It happens.

Shared this post with my upper level graphics students, although all of my classes would benefit from reading this! First hand account of how an illustrator's work was literally stolen and reproduced. 

Leah Reena: Knockoffs

What could she have done differently?

Positive and Negative Space

"Positive space refers to places where visual information is, and negative space refers to where it isn't. Balancing a page by weight does not guarantee a balance in positive and negative space. In fact, other principles advocate limiting the amount of information on any one page, and so it is common—and often desirable—to end up with a design that contains more negative space than positive space. Balance can still be achieved if the positive elements are properly "grounded" (as by the vertical white bar to the left), and not freely floating in a sea of negative space."

 Negative space may be most evident when the space around a subject, and not the subject itself, forms an interesting or artistically relevant shape, and such space is occasionally used to artistic effect as the "real" subject of an image. The use of negative space is a key element of artistic composition.   

The use of negative space in logo designs can also give logos a subtle third dimension, creating a layered look. The best example of this would have to be the FedEx logo. Visit www.fedex.com and take a close look at their logo. Have you ever seen the hidden arrow found in between the letters E and X? If you haven’t noticed it before, then you’ll never look at this logo the same way again. The hidden arrow portrays the speed and precision of the delivery service in a creative, simple, and clever manner.

What do you see first?

Graphics 1: Welcome to Photoshop

It seems most appropriate to begin teaching Photoshop to my Graphic 1 students by sharing this video that was recently released. It shouldn't be surprising, but it is, every time. The power of Photoshop is astounding...not just in it's technical abilities but what it leads us, as consumers, to believe...

 

We're just going to begin with filters.

Field Trip!

Upper level classes (Graphics 2/3 & AP) went on a field trip this past week to Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville. They had to complete a photo scavenger hunt for the following items (not all of Graphics 3 items are included):

• 3 different ideas/images that show emphasis on one item. (Prop/Person)
• 2 images showing each type of balance: 4 images total (Asymmetrical/Symmetrical)
• 5 images taken within a series. (Series: Images that can be shown together that have a common theme.)
• 3 landscapes showing directional lines leading off the right side of the fame. No humans.
• 5 examples of emphasis on texture.
• 2 examples of visual movement leading our eye from bottom to top of the frame.
• 5 examples of images using a prop - NOT an apple!

Meanwhile, I walked around taking pictures of them taking pictures.

It's a beautiful time of year in Virginia. Horsehead and all! (This was apparently a Drake video reference. I'm way out of touch with modern pop culture or so it appears...)

I may have taken Spirit Week a little too literally.

Happy Homecoming CHHS!

 Mrs. Berneche and I dressed up as (non-ha) fictional characters on Thursday for spirit week. Do you know who we are?! (I had to laugh when most of my students asked why I was dressed as a zombie. I would have also taken inmate for $1000.)

Do you need to take a Pollock break?

After I went grocery shopping I had to take a little Pollock break. (I suffer from decision fatigue.)

In case you need to as well, someone has created a flash Pollock site for these moments. All you have to do is furiously (or delicately...) click and drag your mouse:

http://manetas.com/pollock/

Ah, color.

Bulletin Board.