Isabel Simpson - Digital Art

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Project Four Time-Based Media

Project Four - Time-Based Media

For our fourth project, we had to create one or more moving image art pieces using the time-oriented tools that we learned how to use in Photoshop. We were encouraged to take various approaches; abstract, representative, hand-drawn/keyframed animation, or stop-motion animation. We had to demonstrate that we could use Photoshop's timeline and animation features. We were also given the option of adding sound to our projects.

Project 4 Artist Statement

For this project based on time-based media, I decided to do a hand-drawn video project. I used various shapes and patterns for this project. I tried to incorporate different visual images to keep the video interesting, but I used mostly basic shapes. I also wanted to use many different colors to keep the video visually appealing. Many of the patterns and shapes go through some form of progression. I started with single images and added on to it with each new frame. This project does not have a strong narrative or meaning behind it, but I wanted to see how I could use shapes, colors, and patterns with a video project.

The Finished Project

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Project Three - 3D Objects in Photoshop

For our third project, we had to create a collection of three or more 3D objects in Photoshop that were related to each other. We were encouraged to use our new 3D photoshop skills and include color, texture, lighting, and camera angle. We also had to include some sort of background for our 3D objects. I looked online and found many helpful tutorials for creating 3D text, and used them as an inspiration for my final project.

Project 3 Artist Statement

For this project, I decided to do a sequence of three pictures with three distinct 3D objects in total. I chose to work with three different days of the week. I made images for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I made each day of the week into a different 3D object along with an accompanying background. I thought these were a good choice to use because there is a natural connection between the three subjects. I made each day look different, but tried to maintain a sense of cohesion in the project. I researched several techniques of manipulating 3D text, and I found tutorials online that gave me some ideas to incorporate into this project. I added the rest of the days of the week in a plain black font. This is to demonstrate how many people feel that during the week, their days can be fairly boring in anticipation for the weekend.

The Finished Project

A closer look at the 3D text

Online Tutorials Used

http://design.tutsplus.com/tutorials/create-a-shiny-white-and-gold-3d-text-effect-in-adobe-photoshop--cms-24738

http://planetphotoshop.com/glittering-gold-text-effect.html

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Project Two - Images in Sequence

For our second project, we had to make a series of three or more composited images.

These images had to be aesthetically linked, or follow a certain theme. We were also encouraged to use the new tools in photoshop that we have been learning about in class.

Project Two Artist Statement

For this project, I decided to do a sequence of three pictures. I chose three photos that I took in 2013 while on a trip in Paris, France. These photos were all taken on the same day when I visited the Eiffel Tower. The picture in the middle was taken when I was standing below the Eiffel Tower. The pictures on the sides were taken while standing on the top level of the Eiffel Tower, and they are the views of the city from opposite sides of the Eiffel Tower. I thought these were a good choice to use for a sequence of images because they visually look different, but are all connected because of their location.

I did not have a strong motive behind the editing style that I chose for my project. However, I enjoyed experimenting with new ways to use photoshop. I started off by adjusting the coloring of the photos until he saturation, contrast, and lightness/darkness of the photos looked more cohesive. Then, I used different blending options, and gradients to add the colors to my photos.

Here are the original photos

Here is an image of my final project

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Project One - The Self and The Internet Continued

Project One Artist Statement

The use of technology is increasing every day, with no signs of slowing down. There are positive and negative aspects of technology. It can be a good experience for people to accept technology and use it in a way that benefits their daily lives. A large component of technology is social media. The rise of social media has given us the power to connect with people from all over the world, and gives us an opportunity to interact with like-minded individuals that we otherwise never would have communicated with. Social media also allows people to portray what they like the best out of their lives. People have the power to choose how they want to be perceived on social media, and this can actually be a great source of self-esteem. While it may not fix problems that people have offline, for many it is an important creative outlet. In the photo, I put a camera roll onto a cellphone that is filled with images that are usually viewed as positive. Also, the background of the photo is not easily distinguishable, because the user is focusing on the pictures on the screen.

Links for Photos Used in Project One

Project One - The Self and the Internet

Our first project was a foundational composite image, using three or more digital images based on the theme. We had to use the new Photoshop techniques that we learned in class. We had two options for the theme of our project; The Self and the Internet and The Self and the Place. I chose to do my project on the Self and the Internet because I thought it was a creative and relevant theme for our first project. The instructions for our project included, "You should try to visually explore what it means to be digital. Consider our connection to the internet, the pervasiveness of digital technology, and question what we gain or lose from all of this. Somewhere in-between examining your own life and experiences and considering these questions, you will likely find the spark of an idea that will serve as the springboard for your project."

To begin the project, I thought of how I personally connect with the internet on a day to day basis. Usually I use the internet on my laptop or cellphone. Cellphones are one of the easiest ways to connect with other people online and express your creativity though social media. So I used a cellphone as the starting point for my project. Then, I found various photos to be displayed on the cellphone. I wanted to convey the message that social media and photos can be used to show people what parts of your life are important to you, and to document parts of your life.

I started with an image of a cellphone, and then the completed project is all of the photos I added into the original image.

Original Image

Finished Project

To find photos to use for this project I used photos that were free to use and not copyrighted. I found a majority of these photos on https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Images and on https://www.pexels.com/