Critical Reflection Section 1

1. Connection

The elements on my blog are thematically connected in association with all images. The images presented on my blog show clear associations because of the top labeling of each section. For example, I have sections labeled as the golden section, horizon adjustments, color and emphasis, alignment, etc. In each section there are appropriately matched images that represent the heading. There are also clear associations through the descriptions of my work. I thoroughly explain each exercise and the purpose of the images created. In doing that a blog viewer can clearly identify themes. I believe I have adequately made relevant connections between elements in the sense that each post is a new exercise. The images are all related because the starting point of the exercise is always to change an original visual. The most adequate example of connection was the grouping and theme activity, which allowed for creative ways to represent words with only images on a PowerPoint slide. The piece is not scattered because there is a clear topical order of what aspects of creating new visuals were introduced. Between each blog post there is already a visual break, which demonstrates a new subject. I believe that in this sense there should still be a visual break to show viewers change. However, within each post I do not believe there should be visual breaks because an interruption of flow may disengage a viewer from the images I have created. This blog is very structural because of the previously stated headings. The headings make for an easy way of finding different subjects and areas of making visuals.

2. Alignment

In executing the alignment we used one exercise. The most useful exercise was to create an advertisement for something of your interest. I am currently operating a student-run website called CampusCrush101.com, which gives dating advice and information. I decided to create an eye pleasing ad for CampusCrush101.com by using the solidarity method. The solidarity method involves two alignments, vertical and horizontal. None of the images are centered in order to put emphasis on the upper left corner and the bottom right. The placement of each image was carefully thought through in order to maintain organization. I have made sure that both the horizontal and vertical alignment are even and straight. As stated earlier, the conventions of alignment are constantly following throughout my piece because you can see the clear opposition of the images (upper left and bottom right). If my image were presented using a different organization, perhaps centered in the middle, I believe that viewers would lose interest. There are no exceptions that could be allowed to enforce this message. In order to generate interest there must be clear cut alignments. I believe that the way I have designed this ad, there is no trapped space that could be eliminated because there needs to be some open space in order to emphasis the shapes on the image.

3. Priority

Overall, I am pleased with my work completed in the Composition Section. I believe my work looks organized and well-placed. There is a clear and appropriate hierarchy between elements because of the exercises done in class. The common direction of exercises is to alter an image. I believe that most of my alterations look better than the original image. For example, the horizon in class exercise allowed me to emphasize the horizon more thoroughly than the original photographer. In the grouping and theme in class exercise, perhaps I could have made the shapes larger to make for a better visual effect. In the color and emphasis in class exercise, I believe I successfully executed a good balance of color and value to the "street scene". Making the image black and white and then bringing out the individuality of the red dress creates a stronger message than the original and makes for an improved design layout. The color red holds the most dominance in the picture, which presents a hierarchy to other aspects of the image, for example the table or the store in the background. The flow of each exercise is vertical and the sense of visual flow is easy to follow as you can continue reading about the construction of each one of my images by reading in the same direction. My blog is very organized and does not make the eye feel pulled in opposing directions. The headings of the blogs provide for transitions and topic changes, which actually grabs the eye's attention even more.