Applications of Abstract Thought

WEEK 9 - Macrofragetulastic

2007-05-29T11:11:00.000-04:00

Working on my personal website today. If you're interested, here's the preview:

Go visit it already!

WEEK 8 - Flash

2007-05-22T10:02:00.000-04:00

Flash time! I didn't want to post the finished version of my Flash work until everyone in class had time to see it...

EVA Access - GDI Mammoth Tank by ~Aircraftkiller on deviant ART

After Effects test using glow, motion blur, and motion keyframing.

Status report...

2007-05-20T01:47:00.000-04:00

Been really busy. Called over for extra work in Temple Terrace. Apparently I lost a half point for not uploading my work. That's okay. I fully intend on regaining it (and more) with the next class on Tuesday.

Just a little preview of what I was working on in class. I really should update this more but I have a hard time getting it done. Classwork isn't the problem, but the blog is since I'm frequently away from the computer and unable to work on it.

Artwork Updates

2007-05-10T15:13:00.000-04:00

I forgot to post stuff here. Not anymore! Here's the artwork I've been doing since class started. All of these images use my own personal artwork or are something completely original that I made, to clarify.

Illustrator logo:

InDesign magazine:

Paid Work

2007-05-07T15:45:00.000-04:00

Received a request for a business logo. "Family Financial Property Management Services"

Made in an hour with Illustrator CS2. Whatcha think?

WEEK 5 - Constraints and Tests

2007-05-02T21:11:00.000-04:00

It's getting harder to update this regularly. I come home from work exhausted most of the time, then go to class and do my best. I'm not complaining! It's just a little difficult to find the time I need to balance everything... But if everything in life were easy, then nothing would be worth the effort.

Most engaged moment: Working with ID and Photoshop to create a magazine cover, I love finding uses for artwork I've designed in the past.

Most disconnected moment: Using InDesign to make a magazine cover... I feel it's redundant to use ID for work that Photoshop does much more efficiently.

Most affirmed moment: Working in Flash! I figured I'd hate the program. The last time I used it, I wanted to bang my head on a steel pipe.

Somewhat of an update: Some of you might know that I'm working on a System Shock total conversion mod project for an as-yet unannounced game engine. Small sample of the work in progress, recreating items from the game in 3DS Max 8:

Original artwork of a radioactive storage barrel

My recreation of said barrel

3DS Max 8, Photoshop 7, half hour of work.

WEEK 4 - Tests and Ideas

2007-04-28T22:09:00.000-04:00

So I get pinned with the leadership position.. Sounds like fun. :-) I'm going to enjoy this next week. I think I might end up doing several variations of the logo I'm making before class on Tuesday.

Down to the point; I felt most engaged when I was able to help people work with InDesign and Illustrator. I like to be useful and do more than work for myself.

I wasn't really disappointed again... I enjoy the class and I don't see anything bad about it besides the lecturing, which doesn't always interest me.

I felt most affirmed when working with InDesign. I enjoy the program even though I'm not exactly that interested in graphic design. It's not a bad thing to branch out my experience instead of feeling specialized in a few programs...

WEEK 3 - Ideas and Concepts

2007-04-17T11:50:00.000-04:00

So today we ended up presenting our work from the second week in front of the class. I love public speaking, but I need to work on my length! I can't believe I hit 20 minutes... It felt like eight! So naturally I felt most engaged during our presentations. You guys presented some awesome ideas, especially the Predator/Hitler image. :-)

I'm not sure if I really felt disappointed during class today. Everything was really exciting and I loved just about every moment here! It's not fun waiting a whole week to see everyone again!

I felt most affirmed when I started working on a logo with Illustrator. I think my ecological concept (don't confuse me with a tree hugger haha) for a corporate logo will turn out really well if I keep working at it over this next week.

I'll post some progress stuff when I get a chance, maybe tonight?

WEEK 2 - Concepts and Design

2007-04-12T20:23:00.000-04:00

So we're working on some real projects this week! I'm really happy about that, since we're moving into something that will allow me to put some work into real projects and enjoy the fruits of my labor. Now, to the point:

I felt most engaged in the class when our project deadlines were announced. I work best under a guideline of time management, which allows my creativity to become more pronounced.

My most disconnected moment was, again, the lectures. Photoshop basics are something
I've dealt with years ago. :-)

My most affirming moment was learning about the new project and what's expected of me
in it. I certainly hope to please everyone when I present it next week.

Some samples:

WEEK 1 - Spring 2007

2007-04-03T20:25:00.000-04:00

Hi there! If you've discovered this, you're probably from the Art Institute of Tampa: CS2202, to be exact. My name is Jonathan Holmes and I come from Orlando, where I've lived for most of my life. I just recently moved into the Grande Oasis condominiums with my fiancee Elizabeth, who also attends AI/TA majoring in interior design. I myself am majoring in media art & animation for the time being, using MAA as a tool to improve my drawing portfolio for game art & design. Some of my background includes working with the now-liquidated Westwood Studios on Command & Conquer: Renegade in 2002 as a game level designer, along with 10 years of level design experience. I've also had five years of experience with 3D Studio Max 7 and 8 and approximately as many with Photoshop 7. I'm proficient in the digital arts but love to learn more about my trade! I take suggestions and criticism with pride and enjoy having my work critiqued by others.

Since this is a class blog, I should start explaining my experiences with computer basics today. I felt highly engaged and motivated in class due to Carmen's excellent teaching and ability to draw my attention into focus. I'm happy that I'm finding a place in AI that fits my personality and style!

The only real drawback to the class so far was the initial lecture outlining the class priorities and schedule for submission of schoolwork. I find it difficult to fix my attention on drawn out lectures required by the school, but at the same time I recognize their necessity for my educational goals.

As for my most affirming moment in the class? It's hard to say so far. I haven't really learned anything new yet, although I anticipate that will change soon!