Graphic Design: Pointillism Art Movement

Photo Manipulation: Supernatural Being

For this exercise we were asked to transform ourselves into a supernatural form using photo manipulation.  I chose a fairy as I have always been interested in these unfortunately 'mythological' creatures.

I have included the original photo for comparison..

Bye for now, I need to go shine my wings! :P

Importance of Research in Graphic Design

QUESTION 1:  Is research an important part of graphic design?

Research is of paramount importance in the Graphic Design industry because new design concepts and trends emerge constantly.  As professionals in an industry we must stay up to date with these concepts and trends.  Research is also important in choosing appropriate colours, typography and design for the specific company or individual you are designing for.  For example – if you are designing for a client in another country, you would need to thoroughly research the meanings and any possible negative connotations associated with a specific colour, symbol or style. 

QUESTION 2:  What platforms are the most useful when it comes to Graphic Design research?

Graphic Designers and students have many varied platforms they can use to research, such as: industry professionals or co-workers, search engines - eg: Google, textbooks or Graphic Design magazines and productions.  Every platform will provide a different area of knowledge for the Graphic designer to acquire and then apply to design. 

QUESTION 3:  What visual imagery do you see during everyday life and how does this influence you as a Graphic Designer?

I take inspiration from magazines, billboards & advertising, architecture and interior design in everyday life.  When I notice something that I really appreciate I try to keep it in mind for future ventures in case it may be useful to express a certain feeling or style.  I believe every single concept has at least been thought of and applied to a design of some sort.  Graphic design is about using these old concepts and interweaving them in a fresh, new way that appeals to the client and of course the demographic audience.

Graphic Design Presentation: In Sport

Click on the individual slides to enlarge :)

Glossary Of 3 Graphic Design Terms

Glossary of Terms:
 

Bleed – An extending margin of colour entirely surrounding the image or document to prevent obvious negative space after the document has been printed and trimmed.  This is usually between 3 and 5mm.

CMYK – Acronym that refers to the four colour printing process. (‘Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black’)

DPI – Refers to the amount of dots or pixels that fit in the space of one inch.  A higher number indicates a higher quality image or file.

My Definition of Graphic Design

Blossom Graphic Design Company

"Glamorous Graphic & Web Design" 

Blossom Graphic Design is a one stop shop for all designs girly.  Owner and sole operator Dianne Kennedy has cornered a specific target market and focuses only on this style of design.

Check her out here:   http://blossomgraphicdesign.com/

Boutique branding, web and graphic design

Niche market – Aimed primarily at women

Founder:  Diane Kennedy (B. Vis Arts)

•   Internationally recognised
•  Graphic Designer, art director and web designer
• 17 years experience in design
•  Started out as a makeup artist with her own business
• Designed her own make up line packaging and continued onto graphic design
• Mainly designs for small to medium businesses, with clients in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, USA, South Pacific, Canada, Europe, UK, UAE, Africa and Saudi Arabia
• Logo design, business cards, web design, print, swing tags, packaging, gift certificates, invitations
• Aims for glamorous, high quality designs that are extremely professional
•  No shop front – online only
• Based in Sydney, Australia
• Has designed for clothing stores, spas, hairdressers, make up artists, online stores, etc
• Here are some examples of a her work..

Elements & Principles of Design: My Interpretation

Contrast – The concept of using two or more visually different colours, textures or patterns  in the same design.

Emphasis – Using colour, size or perspective to enhance or add value to a specific element.

Balance – Providing visual symmetry or asymmetrical style to a design. 

Unity – When all the design elements and principles used work together seamlessly in a design.

Pattern – A repeated shape which can be used to create texture or balance in an artwork/design.

Movement – This technique is often used in photography to represent speed or energy.

Rhythm – Harmonious repetition.