Project 1 – Digital Design Studio

1.4.2 Fabrication Final

For my logo, I decided to place it on my 3DS. I believe the black accents of the device compliment the black outlines of my logo design. In fact, the colors are almost identical, and had I created a slightly smaller logo size, I’m sure it would have appeared to be part of the device’s overall design. I am a bit old-fashioned, so I’m constantly gaming on this device. As such, I decided that it would be the perfect place to showcase my design. The only thing I dislike about the incorporation of the logo is that I didn’t get it completely centered, for fear it would cover the cameras, but I think the off-center presentation is not too noticeable.

For a time, I considered placing the logo on my laptop, but as my laptop- as well as almost every other device I own- is black, the logo would be almost invisible. To combat this, I suppose I could have reversed the color scheme and gone with either white vinyl, or switched the vectors so that the main image is black with the remainder the color of the background. However, this did not fit my original idea, and ruined the aesthetic I was going for.

1.4.1 Safety Training

During the Vinyl Cutter safety training, I learned how to convert a png image into a svg file. This file was then uploaded on the software Inkscape, which is connected to the vinyl cutter. One piece of information I found useful was to always run a test job, in order to ensure the machine is only slicing the top layer, not the base. In addition, the importance of weeding and transferring the design was brought to my attention. As with the majority of the machines in the MakerSpace, the post-processing took the greatest amount of time, as there are many fine small details to lift away.

In addition, there were many procedures outlining the safety guidelines of the machine and accompanying tools. In order to react quickly should an incident occur with the job, it is important to stay by the machine and prepared to turn it off in order to save the vinyl. When handling an exacto-knife, blade safety is imperative, as the majority of incidents occur from poor handling. These tools are extremely sharp, in order to slice through the material without difficulty, and become dull after extended use. It is important to use great care when removing a blade, making sure it is disposed of in the proper container, and placing the cap on the blade when it is not in use.

Resources Used:

http://newmediawiki.pbworks.com/w/page/134851110/pointToLineVinylFabrication

1.3.3 Design Final

01_personalLogo_design

In the final stages of my design, I employed the use of many principles and theorems previously discussed. These principles gave the design greater meaning and presence, than if it had just been drawn without thought. Below, are just a few of the connections between the principles and concepts that have been discussed during class time. These incorporate theories derived in the references and exercise sections of each project.

By combining Gestalt’s law and a figure-ground relationship between the outer ring and the symbol, I create an alternating pattern of black and white shapes within the symbol. By utilizing a relationship between four small objects and one large object, I draw contrast with the H and the C. To give the ring a stronger presence in comparison with the overall symbol, I increased the weight of the stroke line and split it into two rings and filled. In addition,

Resources Used:

1.3.2 Design Iteration

Once I had decided on an idea, I began troubleshooting the design of the logo. To begin with, I was unsure of how to incorporate a figure-ground relationship with a rounded background. In my first attempt, the circle was too thin around the design and looked out of place. In my second pass, I played around with a couple alternatives: using a black fill on the background, and changing the circle into a thicker ring. In the end, I chose the ring because I wanted to keep the black text, and the design subtly reminds the viewer of a record.

Next, I noticed some problem areas where the vectors were too close. The real challenge was in figuring out how to fix this without oversimplifying the design. One of the biggest issues came from the curve around the endpoint of the C, where it intersects with the H. To solve the problem, I used the direct selection tool to move individual vectors. Though this was a time-consuming process, I managed to round out the edge in a similar fashion to the original, but this time, it lies farther apart from the intersection. Upon closer inspection, I found a similar issue in the spacing between the vertical bar and the bottom right note of the H. To fix this, I moved the bar up a few centimeters and ended up liking this design better.

For a brief moment, after completion of the etch, I contemplated inverting the colors of my design to give it a different feel. However, I ultimately rejected this idea because the logo would take on the color of the background it is placed on. I wanted to focus on an elegant black and white logo, and this would have detracted from that element.

Resources Used:

MusiSync

1.3.1 Design Concept

In the beginning, I decided between two important ideas: Music and a professional style. In my first pass, I came up with the idea of using two quarter notes connected with a beam as part of the H and the bass clef as the C.

In my third pass, I sketched several ideas, playing around with font styles and different groupings. Eventually I settled on two main ideas, a professional type of logo composed of actual music note groupings, and letters combined in different forms using the Amadeus Regular and MusiSync.

Once I had established my final idea, I began figuring out what notes would make the best overall shape of the figure. I first attempted this with two quarter notes connected by a single beam. However, this had a complicated relationship with pathfinder, so it was ultimately rejected. Next, I attempted a similar concept, but this time, there is a double beam connecting the notes and the top ones are half notes. With this pass, my goal was to space out the notes, so they were not connected in a straight line. While I did enjoy how this version turned out, the top notes lacked unity with the bottom and generally seemed out of place. Finally, I found a method that worked.

I began with using the MusiSync font to create four quarter notes, each within its own text box. Next, I tried arranging them into a vaguely “H-shape”, with two notes on the bottom and two on the top (rotated 180degrees). Looking further into the font, I found just what I was looking for: a resting bar, which I then used to act as the middle bar of the H.

The C on the other hand, was much less complex, though it did take some thought to perfect. I started off with a symbol for “cut time,” which resembles a cent sign, and scaled it up to 72pt. Then, because I needed a wider image to compliment the arrangement of the H, I played around with the dimensions until I was satisfied.

In the end, I was between two concepts: a group of letters gathered to resemble a sea monster, and an arrangement of musical notes. Though it could have gone either way, I decided that the latter had a more professional approach and suggested the greatest creativity.

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1.2 Exercises (Week 2)

1.2 Dynamic Exercise

Fallen The purpose of this assignment was to think about shapes in a different way. We were assigned the task of recreating a famous painting using only rectangles of varying lengths and sizes. This allowed a different outlook to the original picture and caused outside-the-box thinking. I decided to render my image using only dark and muted colors, with a small window of light to shine against the black background. I think this gave the man in the image a haunted look and provided the illusion that he was trapped somewhere underground.

Resources used: http://newmediawiki.pbworks.com/w/page/126787724/pointToLineDynamic

Egon Schiele, The Poet, 1911, Oil on canvas.

1.2 Gestalt Exercise

Gestalt_chantel Gestalt Theory: The idea that the mind tries to find order where there is none

During this exercise, the class was asked to create a gestalt image using several circles and a base layer involving squares. The project hinges on the idea that objects that are spaced closer appear as a group rather than individuals. Throughout the exercise, I learned how to group and copy objects using keyboard shortcuts.

Resources Used: http://newmediawiki.pbworks.com/w/page/126787835/pointToLineGestaltPraxis

1.2 Line Art Exercise

The main purpose of this assignment was to learn how to move vectors and anchor points. In addition, we learned about the brush tool, and got a chance to explore working with strokes of different weights. We learned how to create a bezier curve and create straight lines. One interesting part of the exercise was getting an opportunity to explore more of Illustrator’s features and tools.

Resources Used: http://newmediawiki.pbworks.com/w/page/134851131/pointToLineLineArt

1.1 Reference Reflections (Week 1)

1.1.1 In the Cloud

This section mainly focused on saving files and using the 3-2-1 method of backup systems. This helps avoid losing work to network errors and computer bugs. In addition, the Wiki explained how to create a website using WordPress and embedding files using Flickr, a media hosting service. I especially found the suggestion to use OneDrive helpful, as I am always a fan of making multiple copies of my work.

Resources Used: http://newmediawiki.pbworks.com/w/page/126787781/pointToLineInTheCloud

Other acknowledgements: “If you off of a networked lab machine without transferring a file” This typo is on the first line below Storage and Backup.

1.1.2 Parallel Universes

The main purpose of this section was to understand the relationship between figure and ground and planes in art and modeling. The first thing that really caught my eye was the discussion of the relationship between perspective and colors and shadows. In addition, the Wiki talked about balancing art through illusions like gestalt and symmetry. It also delved into the history of planar lines and wire sketches, both incredibly relevant to digital modeling and sketching.

Resources Used: http://newmediaabington.pbworks.com/w/page/67293527/CHAPTER%204%20%E2%80%94%20Visual%20Elements%20I%3A%20Point%2C%20Line%2C%20Plane

1.1.3 Gestalt Theory

The article focused on the perceived and actual spatial dimensions of objects. One thing I thought fascinating was the cafe wall illusion, which showed a slightly jumbled square of alternating colors separated by groups of lines, which were straight but appeared curved. The section also discusses how spacing can create groups of objects, as opposed to several small objects. This is also applicable when talking about color variances and angle differences in a collection of objects, which will be perceived separately than the rest of the group. In addition, objects can have multistability, which means it can be perceived a number of ways.

Resources Used: http://newmediawiki.pbworks.com/w/page/126784382/pointToLineGestaltTheory