” us, we were once again given the topic for our next assignment. That is to design/personalize a notebook; to come up with design for the “exterior” & the “interior” of a notebook. At the same time, we can also take part in a design competition organized by HP, by designing their laptop.
Wow! This means that besides submitting our designs as assignment, we can also use them to take part in this design competition.
I’m really surprise to know that “blue” color is the most popular color for everyone. Before that, I thought it is “white” color. I really feel that it’s a very interesting topic and color really can signifies what a designer wants to portray even of without much visual design or visual elements, like photographs or pictures. Now, I can understand why the main characters in the movie, “Finding Nemo”, are orange & blue in colors. He-he!
Sad to see that one of my favorite color, orange, is classified as, “unusual, and is the most painful to look at”. No matter what, I definitely find that this lesson is interesting. Before “dismissing” us, we were once again given the topic for our next assignment. That is to design/personalize a notebook; to come up with design for the “exterior” & the “interior” of a notebook. At the same time, we can also take part in a design competition organized by HP, by designing their laptop.
Wow! This means that besides submitting our designs as assignment, we can also use them to take part in this design competition.
5th Tutorial/Critique - Poster Design
This is the 5th tutorial lesson. The poster design that I have designed is ready for some feedbacks and comments. He-he!
Actually, I had a hard time finding a place that provides printing my poster in A3 size. After pinning up all our poster design, we were once again given the chance to take a look at one another’s design. Wow! Everyone’s design is so COOL…… Each has its own “character” & “taste”.
As usual, my poster did receive some comments. Such as, the use of colors for my title, “SAVE THE EARTH”. The color for “THE” should be of different color to that of “SAVE”’s, as the background for both words are different; A good point for me to take note of. Besides that, the “star” background has too much star, it will be better if there are fewer stars in the background, so that it will not look so “distracting”.
Moreover, Julian also gave me some ideas on how to improve my poster design. He also suggests to add some text in; to explain the importance of saving the earth. Thanks, everyone! I will keep all the comments in mind for my final version of this poster design, “SAVE THE EARTH”! =)
Actually, I had a hard time finding a place that provides printing my poster in A3 size. After pinning up all our poster design, we were once again given the chance to take a look at one another’s design. Wow! Everyone’s design is so COOL…… Each has its own “character” & “taste”.
As usual, my poster did receive some comments. Such as, the use of colors for my title, “SAVE THE EARTH”. The color for “THE” should be of different color to that of “SAVE”’s, as the background for both words are different; A good point for me to take note of. Besides that, the “star” background has too much star, it will be better if there are fewer stars in the background, so that it will not look so “distracting”.
Moreover, Julian also gave me some ideas on how to improve my poster design. He also suggests to add some text in; to explain the importance of saving the earth. Thanks, everyone! I will keep all the comments in mind for my final version of this poster design, “SAVE THE EARTH”! =)
BrainStorming 4!!!
This week’s assignment is to design a poster. The topic is either on “SAVE”, “PROTECT”, or “KILL” something. Before starting to brainstorm for ideas, I must first decide on the topic. To save or protect, I think there’s some similarities between the two. As for “kill”, I believe that the idea should evolve around negative effects. If I were to come up with a design for “KILL”, I think I will focus on things that I think will have negative effects around me, maybe, to kill pests, mosquitoes, etc. After a while, I decide to put on my focus on “SAVE”. Because during the process of brainstorming, I feel that maybe I can incorporate both “SAVE” & “PROTECT” in my design. There are a lot of things that can be “SAVE”. Such as, water, trees, forest, unfortunate people, world, earth, etc.
In the end, I decide to design, “SAVE THE EARTH”. Even though, there’re a lot of designs on this topic, I feel that I should also play a part in promoting this campaign. As usual, I will now try to find my “focus” point. I think, since many teenagers and adults have already known this “topic”, thus I feel that I can design something to attract the children’s attention, so that they will have a better idea of how to save the earth. In order to attract their attention, my design should be something “attractive” to them.
Next, I have to think of the reason of saving the earth and the causes that affect the earth. The negative effects can be pollution, forestation, etc. The reason is that the earth’s ozone layer is getting thinner as years pass. I hope to bring awareness to the children when they are young, so that they will have a better idea on the “place” they are living in now.
In the end, I decide to design, “SAVE THE EARTH”. Even though, there’re a lot of designs on this topic, I feel that I should also play a part in promoting this campaign. As usual, I will now try to find my “focus” point. I think, since many teenagers and adults have already known this “topic”, thus I feel that I can design something to attract the children’s attention, so that they will have a better idea of how to save the earth. In order to attract their attention, my design should be something “attractive” to them.
Next, I have to think of the reason of saving the earth and the causes that affect the earth. The negative effects can be pollution, forestation, etc. The reason is that the earth’s ozone layer is getting thinner as years pass. I hope to bring awareness to the children when they are young, so that they will have a better idea on the “place” they are living in now.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
The 6th Lesson
Today’s lecture is on “Visual Elements & Principles (Part 1)” This means that there will be a continuation of this topic in the next lesson. After going through a few slides, I basically think that the main focus is to how to design a “good poster” and how & what does a “good poster” have or looks like.
I feel that the concepts introduced in the slides are very technical. If there are no explanations & some examples for each concept, I think I will not be able to interpret correctly. The concepts are, “Visual Elements and its characteristics and interactions”, “Principles of Interaction”, which consists of “frame & visual interaction”, “emphasis, unity & contrast” and “Visual Harmony – balance & economy”. Err…. All texts….But…. Thanks, Julian, for explaining & for the hard work of finding the related posters. I think I understand the concepts better now but not very well. =)
Last but not least, to end the lesson proper, we are again given a “warm-up” classroom exercise to prepare for the upcoming assignment (Poster Design). The 2 words given to my group is “Premier” & “Authority” and we are restricted to use lines & dots in our design to convey the meaning of the 2 words.
"Visual Story" Critique Session!
This is my 4th tutorial/critique lesson for NM2208. Attending the tutorial lessons to me means that I’m always learning to improve my drawings or designing concepts & to expose to many different ways of thinking & concepts from others. Today’s lesson is on “Visual Story”. To begin with, we were asked to display out our design/”story” so that every one of us will have the time to look through. “Feedbacks or Comments”, which have already become the main point or focus in our tutorial lessons, is still “surviving strong” Ha-ha!
As usual, my “Visual Story” is also “awarded” with some feedbacks. Such as, how to make the focus of a photograph becomes more prominent & outstanding. This is the main point that is lacking in mine. For example, the “key” in my 4th photograph should be the main focus rather than taking a full photograph of that moment/instance. This way will give the audience a clearer view of the “story”.
Another point for me to take note is the layout of how the photographs should be taken. There should be a consistent layout throughout the whole “story”; i.e. all photographs should be in “Portrait” layout if 1 appears to be in that layout. Wow! This lesson really benefits me! He-he!
Thanks, everyone! I’m still working on the improvements. Please feel free to post any messages/comments in my “Drawing Lounge”. I really appreciate that.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Brainstorming 3!!!
Once again, the words “Brain-Storming” of ideas appeared before my eyes. This assignment is about “Visual Story”. This means that we are tasked to use a maximum of 10 photographs to tell a story; without using any wordings (words that play an important role in the story) in the photographs. Wow! That’s a very UNUSUAL assignment for me to tell a story using only pictures.
This means that I have to come out with a storyboard of the story. (Hmm….. This really reminds for an assignment that I had done before…..). Besides that, it gives me the feeling that this “Visual Story” is like a DREAM to me. He-he!
Actually, a lot of ideas came into my mind, but nothing seems to be that interesting to attract my attention. A “TWIST” ending is my main focus in my “story” for this assignment.
Finally, after hours of thinking & planning, I manage to come up with a rough idea of how my “visual story” should be. Hope that, my “story” will turn out well.
Actually, there’s something that really catches my attention when designing this assignment. How does a good “Visual Story” looks like? What elements or concepts must be incorporated? A simple & direct story is considered as one? Or is it one that when a person looks at it, they will understand the whole story? Or is it one that there are some “hidden” concepts for the audience to think/understand through? Hmm…. Very challenging…… =)
This means that I have to come out with a storyboard of the story. (Hmm….. This really reminds for an assignment that I had done before…..). Besides that, it gives me the feeling that this “Visual Story” is like a DREAM to me. He-he!
Actually, a lot of ideas came into my mind, but nothing seems to be that interesting to attract my attention. A “TWIST” ending is my main focus in my “story” for this assignment.
Finally, after hours of thinking & planning, I manage to come up with a rough idea of how my “visual story” should be. Hope that, my “story” will turn out well.
Actually, there’s something that really catches my attention when designing this assignment. How does a good “Visual Story” looks like? What elements or concepts must be incorporated? A simple & direct story is considered as one? Or is it one that when a person looks at it, they will understand the whole story? Or is it one that there are some “hidden” concepts for the audience to think/understand through? Hmm…. Very challenging…… =)
5th Lesson
Today’s lecture is a continuation of the previous lesson, “Representing Techniques”. This lesson is very different from the previous one, where we were exposed to signs, icons, & abstractions. For this lesson, we were exposed to the concept of “Constraints”, “Composition”, & “Storytelling”.
After going through the lesson, I basically feel that the concepts & techniques taught in this lesson can be classified into 2 main categories. They are “Perception of looking at things” & “How to take good photographs”. Ha-ha! =)
Because I feel that the terms used or found in the lecture is technically related to photo-taking. Actually, I have always thought of learning how to take good photographs, so this lesson really catches my attention. Maybe someone else will think that the concepts mentioned are very basic, but it really benefits me; especially the “Rule of thirds: Golden Mean”
Last but not least, as usual, we have a classroom activity to end with.
After going through the lesson, I basically feel that the concepts & techniques taught in this lesson can be classified into 2 main categories. They are “Perception of looking at things” & “How to take good photographs”. Ha-ha! =)
Because I feel that the terms used or found in the lecture is technically related to photo-taking. Actually, I have always thought of learning how to take good photographs, so this lesson really catches my attention. Maybe someone else will think that the concepts mentioned are very basic, but it really benefits me; especially the “Rule of thirds: Golden Mean”
Last but not least, as usual, we have a classroom activity to end with.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
The 3rd Critique Session
It’s tutorial time for NM2208! Today, we will be having the next critique session. That’s on our 2nd assignment, “Making Images Talk”. As usual, most of us come up with many creative ideas. Throughout the lessons, there will definitely be some feedbacks. It looks as if our ideas won’t “run out of ammunitions”. Ha-ha! =) There are 2 drawings that leave me with a very deep impression. One of it is the windmill. Although the drawing/sign or abstract is very simple, it really portrays out what it really signifies. The other is on a type of flowers. Maybe someone may thinks that a simple representation of the flower using just simple drawing techniques doesn’t look good in the design point of view. But, I feel is that the abstract really portrays out what it really signifies. My design is also “awarded” with some comments. I only remember vaguely that my drawing is very simple and if there’s no outline casing given to the 2 simple shapes, a triangle & a square, no one is able to figure out that my abstract signifies or represents a remote controller. Hmm….. I think I can improve my drawing by drawing the outline or casing for the remote controller smaller in size, so that the abstract will look more proportional. I really hope to receive some more comments from anyone to improve my concept on what is really a “sign”. Thanks! =)
Brainstorming 2!!!
Now into the brainstorming stage for assignment 2 – “Making images Talk”. How to make images talk? He-he! What am I suppose to draw? This is the question that I have been asking myself ever since the 1st assignment. To find something that looks simple? If that’s the case, am I able to come up with 5 levels of abstraction for it? To find something that looks complicated, which has many details in it? Then won’t it be too complicated to draw or to understand?
I think a sign or symbol should be something that is simple to draw & anyone is able to figure out what it is without much difficulty. This is the focus point for me. I hope this is the “right track” for me. After looking around, there are a lot of things that I think is considerable for me. Discman player, watch, clock, hand phone, pager, remote controller, TV set, or even a shoe, etc.
I think a sign or symbol should be something that is simple to draw & anyone is able to figure out what it is without much difficulty. This is the focus point for me. I hope this is the “right track” for me. After looking around, there are a lot of things that I think is considerable for me. Discman player, watch, clock, hand phone, pager, remote controller, TV set, or even a shoe, etc.
A SYMOBL/ABSRTACT REPRESENTATION
After much consideration & draft drawing, I decide to pick remote controller to be my focus topic. I feel that the design of a remote controller can be a one that has many details in it or on the other hand, can be as simple as having only 2 buttons, the “play” & the “stop” buttons. My “route of advancement” is to come up with a sign that is simple and can be easily identified or understood by anyone.
I hope that this design has achieved that. But I don’t know if I’m on the right track or not. Hope to have some feedback during the upcoming tutorial lesson.
I hope that this design has achieved that. But I don’t know if I’m on the right track or not. Hope to have some feedback during the upcoming tutorial lesson.
5-LEVELS OF ABSTRACTIONS
The 4th Lesson
Today’s lecture is about representations. There are 3 types of representations which are iconic sign, indexical sign, and symbolic sign. Each type has its own characteristics. For example, a photograph is a type of iconic sign, smoke is an example of indexical sign, while symbolic sign, the signifier does not resemble the signified.
Besides that, I have also leant that in each representation, there are different degrees of abstraction. Phew! Even a simple sign has so many details embedded or hidden in it.
Then we are given a classroom exercise, which is to come up with an iconic & indexic representation of an object.
Follow by that, we are given the 2nd assignment. That is to select an object and to draw out 5 levels of abstraction for that object, from realistic view to abstract view.
CLASSROOM ASSGINMENT 1
Please feel free to give commands as I'm not sure whether this drawing portrays the 2 representations correctly. Thanks.
A very unlucky tutorial (2nd)
Today is my 2nd tutorial. However, something bad happened to me! I am attacked by the ULTIAMTE FLU virus. As a result, I’m unable to attend this lesson. Why me? Why is me? No choice…… Hope everything will turn out fine for me. Also hope that every one will stay HEALTHY!
A Short Lesson 3
As usual, I reached the class 15 minutes before the lessons starts. After finding a place to sit, I took out my laptop and began to look through the lecture slides for today’s lesson. This lesson is about graphic applications, like image types, colour, resolution, and input and output. The lesson begins as usual where Julian starts to go through the slides for the day.
After going through a few slides, I feel that today’s lesson is very “dry”. It’s full of facts. Well, actually, I already know most of the facts but I still try to keep my focus on. However, when I gazed around the class, I can find some of us losing focus. Even I did. Ha-ha! (Because I started to look around)
The lesson goes on for about half an hour before Julian says that today’s lesson has ended. This lesson is a short one as there are only very few slides to go through. It is before 5.30pm that the lesson has ended. But before releasing us, we are told to come out with the final 2 designs by next week tutorial lesson. The final designs has to be done using Illustrator or hand-drawn.
After going through a few slides, I feel that today’s lesson is very “dry”. It’s full of facts. Well, actually, I already know most of the facts but I still try to keep my focus on. However, when I gazed around the class, I can find some of us losing focus. Even I did. Ha-ha! (Because I started to look around)
The lesson goes on for about half an hour before Julian says that today’s lesson has ended. This lesson is a short one as there are only very few slides to go through. It is before 5.30pm that the lesson has ended. But before releasing us, we are told to come out with the final 2 designs by next week tutorial lesson. The final designs has to be done using Illustrator or hand-drawn.
My 1st NM2208 Tutorial
Today is the 1st tutorial lesson. At first, I thought the tutorial lesson will be held in a studio-like environment, something like an art studio. But to my astonishment, it is held in a computer-based environment.
Today’s lesson is a critique session whereby everyone will be given a chance to present their ideas and to get some feedback from students and the lecturer. At first, I thought this session will be a very “nasty” one as I feel that “critique” session means everyone will criticize badly or harshly and will not “give face” to anyone. But, after a few minutes of lesson, it turned out to be another way. Everyone is so nice and creative in giving solutions & ideas to each one’s design and even my lecturer, Julian joined in the conversation. It turned out to be an enjoyable one. It is also then that I found out my tutorial classmates are very creative in their own ways.
I also managed to get some feedback after I had presented mine. I still remember someone giving me the idea of adding some form of cash to my gambling design as listing out the games doesn’t portray much of gambling at all. There is also someone who pointed out that it doesn’t seems that I hate gambling as I am able to list out quite a few gambling games in my designs. Ha-ha!
Well, I really appreciate all the ideas that everyone suggests and I will try my best to change my designs. Last but not least, I also appreciate my lecturer, Julian, giving me some ideas for improvements of my designs after the lesson. Thanks, everyone! =)
Today’s lesson is a critique session whereby everyone will be given a chance to present their ideas and to get some feedback from students and the lecturer. At first, I thought this session will be a very “nasty” one as I feel that “critique” session means everyone will criticize badly or harshly and will not “give face” to anyone. But, after a few minutes of lesson, it turned out to be another way. Everyone is so nice and creative in giving solutions & ideas to each one’s design and even my lecturer, Julian joined in the conversation. It turned out to be an enjoyable one. It is also then that I found out my tutorial classmates are very creative in their own ways.
I also managed to get some feedback after I had presented mine. I still remember someone giving me the idea of adding some form of cash to my gambling design as listing out the games doesn’t portray much of gambling at all. There is also someone who pointed out that it doesn’t seems that I hate gambling as I am able to list out quite a few gambling games in my designs. Ha-ha!
Well, I really appreciate all the ideas that everyone suggests and I will try my best to change my designs. Last but not least, I also appreciate my lecturer, Julian, giving me some ideas for improvements of my designs after the lesson. Thanks, everyone! =)
THE FINAL VERSIONS
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Brainstorming!!!
After days of brainstorming of ideas & drawings & re-drawings, I finally come out with 2 designs, each for something that I like/love & hate. The idea for something that I love comes more easily than the idea for something that I hate. Thus, I basically spend more time thinking of ideas for something that I hate. Actually, I didn’t have anything that I hate. At first, I wanted to present all 4 designs on something that I love, but in the end, I give up the idea. The reason is because I feel that designs for something that one loves is very different from something that one hates. The way of portraying & design would be quite different in nature too. Thus, I have decided to take up the challenge to design something that I didn’t quite like or oppose to.
After hours of brainstorming & considerations, I finally come out with the idea of gambling for something that I hate. Why gambling? The reason is that I personally didn’t like to gamble and I even have not bought 4D or TOTO before as I believe that anything must be earned through one’s hard work. If something comes by too easily, we will not learn to cherish it as much as when we earn through hard work.
As for something that I love, that’s definitely basketball. I have used the idea of stickman to portray my idea of basketball where there are 5 stick-men doing stunts found in basketball. Why 5 stick-men? Because in a basketball match, there are 5 persons in a team. The stunts or moves are shooting, passing ball, jumping for ball, etc. This idea didn’t come by so easily. I have done some research through the Internet trying to find some ideas related to basketball that I could use in my designs. As for the other idea, the gambling, I have decided to focus on the different types of games that can be used to gamble or found in a casino.
After hours of brainstorming & considerations, I finally come out with the idea of gambling for something that I hate. Why gambling? The reason is that I personally didn’t like to gamble and I even have not bought 4D or TOTO before as I believe that anything must be earned through one’s hard work. If something comes by too easily, we will not learn to cherish it as much as when we earn through hard work.
As for something that I love, that’s definitely basketball. I have used the idea of stickman to portray my idea of basketball where there are 5 stick-men doing stunts found in basketball. Why 5 stick-men? Because in a basketball match, there are 5 persons in a team. The stunts or moves are shooting, passing ball, jumping for ball, etc. This idea didn’t come by so easily. I have done some research through the Internet trying to find some ideas related to basketball that I could use in my designs. As for the other idea, the gambling, I have decided to focus on the different types of games that can be used to gamble or found in a casino.
My 2nd Lesson
Today is my 2nd lesson of NM2208. As usual, the seminar room is already packed with students even though the lesson will only commence in another 10 minutes time. I think the reason is that everyone thinks that this is a very interesting course where we are allowed to express ourselves through drawing & to express our creativity, but at least, this applies to me.
This lesson is about what are some of the problems that a designer may face during the process of designing. First of all, one must be able to know or identify the problem and then to apply the most effective answer or solution to the problem. Despite all the theories that are taught in this lecture, I feel that there’s a point that I think it’s a very valid & important point to take note, but at least, to me. That is “Early solution concepts are often found to be less than satisfactory. (it is often more productive to ditch unsatisfactory concept solutions and start new)” and “Don’t fall in love with you first/early concept. Early solution concepts are often found to be less than satisfactory.”
After about half an hour of lecture, we are given our 1st assignment. The title of the assignment is “Me Myself and I”. We are asked to come out with 4 different types of designs for something that we like & hate. That’s 8 different designs altogether, 4 for something we like and the others are on something that we hate. However, there’s a small condition to take note and that is one should communicate the concept through manipulation of the letter in our name. Once all the instructions are given, all of us begin to brainstorm for ideas. It has been a long time since I saw so many of us focusing on doing something. He-he!
It is not long that I realized that I have not come out with anything after about half an hour or so. My brain just seems to run out of ideas and I am unable portray what I really feels. Everything seems so OUT for me. Then I began to gaze around, seeing that most of them have at least come out with some designs. Phew! Why am I still stuck with nothing? No matter how hard I try to think of something to draw, not even a stroke or so can been seen on my paper. It is then that I realized that I am done for the day. Maybe my ideas will come back soon or maybe tonight.
Well, I really admire those who are able to come out with some designs in this short 2 periods of lesson. Maybe I sill lacked the creativity to design & draw. Or maybe I am a slow thinker? Well, no matter what, I will still try my best even if I have to spend days to think of ideas. Just hope that I will have my ideas by tonight.
This lesson is about what are some of the problems that a designer may face during the process of designing. First of all, one must be able to know or identify the problem and then to apply the most effective answer or solution to the problem. Despite all the theories that are taught in this lecture, I feel that there’s a point that I think it’s a very valid & important point to take note, but at least, to me. That is “Early solution concepts are often found to be less than satisfactory. (it is often more productive to ditch unsatisfactory concept solutions and start new)” and “Don’t fall in love with you first/early concept. Early solution concepts are often found to be less than satisfactory.”
After about half an hour of lecture, we are given our 1st assignment. The title of the assignment is “Me Myself and I”. We are asked to come out with 4 different types of designs for something that we like & hate. That’s 8 different designs altogether, 4 for something we like and the others are on something that we hate. However, there’s a small condition to take note and that is one should communicate the concept through manipulation of the letter in our name. Once all the instructions are given, all of us begin to brainstorm for ideas. It has been a long time since I saw so many of us focusing on doing something. He-he!
It is not long that I realized that I have not come out with anything after about half an hour or so. My brain just seems to run out of ideas and I am unable portray what I really feels. Everything seems so OUT for me. Then I began to gaze around, seeing that most of them have at least come out with some designs. Phew! Why am I still stuck with nothing? No matter how hard I try to think of something to draw, not even a stroke or so can been seen on my paper. It is then that I realized that I am done for the day. Maybe my ideas will come back soon or maybe tonight.
Well, I really admire those who are able to come out with some designs in this short 2 periods of lesson. Maybe I sill lacked the creativity to design & draw. Or maybe I am a slow thinker? Well, no matter what, I will still try my best even if I have to spend days to think of ideas. Just hope that I will have my ideas by tonight.
My 1st NM2208 Lesson
Today is my 1st lesson of NM2208. It’s a very sunny Friday late afternoon where most people had already gone out to enjoy their early weekend break. Just like any other modules, the lesson begins 5 minutes past 4. At first, I thought that this module is all about drawing well & creativity.
However, after a few minutes of introduction by the lecturer, Julian, I found out that this module is not all about how good one’s drawing is. It is about how well you can portray what you have drawn & the user or anyone is able to understand what you really want to portray. Moreover, I’m also quite surprised when Julian, the lecturer, asks us to come out with our own blog & to upload it to the module website. His explanation is that in this way, we are able to share our ideas with our friends and he is also able to know our progress in terms of work & personality. This is the 1st time I heard from a lecturer who encouraged us to come out with our own blog. Ha-ha!
After going through the necessary administrative parts, Julian begins with the introduction lesson by first giving us to look at 4 different types/angles of illustrations/pictures. Then after, he explains to us what his purpose of this exercise is. That is, once a person had already set his/her mind of a picture, no matter when or what type of perspective angles one is given later, he or she will tend to believe or place their judgment based on their past experience. I agree with this statement but it’s not always true, as for me, it does.
Last but not least, just about 1 hour before school ends for me, we are given a so called warm-up exercise to prepare for next week’s 1st assignment. That is to come out with a drawing that best describe yourself and personality. This is the 1st time that I have come across this type of exercise by using drawing to portray out one’s character & personality. But, I still try my best to accomplish it. In the end, I come out with a character with a pig head representing myself & is wearing a basketball jersey & a pair of Nike shoes as I like to play basketball & to jog. Then we are asked to present our ideas to Julian before leaving the class. It’s the 1st time after so many years that I once again saw a long queue. I still remember the last time when I queued up when I was still in secondary school. Wow!!! That’s a long time ago. I still miss those carefree days with my group of friends. I hope that I am able to pick-up some skills from this module so that it will aid me not only in terms of work but also how I looked at things. This is because there are times when I tend to overlook or find it hard to change my perspective of looking at things. Through this module, I hope to broaden my perspective views & ways of looking at things.
However, after a few minutes of introduction by the lecturer, Julian, I found out that this module is not all about how good one’s drawing is. It is about how well you can portray what you have drawn & the user or anyone is able to understand what you really want to portray. Moreover, I’m also quite surprised when Julian, the lecturer, asks us to come out with our own blog & to upload it to the module website. His explanation is that in this way, we are able to share our ideas with our friends and he is also able to know our progress in terms of work & personality. This is the 1st time I heard from a lecturer who encouraged us to come out with our own blog. Ha-ha!
After going through the necessary administrative parts, Julian begins with the introduction lesson by first giving us to look at 4 different types/angles of illustrations/pictures. Then after, he explains to us what his purpose of this exercise is. That is, once a person had already set his/her mind of a picture, no matter when or what type of perspective angles one is given later, he or she will tend to believe or place their judgment based on their past experience. I agree with this statement but it’s not always true, as for me, it does.
Last but not least, just about 1 hour before school ends for me, we are given a so called warm-up exercise to prepare for next week’s 1st assignment. That is to come out with a drawing that best describe yourself and personality. This is the 1st time that I have come across this type of exercise by using drawing to portray out one’s character & personality. But, I still try my best to accomplish it. In the end, I come out with a character with a pig head representing myself & is wearing a basketball jersey & a pair of Nike shoes as I like to play basketball & to jog. Then we are asked to present our ideas to Julian before leaving the class. It’s the 1st time after so many years that I once again saw a long queue. I still remember the last time when I queued up when I was still in secondary school. Wow!!! That’s a long time ago. I still miss those carefree days with my group of friends. I hope that I am able to pick-up some skills from this module so that it will aid me not only in terms of work but also how I looked at things. This is because there are times when I tend to overlook or find it hard to change my perspective of looking at things. Through this module, I hope to broaden my perspective views & ways of looking at things.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)