Showing posts with label graphic design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label graphic design. Show all posts

Friday, August 27, 2010

New Web Site Project Up And Running



















Recently completed web site for Ceto Builders, a Reno-based building/contracting company.
I used Wordpress for the structure of the site so that the client can make changes and additions. Wordpress is a great structure to provide a Client Managed (CMS) web site. I included some plugins that extend the Wordpress system. Plugins that help with Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Slideshow and gallery presentations, contact form and other functions.
The site itself is a heavily modified version of the 2010 theme that comes with the Wordpress installation.
My client can now enjoy all the tools of a Wordpress web site. They can even have a blog if they desire since that was what Wordpress was designed for.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

How to: Create Textures for design projects

I like creating textures that I can use in my design and illustration work. I like to create them with traditional methods and scan them. For me, this method is easier than using digital brushes in Photoshop and results in more organic textures.
Once you get the hang of this, the sky is the limit as to the materials you can use and textures you can create. And, when you have them scanned, you can combine textures to get even more variety.
I think that adding these textures to design projects can make any piece stand out.

Tools: acrylic paint, watercolor paints, colored pencils, charcoal, paper, cardboard, etc.

(top left: paint splatters/drips and loop texture created with pencil)
For this texture, I decided to see what I could get out of cardboard. It has a kind of built in texture because of the layered nature of the product. I set to cut it up to expose the inside thinking I could get an industrial, decayed, worn type of texture. I cut up the surface with a utililty knife(careful, that blade is sharp) and peeled off random sections to reveal the cardboard structure below. I then painted the surface white kind of skimming the surface to reveal more of the texture. This method is called "scumbling" in painting lingo. I used white because I wanted the lines cut into the cardboard to be black in the final version of the texture.
After the paint dried, I scanned the cardboard. Now that I had the texture in Photoshop, I can do just about anything to it. I usually convert the image to black & white and up the contrast with the levels adjustment to bring out the texture. I then lay the texture over a flat colored backgroud. The sky is the limit as to what you can do. Have fun.


Textures used in my illustration work.

From a series of textures that I call, "Acid Wash"

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Headshots



I like shooting headshots. Although challenging, when all the stars align, they can turn out quite well. Here's a sample of some of the headshots that I have taken. All the shots of women were for a web site: deanamariehair-a hairstylist. I found lighting to be quite a challenge. Any move the model made required the lights to be tweeked slightly. Getting the models to relax, as these were not professional models was also difficult. It takes some time shooting before most people get comfortable in front of the camera. Still working on my photo chops but it sure is fun.
Anyone need a head shot for social media? Contact me.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Logos For Non-Profit Businesses


Logos created for various non-profit businesses:
Arts For Nevada
Client: Nevada Arts Council
Location: Reno, NV

Northern Nevada Reads
Client: Washoe County Library
Location: Reno, NV
Logo for event

ONE Online Nevada Encyclopedia
Client: Nevada Humanities
Location: Reno, NV

Food For Thought
Client: Nevada Humanities
Location: Reno, NV
Logo for event.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

iPhone as CAD (Creative Assistance Device)

Out on the town I snapped these pics. You never know what will inspire you or what these pics will inspire in the future. At the very least it's an exercise in "seeing" or spontaneous creativity. Plus, I love signs, especially old ones.