Week 14

NEW WEBSITE-CLICK HERE

I have created my new website in order to promote my magazine.  I used two different websites including iweb and Xythos.  I added a link within each that you can click on in order to purchase my magazine 

Week 13

Craft:  For my magazine cover I used photoshop in order to create it.  I wanted something that looked sharp.  I wanted to reader to look at the cover and go outside the box and imagine something else.  I used two separate images that I took while I was in San Francisco.  The cover is of the trolley track leading up a street leading to wherever the reader would like it to lead...it leaves room for imagination.  The back cover is an image of a street leading down to wherever the reader would like it to lead.  I copied each image into photoshop and used a purple background.  I used different fonts on the left and right side of the cover.  I wanted something different to catch the readers attention.  I used a combination of the colors of purple, white, and yellow because I like those colors.  

Concept:  I used these pictures to allow for the reader to imagine whatever they'd like to imagine.  With the pictures leading to somewhere the reader can imagine what that "somewhere" is.  

Composition: Overall, I believe that my magazine cover is very different and unique.  I'm hoping that it will catch the reader's attention and buy my magazine.  I also hope that my magazine will help other artists create a magazine on something they enjoy.

Week 12

Table of contents and Meet the editor

Craft:  I have created the table of contents and the meet the editor page using Adobe In Design.  I wanted to create a magazine that is realistic and would grab the readers attention by the looks of it.  I thought by adding in these two pages, it would create a magazine that is complete.  I chose the color purple as the background, because that is the theme of my magazine.  I will use the color purple for my cover too.  I wanted to include each artists' pictures, because they are the ones that helped me create this magazine with their artwork.  The table of contents has every artist's picture on it and I did this with separating two columns and then putting their page number beside each picture.  I wanted the page to be simple, but catchy.  I then used the same color purple for the meet the editor page.  This page I included a picture of myself, so that the readers can get a feel of who I really am as a person.  I used the same font for the title and placed my picture in the center of the page.  I then wrote a paragraph about myself.  

Concept:  I wanted to pull the magazine together so that it can look complete.  Therefore, I created the table of contents and meet the editor page so that the readers can get a feel for the magazine.  

Composition:  I wanted to create two pages that will grab the readers attention in the beginning of the magazine and also at the end.  Therefore I included these at the front and back of the magazine.  I wanted the magazine to look like it can be sold on the shelves of a magazine stand.  

Week 11

Craft:  We have already completed our 40 spreads, but for this week it is up to my class to critique them and tell them what they like and dislike.  I learned that I need to pay attention more to the small details in each spread.  I did have text overlapping with the actual image, which made it very difficult to read on some.  This spread is one of my favorites, because I first did not know how to arrange it in a way to be successful to the reader.  It was first a very simple, plain spread because I did not know what direction I wanted to take.  Though, I was able to practice different ideas and I came up with making this spread very colorful.  The image itself is a very awesome nicely illustrated image, but I wanted to spice up the spread a little bit by adding a nice pink/red color to the background.  I then incorporated a cursive font style to add to the dramatic sense of the idea of loyalty friendship and love.  I used a three column article to break up each segment.  I pulled a very important quote out of the paper and changed that font to cursive also.  

Concept:  My concept was to spice up the spread.  I used a pink.red color for the background so the reader will get the sense of love.  

Composition:  overall, I love this spread the most because it is very bright and tells a great message.  the image itself is nicely done, so I wanted to make it a full page.  I also wanted to magnify on the article, so I used cursive.  

Week 10

Craft:  For this week, we were to create the next ten spreads for our magazine.  As I took the approach of being very creative and bright last week, I decided to change my direction for this week.  I wanted the image to really stand out so I made the image take up the majority of the space between the two pages.  This grabs the readers attention as they are reading this article.  I then placed the article in a two column form directly to the left of the image.  Next, I took an important quote from the article and made it stand out with a different font and size.  I wanted the title to add a very dramatic feel for the reader, so that is why I chose the font style that I did.  

Concept:  My concept for this spread was again to draw the reader to the image.  I made the image take up alot of space to grab attention.  Although, I will change this spread around because I do not think I allow enough room for the article to stand out.  I want this spread to really pop, so I may change background colors and font colors.  

Composition:  For my composition, I like how everything is layed out in this spread, but I will change the size of the images, so that the text can have more room.  Overall, I think it is a really nice spread.   

Week 9

Craft:  Our next assignment, is to collect every assignment that we have done thus far in the semester along with everyone's assignment in the class to put it all together to form a magazine.  For this end of the semester assignment, we are to use In Design to put together a total of 40 slides.  These slides incorporate a table of contents, collection of everyones Abe Assignments, as well as their own illustration.  We are to create a cover for our magazine, so that it reflects who we really are as a person.  The first step is to create the first ten spreads, which will be 20 pages in the magazine.  We combined images with the artists' text.  Everyone as the same images and text, but it is up to us to arrange and create the magazine that shows our personality.  The first ten spreads were very difficult, because it was the first time I was using In Design.  I chose my favorite spread to put on my blog site, to show you how I created it.  I first placed the image on the left side.  I wanted the image to draw attention, so I made it take up the full space.  On, the right side, I included a creative title with a text that matches the color of the image on the left.  This draws more attention.  Next, I placed the article in a three column form in order to get an affect a real magazine would create.   I wanted to draw out the most important quote so I was able to do that.  I made it larger and a different font from the rest of the article.

Concept:  I really enjoyed creating this spread, because the image is brightly colored and very detailed.  I think it is such a great image that does its justice, so I did not want to be too dramatic with the fonts and colors in the article.  I wanted the image to be the only thing you see.  Therefore, one side is very catchy, while the other is simple but it works for the feel I was trying to go for.  

Composition:  Overall, this composition is very nice.  I think I successfully achieved the effect I was going for.  I wanted this spread to look very professional, so I did look after magazines in order to create.  I followed the simplistic layouts most magazines have, where as in the other spreads I did my own thing and was very creative.

Week 8

Craft:  This is the final illustration of my picture combined with text.  This is the third try, so I have spend numerous times trying to fix the illustration so that it is much more appealing to the eye.  I added a few more images and also fine tuned the old illustration so that it looks very concise.  

I still stuck with the one half with a soldier in Afghanistan and the second half as a depiction of the Hollywood lifestyle.  I wanted to make the image look very realistic, so I used different brush strokes for the Palm trees.  Also, I used the flash image and star image to draw attention to the Hollywood Style.  

Concept:  I wanted to stick with the same image and make the viewer piece it together.  I have the half screen as one image and on the other half the other image to counter act it.  I wanted the viewer to think of the soldiers that are across seas fighting for our freedom, while most of the society thinks about the Hollywood lifestyle including; fame, fortune, and being a celebrity.  Everyone is so worried about what the newest trends and gossip are in Hollywood and they are not thinking of the other men risking their lives everyday.  I used the words on the bottom of the illustration "who is the American Idol?" because this describes the message I am trying to convery.

Composition:  For this final illustration I wanted to make something that appeals to the viewers eye.  By this, I made sure to brighten up the colors from the last image.  I did change the background colors and added more palm trees on one side in order to better represent Hollywood.  I wanted to use the flashes as a symbol for camera flashes.  

Week 7

Concept: For this assignment, we were to create an illustration that expressed something that told a story behind it. We were to use an image, but add a twist by also using text to describe to the audience. As I was coming up with ideas, I originally liked the idea of incorporating the idea of present day Hollywood and the affect the Hollywood persona has on every person. I cam up with this idea, but I also wanted to add more to the illustration. Therefore, I wanted to make a split illustration of what is reality in today's society compared to what people believe is the dream life. I wanted to use the idea of a soldier in Afganistan next to a celebrity walking down the red carpet in Hollywood. I wanted to draw comparison between the two and what today's society views the current issue on war.

Craft: This illustration to a very long time, because it is very detailed. The picture on the right is an idealistic view on how one may look at Hollywood. I wanted to use bright colors, stars, and flashes to depict the hollywood lifestyle. I took a very iconic representation on Hollywood, by illustrating Angelina Jolie walking down the red carpet.

Composition: I believe the composition of this illustration is very nice. Although, I believe it can be much better.  This is the second picture of this illustration, so I was able to change some of the details but I soon realized I wanted to change the final illustration to something that is brighter and bolder.    

Celebrating Lincoln's 200th Birthday

This week, I was able to attend the last night of the art exhibition in Chicago to celebrate Lincoln's 200th Birthday.  As you can see, there were 200 images in honor for our late president and it was such a celebration to attend!  Artists from all over were involved in this exciting art show!  There were many art classes at Saint Xavier that were involved and had their art work displayed for all to see.  As I approached the exhibit, I saw that there were art pieces from all ends of the spectrum.  Paintings, illustrations, woodworks, etc.  This art exhibit is a once in a lifetime experience!  Lincoln turns 200 once, so what a great way to celebrate! 

Week 5

Assignment:  Digital Illustration of whatever we'd like.

Craft:  I wanted to use something with Hollywood and the lights, camera, action aspect of it.  Though, I did not know how to illustrate this.  As I was working, I started with an image of the mountains and the landmark words of "Hollywood"  this was a great place to start, because from there I worked around the illustration.  I illustrated palm trees, by using different colored brush strokes to get that visual effect.  I also wanted to put much attention on the sky.  Therefore, I used different stars and colors to get that effect.  I improved the illustration, by making it look realistic but at the same time like a dream world.  So I used colors that are bold.  I spent a lot of time on the soldier and how I wanted that image to turn out.  I wanted to make him look as if he were dreaming and Hollywood was his dream world.  

Composition:  I used these colors, because they are bold and dreamlike.  They make Hollywood look like a fantasy world, which was the visualization I wanted to give.  I arranged the background off to the side, as the little soldier is in the corner.  I wanted it to look like a dream for him.  Though, I need to change the arrangement of the picture by next week.  

Concept:  Going into this project, I didn't know what message I wanted to get across in my illustration.  So I was playing around with different effects and cam up with something that may not tell the story I want.  By next week, I want to change the illustration and mold the background of Hollywood and an army base in Iraq together, to give that visual instead of using a lot of words to tell the story.  

Week 4

Assignment:  Final Version of the Digital Illustration of Abraham Lincoln  Craft:  For this process, I changed it up a little bit.  With this assignment, I did not know what direction I was going to go.  I knew that I had to stick Abraham in a background that has a connection to who truly is.  I decided on the view of the city of Chicago, because Abraham Lincoln is a very important person in Chicago.  He is from Illinois, so Chicago is perfect for him and his tallness to me shows a connection between him and a skyscraper.  I wanted to use an illustration I had already done of Lincoln, so I did that but just changed minor details on the coloring.  Also, I googled an image of the skyline and from there I went to work with illustrating the buildings.  I wanted it to look realistic, so I added important buildings that are symbolic for Chicago like the bean and and skyscraper.

Composition: I chose this photo of lincoln, because it was a side profile of him and shows his lengthyness. I used the colors of Abraham, because they are grey toned- which shows how the presidency made him look aged. I wanted the background to look realistic, but not boring. So I chose to use a different color for each building to catch the eye. You never see a colorful city, so this is what I was trying to achieve. Also, I believe that Abraham made Chicago how it is today. A very diverse city that is very colorful and bold with different colors.

Concept: This is the final version of Abraham and it is exactly how I wanted it to look with the bolds colors and skyscrapers. I wanted to use a very landmark location, so Chicago is perfect!

Week 3

Assignment: Three illustrations of Abraham Lincoln 

Craft:  For these three illustrations I used Adobe illustrator in order to illustrate each of the different versions of Abe.  I wanted to promote red, white, and blue since Abraham Lincoln was a very patriotic president.  As you can see, each of my versions has those colors to signify who Abraham Lincoln really was.  He was into patriotism and wanted the country united as one, so these colors are perfect.  I improved each picture by spending more time to detail on his face.  I zoomed in in illustrator, in order to illustrate the wrinkles on his face, the color of his eyes, and his aged look.  This is very important, because Abe became very aged throughout his presidency, so it is crucial to show that.  I used different brush strokes to get a realistic view.

Composition:  I chose these photos, because I thought it would be easier to illustrate them because they are close ups of Abe's face.  I liked them, because I can only focus on his facial expressions, instead of his entire body.  I wanted to mix it up a little, so I used a Hawaiian  shirt on him to show his fun side.  Of course I never knew Abe, but I think later down the road if he had lived after his presidency he would want to hang out on the beach.  

Concept:  My concept by next week is to illustrate a Lincoln and use a background that is familiar to all.  I want my Lincoln to be towering over all the skyscrapers in Chicago.  

Week 2

Assignment:  Digital Illustration of Abraham Lincoln

CRAFT:  Process- How did you do it?  I created this illustration by using the program adobe illustration.  this is a great program, because it allowed my to easily enhance my picture of Abraham Lincoln.  I used the pencil tool and the fill tool to create this picture.  

Technique- How did you improve it?  I improved it, because the first time around I was a little confused my the assignment and I was new to adobe illustrator.  This made it very difficult, because I was just making it up as I went.  Though, the other day in class, I finally figured it out and created a brand new illustration of Lincoln.  I hope everyone enjoys it!

COMPOSITION:  Why this photo?  I chose this photo, because it was a very detailed photo that showed his stature and age.  

Why these colors?  I chose the grey tone, because that was how the original was and I decided to make his clothing red, white, and blue.  This was a great touch to add color to the illustration!

CONCEPT:  Where of when should Lincoln go by next week?

Week 1

ASSIGNMENT

set-up blog

CRAFT

Supplies-

Steps- (step1) get or confirm gmail account (sxu-cg-abolger@blogspot.com

COMPOSITION

Why this photo?

I chose this photo, because it is a photo that shows my personality best. It is a very classic photo that portrays who I am.

Why this template?

I chose this template, because it is very colorful and catches anyones eye. The other templates were very boring and this template is appealing to anyone that looks at it.

CONCEPT

answer one each of these who, what, where, when, why, and how questions

Who are you? -I am a very creative, hard-working person that loves traveling, the outdoors, my friends, and most importantly the beach. I live a few blocks away from Lake Michigan in Long Beach and the beach is where I go to get away and relax.

Who is your hero?

What makes you the happiest?

What makes you so good?- What makes me so good, is that im one of a kind.

Where did you come from?

Where are you going?-A place that is warm, on the beach, with the people I love most.

When were you last tested?

When did you get blamed?-All the time.

Why do you get out of bed in the morning?-I get out of bed, because I have the drive to become someone important in this world.

Why do you keep going this?

How do you get what you want? -I get what I want by working hard to achieve it.

How do you feel?