Design for good

To me, it's sad that most creatives have to use their ideas and hard work towards clients for companies. If you think about it, we are going to school to support mass consumerism one day. But not always... this article I found off Denver Egotist is a great response to this subject. I am posting this because I find it to be a great source of inspiration and gives me hope that one day I won't be designing ads for the next quadruple whopper at Burger King.

http://www.thedenveregotist.com/editorial/2011/september/21/you-and-your-meaningless-career-advertising

This site is also awesome if you ever want to find an internship or a job one day...

Post 2

http://www.oceanarmor.org/

OceanArmor is an art exhibit organized by the Surfrider Foundation (http://www.surfrider.org/) and is dedicated to marine preservation. The website is promoting the exhibit that will be touring the country. The design itself conveys a very somber mood and features sculptures from the exhibit depicting various animals wearing literal armor. The point they are trying to convey is quite apparent right off the bat, which is indicative of a good design.

The web design compliments the sculptures very well in addition to being a work of art in its own right. The site includes music, which is normally something I hate, but it does in such a way that is fairly unobtrusive and works to the overall aesthetic. For me, it really does provoke an emotional response of sadness and somber reflection, and I would hardly consider myself a wildlife activist.

Blog Post (2) -

Design for the other 90 percent opened it's exhibit July 8. The installations fall under the theme of: innovative designs that benefit the other 90 percent of the world outside of the U.S. The projects are completely altruistic and have goals such as increasing the efficiency of transportation, energy consumption, irrigation tools, and low-cost, durable shelters in third world countries.

The exhibit is up at the Redline Gallery (2350 Arapahoe Street) and brought in work and research from designers all across the globe. Although the exhibit opening was in early July, there will be additional presentations running until September 26. Upcoming presentations include: Earthbags for Education, Eyes Wide Open and the "Oz" series.

I went to the opening back in July and it was interesting to see how integral design was to these projects that at a glance seem to be engineering-centric. Some of the ideas were simple: such as a bicycle that was ergonomically structured to carry freight up to 300 hundred lbs. without compromising the strength of the frame or putting additional strain on the rider. Other ideas were more complex, such as an air-drop shelter type piece. It's essentially the same idea as food drops in third world countries, but instead the boxes contain self-sustainable shelters that require little assembly with no tools. There was also a fashion show, sponsored by four local, little-known clothing designers, with a running theme of simplicity and sustainability.

It was interesting to see so many people from different fields (like engineering, sustainability, and political science) come together and talk about their experiences with design and appreciate design as an item in the forefront as opposed to an afterthought.

Design for the other 90 percent

Blog post #2

The first commercial cigarette was sold in 1865. By 1944 cigarette production was up to $300 billion a year. In 1964 the Surgeon General of the U.S. found out that cigarettes cause lung cancer and other related disease. Only a year later Congress passed the Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act which enforced every commercial cigarette package to have a warning label informing the health risks from smoking cigarettes.

Even though everyone knows cigarettes are bad for you they still smoke, a lot. There are many companies selling products that promote people to quit smoking but when people start businesses they have one thing in mind, making money. So these quit-smoking products aren't always effective and say what they're going to do. Besides, smoking is something a person has to do on his/her own. Since products aren't very effective, the only thing left is encouragement. The State Tobacco Education and Prevention Partnership wanted to do just that. By hiring Cactus ad agency they created a campaign called "The Cigarette is Dead". By using a long coffin-like nail in the name, they began to advertise the message throughout the city by using sidewalk chalk, huge murals on buildings, print ads, online ads, and videos. By the simple slogan, “The cigarette is dead” and repetitively using the nail as the campaign logo, the campaign encourages people to stop smoking. Along with the message, they include the website, “quitdoingit.com” to provide further information to people.

I found this campaign to be effective on society. Personally, I used to smoke cigarettes, and still do from time to time. But whenever I saw “The Cigarette is Dead” ad, I became discouraged by what I was doing. For me, I didn’t want to think of what cigarettes were doing to my body. I’m sure that is true for a lot of smokers. But when seeing the same ads over and over, it made me question why I would do such harm to my body.

Here is a link to Cactus' site for the campaign. I'm sure you'll recognize a few...

http://www.sharpideas.com/#/9.0

PSD-Exercise 3

As with the previous exercises, #3 can be made to look like the example in a number of ways but it is suggested that you follow the steps.  Remember that that there are modules below, and many others available as well, that will help to complete this exercise.

An example of the image you are trying to make is below (Your text may look different):



Here are the channels and layers pallets of the completed images:

Step 1

• Download and unzip the file boy.tif to your desktop.
• Open the image “tireSwing.psd” that you saved from exercise II and save it as "last name"_exercise_3.
• Make a selection from the layer that contains the hay bales.  Remember that you can select aall the pixels in a layer by holding down the command-key and clicking on the icon of the layer.
• Copy the layer to the clipboard - Com- C.  Leave the file open with the selection active.
• Create a new document, Com. N.  It will be the size of the copied layer.
• Paste the layer into the new document.  Do not flatten.
• Save your new document as “duo.psd”.

Step 2

• Change the mode of “duo.psd” to grayscale
• Change the mode of “duo.psd” to duotone.
• Create a tri-tone.  Remember to manipulate the placement and amount of ink though the curves and look at the results in the color-distribution scale on the bottom to check your color outcomes.
• Save the document

Step 3

• Select the entire (CMD-A) duo-toned layer in “duo.psd” and copy it into memmory (CMD-C).
• Paste into (Edit>Pasted Special>Paste Into) the selection that is still active in "last name"_exercise_3".  If you selection is no longer active  reselect the layer.
• Using adjustment layers and a layer mask, adjust the duo tone layer's opacity, hue and saturation, color balance, curves, levels etc. until you are happy with the results.

Step 4

• Using the text tool, write the following:

The medium is the message.

The Machine turned nature into an art form

Centers Everywhere, margins nowhere

• Play with the possibilities of the text  (pt. size, color, dynamic, direction, font, etc.).  To to make it as interesting, captivating and expressive as possible. Be creative.
• Save the image.

Step 5

• We want the go-cart to blend more into the background so we need to reselect it with a feathered selection.
• Open "last name"_exercise_3".  Trash the layer that contains the go-cart
• Open your original “goCart.psd”.
• Select the channel  or path that contains the go-cart (hold the command key and click the icon of the path or channel you used in Ex 2.
• Feather your selection by 3-10 pixels (Select>Modify>Feather)
• Copy your the gocart into memory and paste it into your "last name"_exercise_3" document. If not happy, try different feather settings and redo this step.
• Save your document.

Step 6

• Open “boy.tif”.
• Using whatever selection method you are most comfortable with, select the boy and his shadow from the image.
• Copy and Paste him into the "last name"_exercise_3" Document so that he stand just in front of the wall.
• Save your document.

Step 7

• We want the boy to stand behind the wall so we are going to create a layer mask.
• Using the Marquee tool select the area from the top of the wall to the top of the boy
• Click on the “add mask” icon on the bottom of the layers pallet
• In the Channels Pallet click on “layer mask” and refine you selection as you would a Quick-Mask.
• Save your document.

Step 8

• In the channels pallet, create a new channel.
• Take the gradient tool and create a gradient that goes from white to black - left to right
• In “select” in the menu bar go to load selection and load you new channel - or command-click the channel directly.
• Click on the RGB composite of the channels pallet.
• Using the gradient selection you now have, manipulate your duo-one layer with adjustment layers that have the gradient as the layer mask.
• Using the same technique as above manipulate the hills in the back and the foreground.

Step 9

When you have completed the project turn in your work by placing your folder into SmartClass < Exercises< Exercise 3 turn-in

Some of the Modules that you will need to watch to learn how to complete this exercise are:

Duo-Tones

Duo-Tones

Smart Objects

Using Smart Objects prt 1
Using Smart Objects prt 2

Cutting and Posting

Paste Into, Outside and in Place

Selections

Color Range
RGB Channels as a Means of Selection
Adding and Subtracting Selections
Feathering a Selection

Masks

How to Create a Clipping Mask
Refining a Mask
Using a Gradient in a Mask

 

 

 

Blog #2

treehugger.

No, I'm not calling you a treehugger.

I wouldn't say I'm a "green" guy, but treehugger.com is a, in my opinion, well designed and informative site. What I like is that they use a stereotype for the title of the site; which, to me, shows that they care about the environment but are not all serious, business-like.

Also, right on the header, there are "steps" you can take if you want to go green. Step 1 provides many links that leads to more links that provides a plethora of information about being more green. Step 2 provides links that lets you interact with other "green" people and entertainment that also informs you about being green. Then finally, step 3 provides links that informs you how you can start changing your life to a more green one.

Not only does treehugger.com provide information and the ability to interact with other "green" people, but they also interact with the real world. Such as in 2010, treehugger.com held a sort of campaign, in which people submitted a plan or actually built a more environmentally friendly building or other architecture.

Best of Green 2010 Design + Architecture

Like I said before, treehugger.com is a well design and well inform site. If you want to become more green or just curious, treehugger is a site you should definitely check out. Although, I'm not sure if going green actually does anything.

Blog #2 Tony Dotson

So much time is spent rushing around and not a lot of thought put into what we do as designers. This video is a wonderful display of how as designers we need to take into consideration the everyday functions of typography and design.

Good UX Karma: Guiding Principles to Simpler, Easier, Happier Design from Infuz Agency on Vimeo.

Blog #1

Why you are pursuing design?

Although design isn't my main pursuit, I sill have a great interest in digital design. Every time I see an interesting website layout or a graphic art piece, I always wonder if I could create something similar. The only thing I noticed that doesn't greatly motivate me to create more digital pieces is the limitation imposed. I'm more of a free thinker and like creating whatever I feel like, but I do respect that fact that although designers are boxed in, they can still creatively deliver a piece that seems out of the box.

Beyond making a living, what do you hope to achieve through design?

I most likely hope I gain the creativity in creating something appealing using only limited assets. Another thing I wish to gain would be how to pace myself in creating a finished piece in a timely matter. When I sit down to do a drawing or a painting, I tend to take quite some time trying to make everything perfect (although I don't know what perfect I'm working towards). Since in design, not all the elements are going to originally created by me, I might be able to pace myself and not get way into the detail, but still achieve something interesting. Hopefully, this pacing I learn can be transfer into my other artworks.

What inspires you to design?

What typically inspires me is the old and new designers and all their works I either see on the web or elsewhere. Although, I do get envious, I also get a sense of hope that I can create something just like them. The world around me is another inspiration. As different events happen everyday and every new experience I pick up, many different ideas starts flowing into me.

What is it relevance to your life and world around you?

It's relevance to me because it's a way of expressing myself to the rest of the world. A design would sometime do better in explaining something compare to me having to explain it myself. This doesn't apply to just personal work, though. For a client, you are expressing their ideas to the world. In the end, sometimes when you don't know what to say, a design or any other art can do the talking.

Links:

www.cgsociety.org

www.deviantart.com

www.youtube.com

There's a lot more site than these that I check out, but I either don't remember or don't feel like typing them all down. I pretty much gain inspiration by looking at other artists' works, listening to music, or just observing what happens around me.

People probably already know about these sites. However, I don't just go these sites just to see something interesting, but I also check the method, the reason, etc. among other things so I can better prepared myself as an artist.

Blog Assignment #2

Last week while at the mechanic's, I saw a large poster stating that if you asked to round up your total to the nearest dollar (ie $23.45 becomes $24.00, etc ) the difference would go to the Meals on Wheels program. There was a candid picture of an old woman smiling and it showed some statistics about the seniors who participated in the program. Many of them would not receive food otherwise due to poverty and inability to leave their home because of disabilities. This program enables elderly people to continue living in their own homes while still receiving nutritious food that they are unable to cook or go shopping for. Many are over 85 years old and need this vital program or would go hungry.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJM2LVy9aBo&feature=player_embedded#!

The design on the poster showing the kindly woman's face had a very powerful effect on me. It made me want to contribute and participate in such a great cause. They are asking for so little money and time, and every little bit adds up to a lot and really makes a difference in people's lives. I liked this poster in particular because so many organizations target children as recipients of aid, and while they are important, the elderly are more often than not overlooked and forgotten about. If we live long enough, we will all become old one day. They deserve our kindness and beyond helping others, it is a very rewarding experience for oneself.

Blog Number 2

Denver Water has started a new ad campaign stressing people to conserve water. All around the city there are humorous orange billboards and installations. They use the juxtaposition of size to communicate their message. For example, they have a large bench next to a normal sized one; an over-sized newspaper stand next to an average one. On the larger objects they have text that reads, "How much water you give your lawn," and on the smaller objects, "How much it really needs." This is very effective because it is so simple to comprehend. No one would ever need an over-sized newspaper stand or bench, so why would anyone need to over-water their lawns? On their billboards, the bright (but not annoying) use of orange grabs the viewer's attention. The images comparing head hair does the same job as the installations, emphasizing that we water our lawns more than we need to.
The company is interesting in itself. On their website you can find not just information about how to pay bills and such, but also pages, links and tips on conservation, water quality, recreation, outreach and education. They have a long history that began in 1867 and their outreach and education is quite impressive. It has tours of the plants, speakers you can listen to, a teacher resource packet, educational videos and tips on saving money on your water bill. The website and the public ads have the same orange and typeface, creating an organized effort that can be recognized anywhere.
I think that they are doing a great job communicating their message. They have chosen to expand from the cliches of all things to do with water and environmental issues. We are constantly exposed to the "green" movement to conserve energy. You can really tell from their website that they care about water conservation without having to push the "green" attitude in our faces.  Most of these have green and blue colors and nature references. Denver Water not only refuses to use blue and pictures of water, but they have used effective elements of art to communicate. The juxtaposition of the over-sized and normal objects is similar to some of the popular art today. The installations look like an art piece with a statement. The billboards and the installations let people translate the visual message to their personal use of water easily; wow, that is a really big bench...do I over-water my lawn?
http://www.denverwater.org/

Human Animal

Although we may not normally consider animals as part of our society, they certainly are to Caitlin Hackett. Caitlin Hackett is an artist who specializes in these large scale drawings with ballpoint pen, ink, and watercolor. She draws large creatures that seem mythological but resemble recognizable animals. She expresses the concept that we, as humans, are taking over so much of the environment that we are taking away the characteristics of animals both physically and metaphysically. Since we are consistently changing our environment, that means we are changing their environment too and forcing them to either adapt and mutate, or die and lose the war. Her illustrations are incredible and express her concept and ideas exactly.


http://caitlinhackett.carbonmade.com/

Blog 2

Caitlin Hackett is an artist who specializes in these large scale drawings with ballpoint pen, ink, and watercolor. She draws large creatures that seem mythological but resemble recognizable animals. She expresses the concept that we, as humans, are taking over so much of the envionment that we are taking away the characterastics of animals both physically and metaphysically. Since we are constitantly changing our environment, that means we are changing their environment too and forcing them to either adapt and mutate, or die and lose the war.

Let's Get Physical!

Obesity in America is a problem that hits all of our demographics. There is no simple solution to this problem, but there are certainly people who are trying to help fix it. Edinburgh Leisure is a fitness company that used digital design to advertise their gym memberships using the "Let's Get Physical" campaign. The promotion features an ecstatic couple garbed in '80's fashion gear that appear ready to jazzercize. In the sense of advertisement, the images are eye-catching and definitely grab your attention simply because of the oddity of the image. While the idea of looking like a fool while exercising isn't necessarily the best way to convince people it's worthwile, the poster definitely gets the idea of exercise in people's head, at least in the sense that the image is something that might be remembered because of how odd it looks.
So this, then, is an example of how design is used to convince people to better themselves, and seems to be a rather decent way to do it.

http://www.thisisjamhot.com/#/projects/lets-get-physical

Blog Assignment #2 Life in a Day

Life in a Day

In the year of 2010 two companies paired up with YouTube to create a virtual time capsule if you will. Each YouTube member was asked to film one day in their life. With each accompanied submission, these users were asked to submit a video along with their submission that answered a few questions that the producers were looking for. some of these questions included "what do you love?" "whats in your pockets?" "what makes you sad angry or happy?"

The producer, Ridley Scott, intended this project to be a personification of the end user's experience of the internet. each small clip representing the user's experience as he or she flips from one page to the next. I myself in fact spent an entire saturday down in denver filming my submission for this film.

I feel as though this was beneficial to the public because It was a way for global unification without the interference of government personnel. Not only did it unify people across the globe in a single movement, It is a way for other people to catch a glimpse of how other people are living their lives. This film is paving the future about how we preserve our past. Each culture has their own was of preserving their beliefs, but this was a global movement that will be forever captured in time, to be relived time and time again.

Although there are over 4,500 hours of footage from over 80,000 submissions on YouTube, here is the trailer for the completed film.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6d/The_Garden_of_Earthly_Delights_by_Bosch_High_Resolution.jpg