The Human Touch

     With the rise of AI made art, I feel this conversation is important. Sure, the technology is impressive, and I can see the use out of it. However, one has to ask about the future of art and Graphic Design as a whole. It is important to remember that we shouldn't ignore why we make art in the first place, or to forget about our own feelings towards our creations.

     Now, let's talk about some positives first.  It is a good way to inspire more people to be artistic, obviously.  Another benefit is that it's a good way to create stock photos, or background images. If you know, what  you're doing, AI images can set you up. This also goes without mentioning the entertainment I've gotten out of silly videos that match a random AI image with a song lyric. So I wouldn't say AI images aren't this evil thing, or something artists should ignore.

    As for the negatives, however, let's first consider that it takes away jobs. Companies are going to look at this process, and use it to save money on artists. You also have to look at people letting an AI make the art, while they may display great technical knowledge, understand that it wasn't something they put their soul into. When it comes to making art, writing a novel, shooting a commercial, or whatever else, I want to know the person who did that put some soul into the project. Otherwise, what's the point of marketing if everything is going to be basic, and soulless? 

   The point of media is sharing your thoughts, your expressions, and hoping someone relates. If everything now just done with a machine with no emotions, people won't connect. Again, I do think that the people who know this type of technology, are genuinely talented. I also think they to can be great artists, if they actively use the technology to make something that has their soul in it. However, it needs to be said that while things of greatness can be witnessed, the hard work of those who make greatness needs to be acknowledged.

    With all of that being said, thank you for reading. Hopefully my point came across, and you'll stay tuned!

Controversial

     It was only a matter of time before I got to this topic. In fact, I have talked about it before with other blog posts. However, I really want to focus on controversy here, and how it's been applied to graphic design. It seems especially fitting to go over this, as it sometimes feels as if the next day has a new controversy already lined up thanks to media coverage.  in. The issue of 'any advertising is good advertising', is not true, as I have stated before.

      It is very rarely one can benefit  from a controversy targeted at them. It's hard to necessarily come up with a specific example, but if does exist in ways such as boycotts, media slander, and blacklisting. Granted, this really effects you more depending on how recognizable you, or your brand is. Smaller businesses usually get shafted, larger ones tend to get away Scott free. I know that's a negative way to go about it, but I'd like to think it still shows why starting controversy should be avoided. Unless you know what you'll do with the attention, or how to bounce back. 

        Now, talking about controversy,  or creating works based off of it, is different. In today's world, a lot of people will put their opinions in on these subjects. Through graphic design, one can express their thoughts on the issue in an interesting, eye-catching way. On the other hand, they could agree with on the issue, and create a way for the latter to spread their thoughts. It is an easy way to find a project to work on.

       This isn't to say one should let themselves become looking for controversial content to talk about. It is also not to say taking a stance on an issue is easy. However, I hope this paints a clearer picture on how I think controversy is best handled: Avoid doing questionable things for the sake of attention; Feel free to take a stance on an issue if you wish. Again, this isn't always perfect,  but it's a solid plan.

      With all of that in mind, thank you for watching, and stay tuned.

Portfolio Building

       So you have an impressive portfolio of drawings, and you plan to show it off at an interview. They like the artwork you display, but it's not enough to get the job. Another scenario however is that you have a more than just great artwork, but written stories, videos, and other creative endeavors as well. That being said, you're not in a spot where people can see them. In this case, it looks like you just need to build up your portfolio a teensy bit more.

     Now, obviously it never hurts to add and manage one's portfolio.  Obviously make sure it has up to date work, but also make sure it contains variety. Photography, drawings, video thumbnails, in progress works, anything you can do really. It always helps to practice new mediums, even if you're not the best at one yet. Therefore,  when you get to a decent point with your work, feel free to add it in the portfolio,  to show your talents.

         Keep in mind, as I stated earlier, it's not just learning, it's putting your name out there. Thankfully, there are plenty of social media websites, gatherings, and forums to do so. If there is a place to show off your work, do it! After which, ensure to work with the algorithm to build a good reputation for yourself. Will it be a lot of work to deal with, possibly; however it's still part of a grind that could be very well worth it. So don't just make great work in graphic design, make sure everyone sees it!

       A portfolio is one of the most important tools in graphic design. It's a metaphorical photo of one's self that you want people to see. As with any photo however, you'll want all details just right of you want the best affect. Will some things be out of your control? Yes. However, I do believe that there is just enough in your control to ensure your portfolio is the best it could be! With that in mind, thank you for reading, and stay tuned!

Tone Change

     So, let's say you've taken a picture in black and white. It gives off a somber, almost nostalgic feeling with the limited palette. However, what if you added colors to it? Well, then that somber feeling is instead replaced by a more upbeat one. The simplest edit could cause a drastic change in tone to a project. From simple audio fixes, to a major overhaul to the story, our blog topic today will be about how easy it could be to change the tone. Without further ado let's jump on in! 

     Now, most likely you won't want to change to tone of your work going into it. However, wether you realize it or not, that tone might undergo alterations during editing. Granted, it might be something small, like the art style, or one scene. Bear in mind, a tone change isn't always this big grand thing. It can always be you looking at your work, thinking it doesn't fit the tone you want, and making little edits. However, that doesn't mean big tone changes can never happen.

     As for bigger, more intentional changes of tone, those tend to be more interesting. For an example, I'll use the Jak and Daxter games. While the first game is more or less a standard action-platformer, with bright visuals, and cartoony personalities, Jak and Daxter II is certainly a change. Swapping out the original, colorful tone for a darker one, with gun-play mechanics, a darker story, and a more beastial main character, it certainly isn't the same game. It worked however, as not only did Jak and Daxter II outdo the original, but it set the tone for the rest of the franchise, albeit being 3 more games and some cameos. This is just one example of an extreme tone change, but I hope it paints an idea of what I want to illustrate.

     

 

Images courtesy of Moby Games and IGN respectively.

    Generally, a change in tone, whether it be in a franchise, or in one's work, is a hit or miss decision. Whether an audience sees it midway through, or learn of what could have been, they'll usually have a preference for the tone. At the end of the day, whether you change things up or not, is up to you. Just make sure to have a good note on what the reaction will be.

    With all of that said and done, I hope you enjoyed, and stay tuned!