Imagery Generated Color Palette's

 Color Palette Generation From Photograph:

In the study of color theory, primary colors refer to the 3 or 4 color combinations that all other colors can be derived from. In photography, an image can have cool, warm, light, dark, saturated or unsaturated primary colors. In this short project we will extract the colors that make up our image. From that palette we can choose pleasing color combinations for layout purposes.

Step 1: Pick a photo you like from one of the free photo websites below or choose your own, but make sure it has lots of COLOR!:

Flickr Creative Commons
http://www.freephotos.se

http://www.morguefile.com

Step 2: Navigate to this online palette generator, and upload your image as a JPG file. Here is the link : http://www.cssdrive.com/imagepalette/

Make sure you click "choose file" and upload your image....

Look for this link near the bottom of the page...

Step 3: After your image is done uploading, look at the palette it created for you, then download that palette as a Photoshop .ACO File.

Step 4: Now switch over to photoshop. Create a document about 1000X900 pixels at 72 dpi. Copy-paste your photo into it, scale it down and leave some room on your document for your color palette. You will be creating shape layers and filling them with color from your custom color palette.

Step 5: On your Color Swatch / Sub-Menu, choose Replace Swatches...

Step 6: Navigate to the Photoshop ICO file you downloaded from the palette generator website.

Your color swatch tab should show your custom color palette loaded up, with no other colors available (you can change it back by choosing "reset swatches" from the submenu later on).

Step 7: After your palette is loaded, use a shape tool to draw a square, circle etc...

Step 7: Draw 1 object, then switch to the Move Tool and Option-Drag a copy....

With the Move Tool selected, and your object Layer selected... hold the option key and drag your copy...

Step 8: Continue this process.. each time you create a new object, select a new color from your custom palette by clicking on the swatch. Then you can use the Option-Delete command to fill with that color, or go to the Edit Menu / Fill / Using Foreground Color...

Continue this process until you have 20 different objects... fill these objects with the most dominant colors you see in your custom swatch palette.

Final Step: Add your name and some cool title text to your assignment results and post them to your blog.

Introduction to Computer Graphics: Vector vs Bitmap

Hello Students,
Welcome to the class blog for CTE Graphic Design at SCHS. I will be using this website to deliver links, tutorials and other details needed for some of our assignments in CTE Graphic Design. Read over the introduction below to get started on our first goal. Understanding the difference between PIXELS and VECTORS!

Introduction to Computer Graphics: Vector vs Bitmap

What does this car have to do with video games? Today's lesson is about the two image creation methods that exist in digital media. Raster or bitmap graphics are what most computer users are familiar with... these could be a photograph on a website or a video that you watch. The other method is vector graphics.

It's all about connections. Pierre Bezier was an engineer and one of the founders of geometric modeling and in the field of calculating curves for CAD/CAM systems and was a leading engineer at Renault, bringing this technology to auto manufacturing. Early video games such as space invaders used vector graphics also. Now a bezier curve can exist in 2 dimensions or three, modern video games can use 3D models that are comprised of "Nurbs" or "Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines". These are basically 3D objects that are created by bezier curves and have "surfaces" between the curves to create a shape. These are all examples of vector graphic technology being used in different ways.

Raster or Bitmap graphics are also used in video games. Early games used small graphics called "sprites" to create animated video game characters. In modern 3 dimensional games, bitmap graphics are used to create textures on 3D graphics.

Let's Make Some Pixels! Bitmap Icon Art Assignment:

• Open Photoshop and create a new document, set width to 12 pixels and height to 16 pixels and resolution to 72DPI
• Go to the photoshop PREFERENCES menu and choose GUIDES, GRIDS AND SLICES and set the GRIDLINE to EVERY 1 PIXELS and the SUBDIVISION to 1
• Select the BRUSH TOOL and in the BRUSH OPTIONS set brush size to 1 Pixels
• Create a new layer in the layer palette
• Begin to draw your image, use different colors from the COLOR PICKER and paint your image in square by square
• When artwork is complete, scale it up by using the IMAGE menu, and clicking IMAGE SIZE, increase the pixel dimensions and set the RESAMPLE IMAGE option to NEAREST NEIGHBOR-PRESERVE HARD EDGES
• When finished create a new folder for this project, then go to File > Save for Web and Devices, Set file format to GIF and save a file for turning in. Then go to File > Save and save a Photoshop version of your file.
• When you are done creating Mario try creating your ow character from scratch! Use your imagination and make a cool character. Want to challenge yourself? Ask me how to animate your pixel art!

Previous Student Examples:

Introduction to Vector Art, Pen Tool Practice and Box-to-Car:

Vector Assignment Part 1: Pen Tool Practice!
Pen Tool Tutorial:

Read through this tutorial carefully and follow along with illustrator using the pen tool. You will be required to turn in a pdf file that demonstrates your steps of pen tool practice in each step of the tutorial, additionally at the end of the tutorial there are 10 black shapes. You must trace these shapes using the pen tool. You may download the images, and use the FILE/PLACE function in Illustrator to place the jpg on your artboard for tracing.

View the tutorial here: http://www.vectordiary.com/illustrator/drawing-with-pen-tool

When your Pen Tool Exercise is complete you can move on to this next assignment, Place and Trace. The goal is to further practice your Pen Tool by tracing line art over a photograph.

Vector Assignment Part 2, Transform Box to Car:

"Box to Car" Illustration created by R.O.P. student Josh Booker

• Open Illustrator and create a new document, File>New
• Draw a box about 4X4 inches
• Click on the Pen Tool and hold to reveal the hidden tools and select the Add Anchor Point Tool (it looks like the Pen Tool with a + next to it)
• Begin clicking on the box outline to add anchor points, several to each side
• Switch over to the Direct Selection Tool and Click-Drag an anchor point to move it
• Continue dragging your anchor points to modify the shape
• Keep adding anchor points and moving them to create the outline of an automobile
• Add more anchor points and adjust to smooth out your creation
• Use Illustrators simple drawing tools such as the circle tool and pen tool to customize your creation. Add colors too!
• When finished create a new folder for this project, then go to File > Save for Web and Devices, Set file format to GIF and save a file for turning in. Then go to File > Save and save an Illustrator version of your file.

Previous Student Examples:

Design Challenge: Design The "_________" Of The Future!!!!!

Hello Students,

Our final class exercise is a design competition. This is not a graded assignment but there will be a prize for the finalist!

BMW M1E Electric Prototype Automobile Design Concept by Seth Wilson

Challenge: Your design challenge is to create the "_____" of the future. Imagine what a cell phone might look like in 10 years, or perhaps what will new automobiles look like. There is no limitation of the subject, you could even design the coffee cup of the future. Think about how products change and evolve over a very short amount of time. What did cell phones look like 10 years ago or 20 years ago? What everyday item can you see becoming even more advanced over time? For this challenge, I as your instructor cannot aid your efforts, you must rely on each other to problem solve.

Time limit: 1 Hour, Designs must be completed and ready to present at the deadline

Format: Final artwork must be displayed on screen as a still image or slideshow presentation. Consider that your sales pitch is as important as the merits of your design. You may use any and all resources available to visualize your design but derivative work will be disqualified (no repurposing of pre-existing concepts, designs, etc... don't steal someone else's concept design and pass it as your own basically).

Judgement: While student input is taken into consideration for judging the finalists, the ultimate decision will be made by me. I am judging based on design originality, quality of illustration and details included with your concept. What makes your product/item futuristic? What materials are it made from? How is it powered? Is your design feasible? Is it beneficial, will it sell, is it even possible with existing trends in technology.

Advice: Take a few moments to think of your idea, research similar products or ideas, research current "prototype" concepts already in existence, take inspiration where you can. Check out my own design for an electric sports coupe above.

Presentation: Be ready to present your design to the class. Be prepared to discuss the details and advantages of your design to the class.

Previous Student Design:

Ambulance of the Future by Ray Kaiser

New Project: Create a Package Design and 3D Mockup

Hello Students,
Your new assignment is to create an original package design that can be printed and assembled into a 3 dimensional mockup.

Examples of printed and assembled 3D package design "mockups"

Package Design Process:

• Search for template designs for packages, find one you like or make an original design. Try a google search for "package template(s)". Here is a link I found. Consider using a design that is available in Adobe Dimensions to make your final step easier.
• If you need to, you can outline or trace your template in Illustrator... note the tabs for gluing/taping together and the folding pattern. You may not need this step if making a 3D object with Dimension.
• Come up with a product idea and create a package design, front, back, sides, top and bottom
• Include product name, information, ingredients, bar code, etc... 
• Take time to create interesting designs or illustrations, use your color theory, typography and design skills in all aspects of the package.
• All artwork must be original, no tracing or processing of photographs unless you took the original photo yourself. Tracing other artworks is not allowed, all art, imagery and designs must be original (as possible, yes I know the old "nothing original can be made, it's all been done" argument... I reject that thinking and substitute my own).
• Your project will be graded on originality and complexity of your package design as well as meeting design standards for emphasis, contrast, alignment, clarity, communication.

Assignment Specs:

• Package design must be complete with all required information, nutritional information, weight in ounces, warning labels, recycling labels, etc. Look to real world examples to see what your design should include.
• Your design must apply and consider use of the principles and elements of design
• Your design must have appropriate typography that is clear, legible and communicates effectively.
• Your design must use well thought out color palettes for optimum visibility and contrast
• To present your finished design you will post the flat artwork and a photo or 3D render of your finished assembled package design to your blog.

Problem Based Challenge:

Your client needs a 3D image of your package design, you can create a high quality photograph, or you can delve into the new tool in Adobe's CC package, Dimension.

Challenge: Use Adobe Dimension to create a 3D mockup of your product design that would be appropriate for use in an advertisement, catalog or website.

Watch: Adobe Dimension Tutorial

Watch: 3D Product Visualization with Adobe Dimension

Practice and experiment with the software until you can use it to create a visualization of your original package design.

Resources for inspiration:
Link: 50 Creative Packaging Design Tips

Link: Packaging of the World

Link: Cool Hunter -  Power of the Package Design

Bonus Links:
Vecteezy Free Package Templates in AI Format
Online label generator for nutritional facts, barcodes and QR codes

Simple cereal box package template

Completed cereal package design

Student Examples:

Instead of a physical model, more dynamic mockups can be created with Adobe Dimensions... such as this work sample from Finley Pederson (2020)

Have fun!

 - Mr.W

How to Write a Good GREAT Letter of Introduction

Hello Students,

Your next assignment is to create a "Letter of Introduction" that describes you! Your special traits, qualities, hobbies, and personal, educational and career goals. List your top 5 skills and abilities. It should consist of at least one page. Make sure to use correct spelling and grammar.

Goal: Write a letter of introduction for your portfolio that meets the following standards, relevant information and criteria listed below. Share your draft with your instructor, incorporate any feedback and add the edited final draft to your portfolio.

Letter of Introduction Assignment:

• This is an introduction letter, about you, written to people that may be viewing your portfolio.
• Should be about 1 page long.
• Letter should be free of typo's, spelling and grammar errors.
• Follow the examples in the Portfolio Handbook and include the information listed below...

You letter should include:

• Who you are
• Where you are currently attending school
• What courses you are currently enrolled in aside from standard courses (such as this ROP class your in right now)
• Your top 5 work related skills
• Special acknowledgments from employers/instructors
• Future education plans
• Hobbies or other activities you enjoy
• Discuss what is contained in your portfolio
• Discuss the type of work/projects/activities you enjoy the most in school

Sample Introduction Letter: Mimic the content and structure but use your own information

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Joe Capitola

242 Fake St.

Capitola, CA 95010

(831) 444-1111

fakemail@yahoo.com

Date

To Whom It May Concern:

 (Paragraph 1: Who you are, what you are good at, what are your top five work skills?)

I am currently attending Santa Cruz High School where I will be graduating this year in June. I have enrolled in ROP classes, which are business-oriented. ROP classes have given me a closer look at the business world and I have learned excellent work skills. 

My top five work skills are:

• Excellent communication skills with strong listening skills
• Responsible and reliable with attention to detail
• Strong team player who thrives in teamwork situations
• Good computer skills
• Excellent time management skills

(Paragraph 2: Long and short term goals and hobbies)

I have received special acknowledgement from my employers for strong skills and work ethics.

I recently was accepted to CalPoly and plan to go there in the Fall and pursue a degree in Agribusiness. After receiving my degree, I plan to work in my family’s strawberry farming business. Eventually, I hope to be the president of the business. I have many hobbies including surfing, skiing and playing baseball but most of all, I enjoy riding my horse up in the hills. It gives me a sense of freedom and independence.

(Paragraph 3: Work experience, technical skills, awards and honors)

My portfolio shows some of the skills and abilities I have acquired in while attending Soquel High School and throughout my work experience. I have always enjoyed landscaping and have enrolled in the Horticulture class for my last semester of high school. From my past experience you will notice that I enjoy working especially when I leave the job better than it was when I first got there. I have been doing tree work for three years and have worked for commercial and residential customers. Thoroughness and safety are some of my favorite qualities.

(Paragraph 4: Refer to what is included in your Career Portfolio)

Included in this portfolio, is my resume summarizing my schooling, work experience, and skills. In addition I have a list of references, letters of recommendation, and samples of my work. I hope you enjoy reviewing my portfolio.

Sincerely,

Joe Capitola

 - When your letter is complete, get some feedback, edit a 2nd draft, then add to your portfolio...

 - Mr.W

Design for Manufacturing: Vinyl Sticker Design

Vinyl Sticker Design Project:

Design a Vinyl Cut sticker to promote school spirit at SCHS:

1. Design an illustration, team logo, promote a subject, class or teacher or even a logo for your club. Your design should be a positive reflection of SCHS but have style and content to reflect the ideals of our school. 
2. All artwork must be created as vector, with out micro details.... it must also work in one color. 
3. Work with our lab assistant to get your artwork added to a master print sheet for production. You may take one sticker home for your portfolio as a work sample upon completion.

Sticker Design Process:

1. Sketch or create your design in vector artwork.
2. Artwork should work in 1 color with bold artwork, avoid thin lines and small details.
3. Group and merge your artwork with the Pathfinder palette.
4. Export an SVG file and AI file for use in the printing process.
5. Post your Artwork to your blog in 1 color, take a photo of your printed sticker when complete.

Finley Pederson's 2020 SC Birb Sticker Design

Design an Original Album Cover

Hello Students,

Your new assignment is to create an original album cover design. All artwork, photography and illustration used in your cover design must be 100% original. Use all of your skills you have learned this semester, you must demonstrate your competence in using design and software skills.

Introducing: Fou Ts'ong, Piano, Mozart Piano Cocerti , K503 & K595,  Westminster , Rudolph de Harak

Assignment Paramaters:

You will be creating a CD album artwork. Start by listening to an album you would like to create a design for. Think about how you can visualize the physical and emotional response the music creates inside of you... how can you put those influences into a visual representation? When listening to the music it can help to create a list of words that come to mind... think of it as creating your own inspirational word cloud.. this can help influence your visual design and give it focus. They key to this assignment is to make sure the artwork on the album cover is representational of the music it is showcasing.

Assignment Specifications:

Utilize all of the skills you have learned this semester. This project should be a shining example of your graphic design skills for your portfolio. This project will be graded against the class rubric, see the link above and read before proceeding:

• Find a template for a CD jewel case insert for the dimensions and layout. You will need to design the cover and spine to fit in a jewel case, front and back.
• All artwork, illustration and photography used must be 100% original
• Make sure the design shows unity with the music it is showcasing, it should show creativity, be appropriate for the audience and demonstrate an understanding of design
• Typography must display the album title and name of band
• Use all design principals that can be applied, alignment, typography, contrast etc. Focus on typography and composition for a professional looking result
• Use Photoshop or Illustrator or both, your choice. Utilize any and all artistic creation processes to create your design, including illustration, photography, painting, collage, sculpture, etc...

Links for Inspiration:

35 Beautiful Music Album Covers

50 Amazing Album Cover Art Examples

Designs are due on Wednesday the 12th, have fun!

- Mr.W

Previous Student Work Examples: