Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Forget the Film, Watch the Titles


“Seven” was very graphic. The music had much to do with the associated feeling. The typography chosen was efficient and the way it popped up and moved with the music was effective. I intend to make my words flow with my music as well, I think it allows for an easier visual. Bad timing can cause a confusing message.

The opening of Twister was incredibly effective. I like the blurry and foggy realm displayed. I thought it was incredibly effective for the words to jumble through the wind as well. I am not planning on using a technique, but I do want to be as effective in tying the title up with my visual.

When reviewing the information on Lynda.com, I remember they made a distinct point to emphasis the importance of matching the typography with the music and visual. The sound of a tennis ball obviously fit the title, “Wimbledon,” very well, and the overall use of timing was incredibly effective. I am hoping to add in certain sound effects to emphasize certain words within my video.

Music played another big role in the Godzilla clip. I thought the flashing words and their fiery appearance was effective in portraying the intended vibe.

These videos and the interview provided a good lesson for me. I need to find the perfect font and fit it within my music. The most important information I learned was when Kyle Cooper said, the title needs to pull in the audience in the first seconds. He was able to do that during “Seven.” From the very start, I knew the vibe and was asking for more.

That’s what I want to accomplish! I want to keep the audience wanting more.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Helvetica


Since watching Helvetica, I have a new appreciation for typography and visual design.  The 1950’s were an imperative time for the exploration of new fonts, and of course the era of Helvetica’s invention.

What I found most intriguing was the simple fact that Helvetica has yet to change. Sure the invention of technology outdated cutting the letters from steel, but besides computers, Helvetica is, by all standards, perfect. This is incredibly surprising to me because we are in an age of endless change, discovery of technology and constant competition to discover the new.

Helvetica, founded at the Haas Type- Foundry, defines the concept, “Short and Sweet.” A simple, legible creation that can literally be seen on or within every street sign, retail shop and restaurant.

Typography is an art. Sure, the average viewer overlooks the details, and even I, prior to watching Helvetica had little appreciation for the design. The greatest line in the movie was when a typographer stated that it is not the black that creates the letter, but rather the white, the space that literally holds the shape still.


Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Motion Graphics- Color

In the following two short videos, I felt color played an important role in emphasizing the  message intended.


The low value background in this first video is the ideal setting for the vibrant pinks and blue that create the message. The use of the pale yellow makes it easy for the viewer to focus on the details present by the brighter colors.


The second video I chose shows numerous hues through the "imaginary" clip. The contrast of lighter blues against the darker trees and buildings makes it appealing and easy to enjoy. This is emphasized even further through the use of shadowing, which helps display a 3D type of look.


Saturday, November 19, 2011

Advertisers and Artists

I found the two most distinct differences between advertisers and artists has to do with MONEY and TARGET MARKET!
Advertisers
Advertisers often times use extensive research and feed in to what society responds to, in order to create a product that will sell to the largest possible market – typically regardless of personal ethics. They take the “This is a job approach.”
Artists
Artist’s work because they truly love their pieces and are passionate about what they love. When it comes to selling the products, it seems that the artist produces products more for themselves, with the hope that some market will also enjoy the work.

Rosser Reeves has made a unique impact on my educational knowledge of advertising. His straight-forward communication approach is hardly a guessing game, whereas the artist’s featured in Wednesday’s film take a more creative approach to selling products. Ironically, I found Rosser Reeve’s approach oddly similar to artist Paula Scher.
Scher, absolutely fell on the artist end of the selling spectrum, but I found her “Citi story” a bit unique. Rather than feeding in to the research of what society will respond to, like most advertisers will do, she simply used her life experiences and spit out a Citi logo in just five minutes! So although she took a creative approach, she was straight forward, just like Reeves.
To conclude, I in no way think an advertiser’s approach is more or less efficient than an artist’s approach, but I actually find them equally artistic and creative in their individual crafts.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Political Advertisements

Brie Gambles video regarding Harry Bertram’s views on gun control

1.       The signifier is the quote stating, “West Virginia loves guns,” this signifies the obvious:     West Virginia must love guns.
2.       The signifier is the American flag behind Harry walking at 15 seconds. This signifies the commercials intent to make Harry seem like a “true American.”
3.       The signifier is the dancing man and this signifies the sarcastic truth behind Harry’s opinion on guns. The song may be funny, but the words in the song are true, “People kill people.”
Holly’s commercial on Ron Paul’s gun control laws


1.       The signifier is the smiling man next to the dead deer, which signifies how guns provide both entertainment and a food source.
2.       The signifier is the bold letters used at 35 seconds stating “or to protect yourself,” which signifies the importance behind owning a gun.
3.       The signifier is Ron Paul’s determined face of him looking off into the distance at 39 seconds. This signifies his confidence and assertiveness.
John Kerry’s views on gun control


1.       The signifier is the numerous signs shown stating Kerry’s name. This signifies the mass support and followers of John Kerry
2.       The signifier is the use of Obama at 24 seconds. This signifies that John Kerry has been around a leader and knows what it takes to be a leader.
3.       The signifier is Sarah Palin with a gun. This signifies how irresponsible have a lack of gun control can be.