LeciaAmaral: October 2011

Friday 21 October 2011

Think I might make one of these at home!

image from www.awwwards.com

I SERIOUSLY LOVE this!!! It's super creative and a fun way to get the whole family involved in keeping one another up to date with what's happening. I think I might just paint me one of these over the weekend... watch this space ha ha ha!

For more cool ideas visit the website below!
http://www.awwwards.com/design-products/chalkboard-wall-calendar-with-memo

Tuesday 18 October 2011

SERIOUSLY FUN - if you're a designer!

The above is a screen shot of the site - cool design & layout!

If you're a designer then you simply to have to visit this site and take the "kerning test"! I really enjoyed it - does it make me a nerd??? Ha ha ha!

http://type.method.ac/

If there's one thing I can appreciate, it's a beautifully decorated cupcake! You can imagine how impressed I was by these beauties that I found on http://www.faircake.co.uk/

They have some lovely FREE RECIPES on their website and if you're lucky enough to be in London, then you should most definitely sign up for a one of their classes!!!! I so wish I could...

Friday 14 October 2011

Thought for today...

Tomatoes and Oregano makes it Italian; Wine and Tarragon make it French. Sour Cream makes it Russian; Lemon and Cinnamon makes it Greek.
Soy Sauce makes it Chinese; Garlic makes it good!

- Alice May Brock

AWESOME photography

Image by Hai Zhen

I stumbled upon photos taken by Hai Zhen, a fashion photographer based in Beijing China. I think her images are AWESOME. I just love the one featured above. The minimalist approach, perfect lighting, brilliant make-up and use of last extensions just make this image something special - I'm sure you'll agree!

To view more of her work, visit her website!
http://www.moko.cc/

Friday 7 October 2011

Beatiful Sculptures!

Wire sculptures by Gavin Worth

It always amazes me when stumbling accros something totally different and unique. Artists always find the most interesting mediums and turn what seems to be a general household item into something of worth and value - something special!

This is certainly the case with Gavin Worth's wire sculptures. They are absolutely gorgeous! Do pop past his website to see more of his work - it's worth the visit and may leave you inspired!

Don't forget to pay the site a visit!

http://www.gavinworth.com/

Thursday 6 October 2011

Steve Jobs - a GREAT man!

A portrait by Greek designer Charis Tevis

Thought it appropriate to dedicate some space to a GREAT MAN who changed the world! My life as a graphic designer would not be the same were it not for his work - or should I say passion seeing as Apple was more than just a job to him. I am proud to be able to say he was around "in my time"!

Steve Jobs will be terribly missed!

May you rest in peace.

To view more designs click on the link below...

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/3NhY2r/www.good.is/post/good-design-daily-a-fitting-homage-to-steve-jobs/

Wednesday 5 October 2011

Thought for today...

You're off to Great Places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting,

So get on your way!

- Dr Seus

10 Personality types of Graphic Designers!

I always find personality types fascinating! As designers we tend to conform to our own set of rules and generally in some way or another we are different to the masses. Each industry has probably got the same to say and I do believe within each industry people can be classified to personalities that suit their environment.

Graphic Design Blog’s post, 10 Personality Types of Graphic Designers list some personality types specific to Graphic Designers. It's fun and interesting! It is definitely well worth reading the full article. Below I list a brief summary of each personality but for a full break down DO VISIT their site!

Here are the 10 they listed:

1. The Perfectionist “Monk”
They want every project to be done with perfection and precision. Extreme obsession with their work makes them behave compulsively. Although being a perfectionist is good, it can also be stressful for designers to achieve absolute flawlessness.

2. The Ingenious “Sherlock”
Designers with this type of personality have unique problem solving skills. When face with the toughest of design projects, they execute it Sherlock style with astuteness and inventiveness.

3. The Brainy “Dexter”
Graphic designers with this personality are usually an ace in the academia and as a result, have a vast in-depth knowledge of graphic designing. They know concepts that even the most experienced designers might not be familiar with.

4. The Friendly “Casper”
Designers of this personality type are gregarious and use social media excessively, not just for professional purposes, but for personal use as well. They love to make new friends and connections and just cannot live without a social circle.

5. The Experienced “Papa Smurf”
Designers of this personality type are the experienced campaigners who are distinguished in their field as veterans. Emerging graphic designers look at them as an icon of inspiration and motivation.

6. The Show-off “Johnny Bravo”
They like to brag about their work and skills.

7. The Speedy “Flash”
Designers of this personality type are very fast and prompt. They like to finish off their assignments in as less time as possible. They meet their deadlines with ease, sometimes complete the assignment way before the due date. Although rapid speed is a very good attribute, in some circumstances haste can make waste.

8. The Lazy “Garfield”
Graphic designers of this category are gluttonous and ravenous. Moreover they tend to get sluggish and this delays their projects. They mostly don’t meet the project deadlines and are liable for procrastination.

9. The Enduring “Ironman”
They can easily endure countless hours of design work and complete it without experiencing any fatigue. They can tolerate heaps of pressure and strain to finish off a design job within the deadline.

10. The Hyper “Hulk”
They are hyper, intolerant and can be angry at the slightest of things.

Don't forget to pop onto "Graphic Designs Blog" to read the full article!

http://www.graphicdesignblog.org/graphic-designers-personality-types/

Monday 3 October 2011

Stylised gradient effects using Photoshop's channels!

Image by Ben Secret

This tutorial is really awesome! It takes something which we often deem to be Kitsch or "Nasty" and turns it into something beautiful! I am so trying this one when i get a chance!!!!! Let me know if anyone else will be doing one too, would love to see it!

Follow the link below to read the tutorial on the Computer Arts Website.

Article provided by Ben Secret.

http://www.computerarts.co.uk/tutorials/stylised-gradient-effects-using-photoshops-channels

Has Thinking Small Got You Stalled?

If you're a freelance graphic designer then this article is for you!

Has Thinking Small Got You Stalled? (ARTICLE BY Janis Pettit)

http://www.designtaxi.com/article/101715/Has-Thinking-Small-Got-You-Stalled/

The article looks at how you think and how it affects your business.
It challenges you to answer the following questions...

What do I truly believe I can achieve?

What would my ideal business and income look like?

Where am I keeping myself small?

What do I believe that keeps me stuck?

Who do I admire that has achieved what I want to achieve and do I believe I can do the same?

I hope this article makes you stand still and just think for a few minutes!

Natural vs Available Light for Kid Photography

Photo by: Rachel Devine

If you are passionate about taking photos of your children and would like some tips on playing with your lighting, then you simply must ready this article by Rachel Devine (author of kids photography eBook Click):
http://www.digital-photography-school.com/natural-vs-available-light-for-kid-photography-what-i-learned-from-shooting-with-film-2

Sunday 2 October 2011

Thought for today...

You'll get mixed up, of course, as you already know.
You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with you left.
- Dr. Seuss

Friday 21 October 2011

Tuesday 18 October 2011

Friday 14 October 2011

Friday 7 October 2011

Thursday 6 October 2011

Wednesday 5 October 2011

1. The Perfectionist “Monk”They want every project to be done with perfection and precision. Extreme obsession with their work makes them behave compulsively. Although being a perfectionist is good, it can also be stressful for designers to achieve absolute flawlessness.

2. The Ingenious “Sherlock”Designers with this type of personality have unique problem solving skills. When face with the toughest of design projects, they execute it Sherlock style with astuteness and inventiveness.

3. The Brainy “Dexter”Graphic designers with this personality are usually an ace in the academia and as a result, have a vast in-depth knowledge of graphic designing. They know concepts that even the most experienced designers might not be familiar with.

4. The Friendly “Casper”Designers of this personality type are gregarious and use social media excessively, not just for professional purposes, but for personal use as well. They love to make new friends and connections and just cannot live without a social circle.

5. The Experienced “Papa Smurf”Designers of this personality type are the experienced campaigners who are distinguished in their field as veterans. Emerging graphic designers look at them as an icon of inspiration and motivation.

6. The Show-off “Johnny Bravo”They like to brag about their work and skills.

8. The Lazy “Garfield”Graphic designers of this category are gluttonous and ravenous. Moreover they tend to get sluggish and this delays their projects. They mostly don’t meet the project deadlines and are liable for procrastination.

9. The Enduring “Ironman” They can easily endure countless hours of design work and complete it without experiencing any fatigue. They can tolerate heaps of pressure and strain to finish off a design job within the deadline.

10. The Hyper “Hulk” They are hyper, intolerant and can be angry at the slightest of things.

Don't forget to pop onto "Graphic Designs Blog" to read the full article!

Monday 3 October 2011

Sunday 2 October 2011

1. The Perfectionist “Monk”
They want every project to be done with perfection and precision. Extreme obsession with their work makes them behave compulsively. Although being a perfectionist is good, it can also be stressful for designers to achieve absolute flawlessness.

2. The Ingenious “Sherlock”
Designers with this type of personality have unique problem solving skills. When face with the toughest of design projects, they execute it Sherlock style with astuteness and inventiveness.

3. The Brainy “Dexter”
Graphic designers with this personality are usually an ace in the academia and as a result, have a vast in-depth knowledge of graphic designing. They know concepts that even the most experienced designers might not be familiar with.

4. The Friendly “Casper”
Designers of this personality type are gregarious and use social media excessively, not just for professional purposes, but for personal use as well. They love to make new friends and connections and just cannot live without a social circle.

5. The Experienced “Papa Smurf”
Designers of this personality type are the experienced campaigners who are distinguished in their field as veterans. Emerging graphic designers look at them as an icon of inspiration and motivation.

6. The Show-off “Johnny Bravo”
They like to brag about their work and skills.

8. The Lazy “Garfield”
Graphic designers of this category are gluttonous and ravenous. Moreover they tend to get sluggish and this delays their projects. They mostly don’t meet the project deadlines and are liable for procrastination.

9. The Enduring “Ironman”
They can easily endure countless hours of design work and complete it without experiencing any fatigue. They can tolerate heaps of pressure and strain to finish off a design job within the deadline.

10. The Hyper “Hulk”
They are hyper, intolerant and can be angry at the slightest of things.