Constructivism

Constructivism is essentially how we can construct and receive messages through images. Everything in images is there for a reason so it is important that it is carefully portrayed and easy to understand. However when viewing an image we are not immediately drawn to the meanings, instead we are drawn to eye catching images or text. In analysing this we consider Gestalt’s theory and Julian Hochberg, who look at how our eyes are constantly I’m motion while looking at a page/ image. We are attracted to different parts of an image and then look at the rest of the image to find meaning, an explanation or gain a better understanding of what is being represented. We usually start by scanning over a page, noticing images and large titles before focusing on the text and detail for an explanation.

In my infographic I need to make sure that there are images or titles that are attractive and will draw the audiences attention. These focus points need to encourage the viewer to continue looking at the image and search for the meanings and reason for the image. When considering constructivism you also need to consider they image layout, people are attracted to large, bold and colourful titles and main images that are attention grabbing. By including these features in my image I should be able to create a visually appealing and interesting image. Finally, the idea is that people not only view and understand your image and its messages but they retain the main ideas you have taught them.

Sketch

This is the sketch I have done for my image, I have tried to make it simple and easy to understand so that it appeals to children.  This is still subject to change depending on how busy it looks on the page. I am still trying to decide between one or two rows of extra flavours along the bottom.

IDEA PROGRESS

Since last week I have been drafting possible concepts for my different ideas. I have decided that it would be hard create an infographic about a game as it would require a lot of information on one page. It would also be hard to structure it in a visually appealing format. At the moment there are two ideas that im keen on, how to make a burger and how to make hot chocolate. These are both ideas that could be clearly illustrated in an infographic. I have been researching images to recreate for both infographics and using these to create draft ideas. I will continue with my drafts and decide by the end of the week which idea I would like to do for the final infographic.

INITIAL IDEA

Assignment 2 requires us to construct an infographic using illustrator, this week I have been trying to brainstorm ideas. I would like my infographic to to be fun and not too serious, thus I need a topic that allows this creativity. After research I have found that creating infographics for events/holidays would be quite effective, they are easy to understand and already have obvious colour schemes. For example Christmas would be red and green and valentine would be red, pink and white.  An issue I found with creating infographics about these events is that it is hard to have an original idea, almost every aspect of these holidays already has an infographic.

Another  idea I had was to create a food item in my infographic, this would be fun and allow me to be creative on illustrator. Some ideas that come to mind could be baking a cake, this would involve ingredients, dishes and equipment. Or a simple idea such as how to make a taco, this could also include humor as it is a simple and fun idea. Other food ideas could be toasted sandwiches, drinks or cooked breakfast.  An issue with this idea is that it would be hard to show all the elements in the infographic using only 3-4 colours.

The final idea I had was to create an infographic about how to play a game. It could be a simple idea such as how to play hopscotch, this would be a simple idea with the hopscotch layout and instructions. Other games could be snakes and ladders, connect four or cards. These would be fun infographics and would look very effective.

Final Image

summary

For the assessment 1- photo illustration assignment I chose an article called “Tree protests: ‘Some things ought to be preserved” sourced from the New Zealand Herald. It is one of many articles addressing the issues surrounding the government  looking into the councils decision to allow old rimu and kauri trees to be cut down. In the past few years protesters have been fighting for the native trees, arguing that they should be protected not destroyed. Due to this issue often being reported on in the media I decided to not only illustrate my image but include hints from similar articles as well.

My final image has turned out different to what I initially had in mind and combines a few elements of different concept ideas. The image features a main image of a forest from a low angle, thus making the trees look very large and imply in the image that they are a force to be reckoned with. I have edited the colour of the background image from its initial state to be brighter thus portraying life. I have tried to add a light source coming through the two trees on the left hand side of the image. This was to create shadows and also represent the protesters and government fighting for the trees survival. The light is the helping have shining down on the damage that has already been done. The damaged tree was inserted into the image, this is supposed to look like it is in the process of falling, not landed on the ground yet. I have edited the colour on this tree, trying to make it look ‘dead’, I have tried to make the difference in colour between the background and dead tree quite obvious so that it stands out. Along with the colour adjustments I have added additional shadows along the side of the tree. The shadow along the ground is very obvious as it is suppose to help show that the tree is in the process of falling, if the tree was on the ground it would cast a different size and shaped shadow. I have tried to give the falling tree branches and leaves at the top because in the source photo it didn’t have any. I believe the tree top is convincing however with the ‘dead’ filter over top it doesn’t blend as nicely.

One of my initial objectives was to create a realistic image, I didn’t want my image to look like a cartoon. I believe my illustration is a true representation of what a tree falling in a forest would look like. By blending the falling tree image it creates a falling illusion and helps illustrate the article I chose. Overall I believe that apart from the colour correction the image looks as though it could have been one picture.

The in class lectures and examples have been very useful in creating my image, before taking Visual Communications I only had a basic understanding of photoshop. Now to create my image I was able to create multiple layers and use masks for the unwanted photos. I had a better understanding of how to adjust the images colouring and was able to create realistic looking shadows. In conclusion, I am happy with my final image, I know there are always things that could be improved however this image clearly shows how far my skills have come since starting this class.

Effective Visual Communication

One of the discussions we had in class that I found interesting was about effective visual communication and how we could include certain elements in our image to make it visually appealing and attractive. I want my image to catch the viewers attention and keep them interested without them having to search to far for the overall message. Although semiotics are a great feature for an image if the basic idea isn’t obvious people tend to disengage.

In terms of layout, I want the viewer to be naturally guided to the focal point of the image. This could be done using the suns rays and shadows. For example the layout of the bottles in the image below force us to follow the line and end up at the CocaCola logo and written message.

 

With the main image in my assignment being a forest it is important for me to consider space. the most effective images allow for breathing space to ensure the image is not cluttered. If there is too much happening in an image it can be unappealing and to hard to understand.

To ensure that my image effectively conveys my message it is important it gets straight to the point.  All images that I include should match the tone and subject matter I am illustrating, all other images are irrelevant. In limiting my images it is still important to include iconography, a few images in which are easily understood and enhance the viewers comprehension.

 

Source:http://www.columnfivemedia.com/infographic-10-tips-for-designing-effective-visual-communication

Comments

Below are five of the best comments I posted on other peoples work.

1. Sose, these concept sketches all look like you have put a lot of thought and effort into them. image 2 is very effective, with the puzzle pieces clearly representing the loss of imagination. I believe you have been able to create a contrast between the puzzle pieces (typically and children’s toy) and imagination which most people say is a quality kids have. Image three is also effective with the rusty machine inside, this image will let you play around with more technical elements of Photoshop in creating the rusty look. Image 4 looks like a great idea and it will give you the opportunity to play with light. it may however be hard to make the wires and sparks look life like and effective.

2. Molly, this image already looks awesome. It is easy to see the messages you are trying to portray. The composition and proportions look good so far thus creating a realistic looking image. For the background I believe an office wall will do the trick and nicely finish off the image. Also for the shadows, I can see a faint shadow of your actors hand but perhaps you need to make it slightly more obvious.

3. Vita, this looks great so far. The burger on the ground and hand picking it up are well proportioned. I believe on of the most effective parts of your image will be the bacteria men. Just wondering if they will be coming from just one side of the image or will they move in from various parts. Having the men come in from different angles could help show how fast bacteria reaches food once it’s dropped. This image already look great so i’m sure the final product will be amazing.

4. I think your concept sketches are great! I think the 4th sketch is the best, you will be able to clearly see that it is the same person. The placement of the girls is good, allowing you to see the facial expressions of both girls.

5.Vita! these look great. I think your idea of keeping your image simple is good, it is easy to tell what each of your images are trying to say. I like how concept 3 has two different floor types and that you can show how different foods would be affected.

 

Image manipulation techniques

Image manipulation and editing is not a skill I excel at however we have been learning many different techniques in class that will hopefully make editing my final image easier. I only had a basic understanding of Photoshop and although I could get the job done we have been taught techniques that will allow me to create a better quality image. Some of these new techniques include, masking the images, this is a much more accurate way in which to cut certain sections out of one image and add them to another. This method would work well when you are cutting out intricate image or trying to decipher between useful image and the background. Being that my image is a forest it is important that I make it as realistic and believable as possible, therefor creating shadows underneath the falling tree is essential. I will need to adjust the transparency of the shadow depending on where it falls in the image. Finally, proportion is an important factor in my image, since i am adding trees to an image of a forest its important that any I add look proportionate to the others. Placement is also a factor in this as depending on where I place additional images will depend on how big or small they need to be.

Semiotics

Semiotics is the idea of finding meaning and signs in images that help imply messages. This as a simple idea that can easily be used to use to make an effective image. It also gives people the chance to create their own opinions about what the image portrays instead of telling them what to think.  For my image my idea is to add subtle signs and signals that viewers can pick up on and analyse. For example the change in colour will help imply and differentiate between the ‘dead’ and ‘alive’ world. Hopefully I will be able to include this colour editing in both the trees and sky. Another one of the ideas I had to create meaning was to use lighting. If possible it would be great if I could have light rays shining in through the trees to signify the protesters fighting for the trees well being. The light rays would be a less obvious way to show the supporters rather than needing people in my image. the below image is a great example of how light rays could be used to represent positivity.

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