Mini Art School Blog Entry #4
Part II For this assignment I chose the following:
Go online to visit the Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Reading Room at http:// www.loc.gov/ rr/ print . Click around until you find several very different photographs you really like. Use the elements and principles of design to explain why you like the photos.
I selected 3 images that I really enjoyed viewing.
To most eyes, the visual alignment of these images is structured through association. Note how the edges of the various elements provide a strong clear horizontal and vertical alignments to help the viewer focus on the components within the composition. There's a clear order of visual dominance between elements in all three images and this acts as a navigational guide to help the viewer navigate through the images. Additionally, the viewer also has clear meaning. Many of the graphic images that were recreated used unique methods of construction and alteration. However, the focal points within each images creates a wonderfully appealing aesthetic flow.
The video that
Margaret Kiernan shared with our class discussed the following basic principles
of graphic design: focal point, contrast, movement, rhythm, perspective, and
unity. The use of each principle plays a role in the composition and concept. A
strong composition needs to work in unison with the aforementioned principles.
Employing each of the principles will provide a complete aesthetic appeal to
the viewer. For example, during the course of the video Margaret changed the
size of the font and decreased the size of the lettering, which completely
altered the voice of the words. By manipulating
the font size, the viewer is no longer able to focus on the words. The focal
points are the words and the image, and once she resized the words, the viewer
was able to refocus on the message.
This is my very first screen cast. After successfully completing this screen cast and then adding it to my blog, I feel very accomplished. Keeping in mind that this is also my first time using Blogger. I completed this task independently, which has helped to raise my confidence level. I tried to upload my screen cast to I-tunes, but I'm still trying to understand all the capabilities of screen casting. I definitely believe that this tool could help teachers as we attempt to create a "flipped classroom." Screencast allows teachers to teach a specific lesson, add audio and the students are able to control the pace of the lesson. For example, the screen cast that I created introduced the first four pre-writing steps to argumentative writing. I'm excited to bring this back to my school building!!!
Description of
assignment: In the following activity, I completed the word portraits exercise
found on page 241 in Jim Krause’s book. This activity was quite engaging and I
learned that various fonts including size and character shape definitely conveys
a message to its viewer. In my opinion, this message can either be subtle,
straightforward or depicted. It’s up to the designer to make font selections
while it solely remains up to the viewer to interpret the representation of the
selected characters. I think one facet
that we must always remember is that our words will paint a unique portrait and
the same way we carefully choose our words in speaking, we must be cognizant of
what our font selection communicates to its viewer. Remember learn your
audience and know your fonts.
We shall overcome (Cambria font 12)
This font suggests that yes me might overcome.
Two word choices: probable, might.
We shall overcome
(Apple Chancery 12)
This font suggests that we will overcome sophisticatedly.
Two word choices: sophisticate, class
We shall overcome (American
Typewriter bold 12)
This font
suggests that we will over come boldly even if we are defeated.
Two word
choices: boldness, anger
We
shall overcome (Baskerville old 18)
This font
suggest that we will overcome even if it takes a long while
Two words:
patience, poise
We
shall overcome (Brush script
16)
This font
suggests that we shall strive for victory
Two words:
shall, victory
We
shall overcome (Braggadocio
16)
This
font suggests that we will overcome like soldiers
Two
words: battle, strength
We
shall overcome (Herculanum 18)
This font
suggests that there might be some road blocks or conflicts
Two words:
challenges, conflicts
We
shall overcome (Edwardian Script 24)
Two words: Grace,
Triumph
We shall overcome (stencil 16)
Two words: Bravery, Withstand
We
shall overcome (chalkduster 22)
Two words:
Flustered, Unbalanced
We shall
overcome (Impact 14)
Two
words: Impact (exactly as the font title states); Boldness
We
shall overcome (SimSun-Ext 18)
Two
words: Separateness, Non togetherness
Please feel free to watch this helpful video on choosing fonts.
This was the first time that I edited an image. The first picture represents the original image. The second image represents the redesigned image. I wanted to experiment with color and value accent. You will notice that the hue within the first image is brighter. In the second image color is being used against a darkish blue back drop, not only to bring attentions to the apple products but also to visually grab the viewer’s attention. I think I was aiming for improvement of the concept. I know that it still needs a lot of improvement, but again this was my first image that I attempted to edit. Additionally, you will notice that the first image lacks a boarder. I added a dark black border component to the second edited image so that it could thematically be aligned with the components of the image.
In this mini composition activity (page 71), My friend and I decided to construct a hand drawn visual to illustrate visual grouping. Although these shapes are hand drawn, when you first encounter the first grouping of shapes, you should be able to see a grouping of non singularity. At first glance, the closer the shapes appear, the viewer should notice the dividing elements between the objects. I think by practicing this type of composition, I will be able to heighten my aesthetic agility. This was a fun and eye opening activity.
The interview with Margaret Kiernan was very helpful
and insightful. She provided background knowledge about graphic design and
fully explained how graphic design is all around us.
Visually, we need to cognizant of how our eyes
construct meaning from images.
She also explores how
teachers can benefit from gaining knowledge about graphic design.First, she describes the effect of
transitioning from paper to computer and how the computer can be used as a tool
to make graphic designs, which I found interesting.Being able to hear how she utilizes
technology to construct and modify designs reinforced the value of technology.
She emphasizes how learning about graphic design can be a “good skill” for
educators. Since we (educators) are always presenting information to students,
parents, and to the community, learning better ways to relay information to
various stakeholders should be viewed as vital. Specifically, in my case, I am
a teacher leader in my district and being able to acquire a strong sense of how
to present information to get my message across is something that I’m definitely
interested in.One key question that was
asked in the interview with Mrs. Kiernan was: “what are some basic things that
you think educators should know about designing?” I thought this was an
excellent question.Prior to watching
the interview, I never considered the idea of “bad design.” However, now, I
have learned to pay close attention to what images or other entities that I
utilize within my classroom because these images can strongly either attract or
distract a viewer. You have to know the purpose of your design and by knowing
the purpose of your design can help the designer be consistent with the use of
various components that are being used to convey a particular message.
Let’s take a minute to look at the images of the squares.
How many squares do you
see? Try to keep tract visually. (scroll all the way to the end of this blog
and the answer appears upside down) Interestingly, I found that arrangement,
alignment, spacing, and color all affect how the viewer perceives things (and
it even probably affected how many squares you counted) Here, my example
reflects the importance of how presenters are presenting images and we need to
remain aware of the image selection , purpose, audience while prioritizing what
the most important components or elements are.
The readings, reflection on my blog entry and the
interview with Mrs. Kiernan has provided helpful information that I will use as
a guide during the process of creating my Multimedia Montage project.
Specifically, the readings have defined terms and in Krause’s book he provides
practice activities that help to illustrate the purpose of domain specific
content. For example, I tested out the
point activity, and from this activity I learned about spacing. More
specifically, the point activity taught me about the principle of unequal
spacing, which I will definitely need to be mindful of as I develop my project.
Prior to reading this section of the book, I never quite realized the importance
of background spaceand how varied
measurements around points of interest can either heighten the visual
experience or unequal spacing can do just the opposite.Being a novice in graphic design, as I was reading
the text, I begin to feel the urge to try out various sample exercises, which
for me was simply a “self check” to see whether or not I understood the concept
of what Krause wanted his audience to learn.
This week's readings focused on deepening our knowledge of
graphic designs and how the presentation of images can either attract or
distract a viewer. According to Jim Krause's Book, Design Basics Index, there are very
specific rules in place to help graphic designer’s present images that are
"aesthetically" pleasing to the eye. During my reading experience, I
learned about the importance of "Composition, Components, and
Concept." Following the guidelines within each of these elements, can help
each graphic designer become more knowledgeable about how to present images and
also assist him or her with understanding how visual presentations can be
utilized as either effective or non-effective sources of information. Specifically,
for this blog entry #3, I selected an image that I considered distracting.
After viewing the image, I am going to discuss how the image is not in
alignment with the basic rules of graphic design.
To complete this
assignment, I googled, "the worst 25 websites," which focused on
poorly constructed web pages. Surprisingly, I discovered that the United States
government health care site was listed. So, then, I used the snipping tool on my PC
and I snipped the first page of the website to use in this discussion. Please
view the image below.
(This image was snipped)
First, lets
examine the components of the visual elements that appear on the web page. All of the images towards the bottom of the
page share the same background color (navy blue), which in my opinion is unaesthetically
pleasing to the eye. Would you agree? Instead, I think that the colors should
be varied to be aligned with the message of what the image is attempting to
convey. Next, I would like to examine
the alignment of images. Although the images seem to follow an equal spacing
sequence, I think that invariance of measurements around the icons focuses the
viewer’s eye specifically on the icon itself and not the actually words. In
other words, the icons need to be rearranged on the page. It seems that the
design of the page, is allowing the images to “just happen,” which is
something that Krause does not recommend. According to Krause (2004), it’s
extremely important to: “develop an active awareness of the spatial
relationships that are occurring between the components of a layout or image”
(p. 21). Developing an awareness of
spatial relationships takes time and clearly, the more experience and practice
you have with it, will determine exactly how successful you will be at it.
According to Krause, “this awareness quickly becomes second-nature to a
designer or artist.” (p. 21). In order
to present a better representation of what the presenter is attempting to
achieve (which is enabling more viewers to visit the page more frequently), I
think that the layout of the actual components need to be visited, and the
block of color behind the divisions of space should also be reviewed.Did you notice that there’s a cloudy looking
image in the background?The solid line
at the top of the page is utilized as a “road divider” line separating smaller
font or text from other (larger) text.
I’ve also observed that there seems
to be a disconnect between the images and words that are used here. The images
should be grouped differently. The extreme lack of proper grouping seems to
cause a disconnect between the components and concept. In order to better
entice viewers, perhaps, different images could be selected or the placement of
these images need to change. Would you agree?
Additionally, the
centering of the words on the webpage: “Find out if you qualify” gives emphasis
to the importance of obtaining healthcare. The enlarged letters of “Still need
health coverage,” has dominance on the page. But, perhaps this was intentional.
Clearly, accessing the pertinent content calls for the viewer to pay close
attention to what’s being presented, but the organization of the content is in
need of improvement to ensure that the viewer can quickly and efficiently
access all information.
Perhaps since launching this webpage
(I believe in 2013), the need for a quick tool to help individuals sign up for
health care coverage added to the sense of urgency. As we know, having
sufficient health care coverage is vital, and maybe there will be a redesign of
the page in the future.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Discussion Post 1
Topic: Moderated Media: Is it needed?
In Daley’s article, “Expanding
the Concept of Literacy” she begins with an exploration of what individuals
usually think of when they come across the word, “literacy.”The assumption that people generally have is
that literacy refers to the process of reading and writing text. However, she
encourages readers to rethink about the definition of “literacy” and argues that
the definition of literacy should be expanded to include: “the multimedia
language of the screen has become the current vernacular; the multimedia language
of the screen is capable of constructing complex meanings independent of text. The
Multimedia language of the screen enables modes of thought, ways of
communicating and conducting research…in the 21st century will be
those who learn both read and write the multimedia language of the screen” In thinking about Daley’s expanded definition
of media, I feel that media is an important part in how students are receiving
information. But, the teacher plays even a bigger role in teaching students how
to process the information from the media.
Thirty years ago, most of the information
came from mostly television media, however, nowadays; students have instant
access to media and its right at their fingertips. The use of the cell phone
has provided ways for students and teachers to access news and discusses what’s
happening in the world within their classroom. This powerful influence is continuously
shaping how people learn and what content they are learning. Today, the process
of learning is definitely different because of what is being presented on or
within the media and the manner in which students or teaches “digest” the media.
Having more access to various media and its content
is definitely different now than it was 30 years ago. 30 years ago, individuals
were limited, but now the issue of media limitation is nonexistent unless an individual
lacks the tool to access the media. This too can be a problem especially for
those who are economically disadvantaged. However, if you have access and are
capable of learning, then this means that you will become knowledgeable.In my eyes, media is definitely linked to the
acquisition of knowledge. The way in which students decide to process it can be
moderated, but this depends upon the instructor.
Do I believe that media
should be moderated? Well, that solely depends upon what the learning goals
are. Teachers need to provide structures
within their classrooms that govern how students receive the media. Visual
media can leave a lifelong impression. Would you agree? Therefore, in that
sense, educators need to be more vigilant and cognizant of the various role
that media plays. I am not hesitant about introducing a multimedia project to
my class as long as I am knowledgeable about how to guide my students
throughout the project (especially since I teach 8th grade students.
) So, I definitely have an interest in building media knowledge and learning
about how to construct media projects where students are able to learn and
build networks.
This video addresses technology and the presenter explores how you can achieve a lot with "small" amounts of funding. Specifically, the video examines how technology has transformed how people learn and how our learning process changes as a result of technology implementation.
