About Graphics
Graphic is the intention of using visual communications or concepts in order to produce a specific message to the viewer. In other words, it has to deal with bright colors, cool effects, and awesome photos that turn into awesome projects. This is a prime example of how Mr. Zeroth's Graphic Design went throughout the semester. We got to learn about how to draw on Adobe Illustrator, screen print on paper and t-shirts, and even know more about the history and mechanics of graphic design. Generally, Mr. Z and the students got me to bring a positive attitude everyday to the 4th period Graphics class.
Projects
Over the past several months, Mr. Zeroth has taught the class how to use a program in Graphics class called Adobe Illustrator. With this, we've made over 7 class projects, 2 individual territorials, 2 screen prints and a feeling for how designers get things done. Another unit we had was screen printing. The screen printing process consisted of making an image, tracing and cutting it on film, laying it on a screen, clamping it down, and finally using ink to run it through the film and screen and lying on a piece of paper. Not only did we use this technique on paper, but we also made shirts. Overall this class was a blast and I especially enjoyed making these projects and learning new things.
Technical and Computer Olympic Symbols
At the beginning of the unit, we were assigned to make a symbol of an Olympic event of our choosing. I chose to do track and field since I do the sport and it is my favorite sport to watch and participate in besides volleyball and cross country. For the technical drawing, I liked how balanced the drawing was. This goes the same way for the computer, however, it also has color. But what I didn't like was only how the technical wasn't centered with the name tag, and how the computer one had too bold of Olympic rings. Overall, I liked both of these projects and thought they were a great start.
The monogram project, in my opinion, was a very good one because of how hidden, yet in plain sight, the letter S is nicely fitted on top of the camera. I decided to go with a camera since I love to watch movies. I went with a plain dark red background, but somehow when I turned it in by paper, the printer made a fault. Though this was a simply project, I thought I was very good.
Icon Set
The icon set was one of the few projects that wasn't my personal liking, however I still tried to the best of my advantage and still got a pretty good grade. I chose to go with a theme of movies because, once again, I like watching movies and the history of cinema. I could've added more detail to some of the icons like the statue and cup, however the set overall was good.
Maze
When I was a kid, one of my favorite Disney characters was Winnie-the-Pooh, a childlike, honey loving bear. What better way to portray him than in a kid's maze. The maze itself might be just a little complicated, and the font might've been to wacky, but the colors go nice and both the start and finish look very good.
Logo
The background story of my logo was what inspired me to make and draw this work of art in Illustrator. My dad, who owns a painting and power washing business, never had a logo or a name. He told me that Top Shelf was a very good choice since it pertains to painting and how every job that his business will do will be excellent and to the best of its ability. Overall, I made the right decision in making this and thought that even though the drop shadow doesn't look that professional, the creativity and balance of the logo really looks good.
Low Poly
Not only was this project very time consuming, it was also very detailed. The low poly portrait has to deal with two parts, drawing out the lines, and filling them in with the eyedropper tool. With the help of coming in early, staying after school, and signing up for free periods, I got lucky doing this in only 3 days. I think I chose a good picture since the sunglasses have a cool design and the shading looks very well done, however I think the teeth could've had a little more thought into them. I would definitely put this in my top 3 favorite project to do.
Hand Cut Screen Print
In my opinion, it was my favorite and best project so far. The hand cut screen print consisted of hand-cutting a piece of film. With a X-ACTO knife and very meticulous hands, I had to be very gentle with cutting it, or it wouldn't work. I chose to do navy blue since that is the main color of Michigan Wolverines, and just a plain white construction paper. Overall, I think this project turned out extremely well and is my favorite.
T-Shirt Screen Print
Even though I didn't do as I suspected with this project, I still thought that the design and screen print was decent. Me and my partner chose to do the cookie monster since everyone loves him, especially kids. Same with the hand cut screen print, me and my partner had to put a piece of film on a screen, then squeegee ink onto the screen, except this time it was a t-shirt. But most importantly, putting the film on was different since the design was more complex. It did take a few tries, however I think it turned out not bad, with only a couple flaws.