Mandalorian PSA

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Tutorials and Images used:

In this poster I used a gradient overlay on the background followed by another layer of rendered clouds that I applied the color dodge layer overlay to. After this I used a large soft eraser to cut out some of the more intense clouds to create a more spontaneous and believable nebula effect. I took the Mandalorian symbol and removed the large ring in order to simplify the picture. Then I applied a outer glow to the layer through layer properties to give it sharp and defined edges. Finally I took the picture of the stars, tuned it to greyscale to simplify it and then applied the screen layer overlay in order to fit it into the picture.

In order to better simplify the idea I tried to play around with contrast attempting to leave a lot of blank space in between the nebulas and tuning down the stars by adjusting their opacity. When I was first coming up with the idea I was inspired by an older original poster for the Empire Strikes Back. This poster used simple white block text and a faded image of Darth Vader in the stars behind that. I wanted to capture a similar feel but add a bit of an edge by using the more advanced effects of photoshop to get better results. Since it was a PSA poster I decided to use the symbol for the Mandalorian’s the third most popular and searched faction falling only behind the Jedi and Sith in the Star Wars Universe. This poster was meant to remind people of this very awesome faction most often forgotten.

If I had to change something in this picture I would probably like to spend more time on the text making it feel more natural. At the moment I don’t believe it actually looks natural and cannot determine if this is because of positioning of words, spacing, or size. Also if I was to do it again I would like to experiment with a simple star background and some more fancy flash words. However all around I am content with the way this design has turned out.

Quote Poster

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Over the past couple of weeks I have worked hard to create a quote poster I was proud of. The result was a poster that I am proud of. For artistic elements I used balance frequently mirroring both the c4d’s and the many different brush backgrounds. You will also notice that the black vector images that cover part of the image are also there for balance in an attempt to calm some of the clutter that breaks up the message of the work.

To create the vector-esc flowing shapes I used the winter breeze brushes as suggested by the tutorial. Then in order to do the techie pieces I also used the Tech brushes. I scattered some dots around the back of the picture with a soft brush in order to fill up some of the space. Then I brought in the c4d’s in order to increase the complexity and bring out a a different more technological feel from the picture. I also applied a number of gradient overlay’s and sharpened filters in order to give it a more edgy and new age look.

In the end it turned out very succesfull. However there are a number of things I would like to change if I could. The third central c4d wasn’t quite in tune with the rest of the project and if possible I would like to find a different model to use their that merged better with the two c4d’s bellow it. Also I feel that there was an enormous amount of chaotic ativity happening that wasn’t quite calmed down by my black vector shapes. If possible I would have liked to add more and better black vector shapes to better calm the background. Otherwise I am very happy with the way the design came out.

February 9, 2012

Posted on February 10, 2012 by John R

“The ultimate freedom for creative groups is the freedom to experiment with new ideas. Some skeptics insist that innovation is expensive. In the long run, innovation is cheap. Mediocrity is expensive—and autonomy can be the antidote.” ~Daniel Pink

This quote shows the true face of the creative design world today. Innovation today is often overlooked as being an unattainable goal. As an impossible feat. However to settle for a sub par design that reflects what everyone else is doing can be just as difficult and yield much more disappointing results. For really how can one be proud of his execution of the ideas of another.

A Reflection on the First Semester

Posted on January 25, 2012 by John R

What a joy it has been this past few months to work in such a tremendously exciting environment such as the Mac Lab. From doing the simplest of vector illustrations to pursuing complex drawings and amazing photoshop blending it has been a wonder and an amazing learning experience. By far the most interesting program I have learned how to work has been photoshop. From compiling pictures and making calendars it was by far the most expansive program I have begun to learn. The entire idea of being able to compile different photos, to mold them together is an interesting concept that has perked my excitement for next semester. Of all my projects however my best most likely was my January calendar. It came together so perfectly that it made me feel quite proud of my time spent in the class. Not to say that it was A work, I am well aware that it could have been done much better, but it was a proof that I could make something I found spectacular. However throughout the time I have spent in the class I have fallen behind. Often I fail to catch up with my fellow classmates and I believe that honestly the best grade I can get is a B with current participation and work. However in an effort to improve I am going to try and stay on top of all my work throughout this next semester. So with those goals in mind I enter into the next semester of my studies under the tutelage of Mr. Hayes…