Week 5

My first set of images that I took for the seasons project were very representational. My table group and I developed mind maps to try and abstract the seasons. I got ideas from this, but not abstract ideas. I went out and purchased various items that were "abstracted" seasons. I bought various fruits and drinks that one could connect to the seasons. After I printed my contact sheets, I became dissatisfied with the results. The images were too representational.
The next day in class, I made a word matrix with all of the design principles. I found that although this was more challenging for me than the mind map, I had a better concept of how to abstract the images. I will know after I shoot my next set of pictures.

Project 2: leaves and linear shadow

As I was putting together the final steps of the project, I realized the beauty of the overall assignment. I never thought that I would be able to do any form of abstraction and this assignment has opened my eyes to it. After reviewing my process I also realized that I wouldn't have been able to reach the end result without the steps I took... even if I re-shot everyday. I am happy with how the process allowed me to grow. Included is my beginning photos that I took so that I could see how I started. Also included is a composition break up of each image and how they contrast with each other. I designed a color swatch around the images as well as included the problem statement.

Week 4

After having taken 4 different sets of photos, I finally understand the simplicity of the project. It was such of a relief to know that I didn't have to re-shoot my photos. I was very excited that there were some interesting visual differences in my set.

Week 3

When we take an image, we see a leaf and an interval shadow. We need to train ourselves to see beyond the obvious. We need to see the design elements working together to make an image that is interesting by incorporating the different design principles. It's hard to see the design elements in a photo. It's even harder to see them when you are setting up an image which I failed to do during the first attempt. If we analyze the problem statement instead of just jumping into the problem, it will help us see more clearly what we need to do.

"The hardest thing to see is what is in front of you. It is not what you look at that matters it's what you see."




            

Week 2

"A picture is worth a thousand words."

The expression "Use a picture. It's worth a thousand words." appears in a 1911 newspaper article quoting newspaper editor Arthur Brisbane discussing journalism and publicity.

I think that for us as graphic designers, this phrase is a reflection into the work that we do. We need to be expressive with our imagery. The text shouldn't explain the message, the image should be compositionally strong enough to tell the story behind the image so that text doesn't have to.