Angel Larson Design

Tag: art

  • Self Promo Video – Brainstorming

    -Angel Larson

    Instructions:

    As part of my portfolio for school, I am required to conceptualize, produce, edit & deliver a self-promotional video. The first stage is the pre-production. This includes research, brainstorming, storyboarding & script writing.

    Video Requirements:

    • 2-3 minutes in length
    • Must include composite video or kinetic type using After Effects as well as footage captured with a video camera.
    • Must have professional lighting & sound quality.
    • HD 1080p formatted for Vimeo/Youtube & mobile
    • Begin with rough sketches, then refine the storyboard using more detailed drawings or photos.

    Video Objectives

    1.  Promote my employable skills through video:
      • Photoshop
      • Illustrator
      • InDesign
      • Dreamweaver
      • After Effects
      • Premiere Pro
      • Bridge
      • Digital Photography
      • Photo Editing
      • Video Storyboarding, Filming, & Editing
      • Organization, Planning, & Coordinating
      • Teamwork
      • Management
    2.  Communicate my ideas visually through detailed sketches and planning.
    3.  Capture and edit a sequence of video clips to create a mood and message to the viewers.
    4.  Composite text, images & video in a visually appealing and professional way, using Adobe After Effects.

    Brainstorming Ideas

    • The main idea I have for my video is to do a timeline, showing my college/job experience from when I graduated college in 2020 to finishing the Media Design Technology Program in May 2025.
    • I will be using my transcript as a reference for the classes I have taken and which year and semester they where in.
    • I think that a timeline, “Progression Over-Time,” would be a good way to show the things I have learned over the years and how I have ended up in my current position.
    • This video will be very visual, with moving text and the backgrounds being the focus. I do want to get some royalty free background music as well to help with the feeling and mood of my video. I do not think there is a need for any talking in the video.
    • I will be using my transcript of my classes as a guide for the type that will be in my video. I will also be going through old pictures of me to get a feel for what I looked like during each year so I can try and re-create the feeling of going back in time.
    • I plan to film at Garretson High School, the USD Community College for Sioux Falls, Southeast Technical College, and North Central International to show the places I have gotten my education and experience so far.
    Storyboard Sketch Image 1
    Storyboard Sketch Image 2
    Storyboard Sketch Image 3
    Storyboard Sketch Image 4
    Storyboard Sketch Image 5

  • The Nature of Images – Appreciating Form Syntax

    -Angel Larson

    All Forms Carry Meaning

    • Prior experience and associations to the form creates meaning.
    • Shape, size, linearity, & mass tell us what a form is.
    • Pictorial images show recognizable subjects like objects, figures, and spaces

    A designer might choose to represent an idea pictorially by using photographs, illustrations, or a mix of both. Images must provide informational clarity in a way that resonates and delivers secondary and tertiary messages, associational, and branded messages.

    Empirical Pictorial Images


    Empirical pictorial images depict the characteristics of objects and scenes as they are observed in space. This type of image is usually used to help describe or explain subject matter better and to suggest that the message is grounded in real life. Photographs are the most empirical of any type of imagery.

    For example, in an ad for a photographer, you would want to use real photographs of their work. If they are a wedding photographer, showing a good photo of a wedding couple they have taken would let the viewers know that this is the type of work they do and that they know what they are doing.

    If you showed an illustrated version of a photo they have taken for a wedding, this would confuse the viewers and send mixed signals because the information of the ad and the photo doesn’t match up.

    Stylized Pictorial Images

    Recognizable to reality but add a conceptual or metaphorical overlay of meaning. For example, reality TV & animated shows. In reality TV, the scenes and imagery that are being shown are being stylized by the director to convey certain themes, context, and emotions in the viewer. The scenes are contrived and edited from real life to become a stylized version of reality.

    Animated shows take this to a whole new level by representing real life or fantasy in a completely stylized way. The characters of animated shows may look more or less realistic depending on the style of the show. This form of imagery is really good for envisioning things that are not naturally occurring. We can envision the world in a way that is very unnatural to us and would be impossible to do filming actual people.


    Reductive Pictorial Images

    Represent real-life places, people, or things in a very simplified way. This would be like graphic translations or icons where the form is very distinct and recognizable right away. For example, there is usually always a sign on bathrooms that is either a female icon, male icon, wheelchair-accessible icon, or family icon. These are very easy to identify right away because the symbols are just pictures of people, reduced to the simplest forms.

    https://www.afaqs.com/news/print/news-or-ad-colgate-palmolive-mimics-a-newspaper-for-its-visible-white-print-ad


    This ad has an image of a lady with white teeth smiling, as well as literall photos of the product and its package to help explain the message of the ad better. The image has been stylized and is no longer in its most natural form, but the toothpaste is depicted exactly as in reality and helps to bring credibilty to the ad. This also helps the viewer to know exactly what the product looks like so they can spot it better in stores. 

  • The Nature of Images – Modes of Pictorial Signification

    -Angel Larson

    Images Come in Different Modes

    The correct mode you should use depends on the kind of message you are creating and how you want the viewer to interpret it

    Icon

    Icons should be used when you want to literally represent the subject or idea in a way that will be descriptive and straightforward to the viewer. A photograph can be used as an icon if it exactly represents the subject matter.

    https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/outdoor-advertisement-service-10438338773.html

    This ad uses icons in the form of the cleaning bottles. Instead of using an actual image of cleaning products, a simplified graphic reduction is used. This helps to tell the viewer what that ad is about right away and backs up the headline, “Squeaky Clean Services.” I did think that the cleaning products do remind me the most of a laundry detergent bottle, so this might confuse the message a
    little bit.

    Indexical Sign (Index)

    Indexical signs (indexes) are visual signs that point to a signified object indirectly. For example, an image of a tree with the leaves falling might be pointing to autumn.

    Nike Marketing Strategy: Ads Tactics To Build A Timeless Brand


    This ad uses imagery of an open road as a background to help point to and signify the message about what kind of people use Nike shoes. If the image only had a runner without the background it has, the meaning and emotions of the ad wouldn’t be communicated the same. The open road background signifies that Nike is, “natural,” “rugged,” and, “adventurous.” 

    Symbol

    Symbols are used when you want the information or idea to be more open-ended for the viewer to interpret. Symbols are interpreted differently depending on the cultural, social, and historical context that the viewer may or may not be aware of. Therefore, symbols must be used carefully to achieve the desired effect on the viewer.

    https://medium.com/@eprovost7509/the-effectiveness-of-advertisement-f79203834aa6


    This ad uses a large, red, graphic swoosh to symbolize the lipstick on a social, historical, and cultural level. The large red swoosh goes with the icon photograph of the lipstick container as well as a lady wearing the lipstick to add deeper meaning and significance to the ad. To me, the large red swoosh physically represents the color and texture of the lipstick but also conveys feelings of lust, love, passion, romance, boldness, and rich velvety color. This meaning is interpreted differently by the viewer and their unique experiences and knowledge of colors, shapes, and forms.

    Supersign

    Supersigns combine icons, symbols, and/or indexes to create a more layered and complex meaning.

    https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/instant-milk-tea-poster-ads-paper-1336297562

    This ad uses a mix of icons, indexical signs, and symbols to create enhanced meaning. A photograph icon of the teacup is used to literally show what the product is. A symbol of the shape of steam is used that has an indexical image of fields with green leaves and a sunny sky in nature to connect the idea of where the tea came from with symbols of warmth, sunniness, and nature. These different forms of image representation combine into a supersign. The literal image of the teacup juxtaposed with the symbol of the feelings they want you to associate with their tea combines to create a more complex message for the viewer to decode and experience.

  • The Nature of Imagery – Overview

    -Angel Larson

    Designers can achieve their communication goals through different forms of imagery.

    • Images are symbolic and emotional in nature and can be representative of real places, people, or objects, or they can be artificially contrived and abstract.
      Images create a visceral connection to experiences described by written language, bringing more context and meaning to a composition.
    • Images can be powerful communicators on their own, but usually they are integrated with other visual elements to enhance their meaning. 
    • Pictorial images show recognizable subjects like objects, figures, and spaces.

    Empirical Pictorial Images

    -depict the characteristics of objects and scenes as they are observed in space.

    • This type of image is usually used to help describe or explain subject matter better and to suggest that the message is grounded in real life.
    • Photographs are the most empirical of any type of imagery.

    For example, in an ad for a photographer, you would want to use real photographs of their work. If they are a wedding photographer, showing a good photo of a wedding couple they have taken would let the viewers know that this is the type of work they do and that they know what they are doing. If you showed an illustrated version of a photo they have taken for a wedding, this would confuse the viewers and send mixed signals because the information of the ad and the photo doesn’t match up.

    Stylized Pictorial Images

    -recognizable to reality but add a conceptual or metaphorical overlay of meaning.

    • This form of imagery is really good for envisioning things that are not naturally occurring.
    • We can envision the world in a way that is very unnatural to us and would be impossible to do filming actual people.

    For example, reality TV & animated shows. In reality TV, the scenes and imagery that are being shown are being stylized by the director to convey certain themes, context, and emotions in the viewer. The scenes are contrived and edited from real life to become a stylized version of reality. Animated shows take this to a whole new level by representing real life or fantasy in a completely stylized way. The characters of animated shows may look more or less realistic depending on the style of the show.

    Reductive Pictorial Images

    -represent real-life places, people, or things in a very simplified way.

    • This would be like graphic translations or icons where the form is very distinct and recognizable right away.

    For example, there is usually always a sign on bathrooms that is either a female icon, male icon, wheelchair-accessible icon, or family icon. These are very easy to identify right away because the symbols are just pictures of people, reduced to the simplest forms.

    Semiology

    -the process of perception and cognition for visual understanding and describes the process of a visual signifier gathering meaning in our brains. This is also referred to as syntax to semantics and explains why different forms create and signify different visual meanings.

    • All forms carry meaning.
    • The shape, size, linearity, and mass of a perceived form tell us what the form is (syntax), while our experiences and prior understanding of these characteristics create the meaning (semantics).
    • Interplay of forms and images also creates additional meaning beyond the base syntax of the form.

    For example, round objects are usually associated with being natural because of our experience and knowledge of other round objects (sun, moon, earth, unity, cycles of nature). Square objects are usually associated with being unnatural or man-made because of our experience of other geometric shapes (architectural, artificial, intellectual, shelter, order, math).

    A designer might choose to represent an idea pictorially by using photographs, illustrations, or a mix of both.

    • Images must provide informational clarity in a way that resonates and delivers secondary and tertiary messages, associational, and branded messages.
    • Images come in different modes, and the correct mode you should use depends on the kind of message you are creating and how you want the viewer to interpret it.

    Icons

    -used when you want to literally represent the subject or idea in a way that will be descriptive and straightforward to the viewer.

    • A photograph can be used as an icon if it exactly represents the subject matter.

    Symbols

    -used when you want the information or idea to be more open-ended for the viewer to interpret.

    • Symbols are interpreted differently depending on the cultural, social, and historical context that the viewer may or may not be aware of.
    • Therefore, symbols must be used carefully to achieve the desired effect on the viewer.

    Indexical signs (indexes)

    -visual signs that point to a signified object indirectly.

    For example, an image of a tree with the leaves falling might be pointing to autumn.

  • The Importance of Math in Design

    Design is a very creative field, but it also uses math, logic, and reason to aid in designing. For example, a flyer, advertisement, banner, poster, etc. will all be designed within the dimensions of a page. A common dimension for a flyer would be 8.5″ x 11″ (8.5 inches wide and 11 inches tall) This is the common size of a sheet of paper. Print advertisements and posters are more likely to be in custom sizes that require a more specialized printer.

    You can also have dimensions of design in terms of pixels. Pixel sizing is used when you are creating a design that will be displayed on smartwatch, phone, tablet, TV, and computer screens.

    Sizing and math is important in terms of the photos you use in your design, the font size, and the sizes of shapes. From small to large sizing there are different challenges you will face with your designs.

    Designing on small dimensions means that you will have to make sure your design can still be read and noticed. You may have to have less elements in your design, because there is not as much space to work with. Larger designs mean that the elements must be much larger. You also have to take into consideration how close the viewer will be when looking at your design. If they are going to be looking at it from close up (1-2 feet away) you can get away with making the text very small. If they are going to be looking at it from a far distance and for not very long (for example a billboard on the side of the road) you will need to make the elements very large and easy to take in at a glance.

    Sizing is also very important to consistency in your design. You must develop a method to the sizing of your type, shapes, and images. For example you may have a specific size to use for the main heading, sub headings, body copy, and captions within a single design that you will want to stick to.

    If you want an element of your design like an image to take up 1/3, 1/4, 1/2, 2/3, or 3/4 of your design space, you can figure this out easily by taking the total length or width of your design and applying the fraction to it. For example, if a graphic you are making is 400 pixels tall and you want the image to take up 3/4 of the space, take 400 divided by 4 (100) and than multiply that number by 3 (300). So to for the image to take up 3/4 of the space vertically it would need to be 300 pixels tall.

    This is how you can use a basic understanding of math to help aid you in your designs.

  • From Inspiration to Creation

    To develop creative ideas, it can be useful to find inspiration in movies, TV shows, songs, images, and other creative works that you enjoy. Without copying something that has already been created, there are many things you can learn from the creations of others.

    I used to love to create fan-art, based on TV shows that I enjoyed. The shows inspired me to develop something new, based on a creative concept that already existed. Especially when It comes to drawing people or creating things based on real life, it is good to do your research to make sure you are accurately portraying what you want to portray with your own twist.

    Creativity is about having a spark of an idea, planning out the idea, and executing it.

    1.) The Spark
    In my Motion Graphics class last year, we were tasked with creating a kinetic typography video based on a movie quote. The first thing that popped into my mind was the iconic scene from Star Wars Revenge of the Sith, were Obi Wan is having an emotional speech directed at Anikin. I felt that this scene would be perfect to use as it has so much meaning and emotion to me. I instantly had ideas on the type of fonts, backgrounds, and effects to use to aid to the heavy emotion of the scene.

    2.) Planning the Idea
    The next step after the spark of inspiration was to plan out my idea. I created a storyboard to help me visualize what i wanted to happen with each phrase. Planning out what fonts, colors, and imagery you will use in your project is essential to aid you in executing your idea.

    3.) Execute the Idea
    I created the video using Photoshop for backgrounds, dafont to find fonts, and Adobe After Effects to create the 2D animation and bring everything together. I do not own the rights to the sounds used in the video. It is for educational purposes only! This project was still fun and rewarding though, to bring one of my favorite quotes to life with my ideas. You can watch the video I created by using this link to view it on Youtube.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9NJSSQwVFE