LESS CAN BE MORE: The minimalistic approach to graphic arts

In one instance in the Old Testament time, God instructed a certain judge named Gideon to fight for him against the idolaters of the land. Gideon gathered over 33,000 men for the battle, but God said it was too many. To make the long story short, Gideon's army was reduced to only 300 men. Well, in the first place, God already promised victory, so even if Gideon fought the battle alone, RAMBO style, God would have protected him. Bible even stated that Gideon won an easy victory.

So what's that got to do with graphic arts? Well..in my artist perception...it says a lot!

Sometimes, the more images, textures and effects we put in the canvass, the more we complicate things...then we end up not accomplishing the initial purpose of the design. I'm not against textures and effects...I'm just saying that sometimes...LESS IS MORE!

As an artist, the most important part of designing is not the number of elements, textures or colors you can splash on to your masterpiece, but the effectiveness of conveying the whole thought of your design to the audience. I'm a minimalist by heart...as a melancholic person, I appreciate the little things that make the big things of life stand out. The miracle of the feeding of more than five thousands was partly possible because of a kid's common sense of bringing food to an all day seminar. David succeeded in his one on one duel with Goliath with just a smooth stone and sling. It only took Jesus' spit and some dirt for the blind to see. If you think about it, most of them are capable of greater feats...but it's those little things that mattered.

The greatest designers in our world today are those who took something common and turned it into an icon that stuck with almost everyone. Rob Janoff, a graphic designer of corporate logos, made a clean and minimalistic rendition of a late multi-millionaire's vision of a "fun, spirited and not intimidating" logo after returning from an apple farm. Now, the famous apple bitten logo is an icon for trending gadgets worldwide.

Multimedia design is not just pure skill. I know that most of our young people today can Photoshop almost anything and everything, but skill alone cannot convert raw ideas into tangible masterpieces. A heart for graphic arts can turn the simple things of life into extraordinary work of art. My calling as a Christian artist demands a higher standard of doing my job. I don't only make sure that the general and main idea of the design is sent across, but also take into consideration what Apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:8.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

So whenever you want to add that swish, that glare, that element, that texture, you have to think about it...will it give justice, add purity, and make it lovelier? Don't get me wrong, I know Apostle Paul was not talking about graphic arts when he wrote this down, but designing is a lot like life. One wrong and uncorrected move in the process will have a big effect on the outcome. Just like life, every decision should be well thought of to avoid unnecessary stress and wasted time.

Now, if this is not your style, it's ok. If you are a "there-is-purpose-in-chaos" type of designer, I respect that! But I do want you to consider another perspective in designing. Sometimes, watering down your design will boost the innate message that you originally envisioned. I'm not against textures and layered elements blended together, we just have to make sure that we don't go overboard.

My goal is not to get you on my minimalistic bandwagon when it comes to designing. I just want us to have a deeper and more meaningful approach when it comes to graphic arts. The next time you are tasked to do something artistic, always think that LESS CAN BE MORE!

20th NSC: 3D Animation Plans

My team and I are planing to do a full blast 3D project using blender for the upcoming 20th National Student Convention. This will be something new and definitely a challenging task! We will be integrating BLENDER into our traditional After Effects composites to give it a unique look and feel. I will try to post updates regarding our progress on the said project.

Pray for us as we embark on this new direction of multimedia arts!

JAHBLESS!

blending in some 3D

I've done print design, video composites, and websites with flash animation...but I have yet to conquer the world of 3D animation!

Since the movie industry started releasing full 3D animated movies, I've been impressed with the quality and creativity these animation studios have. There is something about 3D animation that really catches a persons attention. The depth of field that these animations offer gives the viewer a way cooler perspective than the usual 2D animation.

Years ago, I started experimenting on a trial version of a well known 3D animation software that costs way over my pay grade! It was a stretch. I soon realized that sheer will and creative juices won't cut it...you have to be meticulous and organized...and good with numbers since every little move you make requires precise calculation. Somehow I've mastered the ins and outs of the software and successfully rendered 15-30 seconds of animation as video introductions. But as my trial software ran out of hours...so did my endeavor to become a 3D animator!

It's a good thing there's OPEN SOURCE!

A group of animators developed a FREE software that is capable of 3D fun! Maybe you've heard of it...maybe not...but today, I'm going to formally endorse BLENDER! I've been tweaking this monster software for over a year now and may I say that it has been a blast! The environment is different, keystrokes are different, but nothing we can't handle...you just need lots and lots of patience to master this beast! I'm not claiming to have mastered BLENDER...I'm not even that good...but with the time I've spent courting this program, I'm confident with our relationship!

At first, you'll doubt the capability of BLENDER...but if you see the things people can do with this software, you'll be amazed! One of them is BIG BUCK BUNNY!

A short film that is worthy to be compared with Pixar's million dollar films. The film was supported by SUN MICROSYSTEMS. “The Big Buck Bunny movie project demonstrates that the barriers to entry in the 3D animation world can be lowered tremendously using on-demand computing platforms. Even though the Blender team did not have support of a big studio, they succeeded with the community support, an open source rendering software and an on-demand computing platform,” said David Folk, Group Manager of Network.com Marketing, Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Sooooo...if you're interested to venture the world of 3D animation...I suggest you go to www.blender.org and download BLENDER! Tutorials are also available online...through different communities! We are entering the era of big opportunities where 3D animation can also be done at home!

cool...kuler...coolest

if you have not been using KULER, then i advise you to check it out!

A wide variety of color combinations on whatever your heart desires. If you are using Adobe Creative Suite, you'll love it even more! But overall, this little site is the source of our colorful beginnings...I tip my hat to you KULER! visit it...kuler.adobe.com

Till my next post!

multimedia myths

There are a lot of pre-suppositions about the multimedia arts that needs clarification. Sometimes, it is because of these pre-conceived notions that people don't even try to venture the field of graphic arts. I know that in our day and age, everybody can do anything. But going professional and taking multimedia arts seriously is a whole new different level. I believe that more than the skills and innate talent, dedication is what makes someone successful in the arts of multimedia.

So, if you think you are being called to this line of ministry but are hesitating to push through because of some uncertainties, then let me help you! The following things are what I usually hear about the multimedia arts.

"Wala naman akong training sa ganyang bagay" (I have no formal training)

Me neither. I am an undergraduate of a computer science course. My background in computer is in programming. The only thing I can show forth is my willingness to be creative. It all started with a challenge from Rev. Delbert Hooge...and it was the right kind of challenge that has motivated me to move along this line of business.

in this business, I would prefer a little skill but a lot more heart. Skills are something that can be developed through time...but a heart to accomplish his task is a character issue. No matter how good you are at something, if you lack the heart to motivate yourself to do it, you are considered worthless. No...it's not a typo, I did say worthless! Maybe not as a person, but as an artist of the multimedia arts.

"pang mayaman lang yan eh, di para sa katulad ko" (I can't afford it)

A computer unit, inclusive of a printer and scanner (optional), is really a necessity for a dedicated multimedia artist. But then, if you are just training, you don't need it yet. Better if you stick with freehand training. Learn the basics of color combinations and most importantly, angles and perspectives.

Now, if you're finished training, try saving up for even a second hand type of computer. With a budget of Php 10k-12k, you can get a decent unit. Also, don't stress yourself with buying an expensive photo/video editing software...there are a lot of open source programs out there. Try finding one at osalt.com and you'll be amazed with the number of alternative free software. DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT BUYING A PIRATED COPY or TORRENTING A COPY! There is great blessing in upholding your integrity.

Bottom line is that it's not exclusively for rich people, I did not even have a computer unit of my own until my 3rd year in the multimedia industry.

"lagi namang nagbabago ang industry ng multimedia eh, mahirap sundan"

(The multimedia industry is constantly changing, it's difficult keeping up)

The multimedia arts is not IT. Editing software may change and be enhanced, but the concepts behind every aspect of the arts is the same. It will all boil down to the person's creativity. For me, everything that you see on tv, print, or web came from another idea...the main thing you need to understand is how to infuse different kinds of idea to make your creation unique.

Yes, you may have to keep up with the latest gadget or software but it's not needed. For 5 years I have been using the same old Pentium 4, 2 gig of memory, 256MB video card, rundown, almost obsolete unit. It has served me well till the company blessed us with HP Workstations. I admit that it's much faster to do it in our new units, but the concept of doing things did not change.

"walang pera sa multimedia, marami ka pang competition" (It's hard to make money in multimedia arts, you have lots of competition)

Now, this is not actually a myth because it's partly true. I agree that there are a lot of multimedia artists in the Philippines. If you go to odesk.com, you will see that most of the Graphic artists that are offering their services are Filipinos. But as far as making money, It's not that bad. I signed up at odesk.com in 2009 and my freelancing days with the company got me roughly Php 35K with approximately 12 jobs varying from simple photo manipulation to complicated flash animation.

generally, it's really hard to make money...it's not a new revelation! The Bible even said that if you don't work, you shouldn't eat. With the right amount of motivation and dedication, the arts of multimedia can be your bread and butter. But let me ask you this...is money the only reason why you are in the industry?

LET'S GET DOWN TO MINISTRY

To be honest, being a Christian artist is a challenge...I adhere to a higher set of standards. I always take into consideration the fine line between freedom of expression and plain profanity. This is my ministry and I love what I'm doing. But once in my life, I've been held captive by these kinds of Multimedia Myths...now, I thank God that He has opened my eyes to the wonderful world of designing.

These are just some of the myths that really got a hold of me personally, there are still some Multimedia Myths floating around somewhere, looking for someone to discourage. I tell you, don't lose heart on something God had placed in your heart...may it be multimedia or whatever it is, pursue it with a clear conscience and a willing heart.

Don't believe the myths...believe in God!

video compositing help

www.videocopilot.net

Let's tackle something close to my heart...AFTEREFFECTS!

Now, the company I work with has been blessed to acquire 2 original copies of Adobe Creative Suite 3 Master Collection and me and my staff are enjoying the sweet tricks it can do. So, if you have a copy good for you, if you don't, it's ok...open source programmers are slowly developing competitive software for our designing needs...DON'T BUY PIRATED STUFF...especially if you are going to use it for profit...it's a little like stealing!

anyway...back to our topic! AfterEffects is a video compositing program that digitally enhances video shots to almost anything you want it to be. Before we were blessed with AfterEffects, I've been experimenting video compositing with 3D Studio Max...it was not easy then. But now, with AfterEffects, it's like doing PhotoShop on video clips. You can easily turn your home video shots into hollywood type clips.

I'm still learning the ropes in AfterEffects and thanks to videocopilot.net, it has been one fun journey. Mr. Andrew Kramer is an AfterEffects guru who has decided to impart a little of his knowledge in video compositing for the benefit of aspiring videographers! if you have the time, check out his site at www.videocopilot.net, you'll be amazed on the endless possibilities you can have with AfterEffects.

till my next post!

boundaries of beauty

Ravi Zacharias is one of my favorite Christian apologist/speaker of our day...he takes on every aspect of life with the Holy Bible as his guide. In this particular segment, Ravi talks about the difference between art and profanity. As a Christian artist, where will I draw the line when it comes to artistic freedom?

Enjoy the video.