Creative Process

The creative process is a series of steps repeated every time something is designed.
Why is this process necessary?

• Improves consistency
• Ability to plan and time your work
• Raises the quality of your work
• Communicates more effectively and in a more professional way

What are the steps?

• Research: Find what else is out there, inspiration, background information on your subject or message, audience. Books, magazines, online, everywhere.
• Brainstorm and Inspiration: Who is my client? What message am I trying to communicate? What am I trying to tell my audience? What kind of colors or styles will work for this audience? Come up with adjectives that will describe your message and your piece. Find pieces that inspire you and have pieces that you like and may want to include in your design.
• Sketch: Create thumbnails to quickly record thoughts and ideas - placement, colors, typefaces, images.
• Execute: Combine type and imagery into a well developed composition. Use design principles, visual organization guidelines, different techniques and options. Don't try to force an idea.
• Critique and Revise: Take a step back and look at the design objectively. Have someone else look at the image. Tweak the design if something isn't working.

Semester Reflection

This semester I learned a lot about Graphic Design. I mostly learned that it is something that I would want to do as my career. I was taught how to use Photoshop and Illustrator properly, and to create different patterns and how to create images with text and that is one of my new favorite things. I learned in Photoshop how to manipulate an image so that i can blend myself into it, make a photo mosaic, make a pop art image of me, and to make a collage on the computer. In Illustrator I learned how to trace something with my pen tool and use text to make an image. This semester was a very productive one in my opinion and I am exited to see what this semester holds.

Rules of Composition for Photography

Snapshot - a quick, spontaneous shot meant to capture a point in time.

Photograph - an image taken with care and thought, planned. 

Rules of Composition: 

1. Rule of Thirds - imaginary lines dividing the frame int thirds, both horizontally and vertically
• Place the subject where the lines intersect. 
• Avoid the center.
• Place the horizon line at the top or bottom divider.
• Or fill up the frame with the subject for a close up image.
2. Leading Lines
• Use lines in the foreground/background of the composition to lead the viewer through the photo.
• Lines can draw attention to 1+ intended subjects/single focal point.
3.  Point of view
• Change the way your subject is perceived by changing camera position.
• If photographing subject that you want to seem tall, compose the shot so the camera is looking upward, or down to give it a bit more interest.
4. Simplicity 
• When possible, keep your background simple and clear of clutter.
• The mood or effectiveness can be altered by the background.
• A chaotic composition will cause the viewer to look away.