Explosions

 We learned about green screen and FX and put together two scenes using it. In the first scene a vigilante attacks criminals and in the second scene the guy with the trash bag walks away from the explosion that was caused from the bombs he planted.
This was my overall favorite project because it allowed me to be creative with how the scene would play out. I learned a lot about FX especially in the explosion one.

Bouncing ball animation

In this project we took a video of a tennis ball, a golf ball, and a bowling ball dropped from about 5 feet. We recorded the intervals in which it bounced and how high it went so we could replicate it in Maya. I learned about bump mapping from my container project because I accidentally applied a bump map instead of an image. The mistake allowed me to easily bump map the balls in this project. I was playing around with effects and gave my tennis ball legs to make my project my own. I also added a little squash and stretch on the golf ball for an extra added detail.

Candle animation

In the container project, we had to design a label for a container and then model the container. I made a funny  prayer candle label and modeled the candle. I made the lighting very ominous and spooky.  I changed my idea for the label many times and It was difficult finding a label I liked. I learned how to bump map images in this project and add animations. If I were to go back I think I would have made a different label to something more interesting.

Marks and symbols reflection

What did you learn?

I learned the differences and similarities betweens marks and symbols in graphic design. From reading about pictographs and lettermarks to key ideas in symbols.

What is the difference between a symbol and a logo?

Logos most often use words to easily establish their brand name while symbols can use anything from a picture of a bull to a seashell. Symbols are harder to promote where as logos are not as difficult. When logos and symbols are used together they are called combination marks. Nike is an example of a company that has a symbol and a logo and then pairs them together so the symbol can be associated with the logo.

Key facts?

Good symbol designs should be able to be shrunk down to half an inch and still be legible. Making a symbol is difficult and choosing positive traits like upwards directions can allow others to see your company in a positive light with only a symbol. Combination marks are very helpful to introduce a brand if the company wants both a symbol and a logo in the future. Getting the viewer accustomed to the symbol will help you move on to using it without a logo.

Favorite thing learned?

I enjoyed learning about the difference between a logo and symbols and also requirements on making symbols. I always though that symbols and logos were the same thing! The requirements for making a symbol were very informative and will help me in the future!

Conclusions?

Overall, I got a lot out of this article and will be going back to it frequently, possibly printing it out and using it in personal projects.

Graphic Design Typography

Typography

While learning typography, I watched a series of videos and read an article about the basics and rules.

Reflections

Video Summarization

In the set of about 12 videos, I learned about things that seemingly go untouched upon in the basics of typography. I learned about how the spacing between a b and a d are going to be shorter because their round edge allows for the illusion of more space. Not only I learn about tips for aligning the text but also about the text itself. Vocabulary for different parts of type and about the families of type.

Video Takeaways

My biggest problem with the videos was how uninteresting it looked. You had a woman standing in front of a blurred white room and occasionally a demonstration or edit would replace her on the screen. I believe if this video series had more editing segments that were also more intresting, then it would have held my attention more.

Article Summarization

In the article it talked about 10 rules when creating typography like complementary fonts and Hierarchy.  It talked about limiting numbers of fonts but also how you can break the rules with typography.

Key Points Of Typography

• Match your fonts
• Apply the message you want to come across as
• Don't be afraid to go wild

Most Interesting Thing Read

The most interesting thing I read was about how it was possible to break the rules and come up with a good design. It was interesting because usually you follow rules to a T

General Thoughts And Conclusions

The articles and the videos were both very informative and helped me learn more, I only wish the way the info was presented was more interesting.

snowflake animation

With the snowflake project, we created snowflakes by duplicating a polygon. We created a window to view the snowflakes and added bump mapping to the wall, then animated the snowflakes falling. This was one of the easier projects and I still struggled with it greatly. Making the snowflakes fall down gracefully was my favorite part of this project. If I were to change one thing about my results it would be rendering my animation in the correct type.

Salt Shaker

The salt Shaker and cup project involved using revolve and lofting. With the saltshaker, Lofting was used to create the  glass container for the salt. This project was difficult with how specific and touchy some of the directions were and a general misunderstanding of Maya. I accidentally turned my shadows purple and have no idea how to fix it. If I could go back I would definelty ask for help with bump maps, the holes, lights, and basically everything. I have difficulty in arranging the lights to look proper and realistic. Its a lot harder than just grabbing 3 lamps, you have to edit the distance, brightness, color, shadows, ect. My favorite part of the project is the glass, it looks really nice.