This semester, writing this blog was not always an easy task. Sometimes, I did not really know what to say about the topic and other times, I just did not want to. However, I feel that I did learn things from class and used them in the blog. Such as style and what to write. When I created this blog, it was just so I could get it up and running. Honestly, I thought it would be another way to earn my marks. Looking back now I wish I could have been little more creative. Now, I think I can apply things I used in photoshop to make a blog more interesting should I ever do another.
Personally I don't think I will be continuing with this blog because I don't really like writing my thoughts for people to access and see, but I never say never. I am a private person, so I don't see myself using this account anymore. I had a blog before, but that was for a first year Mass Communications class. To me, I feel that I only do blogs when I have to. It is not something that I truly enjoy doing. While this was a different experience then from the last one I had to do, I am actually glad that I don't have to do another post.
If I ever did decide to set up another blog, I think I would be more creative, but I don't see myself creating another one anytime soon. It's not that I don't find it interesting. I admire those that take the time to write about a topic, issue, or just about how their day went, but that's not me. While I do appreciate having to do this assignment as part of the course, I am happy that this is my last blog entry.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Assignment 7-Design Process Revealed
After reading the article A Design Process Revealed, I realized that this website we have to make for our portfolio has to be much more creative and complex then our first one. Since I like how this article was written and how the author labeled the steps they would use in building their website, I thought I would do the same thing.
Research and Discovery
For my portfolio, I want to be able to see who I am and what my interests are. My design should reflect me, like putting my favourite colours on the page, pictures of me, pictures of things I like. I should create links where people could get a better understanding of who I am.
Competitive Analysis
I think the best way to make a great site, is to see one that is already out there. Even though, I would be taking some ideas and changing them to suit my style, it's a great way to figure out what works well on a web page.
Exploration
I want to use words, images and that best describe me, but I also have to make sure that those words and images reflect me. I have to make certain that whatever link I put up there match what I put into that link or it will not make any sense to anyone goes to my web page.
Thumbnail Sketching
Even though the thumbnail is not as important to some, I believe that it is. The thumbnail may be small, but it offers a glimpse as to where the thumbnail will take you. Essentially, the thumbnail should look like the page it will go to. I want it to be creative and I can make it creative by using the right colours and other creative features.
Typography
I want my font to be unique and different, but I also want it to be easy to read. I will have to carefully choose a font that can be exciting and that people will not get sick of looking at. I also have to make sure that all the letters are legible.
Imagery/Composition
A picture says a thousand words, which is why my images have to be right for the web page and reflect what my web page is all about. Not only does that include the actual image, but it should also include the right colours, the right background. Each image should compliment the other, but should also contrast the colour sometimes.
Execution & Implementation
Even though a web page may look good in the program you are using, you have to make sure that it will work in the web browser. During our first assignment, I had no idea how important it would be to check and make sure that web page is aligned, positioned and styled. However, if you want a successful website, you have to consider all these options and more.
Over the next few weeks, I have to create portfolio that will reflect me, but I also know that can't just slap something together. This article made me realize that I have to put in the time to make a great website.
Research and Discovery
For my portfolio, I want to be able to see who I am and what my interests are. My design should reflect me, like putting my favourite colours on the page, pictures of me, pictures of things I like. I should create links where people could get a better understanding of who I am.
Competitive Analysis
I think the best way to make a great site, is to see one that is already out there. Even though, I would be taking some ideas and changing them to suit my style, it's a great way to figure out what works well on a web page.
Exploration
I want to use words, images and that best describe me, but I also have to make sure that those words and images reflect me. I have to make certain that whatever link I put up there match what I put into that link or it will not make any sense to anyone goes to my web page.
Thumbnail Sketching
Even though the thumbnail is not as important to some, I believe that it is. The thumbnail may be small, but it offers a glimpse as to where the thumbnail will take you. Essentially, the thumbnail should look like the page it will go to. I want it to be creative and I can make it creative by using the right colours and other creative features.
Typography
I want my font to be unique and different, but I also want it to be easy to read. I will have to carefully choose a font that can be exciting and that people will not get sick of looking at. I also have to make sure that all the letters are legible.
Imagery/Composition
A picture says a thousand words, which is why my images have to be right for the web page and reflect what my web page is all about. Not only does that include the actual image, but it should also include the right colours, the right background. Each image should compliment the other, but should also contrast the colour sometimes.
Execution & Implementation
Even though a web page may look good in the program you are using, you have to make sure that it will work in the web browser. During our first assignment, I had no idea how important it would be to check and make sure that web page is aligned, positioned and styled. However, if you want a successful website, you have to consider all these options and more.
Over the next few weeks, I have to create portfolio that will reflect me, but I also know that can't just slap something together. This article made me realize that I have to put in the time to make a great website.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Assignment 6- Photoshop Tutorials
The world of Photoshop can be quite confusing. Last year in Digital Design, a whole bunch of us were in awe of everything and did not know how to work aspects of the program. You can blame the professor, you can blame us, and you can blame the fact that we were not interested, but we still had to learn it. I tried to find ways to make the process easier and online tutorials were the best way to figure out how to get things done.
The tutorial I did can be found here. http://photoshoptutorials.ws/photoshop-tutorials/photo-effects/morning-glow_2.html#2 The website listed different effects that Photoshop is capable of doing so many effects and designs. For the tutorial, I decided to learn how to make a picture have a morning glow effect to it. Step by step, it highlighted the key points I would have to do to make the image have the morning glow look to it. The language wasn't confusing and it told me where I would have to go so that I could find the appropriate tool.
The steps were easy to follow and what I thought would be difficult to do actually turned out to be something not that difficult anymore. With more tutorials like this one online, anyone can create the morning glow effect to a picture. Not only that, with the other tutorials the website offers, people can become pros using Photoshop.
I used to fear the idea of Photoshop and all the processes that went with it, but when you can find the right tutorial and take the time to learn the process, it makes Photoshop not as scary. The fact is if a tutorial is well done, nobody will feel any hesitancy when creating an image or have any trouble when trying to attach an effect to that image.
The tutorial I did can be found here. http://photoshoptutorials.ws/photoshop-tutorials/photo-effects/morning-glow_2.html#2 The website listed different effects that Photoshop is capable of doing so many effects and designs. For the tutorial, I decided to learn how to make a picture have a morning glow effect to it. Step by step, it highlighted the key points I would have to do to make the image have the morning glow look to it. The language wasn't confusing and it told me where I would have to go so that I could find the appropriate tool.
The steps were easy to follow and what I thought would be difficult to do actually turned out to be something not that difficult anymore. With more tutorials like this one online, anyone can create the morning glow effect to a picture. Not only that, with the other tutorials the website offers, people can become pros using Photoshop.
I used to fear the idea of Photoshop and all the processes that went with it, but when you can find the right tutorial and take the time to learn the process, it makes Photoshop not as scary. The fact is if a tutorial is well done, nobody will feel any hesitancy when creating an image or have any trouble when trying to attach an effect to that image.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Assignment 5- Current Style in Web Design
I have come to learn some interesting things about the Internet since the beginning of this semester...Design of a website matters. The look, the style, the colour are factors in making the website popular. There are a number of websites out there that lack creativity, while other websites want to leave a lasting impression on a person surfing that particular website. While I don't necessarily think that style is always priority, I will agree that it should be a factor.
The website I chose as an example of current style is ABC's website for Grey's Anatomy. Blue sets the tone for the website, but you have to factor that it is a show about doctor's and they do wear blue scrubs. The website is simple, the font is a decent size and the background varies in colour. It is not a complicated website. It's well centred and easy to read. I had no idea what whitespace was or what it did, but now that I do know, the website does a good job of spreading things out. However, personally, I like the consistency throughout the website. When I click on a link, the same style is there.
I have been going to the Internet Movie Database http://www.imdb.com/ for several years now and the style of the website has been the same since my very first visit. The same colours, the same icons. I understand that there is supposed to be white space, but at the bottom there is easy too much. The Internet Movie Data Base has been a popular website with millions visiting it everyday. I think some change should be done. Perhaps different colours, bigger text. The style is out dated. For a site that millions go to, it should improve and become more creative with time and not stay the same.
I may think that IMDB is not a current style of website, but someone else may think it is. and someone else may think that the Grey's Anatomy is not a current website.
For every website a style is set. It is up to those who visit the websites to determine if that style current or not.
The website I chose as an example of current style is ABC's website for Grey's Anatomy. Blue sets the tone for the website, but you have to factor that it is a show about doctor's and they do wear blue scrubs. The website is simple, the font is a decent size and the background varies in colour. It is not a complicated website. It's well centred and easy to read. I had no idea what whitespace was or what it did, but now that I do know, the website does a good job of spreading things out. However, personally, I like the consistency throughout the website. When I click on a link, the same style is there.
I have been going to the Internet Movie Database http://www.imdb.com/ for several years now and the style of the website has been the same since my very first visit. The same colours, the same icons. I understand that there is supposed to be white space, but at the bottom there is easy too much. The Internet Movie Data Base has been a popular website with millions visiting it everyday. I think some change should be done. Perhaps different colours, bigger text. The style is out dated. For a site that millions go to, it should improve and become more creative with time and not stay the same.
I may think that IMDB is not a current style of website, but someone else may think it is. and someone else may think that the Grey's Anatomy is not a current website.
For every website a style is set. It is up to those who visit the websites to determine if that style current or not.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Assignment 4-Cardinal Trait
I will admit that I am a mainstream music listener and that Indie music was never really my thing, but when I first heard Cardinal Trait on a website called Pandora http://www.pandora.com/ I was hooked. My sister introduced me to them and sent me some of their songs. Ever since then, I have been a fan of this small town Indie band from Ardmore, Oklahoma. http://www.myspace.com/cardinaltrait
Like other Indie artist's websites I have seen in the past, Cardinal Trait's website is at Myspace.com. I think that their website is very effective considering they are an Indie band. It's not flashy, but it's not boring either. Their website is about them and that's what attracts so many people to the website.
What I like most about this website is that you can access their music. Not all of their songs are listed, but you get an idea of the type of music they play. By putting the music on the website the fans get to know the groups music on a personal level because Cardinal Trait picked the songs that they want the fans to listen to. It is completely different with bigger mainstream bands, music listeners don't really get to know the artist and what type of music they like to write, whereas Cardinal Trait actually talk with their fans about their music.
A text-only website does not really work for musicians, mainly because the point is for their music to be heard by the fans. It is one thing to see the lyrics to the music on the page, but entirely different when you actually hear the music.
I like Cardinal Trait's website the way it is, but having an official website couldn't hurt, but their website is fine. The Myspace website is intimate, easy to navigate, you can actually talk to the band. It is this type of website that allows fans to interact with one another as well as interact with the band on a personal level.
With this Myspace website, Cardinal Trait controls what they want their fans to know. They control what music they want out there on their website. Essentially, they are the boss. Because they are Indie, they don't get sucked into the mainstream fad.
Cardinal Trait is a simple band from Oklahoma and Myspace is a simple site to use. They go together hand in hand. I may think that they do not need a better website now, but should they get into mainstream music they may want to consider changing it.
Like other Indie artist's websites I have seen in the past, Cardinal Trait's website is at Myspace.com. I think that their website is very effective considering they are an Indie band. It's not flashy, but it's not boring either. Their website is about them and that's what attracts so many people to the website.
What I like most about this website is that you can access their music. Not all of their songs are listed, but you get an idea of the type of music they play. By putting the music on the website the fans get to know the groups music on a personal level because Cardinal Trait picked the songs that they want the fans to listen to. It is completely different with bigger mainstream bands, music listeners don't really get to know the artist and what type of music they like to write, whereas Cardinal Trait actually talk with their fans about their music.
A text-only website does not really work for musicians, mainly because the point is for their music to be heard by the fans. It is one thing to see the lyrics to the music on the page, but entirely different when you actually hear the music.
I like Cardinal Trait's website the way it is, but having an official website couldn't hurt, but their website is fine. The Myspace website is intimate, easy to navigate, you can actually talk to the band. It is this type of website that allows fans to interact with one another as well as interact with the band on a personal level.
With this Myspace website, Cardinal Trait controls what they want their fans to know. They control what music they want out there on their website. Essentially, they are the boss. Because they are Indie, they don't get sucked into the mainstream fad.
Cardinal Trait is a simple band from Oklahoma and Myspace is a simple site to use. They go together hand in hand. I may think that they do not need a better website now, but should they get into mainstream music they may want to consider changing it.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Assignment 3- The Bathing Ape Has No Clothes
Alright, I will start this off by saying Apes do not wear clothes and if they ever should, the world will drastically change as we know it. If you have seen Planet of the Apes, you know what I am talking about.
Designing a website or messageboard is something people really think about. To me I really don't care what a website looks like all the time. I will admit, if I go to a messageboard with pictures and interesting colours, it will make me want to go back to the site again. So in some respect, yes, I do care if a website that looks nice or not.
When the internet first came about, I don't think anyone really thought about what it looked like. I think they only cared that it was there. In time though, graphic design, typography, industrial design, etc, started to become more popular. I agree with the idea that today, web design's intention is for the masses of people that go on the web. We are part of generation that wants things to look good and that includes the web. A website is a reflection of the person creating it, be it a personal website or a company website. The bottom line is you want it to look good.
Looking at websites now, I have started to question why someone would pick that colour, or even pick a certain style of font. However, I can't really say bad things about the website seeing as how I have never created one, so, if you don't like what you see, make your own website and make it something you will like.
The bathing ape makes its presence known toward the end of the article and I am relieved that he is just part of a fashion label. Who would have guessed that a bathing ape could be so popular and have so much style. Nigo knew how to sell the product because he knew what people would be drawn to. Apparently, a bathing ape does a pretty good job.
A site that I believe is very stylish would be http://www.perezhilton.com/. I think this one is a good one for style because of the colour he uses. You can't miss pink. His is very unique and I feel that his website is very much a reflection of himself, which to me is very important to a website.
For design, I like http://www.abc.go.com/. It is easy to access, fun to look at. It has links to forums and the show's websites. This is an excellent example of a design for a website.
Websites are far more complex than I realized, well apart from the whole HTML thing. If you want it to look good, you do whatever you can to make it appealing so that everyone will want to watch it.
Designing a website or messageboard is something people really think about. To me I really don't care what a website looks like all the time. I will admit, if I go to a messageboard with pictures and interesting colours, it will make me want to go back to the site again. So in some respect, yes, I do care if a website that looks nice or not.
When the internet first came about, I don't think anyone really thought about what it looked like. I think they only cared that it was there. In time though, graphic design, typography, industrial design, etc, started to become more popular. I agree with the idea that today, web design's intention is for the masses of people that go on the web. We are part of generation that wants things to look good and that includes the web. A website is a reflection of the person creating it, be it a personal website or a company website. The bottom line is you want it to look good.
Looking at websites now, I have started to question why someone would pick that colour, or even pick a certain style of font. However, I can't really say bad things about the website seeing as how I have never created one, so, if you don't like what you see, make your own website and make it something you will like.
The bathing ape makes its presence known toward the end of the article and I am relieved that he is just part of a fashion label. Who would have guessed that a bathing ape could be so popular and have so much style. Nigo knew how to sell the product because he knew what people would be drawn to. Apparently, a bathing ape does a pretty good job.
A site that I believe is very stylish would be http://www.perezhilton.com/. I think this one is a good one for style because of the colour he uses. You can't miss pink. His is very unique and I feel that his website is very much a reflection of himself, which to me is very important to a website.
For design, I like http://www.abc.go.com/. It is easy to access, fun to look at. It has links to forums and the show's websites. This is an excellent example of a design for a website.
Websites are far more complex than I realized, well apart from the whole HTML thing. If you want it to look good, you do whatever you can to make it appealing so that everyone will want to watch it.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Assignment 2 - A Dao of Web Design
Alright, I will admit that when I first started reading this article, I had absolutely no idea what John Allsopp was trying to say. Piglet, Pooh, I thought this might become a story about Winnie the Pooh and his friends. I also had no idea why he was referring to Tao Te Ching either and how it applied to web design or the internet. I guess that is why you have to read the whole article to get the big picture.After reading and re-reading, you can see how television and other mediums have shaped web design.
The Internet, web design, it had to start somewhere. Allsopp is right when he says "the web doesn’t have the same constraints, and design for this flexibility” newspapers limits us. A blog allows us to control what we want to say, what size we want people to read it in.Our blogs are who we are. In my opinion, I am writing this blog, so that it is easy to read and understand as well as writing it in a size that is easy on the eyes. In a newspaper, we are forced to read the way it is written. There is anything wrong with that, but with a blog, I find that we have much more freedom.
We can make a web page or blog anything we want it to be.I never really thought about what we pages look like. Normally, I go to the web page and get whatever information I need and that is it. Now, I see that people take time with the fonts and the colours. Looking at my blog page, I wanted something that would like to look at. I didn't even realize how big a deal that plays when people do their own web pages. The way a person lays out a webpage and style of font they use is a reflection of themselves.
Essentially, we have some control over blogs and websites, we must also think about other people as well. Allsopp says that we should be flexible and by putting that into our minds, everyone can enjoy reading a blog and searching the web. I still don't get what Tao Te Ching has to do with the web, but then again I was never that good at philosophy. However, looking at the quotes that Allsopp used, I can see how some of it can apply to web design as well as blogs.
The Internet, web design, it had to start somewhere. Allsopp is right when he says "the web doesn’t have the same constraints, and design for this flexibility” newspapers limits us. A blog allows us to control what we want to say, what size we want people to read it in.Our blogs are who we are. In my opinion, I am writing this blog, so that it is easy to read and understand as well as writing it in a size that is easy on the eyes. In a newspaper, we are forced to read the way it is written. There is anything wrong with that, but with a blog, I find that we have much more freedom.
We can make a web page or blog anything we want it to be.I never really thought about what we pages look like. Normally, I go to the web page and get whatever information I need and that is it. Now, I see that people take time with the fonts and the colours. Looking at my blog page, I wanted something that would like to look at. I didn't even realize how big a deal that plays when people do their own web pages. The way a person lays out a webpage and style of font they use is a reflection of themselves.
Essentially, we have some control over blogs and websites, we must also think about other people as well. Allsopp says that we should be flexible and by putting that into our minds, everyone can enjoy reading a blog and searching the web. I still don't get what Tao Te Ching has to do with the web, but then again I was never that good at philosophy. However, looking at the quotes that Allsopp used, I can see how some of it can apply to web design as well as blogs.
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