Example of Good Design

I really think this is a good example of design. This poster endorsing MICA artists uses words and shapes to convey its message. The image mimics the sections of the brain and uses words to describe the mind of a MICA artist. I like the use of color in this piece also. I think that this poster is very well thought out. It's concept is eye-catching and draws a lot of attention to itself (in a good way).

Well-Branded: Chick-fil-A

I think that Chick-fil-A's brand is most memorable because of it's use of the cows. The use of cows intends to set the Chick-fil-A product a part from the dozens of other burger joints (McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, etc). The company uses the cows in sandwich boards in most if not all of their ad campaigns. The brand is seen in playful yet unique way because the cows encourage consumers to "eat mor chikin" instead of beef.

Good Logo: PBDS 501

Well I maybe a little partial because I absolutely LOVE Starbucks but I really like their logo. It is really simple and even though it doesn't give you a feeling about coffee, it is very identifiable. It isn't too busy but it is visually appealing. The colors work well together. The logo is an advertisement in itself because when people walk around with the Starbucks cup, other recognize it right away.

Go Loco for Logos!

Everyone can identify with this logo. Nickelodeon used the slime as a logo and it became a brand within the station. Even though its just an orange splat, it definitely appeals to its kid audience.

The Golden Arches. The McDonald's brand is defined by that golden M. I think that color also works in this logo. If the M wasn't golden, I'm not sure that it would still have the same effect. As simple as this logo is, it is recognizable around the world.



These logos don't really work for me...

Though this logo is very recognizable, it is kind of bland to me. It doesn't really scream a television station to me. Fortunately for ABC, the brand isn't dependent on the logo.

This logo doesn't work for me because I think that it doesn't go with the company. Maybe I'm missing the concept but every time I see these commercials, I never get the logo and why there is an orange lion.

Color: The Good with the Bad

This is an example of good use of color. I like how the photo is black and white other than the sweat dripping on his face. I think that this concept from Gatorade is creative and their use of color enhances the product.

Ads/coupons like this always make me upset. This ads use of color always seems so cheap and corny looking to me. The colors don't makes sense together. I guess they were trying to catch the audiences attention but they got my attention for a totally different reason.

Night and Day: The Difference Photoshop Makes...

This is an original picture of a lotus flower. This seems to be a picture that was taken at night. Through the wonders of photoshop....

This is now the same photo in the daylight. Here's what I did....

1. First I placed the photo in a 7X9 document in Photoshop. 

2. Then, I rasterized the photo.

3.Then I played with the "Adjustment" option through contrast. By using the "Magic Wand" tool, I selected the sky. (You may need to go to "Select" and "Similar "to get the whole sky).

4. Then, I used the "auto color" option to make the sky more blue. You may also need to adjust the "Hue/Color Saturation" option to scrub more blue into the sky.

5. Then, I moved onti the trees in the background. Again, I used the Magic Wand tool to select the trees.

6. Then, I played with the Color Balance to make the trees appear green. 

7. Then, I used the Auto color to make the green stand out even more.

I think that it was cool that even though in theory these two images are the same, they both give you a different feeling. The images are "night" and "day," excuse the pun. I think that it is nice that Photoshop can be used to enhance photos. When done for good, Photoshop can be a very useful and artistic tool.

Folded and now look!: Pop up books

I know the concept is a little juvenile (I am a big kid at heart), but I think that pop-up books are a good example of using folded paper for a purpose. The fact that this piece that I have posted even sparks my interest makes it a pretty successful piece. This book in particular took a lot of thought and work to make sure that all of the surfaces are shown and are visually appealing. These types of books have been in all of our childhoods and continue to put smiles on kids faces.