Cubes

The first project assigned this school year is to master creating and manipulating cubes. My sources for learning everything there is to know about cubes is video #241 and #242 on lynda.com. This is what I learned to create using the tutorials:

Then, using what I learned and my previous knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, I extended the project to create the following:

And finally, I combined all skills and knowledge of patterns. I included light medium and dark tones in the color, used a repeated element of cubes that were made using primarily the line tool, rotate tool, copy, and stroke panel. It took a little bit of thought to figure out how the shapes would all flow together nicely, along with color (see below):

From this skill work, I learned three important things:

1. Since these cubes aren't literally 3D, in order for them to appear that way on a 2D screen, we manipulate lines, angles, and shades of color (lighting/light source). A 120 degree angle is used to appear as a 90 degree angle. 

2. Use cmd + J to join paths. It doesn't matter what angle or shape the paths are, as long as they connect at only one point on both anchors.

3. Use cmd + Y to put your computer into "Preview Mode" so that you are able to check that your lines are properly connected and lined up. It takes the stroke away momentarily.

A few other important things that I noted was that the eyedropper can be used to transfer a color pallet to the artwork by holding alt. Alt click while selected on the rotate tool is used to set the angles of lines. For this project specifically, it worlds best to turn align objects to pile grid "OFF", turn the bounding box "OFF", and turn smart guides "ON".

What is Graphic Design?

What: Graphic design is art with a purpose. The visual communication and expression of concepts and ideas is produced through various elements. Art.

 

Where: EVERYWHERE! Graphic design can be found everywhere: logos, websites, business cards, advertisements, book design, brochures, billboards, product packaging, posters, magazines newspapers, greeting cards! 

Why: I enjoy graphic design because it develops my creative abilities. There is always something new to learn or observe. It challenges me to keep up with trends in design, and often work on tight deadlines (even possibly for clients). There aren't many boundaries with graphic design. I can draw inspiration from just about anywhere, and transfer ideas to sketches, onto a computer, and manipulate the Adobe programs in order to achieve the desired effect. After discovering the world of graphic design, I can't go anywhere without noticing it.