Surrealist Designs

Surreal:

1. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of surrealism; surrealistic.

2.having the disorienting, hallucinatory quality of a dream; unreal; fantastic
Surrealism:

A movement in art and literature that flourished in the early twentieth century. Surrealism aimed at expressing imaginative dreams and visions free from conscious rational control.

Working in a Surrealist style is a great and fun way to learn new techniques in Photoshop. Surrealist artists create artworks that "propose to express, either verbally, in writing, or by any other manner, the real functioning of thought. Dictation of thought in the absence of all control exercised by reason, outside of all aesthetic and moral preoccupation."
The work that was being produced by these artists had characteristics of dreams and as if the work was held in a dreamlike state. The artists were strongly influenced by Freud's dream analysis and the hidden unconscious.

Photoshop allows the designer to juxtapose images in a way that challenge the perceptions of reality. Let your mind wonder through a series of images and create a surrealist dreamlike scene.

Check out the site Graphic Mania for some inspirtation. You can get to cool Surrealist Photoshop works HERE.

Take a look at the Handout for Guidelines:

Crazy Examples of the Possibilities of Using Photoshop

The website Ants Magazine: Best of Design and Technology, is a great resource for inspiration as well as links to designers work and tutorials. I came across the article, "Daily Inspiration #2 Amazing Photoshop Works!" and was "amazed" by the designs. Check out the article HERE and also take a look at the site for more ideas that could help your designs.

This design was created by adnrey. Check out his deviant site here.

- PHOTOSHOP -

Well it's that time. We have been working with Adobe Illustrator for the first quarter and now we are going to begin working with Adobe Photoshop. As you learn more about the program you will notice many benefits and new techniques that it has to offer. Your thought process will change a bit when planning out designs as you will be using more of your own photographs. Think of interesting ways to include your own images and continue to push beyond the first solution and towards more complex problem solving.

Questions to think about for the quarter:
1. In what way can the use of photography enhance your work?
2. What inspires you?
3. How can you take this inspiration and turn it into a visual form?
4. What messages would you like to state in your work?
5. How could you possibly use these new computer art skills in the future?
6. What possible projects would you like to do while in Electronic Design?

Monday April 25 Assignment

Creativity Exercise

You will be working in Illustrator for the next assignment. Set up your document to 8.5x11.
Try out this exercise using the Pathfinder tool (Divide) in Illustrator.....
Here are samples and the handout.

Taken from Mr. Powers at:WAWACDESIGN

Matt Cusick - Painter/Collage

I stumbled across the artist Matt Cusick the other day that has mind blowing collages. He uses maps as the primary source of imagery. Think about how in design you can go beyond using the computer and incorporate mixed media and hand drawn elements into your designs. There are many possibilities to creating designs. Go beyond the first solution and try new and innovative approaches to your work.

Take a look at his site HERE.

Evgeny Kiselev

I stumbled across Evgeny Kiselev recently who creates some beautiful abstract designs.
Lets take a look to see more of his work for inspiration. Check it HERE.

Josh LaFayette

JOSH LAFAYETTE
Check out this designer I came across. He has a really cool style and a sense of sarcasm in his work. Here is his Bio taken from his website:

"Josh LaFayette is the name. Mind the capital F. I am 25 years old; I have no idea who I am. Nevertheless, here's some "official" info and a photo:
In December 2008, I graduated from Auburn University with a BFA in Graphic Design. My professional experience is defined by a summer internship at Alphabet Arm Design in 2008, a spot as the sole graphic designer at Mammoth Printshop in '08 and '09, and a hefty amount of freelance design. In the summer of '09, I left Mammoth for a move to Florence, Italy with Lou. I spent six months in Florence developing my skills as a human.I have a deep love for all things hand-rendered, and I love creating in general. I am available for freelance design and illustration, and I am always down with a collaboration."

You can get to his site HERE.