Website Project

Designing A Website

Process And Overview

This project was to make a website using Dreamweaver. The website was our final assignment for first semester. We had to use our previous elevator pitch and former projects to make up our portfolio. For e9. this is to give us a look into web design as it isn't a section for Freshman.

To begin with, we had to get the home and style files and copy them to be used first. Then we took a photo to be added to the main page. Then we started setting the default website page by adding our name the header, our elevator pitch below the "Hello!" and our photo to float in the text. The date was added by going to Insert, HTML, then Date, so that it would update each time we worked on it. Then we focused on the sidebar by setting up the two sections and the designated links below.

 To have a link, we went into properties and put in the text needed to go to that page. For the Projects link, we had to make another copy of the home page by using Save As. On the projects page, we deleted the body text/photo, and added in some projects from both quarters and text from our blogposts to explain it. To add a video in, we first had to upload it to Youtube, then embed a html text into the code so that it may work.

Once the pages and their text was set up, we went on to design the page itself. We changed the colors used by going into CSS Designer and using the Selectors for different areas. You then had to go into Properties and change the background colors. For the text, we did the same process, but went into the text option itself in Properties, and also edited the text styles to be what we wanted. Finally, we changed the links colors for when they were active, hovered over, and already visited, seen in the Projects photo.

What Was Learned

For this project, we had to learn how to use Adobe Dreamweaver and a few basic aspects of code. Along the way, we learned how to make new pages, links, and how to give color to the web design. Also, we were now able to insert various objects, like pictures to float, embedded videos, and code to make different colors of the links depending on what happened to them. Now, we're able to make a simple site with a menu going to other pages in the sites and going out to other websites. Overall, we learned how to use Dreamweaver Files, CSS Designer, the ways of viewing them, and everything in between.

Experiences And Thoughts

From designing my site, I will remember the multitude of actions that go into making one thing for the whole. I thought that I did pretty well for it, and did it in a timely matter. If I didn't have what I needed done, I would come in after class to finish it, something we'll surely have to do as the years go on. The = experience that I'll be sure to remember is that if you're having trouble, watch a tutorial if needed, but always keep trying and editing to get what you want.

My General Response

This was nice to get a look at Web Design and what goes into it, as it's an option next year and we don't get a quarter in it as freshman. It was interesting to learn how the code looked and behaved behind the design side we always see. I enjoyed going through each section and completing it so that it actually looked and functioned like an every day site. Though it isn't what I would consider doing in life, it's a good skill to have in this technology based world.

Sketchup House

Sketchup House and Animation

The Project's Overview

For this project we had to create a house in the program Sketchup. The goal was to make it as realistic as possible using a model. Before this we had steps to make a chair, but for this we had to experiment and keep making errors to get the final project. We had to find our own textures to use then make a video to show it off.

The Project Process

First, we had to go to this website and find one that was over 500 feet and specific rooms and height. Then, we had to begin making it in Sketchup. I began with rectangles and the general shape of the building. Then I pushed them up to be 3D, and began to add the extras that came off of my base. Next was the doors and stairs, and thee roof, which had to be moved upwards in a point for the later, and changed planes to give a natural feel in both. For the final building process were the windows, which were rectangles, pulled out, then made into components so that they could be repeated and copied objects. The last design step was to find our own textures and color the home completely with seamless textures. Finally, we set up the scenes and made the animation.

What Was Learned

We learned how to better use Sketchup and to make complex shapes. We especially learned the importance of measurements and how to make the objects the correct length. Also learned and used was the push/pull tool, move tool, offset, components, measurement, and general movements. The main thing to learn in this project was how to use shapes and make them into a realistic house, with shadows, design, and how it presented itself.

Next Time: Different 

What I would do different next time would be to better follow the house I chose as a reference. Especially in the roof because I could never get it down correctly, and in the end decided just to make my own. Also, the porch was never separated as I made it a component too soon and couldn't edit it after that. I would also work the make the lines more precise and the figures more connected. There were little additions I wasn't able to do this time, so next time I would spend more time on the small things.

Next Time: Same

What I would do the same next time would be the textures I used. Keeping a set amount of colors and textures, then spreading them out with alteration, was something I enjoyed doing. I would also continue to have the windows differ on various rooms, and make the doors different. Also, I would start from the ground up because that made it easier to then add on in most parts.

Experiences To Remember

I will make sure to remember the complexity of creating objects within Sketchup. The time it took and the constant errors will never leave me. I was frustrated at times, but by persevering, I was able to make my project the best I could. Like with my previous projects, one of the most important things to remember that things will not end up as planned, and that's okay, giving you an opportunity to make something even greater.

My General Response

The idea seemed so simple and straightforward, but Sketchup had proven itself not to be in the slightest. Though some of the mistakes were funny to see, they were not welcome at all. The process was draining to a degree, but I still learned something from it, and to a degree, enjoyed it. I liked having an actual, complex product come out of all my time and errors, and making the animation was the most satisfactory part to it. It was difficult, but worth it, and I would do it again.

House Information

This is the house I based my project on.

These are the textures I used on some of my home.

Bounce Animations

Three Bounce Animations

The Project's Overview

For this project, we learned the basics of frame animation and using arches to create more movement. We used Photoshop again, but this time with more layers and tools. This assignment had three parts to it, them being an up and down bounce, a sideways bounce, and our own bounce, seen at the end of this post. We were guided on the first two to let us experience it, then the final one was up to us.

The Project Process

In the up and down bounce, we first used a special brush to create the design of the grass, and had to change the preset to get it more realistic look. Next, we used the ellipse tool to create the ball, changed the opacity, and began to copy and paste it down to create the motion. Then, once at the bottom, we added in a squish, then did the previous steps in reverse. When all the layers were down, we created a frame animation, and put them in order to create the final product. The steps for the sideways bounce are similar, having the same ball and background, but with a guideline of arches to mark the path. We followed it, added in squishes, and made other areas more dense for when it slows and spacier when it speeds up. Once both were done, we converted them to both gifs and videos.

What Was Learned

We learned how to set up multiple layers of frame, and how to copy and move objects using options-drag to create the movement. Also, how to set up frame animations and how to make each frame by making different layers seen. Mr. Netterville also taught us how to use arches to make bounces and how to optimize the effect of each. For these projects, we learned shortcuts in Photoshop and were able to become more knowledgeable and comfortable with the program.

Next Time: Different 

Next time, I would focus on making all the layers more fluid and flowing. At some points, the animations seem to stutter, so I would focus more on that too. Also, for my own animation, I would find a more creative topic that didn't so closely resemble the sideways bounce. I would also find a way to make a surprise ending for it.

Next Time: Same

Next time, I would keep the general guidelines and speed of the project. Also the shapes used and how they reacted when hitting the grass. The way grass was made would be kept, too, as it gave a nice background for all the events to occur. All of the basics of it would be the same, just fine tuned in the future.

Experiences To Remember

What I'll remember from this project includes the time it takes to get every layer in place and created. I will remember how to use arches in animations and the best way to make them. Like with the previous project, I'll be sure to keep in mind how long it takes when setting up and the completing an animation, and how much effort goes into each layer for one. Since we'll most likely focus on frame animations, I'll always remember that these focus on slight changes to the frames themselves to build up the movement entirely. 

My General Response

These projects were a good way to get use to making actual animations that didn't just rely on manipulating the text but with making individual frames. The first two projects helped to to make the final one, and were all interesting to complete. Though they took multiple days, and constant trials for any noticeable mistakes, they were worth it to gain more information on the processes that go into making assignments. All of what I learned, and will continue to use, is seen below in my final bounce project.

My own bounce animation, based on the sideways version.

10 Words Animations

Ten Words

The Project's Overview

This project was to take the ten words that we decided on in graphic design and to make them into a video animation. We used Photoshop to do this by changing where the words were and their opacity. Our goal was to have the words come onto the screen within a 4 second time frame to be 5 seconds in total. The project allowed us to get a glance into what we would be doing in animation and let us to take a test run on Photoshop since beforehand, we had only used Adobe Illustrator. 

The Project Process

For this project, we first had to get the decided words in their place with our first and last names. Then, the fonts and colors were chosen to go together and depict who we were. Next came the actual animation part and setting it up to be a timeline animation. Once that was set up, we could change the position of our words and their opacity to have them appear onto the screen and move around it. After we had done this and were happy with it, we had to convert it to be a GIF that could run on computers, and blogs like this one.

What Was Learned

In this project, we had to learn basics of Photoshop and setting up animations in it. Since some controls are different than those from what we did in Graphic Design, we had to learn and get used to them. We also had to learn how to transform the words and work with their opacity within the video maker. Along with this, we also needed to figure out how the movements would work and what would look the best once presented. Then once we figured that out, we had to place it on the timeline and make all words appear before a certain limit. Once all of this was done, we were taught two different ways to render and convert the Photoshop file into a video one.

Next Time: Different

What I would do differently next time on this project would to give it more organized movement. Since this was one of the first things I had done on Photoshop, it was more trial and error than actual working on the project, I would also find a new way to lay out the word themselves for a better presentation. Most of what I would do next time just comes down to layout, movement, and how these would look together.

Next Time: Same

What I would do the same next time on this project would be to keep the variety of fonts and colors used on the words. This allowed the project to have greater depth and creativity within it, while still having the words mix easily. Also, I would keep the different movements for each one to better convey the words' meaning. I would mostly try to keep the style and color scheme the same, along with the multiple fonts.

Experiences To Remember

The experiences from this project that I will remember for all projects to come include how the layers don't always end up how or where you want them. Also, that video animations focus more on manipulated the layers themselves, and not putting them in order, so their position doesn't fully matter, but it can help to have them in some organization. I'll also be sure to remember how long it took for me to go through each layer, change it and put it on the timeline, and to make sure it all flowed correctly. The one thing that I'll always keep in mind, however, is that things will rarely end as you planned, and that's okay!

My General Response

This project was a great way to learn more of Photoshop for our future animation assignments. I enjoyed finally being able to give e9 some motion, and though it was just words, this has been one of my favorite things that we've done in class. Though at times it was repetitive and not the most interesting, it was nice to see the inner workings of some animations. Overall, this project was simple but would help us to later do more complex assignments and we benefited in many ways by doing it.

Designing A Logo

Logo Project

The Complete Process

This project was to make a logo to represent us. We first started off with doing sketches to find a possible match or a way to go down. I tried to base mine on the J in my name, and tried to find ways to incorporate various shapes into the design. 

Then, we decided 4 possible designs, but would focus on 3, to put into Adobe Illustrator. Two of mine would be in a diamond shape, with the next one being in a circle. I tried to keep mine a sturdy, strong shape, but ended up preferring the unbalanced look of the first design.

Moving to Ai, we took the possible designs and attempted to remake it like how we imagined, but often went down different routes as we experimented with it. I had trouble the the font of the J and making it line up to make an arrow go up, and would finally get a close replica near the bottom. I had to play with the points, curves, and contrast before finally getting this after many days.

Next, we took the chosen design from above, and looked at versions of it with different colors. I focused mainly on cool ones, contrast, and what type of scheme would look the best and would fit my image. Being stuck between the gray/black and light blue/dark blue logo, I ended up taking the latter on popular vote.

 Finally, the look and color chosen out, I have my logo.

The Design Aspect

This logo was chosen for its font, color, and shape due to what we have been learning for the past quarter. I chose the font to be sturdy and set, yet still curvy and movable; moving towards fixed goal. Also, this allowed my to keep the top of the J and emphasis the arrow going up. The monochromatic blue is the symbolize the loyalty an trust I bring to an unbalanced, contrasting shape that would otherwise appear unstable. This shape also shows how I am a risk taker with connected ideas.

In Real Life

Here are some examples of my logo on actual products and in the real life to show how it might look.

Types of Typography

Typography Project

What We Did

For this project, we looked at what made up text and how we use it. We examined the different kinds of fonts and the parts that separate them. Then, we went to Adobe Illustrator (AI), typed our names, and then labeled them with at least ten different pieces. While doing this project, we were given more freedom in how to set it up and got more used to using AI and its tools. This allowed is to figure out what was to be expected when doing assignments, how to make them look good, and how to do our best work.

What Was Learned

One of the more important things we learned were the basic types of fonts, which were, in this case, serif, sans-serif, and decorative. We were taught that serif had "serifs" on its letters, hence the name, and those are like little feet and tails for them. Sans-serif has a simpler design and looks less connected with one another. Decorative can have a multitude of designs, from scripture to Papyrus, and are often used for invitations or less formal events. We also learned the sections of typography and how to set up our own design, then to label it with the parts we had. In AI, we focused mainly on the type tool and how to manipulate it, from fonts to the sizes. The most important thing we learned, however, was to never, ever use Comic Sans.

How It Went

This assignment went well, mostly, and was a great lesson for both the font aspect and also AI. Though at the end I had trouble with my image, we resolved it, and now I know what to do next time. I enjoyed getting to know all the different parts, and some of the things even amazed me. It was interesting to set it up and work through all the steps myself, and now I know which font goes with different events and levels of formality. 

My finished text with the dividing lines and labeled sections.

Logo Color Schemes

Logos And Their Color Schemes

Analogous

This logo uses analogous colors starting from yellow to red to blue, with everything in between connecting them. I think Instagram chose this design to show how its users are all different but still one of the same in the flow of life.

Colors for this logo uses yellow green, green, blue green, and two shades of blue. These were chosen possibly to represent how it is a medical company, and water (the blue) must come together with the green (the earth) to grow and develop in a cycle; it is for healing purposes.

Complementary

The FedEx logo uses complementary colors of orange and blue. They possibly chose to use them to show the travel of their deliveries, going from the primary spot to the secondary in transition.

The former logo of Chili's has the complementary colors of red and green. It was like this to show the hotness of their food and also what type of food they primarily served.

Warm

 McDonald's has the warm colors of yellow and red in its logo. They use these to appeal to their customers' appetite to sell more products.

Lay's logo also has the warm colors of yellow and red. Like the previous logo, they also use these colors for the food aspect and to show off the joy from the yellow color of their potato chips.

Cool

Ocean Spray has its logo be two cool shades of blue. They chose this to show how refreshing their drinks are for us and the coolness they'll bring.

The Facebook logo is only one type of blue.They probably chose this to show how loyal and stable they are as a company for families.

Monochromatic

Animal Planet has its monochromatic logo be of green. This was most likely chosen to represent the nature they document and environmental awareness.

Medium, like above, also has a green monochromatic logo. It was probably made this way to represent how the balanced company is growing and will need development to continue. 

Triad Color

The Superman logo has the triad colors of red, yellow, and blue. This gives a balance of what he is; strong (red), intellectual (blue), while also being emotional (yellow).







Burger King also has the colors of red, yellow, and blue for their triad logo. Unlike the one above, this was most likely chosen to have the yellow represent the buns of their burgers, red for their meat, and blue for trust in this restaurant. 

Wheeling Out A Color Wheel

Color Wheel Project

The Making Of

The project we did was to make a color wheel in Adobe Illustrator (AI) to prepare for graphic design. First, we had to learn how to use this new program, different controls and how it should be set up. With information on the basics of color and the various shapes needed, we were given a tutorial before being set loose. This project was just an intro to AI and Macs, so most instructions were clear and showed in steps, but learning how to do it ourselves was still a process.

What Was Learned

To use Illustrator, we had to learn how to use various tools, such as the selection arrow, shape tool, Artboard tool, and multiple more. Along with this, we were taught how a Mac's keyboard worked and simple command. The command I used the most was option + drag to make copies of the shapes placed easily and quickly. We also learned command + z for undo, which was needed at multiple times, and how to use each tool mentioned above efficiently. For each shape, we were told the difference of fill and stoke (outline) and how to actually make the shapes in each tool.

Also to go along with this project was some information on the colors themselves. We were shown how a color wheel was divided and which ones went with each other. There was an view on the three primaries, three secondaries, and six tertiaries, which are the primaries and secondaries mixed together. Then, we learned some color schemes, such as triad, analogous, and complementary. These are all shown in the wheel with the design, and the primary and secondary colors are connected by triangles.

How It Went

This project went well, and was actually quite fun to do. That doesn't mean everything went perfectly, but it was still a nice learning experience to have. One thing that I would have changed in this would be how the triangles were set up. They aren't exactly lined up with each other, and if I were to do this again, I would focus more of my time one them. I would also like to learn, and this goes along with the triangles, how to work with the pink center/intersect lines that show up and how to utilize them to their full potential. Seeing as this is the first official project, I'm glad for it and all it has taught me, and overall it was a good thing for future assignments.

My finished color wheel with the colors and their names.

Chalk And Shield

Chalk Project

The Start

Beginning on Tuesday the 22nd, the eComm classes started to work on designing symbols that represent us. To do this, we looked at different symbols and at what they meant, and at colors with their meanings. Then, we were split into three groups of 14, and then into groups of 4 strangers. We had to come up with our own individual symbols, then collaborate to make one that incorporated all of us.

The Design

To come up with my symbol, I thought of what I liked to do and was passionate about. This, to fit our final design, turned out to be a pair of yarn mallets, crossed at the center. I chose them because I have been a percussionist for years now, and have always preferred my yarn mallets. My teammates also chose what fit them, and then we had to combine them. To do this, we looked for balance and a common item for our items to encircle. The outline is of a shield with bright blue wings sprouting from the sides, being mostly grey and blue. In the middle, we put the eComm logo upon a mountain top, acting as a sun and having streaks of yellow come out from it. In the sky there were the other items, the mallets, a phone, and a soccer ball all surrounded by sky and clouds. Though our colors didn't differentiate often, it kept it looking regal and straightforward on our personalities.

The Teamwork

With our team, we had to communicate often on who did what. Though we sometimes changed our tasks, we always checked back in with the others to make sure everything was going smoothly. Most of our chalk was continuously passed around, so everyone got a turn, and we had to share a few colors. Though we did most of it as a group, I came up with the final shield and wings design, and next time we could better agree and work together as only a half of the team was engaged in that process. Also, next time, we could better stick to our decided jobs to allow for less moving around and confusion. Overall, though, this team activity went well and we got the work done.

This is at the half way point of the project, before the shield was fully filled in.

Our final design of the ONW Raven wings and shield with our designs and the logo as the center, and connecting, piece.