Blog Entry 12 – Jordan Tate Artist Talk

During Jordan Tate's artist lecture, he talked a lot about some of the main ideas that inspire his artwork. Many of his works involve conceptual ideas revolving around the idea of space and time, or limitations and capability of material.

For instance, in one of the sections of his piece, “Gambit Warning” Tate chose to represent the number code for the color Yves Klein blue, a color which shows up on a computer screen, but cannot be transported to paper. Since the color cannot be literally represented, the piece then demonstrates this loss while talking about the capability of material.

Jordan Tate also talked a lot about the notion of infinity, and how we as humans need to place limits on things in order to actually understand them. He was very enthusiastic about the idea that since there is a possible infinite amount of space, there is therefore an infinite percentage of a chance that there is an alternate universe somewhere nearly identical to our own. He is currently working on a piece that relates to the idea of 'infinity' by trying to recreate a work that is like a black hole. That is, using something blacker then black, or even 'an infinite' black.  

Blog Entry 11 – Logo Type Examples

First iconic logo example is the 'target' from Target corporation, an American retailing company.  The logo is a very simplified version of an archery target.  It is made out of three simple circles, and displayed with the company's theme colors. The red is very bold, and the eye of the target really grabs a viewers attention.

The next symbolic logo is the bird used to represent the website Twitter.  This logo is also made out of very simple shapes, however it is still detailed enough to be recognized as a bird. The website and it's logo really play on one another (birds tweeting on twitter).  This help users make the connection and associate the logo with the website easily. 

This combination logo, used for Dove soap, combines a script font with a small graphic of a dove. The sweeping letters of the text give the logo a relaxed, but very elegant feel. The dove on top helps the viewers associate the product  with it's name.

This logo, for Pantene Pro-V shampoo, also uses a combination of type and graphic. The text has a very strong and sturdy feel.  The golden swirl is much more gentle and organic, creating a nice contrast. Perhaps the swirl is supposed to be associated with long golden hair, which help the viewer make a conection between the product and logo.

Although the logo for Barbie dolls has changed over the years, the logo has always included the classic hot pink color for Barbie's name. The feminine color definitely helps the iconic name stick in the viewers mind. The cursive style of the script type makes it seem like Barbie herself has signed her name, giving the product a 'personal' touch.

This logo uses two different type styles in it's logo. One for the main brand, and one for the sub-branch for that brand. Since the sub-branch PINK is the emphasis here, the text used is much larger and bolder then for the bottom portion of the logo. It is also emphasized with the bright pink color.

Blog Entry 10 – The Non-Designer's Design Book: Type Categories

The first design uses and Oldstyle type so that the text is easy to read, but not dramatic enough to draw to much focus on the string of words.

The second design uses Sans serif, to present the information in a very clean and modern looking way.

This party invitation design uses Script type, to give the design a look which is homemade, handwritten, but still elegant. 

This webpage utilizes Slab serif type for its layout.  It makes the headline bold, straightforward and noticeable, really grabbing the readers attention. 

The word "Horror" in this design is the only word which utilizes a Decorative typeface.  This draws emphasis to the word and the style of the type really helps give the piece a spooky feel.

This last design is an advertisement for Modern type.  It shows the text readability in a string of words, as well as how easily this style can be used for emphasis by enlarging one word.

Blog Entry 9 – Pen Tool Exercise

Blog Entry 8 – The Non-Designer's Design Book: Proximity

Proximity example 1 is a webpage layout for a photography website, it shows good alignment with the web links and text section, and creates a visual grabber with the blue photograph.

Example 2 for proximity also uses good alignment with the text, with emphasis on sections in bold, and de-emphasized text in smaller font.  Violin image breaks up text and also grabs one's attention when first looking at the piece.

Proximity example 3, shows good use of color, size and font style, grabbing interest even without the use of visuals.

Example 4 is the most simple, with only two aligned sections for text.  This business card focuses on making the information clear and concise, with minimal detail on the 'business' side of the card.

This last example uses a stylized illustration of a kiwi, aligning the visual with the company name, and also creating an interesting color element.  Text for the card is also grouped well.

Blog Entry 7 – Project 1: Revised Image Final

Touching up
-Removed lens flares
-Smoothed line/transition from light source and melting particles
-Other