Week 4

4

Shapes

For today's journal entry I wanted to learn more about shapes, where they came from, what they could be interpreted as. In our book they included 7 basic shapes. In the text it states that "modern day designers use the same geometric building blocks as the foundation for logos, patterns, illustrations, and all kinds of graphic elements." 

3 things to remember with shapes: 
- Variances
- Constructions
- Treatments

1. Circle:

Below are examples of some logos that utilize the circle as its primary design element. Some are actually really important companies which made me realize how important it is to understand what shape is best to used in design.

2. Triangle:

Triangles are my personal favorite shape. I love the sharp points and how it can be altered and shaped and flipped to make what you want. Over the past few years triangles have become very appealing to the younger crowd, as it has become a symbol of being "hipster". So I think as far as design and appeal, triangles have a knack for getting peoples attention. 

3. Square

Squares are tough in my opinion, as far as branding in the shape of a square, there is nothing that square could scale to fit. I think molding a logo into the shape of square without the logos is a valid idea and works well though. 

4. Rectangle:

 

As I have observed, I have realized that rectangles almost always serve as the outline. For business cards, posters, cards, envelopes, etc.. There are so many things to make in that shape and I think thats why understanding rectangles in design is really important. 

5. Ellipse:

Ellipses are important in the land of logo design as well. Below are just a few of the hundreds and hundreds of designs that I saw online. I love how Ellipses bring everything together and present that feeling of unity and clarity within the logo. I love all the designs, and I look forward to hopefully designing in the shape of an oval one day. 

6. Polygon:

Polygons are very broad, and there are a lot of variations of every single one. It is amazing to see all the different shapes. It was hard to only pick a few options because all of the pieces were so great. I really love the Octagon and how it can be transformed in Corel Draw. 

7. Star: 

  
Stars are tough for me. whenever I see one I immediately think; hollywood, fame, bitches, princesses, and self awarded children. However stars also play a major role in all design aspects. There are many companies that utilize stars in their logos. 

To me, it is amazing to look back and see how crucial these shapes are. Without these shapes many things would be overflowing pages and hurting peoples eyes. 

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Mixed Media

Mixed media is tough, and its not the most common thing to find examples of. However, I think it is one of the most amazing routes a designer can take in making a bold and unique piece with lots of depth. Done wrong; its a train wreck. However, if it is done right; A masterpiece.

I fell in love with this piece right when I saw it. There are so many details and textures, so much emotion. I disagree with the layout a tiny bit though. I took away from the rest of the image to have such a bold color at the top. It was very chunked and just kind of distracting. However, I do love this and think a design like this could be amazing for an art show opening flyer, or for an abstract jewelry campaign advertisement. 

I really love this piece. I think its abstract and makes you think. It makes you want to look at it and know what it is about. All the details, an contrast just makes an amazing picture. I think this concept could be used for a variety of things. 

This was probably my favorite of the mixed media pieces. I love the darkness about it, and especially the antlers. Obviously this piece or this type of work would not appeal to all audiences so I think that for advertising it would have to be directed at a specific audience rather than the general public. Like the one above, all the different pieces came together really well and made this abstract and strange piece that keeps you looking for a while. 

This piece grabbed my attention really quickly. It makes you feel concerned, and almost scared. The concept is phenomenal, and it was put together really really well. I love the little add of color with the purple, and love how they combined the two backgrounds without making it really obvious that they were doing so. 

I jus thought this was a really cute idea, and I think that it this were used for a company, that this add would attract many young girls who are swooning over the idea of love and wishful thinking. I love the figure in the corner, and how the flipped and turned all of the little heart pieces to make the picture seem more real, and more alive. 

To me this piece just had a lot of emotion. I love the concept, and I could see this being used back in the day for a step against women's suffrage or something similar. It probably be made more opaque and be used against sexism. Love the background, and love how its not just stark white. 

This piece is also strictly artistic. There is no media or promotion involved with it. However, the idea is amazing. Imagine if all branding and logos and promotional posters had such beautiful designs and colors like this piece does. I love the color pop of the balloons, and loved how they used a book page for the background. 

I love all the different components used to make this image. There are all sorts of fun shapes and designs and textures. It all is so wild, but it comes together to make a great final piece. I especially love the typography. I love how it is red and opaque. This piece is amazing and I think I would stop and stare at it if I saw it hanging in a window, or as a sign for a business door. 

I thought this was beautiful, I love the off coloring and all the shapes used in the background. There is so much detail all right in the center, but I don't think I would like it nearly as much if it was laid out differently. I love the contrast on the piece as well, it adds a lot of emotion.