Advanced Typography Final

I forgot how much I like typography.  My first typography class was 8 years ago (yikes!) and I'm taking the Advanced class now.  It's been very fun though, I didn't have to worry too much about my learning curve.

So now we have our Final Project to work on:  create your own typeface.  I was completely lost at first, but this is the sketch I came up with:

I wanted to do a Western theme, and as I researched most of the typefaces are bold serifs.  I went with a script typeface, but I wasn't sure how to make it work with the Western theme.  What I came up with here is a metal dipping, similar to the bold typeface Cast Iron, and the crosshatching or black part of the sketch will be Victorian lace of some sort.  The filigree portions will be metal as well.

My goal is to get the Western male and female aspects into one typeface.  I thought of one of those well dressed ladies toting a lil gun in her garter :)  Hopefully this translates well as I scan and work on it with Illustrator.  I'll post the final product soon.

Life Drawing Tool

Well well, I came across this useful tool while researching for my Interactive Media class:

Zygote Body

I'm using Google Chrome to view the link.  Zygote Body is a web app that uses HTML5 and WebGL, and shows the anatomy of the human body in 3D.  You can search for certain parts, too.  This would have been so damn handy to have while I was in Drawing and Anatomy.

What I like in particular is the muscle view.  As you move the slider you can see where different muscles fit into others, or where they attach to the bone.  This gives you a better understanding of what muscles tuck in where, which greatly helps with drawing the human body accurately.

Drawing and Anatomy was my favorite life drawing class.  Knowing your muscles and understanding how they work definitely gave me an edge in drawing figures to look more realistic.  It helped me think in volume rather than just outlines and shades.

Life drawing has always held my interest, and I'm happy to have this web app around for reference. :)

Come Undone

Oh my, I'm in love with this lady's sculptures. I'd love to see them in person!


 


"Come Undone" by Beth Cavener Stichter

Out and About

Sketching and filling in while waiting for my car at the dealership.

I use an H pencil to sketch, instead of softer pencils. Since it scratches the hell out of the paper, it teaches me to have a lighter hand.

Kids are such a challenge for me to draw, because their proportions are different and I make them look older than they actually are :/

I start school again on Tuesday for Graphic Design. I'm trying to loosen up and evaluate my strengths and weaknesses. Excitement and anxiety hit me at the same time :)

Playing with Painter

Finally, I got my ancient tablet to work with my mac! It may be old but I'm attached to it. The sentimental value is great, especially decorating it with the various quotes I liked at the time :)

I was testing it out on Painter 12. I see some people were having lag issues, but I haven't experienced that so far. Then again, I only had the chance to do a quick warm-up.

I'm looking forward to doing more with Painter :D

Just Like Pre-Production Work

Well, it's almost been a year since I've last posted on here. I was using this blog for a class at AiLV. Since then, I have been on hiatus from school. I will reapply in March and hopefully be accepted again to return for Summer Quarter.

It's almost been a year since I have touched any of my art supplies, or even sketched anything. I had so much anxiety regarding my artwork and education. I was truly scared of the career path I chose, wondering if I could really hack it and achieve something worthwhile. My designated spot for all my art stuff was caked in dust and pushed out of reach. It's all in need of some serious attention from me. Since I have neglected my precious art stuff for so long, I used my weekend to do some deep cleaning and soul searching. How cheesy!

I'm really putting myself out there by posting these pics. They truly show how much of a piggie I am, and just how long all this stuff was sitting there. Here goes the panoramic view:

This was the original spot for all my art supplies. Behind my bedroom door and crammed in every way possible.

My lovely computer desk.

To the right of the TV is my drawing desk, buried in my class artwork and notes.

A little further to the right reveals the rest of my artwork (on the floor). The empty bookcase was supposed to be used for my class notes. The full bookcase has all my personal books.

It was definitely time to rearrange my room and reorganize. Here are the final results of approximately 12 hours spent moving, cleaning, and organizing:

My drawing desk is the only work in progress.

I have relocated my art supplies to the small bookcase, and I'm using the large bookcase for my textbooks and class binders.

For the most part I'm satisfied with the work I've done. I'll feel much better when I organize all my notes in binders, and stow my artwork in a better manner. Once my drawing desk is free, I can work on big projects again!

My next goal for this blog: post some sketches so it can be considered a legitimate art blog. :)