Assignments

Assignment 1: Icons


Objective: To create these icons, Adobe Illustrator was used, only using the colors black and white. In addition, we could only specific tools to create our icons, including the shape and line tool.
Reflection: By completing this assignment, I learned how to operate a brand new program to me and all of the tools in it. It was also my first experience using my creativity to make icons graphically.
Assignment 2: Texture Grid
Objective: In order to complete this assignment, we were told to create 3 x 3 inch squares on Adobe Illustrator. We had to find a picture off of the internet and then trace over it using only the pen tool. For each row of the squares, we were required to perform a certain task. For example, in the first row, we created designs that represent texture. In the second row, we created designs that represent space. Lastly, we created designs that represent value.
Reflection: Because of this assignment, I was exposed to several new tools, such as the pen tool, clipping masks, and layers. In addition, I experienced more time with managing my time to complete this project on time.



Assignment 3: Color Wheel
Objective: In order to complete this assignment, we were told to create a color wheel by using two objects that visually work together. We had to find a picture off of the internet and then trace over it using the pen tool. Cutting it out perfectly, angling it correctly, coloring it with the right colors were all a challenge, but in the end, it turned out really well!
Reflection: I was constantly using the layers palette. In addition, I was introduced to the different colors in the color wheel and creating them on the computer.

Assignment 4: Pop Art
 Objective: For this assignment, we created pop art in Photoshop based off of Andy Warhol's artwork. We first had to upload a picture of ourselves that we took on photobooth. We then had to create four 4"x4" individual paintings of the same picture. Arranging each photo differently in the square and then using four different color schemes helped attract the eye of the viewer to the artwork. 
Reflection: Because of this assignment, I familiarized myself with color wheel and different color schemes. In addition, I continued using the layers palette, as well as the brush tool.











Assignment 5: Photo Mosaic
 Objective: In this assignment, we created a photo mosaic by using Photoshop. We found a large picture on the internet and began adding smaller pictures on top of the main picture. By using lots of layers for the smaller pictures, we created a photo mosaic. 
Reflection: This assignment continued my study in Photoshop and using layers. It also helped me get used to using multiple pictures in one piece of artwork.













Assignment 6: If I Crossed the Road...Assignment 5: Photo Mosaic
 Objective: In this assignment, we used Photoshop to create a page that could go into the book If I Crossed the Road. Working with different images that were found on the internet is how we created this image completely from scratch.
Reflection: We used layer masks to cut out the backgrounds of each picture. It took a lot of time because it had to be very precise, but I improved my skills in technique!





Assignment 7: Blend Yourself




Objective: In this assignment, we photoshopped ourselves into a picture of celebrities. I completed this assignment by using layers, clipping masks, and the brush tool.
Reflection: I chose to photoshop into GLee because it is one of my favorite television shows. I also love this picture because it is so fun, so I immediately had a picture that would fit in perfectly with the image of the GLee cast. 



Assignment 8: See What I'm Saying



Objective: In this assignment, we covered the concept of typography. We chose an image on the internet and recreated it with one word or letters from that word. We really had to take into consideration the distance of the letters or words, size of the text, boldness of the text, and direction in which the text is going.
Reflection: Because of this assignment, I learned how to utilize different techniques. Because we worked in Illustrator, I continued familiarizing myself with many of the tools. In addition, the text we chose had a huge impact on our image because we had to choose one that corresponded with our image. If I had to complete this assignment again, I would try to blend the text together more.


Assignment 9: Designing With Type



Objective: In this assignment, we used different fonts and certain requirements to familiarize ourselves with more vocabulary. 
Reflection: Because of this assignment, I learned all of the main fonts and I continued studying classifications. In addition, I continued working with photoshop so now I understand most of the tools in photoshop.




Assignment 11: Photo + Text Manipulation






Objective: In this assignment, we took a picture on our own and related it to a song. We then combined the lyrics to the song and blended them on the picture.
Reflection: By completing this project, I learned how to use the layer blend tool and how to layer texts together.




Assignment 12: Alphabetography Poster








Objective: We used the rules of composition to take pictures of each letter in the alphabet using only the environment around us. We then had to create a poster using photoshop, bringing all the pictures together in alphabetical order.
Reflection: Finding the letters was a difficult task, but after I got a few, I could not stop seeing letters everywhere I went!



Assignment 13: Exquisite Corpse


Objective: We got into groups and had to figure out whether we wanted to use illustrator or photoshop. We chose photoshop. Then we decided which part of the body we wanted to create. I made the head in photoshop by taking different items and putting them together. Once all three members were finished, we used indesign to put all three of out parts together to make an exquisite corpse.
Reflection: It was slightly confusing because InDesign is such a new application, but I like that we had very few restrictions. We could choose what application we wanted to use, as well as the way we wanted to create our piece. This assignment required much more creativity and brainstorming, which I enjoy.



Assignment 14: Career Poster
Objective: We were given a career in the graphic design field, and I got documentary photography. Then, we had to create a poster to advertise this career. Because we studied the patterns of eye movement, we had to make sure we used a "z pattern" in our poster. 
Reflection: My career was extremely difficult to work with. The job is very interesting but most of the pictures are very emotional and black and white. As a result, it was difficult to create and appealing poster to catch the interest of viewers.



Assignment 15: Illuminated Manuscript
Objective: After studying illuminated manuscripts, we had to pick a song and create a document for the song. We had to use stamps to make the page look interesting and to make the first letter of the entire song.
Reflection: Finding the right stamps to use made this project difficult and quite stressful. I chose the song "Drops of Jupiter" by Train because I love that song, so I used a very flowery and artsy stamp to make my letter and background.


Assignment 16: History Timeline

Objective: After listening and taking notes on all of the podcasts, we were required to make a timeline to show the most important events in visual communication history.
Reflection: I chose to work with a movie reel because it would simulate watching a movie of the history of visual communications. The actual film was difficult to create, but it helped move the text across the screen. It was very tedious and difficult, but I am happy with my work.

Assignment 17: Combimark

Objective: Since we just started logos, we had to create a logo for a specific company. I chose to do pear incorporated and three tree landscape.
Reflection: I used the elements of emphasis, contrast, and figure/ground to make a landscape logo and another one for pear incorporation. It was hard to get started since the logo can be done in so many different ways, but after I got started, it all came to me quickly.

Assignment 18: Wordmark

Objective: We are required to make a logo design for a brand name, using the elements of emphasis and contrast and we are only allowed to use two pantone colors.
Reflection: I found it difficult to only use two pantone colors because I constantly found myself trying to use at least one more color to contrast the other colors I had. It was also difficult to make the design short and simple because it is different than what we have done for previous assignments.



Assignment 19: Stationary Package
Business Card:
Letterhead:
Envelope:

Objective: In this assignment, we had to create a business card, lettermark, and envelope for a business. We had to meet the requirements of traditional stationary packages and we could only use 2 pantone colors to use emphasis and unity/variety.
Reflection: Using two pantone colors was difficult until I remembered that I could use different shades of that color as well. The business card was the easiest part to create because I just let my mind float away. On the other hand, it was difficult to do a similar design but make it slightly different for the lettermark and envelope. 


Assignment 20: Social Issue Logo & Poster


Poster:

Logo:
Objective: In this assignment, we had to brainstorm a social issue and come up with a logo and poster. On the poster, we had to include a portrait illustration and one word that would describe the issue. 
Reflection: I chose obesity because it is a growing problem in today's society. Jennifer Hudson is the spokeswoman for Weight Watchers so I thought that she would be a great candidate to help prevent obesity. I chose two colors: teal and purple. Purple to represent success and teal to represent health. Including all of the necessary principles was difficult but this was my favorite project to do and I feel I did a great job!