Tuesday, 21 December 2010
Winter Photos
Here are a few photos i have taken of different locations in the snow. Some of these pictures i have developed further and edited using photoshop.
Friday, 10 December 2010
Validation - DONE as of two days ago
A bit of a late post but as i forgot to mention it in my evaluation thought i should write a quick post. I managed to validate all my webpages for the Pit and Pendulum site on the validartor which came back with two main erroes which where easily solved and 4 warnings which i relsovled as best as I could. Overall Website functioning well with no errors and validated using http://validator.w3.org/.
Evaluation of PIt and Pendulum Website
I wanted to make the website responsive to the user whilst fitting into the correct genre of the establishment. Not just making a website that is interactive with numerous aspects of media, but a website that appealed to the target market and was fit for purpose.
I began by planning what slides I would produce. I did this by looking at Pit and Pendulum and seeing what content would be needed for a website. Having considered what content may be relevant I structured the site. I chose to make seven pages each containing something useful to the audience.
First Page: Index (Homepage)
I chose to keep the layout simple but bold, trying to capture the stereotype of the pub in the design. Sticking to the rustic/medieval theme found throughout the bar. This worked well and I managed to make a homepage that had elements of detail with a simple yet eye catching design. I made a floral side bar which I included on all the pages. It consisted of a rustic textured black frame design, similar to a pattern I saw in the pub. I made a simple header with the links in bold boxes, having the effect too stand out to the participant (visitor of the site). Also the links react to the mouse cursor with them highlighting when the cursor hovers over them. For the main header of each page I made a Typeface on photo shop saying the establishments name ‘Pit and Pendulum’. This not only tells them the name of the bar but introduces them to the website. I added a photo of the pub bordered in a red box to make it stand out from the textured background. This was to give the possible customer a glimpse of the pub. I also added a small introduction. The final thing I did was added narrow long boxes in a red colour. This was to break up the empty space in the layout. The container was centralised on a pale coloured background with brushes and filters to give the final image.
Second page: contact
On this page I stuck to the layout of a floral sidebar and a header with the links and typeface in. I then added the contact details and number in a rectangular side box. To the right of this I made a working Google map to give further directions and guidance to the establishment.
Third Page: Drink Menu
On the drink menu I included a couple of illustrations I had drawn using biro and watercolour paints. I also made a text box included the basic drinks sold at the establishment. This was design to give the user an insight into the drinks sold.
Forth Page: Events
This page was designed to tell customers of upcoming events and offers. At the time all the current events have passed so I left it as a text box TBA with the java script coding to enlarge the text if needed. As this box will included vital information of the current events, whilst at the moment it only stores a small sentence it is designed to store an events details and other important information. In large volumes of text it will need enlarging too read making the java script button useful.
Fifth Page: Gallery
I chose for this page to gather a range of photos from within the establishment, giving the participant an inside view of the bar. Showing people who have never been to the Pit and Pendulum what it is. I design it sticking to the layout that flows on every page whilst including an introductory sentence to the gallery its self. I made the gallery using java script to make them all black and white until the cursor hovers over which enabled them to go into colour. This worked really well and gave some sort of interaction to the audience.
Sixth Page: Special Drinks Menu
For the special drinks page i stuck to the cocktail theme for the establishment, including the seven deadly sins and seven heavenly virtues. I created specific typefaces to draw attention to the page making it stand out. This page consisted of a simple layout making it more users friendly.
Seventh Page: Food Menu
This was the final page I created to bring the website together. I used java script and j query to create a sliding accordion. This displayed four selections starter and snacks, mains, sides and salads and desserts. This gave the option for the participant to choose the section they look at by a click of the mouse.
Throughout the website I have strived to keep a simple layout with elements of detail in areas. I produced a controllable interface which helps the users complete their tasks successfully and efficiently.
I began by planning what slides I would produce. I did this by looking at Pit and Pendulum and seeing what content would be needed for a website. Having considered what content may be relevant I structured the site. I chose to make seven pages each containing something useful to the audience.
First Page: Index (Homepage)
I chose to keep the layout simple but bold, trying to capture the stereotype of the pub in the design. Sticking to the rustic/medieval theme found throughout the bar. This worked well and I managed to make a homepage that had elements of detail with a simple yet eye catching design. I made a floral side bar which I included on all the pages. It consisted of a rustic textured black frame design, similar to a pattern I saw in the pub. I made a simple header with the links in bold boxes, having the effect too stand out to the participant (visitor of the site). Also the links react to the mouse cursor with them highlighting when the cursor hovers over them. For the main header of each page I made a Typeface on photo shop saying the establishments name ‘Pit and Pendulum’. This not only tells them the name of the bar but introduces them to the website. I added a photo of the pub bordered in a red box to make it stand out from the textured background. This was to give the possible customer a glimpse of the pub. I also added a small introduction. The final thing I did was added narrow long boxes in a red colour. This was to break up the empty space in the layout. The container was centralised on a pale coloured background with brushes and filters to give the final image.
Second page: contact
On this page I stuck to the layout of a floral sidebar and a header with the links and typeface in. I then added the contact details and number in a rectangular side box. To the right of this I made a working Google map to give further directions and guidance to the establishment.
Third Page: Drink Menu
On the drink menu I included a couple of illustrations I had drawn using biro and watercolour paints. I also made a text box included the basic drinks sold at the establishment. This was design to give the user an insight into the drinks sold.
Forth Page: Events
This page was designed to tell customers of upcoming events and offers. At the time all the current events have passed so I left it as a text box TBA with the java script coding to enlarge the text if needed. As this box will included vital information of the current events, whilst at the moment it only stores a small sentence it is designed to store an events details and other important information. In large volumes of text it will need enlarging too read making the java script button useful.
Fifth Page: Gallery
I chose for this page to gather a range of photos from within the establishment, giving the participant an inside view of the bar. Showing people who have never been to the Pit and Pendulum what it is. I design it sticking to the layout that flows on every page whilst including an introductory sentence to the gallery its self. I made the gallery using java script to make them all black and white until the cursor hovers over which enabled them to go into colour. This worked really well and gave some sort of interaction to the audience.
Sixth Page: Special Drinks Menu
For the special drinks page i stuck to the cocktail theme for the establishment, including the seven deadly sins and seven heavenly virtues. I created specific typefaces to draw attention to the page making it stand out. This page consisted of a simple layout making it more users friendly.
Seventh Page: Food Menu
This was the final page I created to bring the website together. I used java script and j query to create a sliding accordion. This displayed four selections starter and snacks, mains, sides and salads and desserts. This gave the option for the participant to choose the section they look at by a click of the mouse.
Throughout the website I have strived to keep a simple layout with elements of detail in areas. I produced a controllable interface which helps the users complete their tasks successfully and efficiently.
Thursday, 9 December 2010
Cosmic - Cartoon Artist Cornwall
This is an artist I happened to find through a house mate, who happens to be a good friend of theirs. He is a Cornwall based artist whilst being a graphite/ Illustrative themed designer. He has developed a career through this style appearing in magazine, surf boards, shop windows, walls, vehicles and a few exhibitions. I found his work very unique and original whilst being bright colourful with lots of detail. I intend to try doing some of my own work in this style using my imagination to create my own twist on the imagery. Here are a few examples.
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
PUSH (designer)
Designer- Push And Alex Saviuk
An Example of their work is Tijuana Flats, a grapgic-novel inspired restaurant site. It is the online home for a chain of Mex Tex restaurants across America. As you navigate down the website, the main page navigator bar drops down to seamlessly blend in with the background artwork. This part of the site is a key element and works really well. The site is HTML based and doesnt use flash.
Below is a screen shot of the website.
An Example of their work is Tijuana Flats, a grapgic-novel inspired restaurant site. It is the online home for a chain of Mex Tex restaurants across America. As you navigate down the website, the main page navigator bar drops down to seamlessly blend in with the background artwork. This part of the site is a key element and works really well. The site is HTML based and doesnt use flash.
Below is a screen shot of the website.
Sunday, 5 December 2010
Folio - Illustration Agency
Folio is an Illustration agency i found. I chose to investigate its content as i personaly have a keen passion for drawing and illustration, which i hopefully hope to help me brand my own work in the future and make it individual. The styles within the agency range from classic oil and acrylic painting, water colour techniques, classic airbrush, model making, through to contemporary illustration and digital multi-media.
http://www.folioart.co.uk/illustration/folio/about
First Draft Of Special Drinks Page
This is the first draft to my special drinks menu for the website. I drew the illustration in biro, with the use of watercolor paints to enhance the image. I then scanned it in and used a number of layers and brush effects to give the final image shown on the website screenshot. After i had created it i decied it didnt look how I imagened. So I adjusted the pages structure. I have also got rid of the illustration that didnt flow well with on the page. Resulting in an all round better page graphically.
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
This is the Home page I created for the Pit and Pendulum fitting into the criteria they appeal to with the medieval / gothic theme portrayed throughout the establishment. I have created the other pages to this theme to try and capture the right genre and stand out whilst giving the information clearly. I have used my own photography for this home page from a photo I took of the main entrance of the pub. I Have edited the image using a posterize effect within Photoshop and specific brushes and filters to give the eerie feel to the website.
Friday, 26 November 2010
Allan Teger is a photographer I saw in a magazine recently. After glimpsing at the powerful black and white imagery he produces I went on to do some further research and view his portfolio.
He transforms the human body into landscapes. Showing the human form in a new perspective, looking at the world in a different manner. As a photographer he uses sensual, erotic art in black and white photographs to grab the attention of the viewer with the bold strong images and attention to detail.
He transforms the human body into landscapes. Showing the human form in a new perspective, looking at the world in a different manner. As a photographer he uses sensual, erotic art in black and white photographs to grab the attention of the viewer with the bold strong images and attention to detail.
Thursday, 25 November 2010
This image is a coloured design inspired from pervious work which I intend to develop and incorporate in my portfolio deign using a range of black silhouettes over the top.Below is an example I created to see what it may look like. If I achieve it it in the same way, where i will use a different layout.
Friday, 12 November 2010
David Carson
David Carson know for Graphic Design and his innovative designs in magazines and use of experimental typography. He was also the art director for the magazine Ray Gun. With his use of Grunge typography and bold manipulated images are key features to his work and portrayed in a manner that doesn’t just attract the attention of the viewer but keeps them involved, making them look at it in more depth.
The method he uses for his work stood out to me as it used strong colours that complemented each other with overlapping imagery with aspects of transparency, filters and rustic textures with grunge typography to give the finished images and designs in his own unique practice. Making the designs not just stand out but with the attention to detail it draws the viewer. It has the affect at first glimpse to take a second glance and too stop and stare. Having the power to make the viewer actually take in the message portrayed by the design and understands the specific values to an extent. He has manipulated photography with typography and twisted them together on some level it confuses the message but like previously said it has the affect to draw the viewer’s eyes and make them look deeper into the composition itself.
I personally liked it for the construction of the images and the specific layouts in some of his work whilst having this powerful use of typography in the designs and deconstruction of designs. To make these early Photoshop pieces.
The Ps3 Controller
This is a portable device created for entertainment and general gaming. The device has evolved over the years becoming more interactive whilst allowing more freedom to the player, with the improved wireless controller from the pervious designs which hand wires that got in the way and tangled up with everything.
The PS3 co0ntroller has two analogue sticks which move in all angels and have a rubber grip texture too give friction and prevent your thumb slipping when using it. It also consists of a directional D pad and four symbol buttons on the corresponding side, with a on off button centralised on the controller. This gives the freedom to turn the console on from the comfort of your sofa and use from a distance with the wireless feature. The usability is very good and the reactions on game from the controller are immediate even with the wireless controller, also the remotes are perfectly shaped to the hands to make them easy to use. Whilst being very light in comparison to other competitors such as the Xbox 360 controller.
Monday, 8 November 2010
Web Design Essentail - Magazine
Recently I have purchased two magazines to gain more knowledge into the course. Web design essential being one of them. It includes tutorials, interviews and lessons to help teach you, some of which are on a disc. It has articles on business and companies too and gives references for books to help further this knowledge. “You’re not a resource. You’re an individual with a unique set of valuable skills” (Mark Boulton . This was from an article i read and has stood out for me in doing context1.
Design Principles
Design principles
Here is a group of fundamentals that effect the user and interactive interface of a design. Lockwood and Constantine describe certain groups. A collection of principles that improve the quality and user interface of a design.
1. The Structure Principle
2. The Simplicity Principle
3. The Visibility Principle
4. The feedback Principle
5. The Tolerance Principle
Here is a group of fundamentals that effect the user and interactive interface of a design. Lockwood and Constantine describe certain groups. A collection of principles that improve the quality and user interface of a design.
1. The Structure Principle
2. The Simplicity Principle
3. The Visibility Principle
4. The feedback Principle
5. The Tolerance Principle
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
Heart Illustration
This is a drawing I did for an idea I had about design for my portfolio. Passion for design. The idea my designs come from the heart.
Logo and Names For Portfolio
Possible Names,
Thurlow Design
LT
Time (design)
LT Design
Thurlow Studios
Logo Designs
Thurlow Design
LT
Time (design)
LT Design
Thurlow Studios
Logo Designs
Mlob - Portfolio Character 1
Below is a few illustrations i have drawn and scanned in. I have drawn them after thinking what I could create to make my porfolio stand out. Hopefully these illustrations make it orignal, imaginative and stand out. This is a creature one of my two characters.
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
Website Ideas
My initial ideas for the website was to create a fully functioning site for either a small leisure center, retail business or pub. After researching possible candidates to make a website for i narrowed it down to the Pit and Pendulum pub. I chose this as it was not only unusual to regular pubs but stood out for being unique and having quirky features such as a book case for the toilet door. This venue doesn’t have a website so i thought it would be a challenge to create it from scratch without having an existing site to view for ideas. I intend to stick to the genre of the pub and create a website using illustrations and Photoshop to make a medieval rustic themed site.
Wednesday, 27 October 2010
Friday, 15 October 2010
Design Quotes
Design Quotes- (References from the past)
A few quotes that have stood out in the past and been a way of thinking whilst innovating a different method.
All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible.
T.E.Lawrence
This quote in an autobiography i read has stuck in my mind since i heard it and is a quote to live by, as i myself am a dreamer and always having achieving my goals working to make my dreams a reality.
'Good design is obvious. Great design is transparent.'
Joe Sparano
"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."
Albert Einstein
'Everything is designed. Few things are designed well.'
Brian Reed
'Design is the method of putting form and content together. Design, just as art, has multiple definitions; there is no single definition. Design can be art. Design can be aesthetics. Design is so simple, thats why it is so complicated.'
Paul Rand
A few quotes that have stood out in the past and been a way of thinking whilst innovating a different method.
All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible.
T.E.Lawrence
This quote in an autobiography i read has stuck in my mind since i heard it and is a quote to live by, as i myself am a dreamer and always having achieving my goals working to make my dreams a reality.
'Good design is obvious. Great design is transparent.'
Joe Sparano
"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."
Albert Einstein
'Everything is designed. Few things are designed well.'
Brian Reed
'Design is the method of putting form and content together. Design, just as art, has multiple definitions; there is no single definition. Design can be art. Design can be aesthetics. Design is so simple, thats why it is so complicated.'
Paul Rand
Typography and Typefaces
Typography Blog
Background (my typography)
The passion for typography began years ago in my graphic design course. Where the relevance and use of it was essential.Once i had learnt numerous methods and techniques i developed my ideas into a reality, and began creating my own typefaces.I have always enjoyed all types of design from graphic to web involving photography illustration and typography.
Letterpool.com - website
This website i have scanned over and picked a few typefaces that stood out to me. I tried to gather a range of them from all backgrounds and genres, including different markets, targets audience and backgrounds.
www.Dafont.com
Another site i have previously used for inspiration is Dafont. A site full of examples of fonts of all shapes sizes and themes.Below i have captured a few examples. The structure to the site is straight forward making it very easy to use and preview your typed words in the typefaces you request. Here are some captions with simple instructions to try out the site.
Background (my typography)
The passion for typography began years ago in my graphic design course. Where the relevance and use of it was essential.Once i had learnt numerous methods and techniques i developed my ideas into a reality, and began creating my own typefaces.I have always enjoyed all types of design from graphic to web involving photography illustration and typography.
Letterpool.com - website
This website i have scanned over and picked a few typefaces that stood out to me. I tried to gather a range of them from all backgrounds and genres, including different markets, targets audience and backgrounds.
www.Dafont.com
Another site i have previously used for inspiration is Dafont. A site full of examples of fonts of all shapes sizes and themes.Below i have captured a few examples. The structure to the site is straight forward making it very easy to use and preview your typed words in the typefaces you request. Here are some captions with simple instructions to try out the site.
Website 3 - Coca cola Happiness
From an interaction point of view the website works substantially well. As it isn't just a website its a multi purpose and functional interaction, involving not only great animation with 3D Max built environments, but flash games with video and audio implications. The content is organised in a range of drop boxes with interactive links/buttons. A key aspect is when you click a button for the content you want to access. The camera pans around the environment and follows the creature to a different part of the virtual world. Bringing realistic features to a virtual environment. This is done by making it feel like you are in the world with a point of view camera effect instead of just jumping page to page amongst the website. Using flash throughout i found numerous interactions and animations. With numbers of activities happening in the background to grab your attention, bringing not only this page to life but the whole web page. The layout consists of a drop box of options all leading onto a different page and location in this environment.
I was most interested in how powerful but subtle the background environment was when using the site. As it managed a balance of not drawing too much attention from the main focus of the page, but every now and then catching your eye with a little scene of events. Overall I believe that this website works on a vast amount of levels appealing to a variety of ages.
I was most interested in how powerful but subtle the background environment was when using the site. As it managed a balance of not drawing too much attention from the main focus of the page, but every now and then catching your eye with a little scene of events. Overall I believe that this website works on a vast amount of levels appealing to a variety of ages.
website 2
SPCLDFCTSplayground (antoriocosta.eu) freelance webdesigner
In researching different websites to study and analysis I chose to try and find three completely different websites. Not only different in content but the way they appeal to the viewer and what elements of design they use. SPCLDFCTSplayground website is a strong website i found whilst doing some secondary research. Not only was this website eye catching with strong elements of design it kept me interested throughout.
Using abstract scenes with a peculiar nature in certain cases.
The website has a strong complexity but the layout is just a few buttons with the main focus being the interaction, which for the purpose of the website works outstandingly well. Off this website is a primary site with his portfolio this is more a playground of vices and animations the designer has created to show what he is capable of.One aspect that doesn't work particularly well is on one slide the motion means that a few buttons overlap making it a difficult task to click on the slide you want to see. Apart from that slight problem i found the content is organised well with a strong structure with great interface to it the whole website.
In researching different websites to study and analysis I chose to try and find three completely different websites. Not only different in content but the way they appeal to the viewer and what elements of design they use. SPCLDFCTSplayground website is a strong website i found whilst doing some secondary research. Not only was this website eye catching with strong elements of design it kept me interested throughout.
Using abstract scenes with a peculiar nature in certain cases.
The website has a strong complexity but the layout is just a few buttons with the main focus being the interaction, which for the purpose of the website works outstandingly well. Off this website is a primary site with his portfolio this is more a playground of vices and animations the designer has created to show what he is capable of.One aspect that doesn't work particularly well is on one slide the motion means that a few buttons overlap making it a difficult task to click on the slide you want to see. Apart from that slight problem i found the content is organised well with a strong structure with great interface to it the whole website.
Thursday, 14 October 2010
Website 1 - Redinteractiveagency.com
This is an agency of web designers using a fully functional interactive environment, similar to a video game just on a more basic level. Every aspect and feature deiced by the browser with numerous variables . The websites key purpose is to showcase the interactive media portrayed as a portfolio.
It does this in a format of a virtual environment allowing the participant to free roam. It not only gives you a character to use, but also allows you
to explore different ares whilst getting valuable information. As the site is an Advert/Client based site, it gives you the option to message or even chat
with the designers. Although the site is extremely complex it works simply and is easy to use.
It does this in a format of a virtual environment allowing the participant to free roam. It not only gives you a character to use, but also allows you
to explore different ares whilst getting valuable information. As the site is an Advert/Client based site, it gives you the option to message or even chat
with the designers. Although the site is extremely complex it works simply and is easy to use.
Aspirational Blog/ pathway about me
Over the years my direction has changed with me picking up and developing new skills and methods. From doing this I have found that i have experienced a variety of different fields in art and design.I started with a range of different pathways with numerous projects running side by side. This was when i first had an insight into design. Innately i did Art, Illustration, Graphic design and Media. All three subjects in the same genre but a different sector. After learning new talents and a knowledge of the courses my pathways interlinked and came to a point. I moved on to have a passion in web design and where that could take me in the future.I still keep up with the other aspects of design i did in the past whilst building a career in Design.Where i hope to work for a company and develop my portfolio until I can go freelance.
Over the years my direction has changed with me picking up and developing new skills and methods. From doing this I have found that i have experienced a variety of different fields in art and design.I started with a range of different pathways with numerous projects running side by side. This was when i first had an insight into design. Innately i did Art, Illustration, Graphic design and Media. All three subjects in the same genre but a different sector. After learning new talents and a knowledge of the courses my pathways interlinked and came to a point. I moved on to have a passion in web design and where that could take me in the future.I still keep up with the other aspects of design i did in the past whilst building a career in Design.Where i hope to work for a company and develop my portfolio until I can go freelance.
Presentation/website Analysis
This was the presentation I did for a website I looked at.
www.jayjays.com.au
www.danceoff.jayjays.com.au
The key purpose of the jayjays website is to advertise and sell clothing, and for first time users of the site this is clear with the establishing reel of slides to introduce the browsers.The site uses flash with videos, audio and imagery to keep the user interested. Including scroll down bars drop boxes and link buttons on the horizontal borders.The layout is a widescreen video on a loop, with a random order of playback. It consists of a variety of professional dancers showing off in full outfits from the clothing range that is being sold. A feature that appealed to me was how you can click your mouse to freeze the video on a still, with a selection of boxes labeling each item instantly after been paused. Clicked a second time the boxes and icons vanish and the video continues.Another outstanding aspect to this website which makes it unique is an optional 3D effect. The site is fully functional whilst giving the participant full freedom over almost everything. Choice over the characters that you watch dance by using the keyboard each letter a different dancer. Audio options and the video controls. The originality of the site gets the buyers involved in their buying instead of it being plain this works really well. The strengths of this layout is the feeling of control it gives to the audience. Personally i believed it not only has achieved a high standard for flash sites but a new market sector for online shopping. For this reason i found this site to catch my eye more than any other whilst being fit for purpose and securely getting the information across in a fun way.
This slide shows the pause feature and how it lists the products on sale.
Main Homepage
www.jayjays.com.au
www.danceoff.jayjays.com.au
The key purpose of the jayjays website is to advertise and sell clothing, and for first time users of the site this is clear with the establishing reel of slides to introduce the browsers.The site uses flash with videos, audio and imagery to keep the user interested. Including scroll down bars drop boxes and link buttons on the horizontal borders.The layout is a widescreen video on a loop, with a random order of playback. It consists of a variety of professional dancers showing off in full outfits from the clothing range that is being sold. A feature that appealed to me was how you can click your mouse to freeze the video on a still, with a selection of boxes labeling each item instantly after been paused. Clicked a second time the boxes and icons vanish and the video continues.Another outstanding aspect to this website which makes it unique is an optional 3D effect. The site is fully functional whilst giving the participant full freedom over almost everything. Choice over the characters that you watch dance by using the keyboard each letter a different dancer. Audio options and the video controls. The originality of the site gets the buyers involved in their buying instead of it being plain this works really well. The strengths of this layout is the feeling of control it gives to the audience. Personally i believed it not only has achieved a high standard for flash sites but a new market sector for online shopping. For this reason i found this site to catch my eye more than any other whilst being fit for purpose and securely getting the information across in a fun way.
This slide shows the pause feature and how it lists the products on sale.
Main Homepage
