Reflection

As this quarter comes to an end I have been thinking about how this course (comm 350) has been an extremely rewarding class. Not only did I learn skills that will be helpful in the future, but I had a fun time doing it. I have learned InDesign, Photoshop, how to make a Podcast, how to create a website, how to keep a blog and how each of these tools are important to learn.

In my previous blog, I mentioned starting a Tumblr account and so far it has been a success. Other than learning form websites how to navigate Tumblr, I have had friends help me when I don't know what to do or if they know any tricks themselves.

This was not my first blog, but it has been a different experience compared to blogs in the past. I learned the importance of having a dead line when blogging. My blogs in the past would get stuck and forgotten because I was too busy with other things in my life. I would like to continue blogging but have yet to think of what I want to blog about. This blog has show me that it is not easy to keep a blog, but with some effort and a schedule keeping a blog can be fun.

I have really enjoyed taking this class and I can't wait to use the skills I have learned in the future!

Thanks J-Lind!

Basic Layout and Design Principles

The first source is a chapter form a graphic communications text book focusing on design and layout. This is a great source for beginner who want to have a basic understanding of different design and layout principals. The main topics covered in this chapter include element design, principal of design, layout element, developing a layout, layout methods, specifications, copyfitting, processing illustrations, and layout material.

 

Prust, Z. A. (2009). Graphic communications. (5th ed., pp. 83-106). Goodheart-Wilcox Co. Retrieved from http://www.g-w.com/pdf/sampchap/9781566379847_ch05.pdf

 

The second website article is much shorter and talks about eight main components of layout and design. They discuss the four second rule, grouping information in to small sections, color, proximity, whitespace, break up test, font size and alignment.

 

Web.admin. (2010, July 27). 8 key layout and design principles to keep your users

engaged Retrieved from: http://www.businessol.com/blog_posts/8-key-layout-and

design-principles-to-keep-your-users-engaged/

 

The last website is a very fun interactive website that allows you to not only learn the basic design and layout principals but shows you what it would look like. The four main points they cover include color theory, composition and layout, perspective, and typography.

 

Mundi, A. Principles of graphic design. Retrieved from http://nm.unca.edu/~ccloning/121/design/index2.html

Tumblr and Weebly

I have wanted to start a Tumblr account for years but I had no idea how to use it. I decided to do some research on Tumblr to see what it is all about. From what I have found, Tumnblr is a blogging social media that allows a used to create or re-post pictures, text, videos, audio and more. It seems to be extremely easy to post with several different ways of posting. Apparently some cool features of posting include the email post and the bookmark post. One can post anything on to their Tumblr through their email address if they wish to set it up and do so. In addition, by placing Tumblr as a bookmark, one may drag a link they want to post to the Tumblr bookmark and it will automatically post on your feed. I have always thought Tumblr was extremely complicated and I think I would like to try to do a picture blog where I only post pictures of my own as well as re-posting others. Tumblr also allows one to follow other peoples site such as friends but also strangers. There are a variety of things to look at on tumbler with millions of different topic. 

Erickson, C. (2012, June 3). The beginner's guide to tumblr. Retrieved from http://mashable.com/2012/06/03/the-beginners-guide-to-tumblr/

Tumblr. (2013). Tips. Retrieved from http://www.tumblr.com/tips


I also had the chance to mess around with Weebly in class last week. I really liked using Weebly, it was simple, fun and visually pleasing. It was extremely easy to use and I figured out most of the functions with in a half an hour. In the class, we are asked to form groups and create a website of our choice on something that relates to Western/Bellingham. We have decided to write about date places in Bellingham for Western students. I think as a group we have decided to go with Weebly because it is user friendly and we can all work off of it. I have posted some videos below that helped me understand Weebly more and what you can do with it. All in all, Weebly is an extreamly helpful tool in creating your website. Not only could Weebly be your website, but it can be a great template for your own website.

Podcast

This quarter we are learning about podcast and creating our own.

Podcast is a video or audio file that people can subscribe to. Like a show, there are various episodes and when subscribed the person subscribed will get an update if there is a new episode. The great thing about podcasting is you can enjoy it anywhere and anytime unlike a radio show. It is also something fun you can do because you can talk about any topic you want, in any way, length and form. When creating your own podcast, remember the four P's: Plan, Produce, Publish, and Promote. In planning, you must think about your topic, think of the format you are using and where you will have the podcast. In producing, think of how you are recording and with what tools. In Publishing, think of a name, where you will be posting it, uploading the podcast and crating tags for viewers to find you. Lastly, promote your podcast. Tell your friends, family, post on Facebook and much much more!

Podcast One. (2013). What is podcasting?. Retrieved from http://podcastone.com/What-is-Podcasting

Van Orden, J. (2013). How to podcast. Retrieved from http://www.howtopodcasttutorial.com/00-podcast-tutorial-four-ps.htm

Audacity Program is a free program that is a multi-track audio recorder and editor. You can record your voice, place a music track, add sound effect and it will combine it into one audio clip. From the video posted below, it seems very easy to uses and anyone can do it. I am excited to try this program in class and I will report back when I have tried it my self. 

Audacity. (2013). About audacity. Retrieved from http://audacity.sourceforge.net/about/

eHowTech. (2009). Free recording software: Audacity tutorial part 1 [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pes-6njWp4U

Music Beds/Sound Effects are possibly the coolest thing I have seen offered online. It is a website that has hundreds of sounds that you can use for free. These sounds range from instrumental music, the sound of a lawn mower, dogs barking, slamming doors, and much more. These sounds will be helpful for when making a podcast. I can't wait to mess with them! 

Ever Desireless. (2013). Free music beds. Retrieved from http://www.freemusicbeds.com/

PacDV. (2013). Free sound effects. Retrieved from http://www.pacdv.com/sounds/people_sounds.html

Dreamweaver, Photoshop, and InDesign

This quarter I will be learning the basics of Dream Weaver, Photoshop, and InDesign in my Emerging Communication Technology class.

Dreamweaver:

I have yet to play with Dreamweaver in class but I have heard mixed reviews on the program. I found this website that has step by step directions for those of us who have no idea how the program works.


If you want a general overview of what you can do with Dreamweaver, this is the material for you!
Columbus State University (2009). Getting started with dreamweaver cs6. Retrieved from http://webs.columbusstate.edu/docs/tutorial-dreamweaver-cs6.pdf

This is the perfect website to browse for what you are needing help for.
Adobe Developer Connection. (2013). Dreamweaver developer center. Retrieved from http://www.adobe.com/devnet/dreamweaver.html

This video gives simple steps for creating your first website!
Incredible Tutorials. (2008). Adobe dreamweaver tutorial - starting your first website [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MzbUADBk30

If you want to create a simple webpage this YouTube video explains it step by step.
Tutvid. (2008). [css] build a simple web page in dreamweaver! [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBWiS6soZfs


Interesting video about Dreamweaver! 
Tutvid. (2013). Create a site (local root) - dreamweaver cs6 tutorial [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNOy8HhQgS4

Photoshop:

We have used Photoshop to create our logos, it is a fun tool to use to do small projects. It can be confusing to use, so here are some websites and videos that can help you if you get confused.

This website is an amazing reference for any Photoshop question. This beginners guide to Photoshop uses simple pictures and text to show you how to do something step by step. There are multiple pages that teach you anything from easy ways to set type size to creating your own customized keyboard for shortcuts. The also have more advance sections if needed such as retouching photography, photo effects, text effects and digital photo essentials.

Patterson, S. (2013). Photoshop basics tutorials. Retrieved from http://www.photoshopessentials.com/basics/

This website is a great way to learn about the basics of editing a picture. I have been wanting to lean how to edit a photograph using Photoshop, and this is an amazing  introductory tool.
Klein, D. (2011, November). Basic image editing with adobe photoshop cs5. Retrieved from http://www.adobe.com/inspire/2011/11/basic-image-editing-photoshop-cs5.html

This YouTube clip show exactly what each tool, menu, settings, and etc. does. 
Lifehacker. (2011). Basics of photoshop. Retrieved from  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SafSh_u1FF0

This next video includes top 10 things beginners should know about Photoshop.
White, T. (2012). How to get started with photoshop cs6 - 10 things beginners want to know how to do[Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjRqZiAgoHo


Lastly, here is a video on how to retouch one's skin in Photochop, something I would love to master!
Photoshop Tutorials. (2013). Retouch, airbrush, and smooth skin professionally in photoshop [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8XqJ8CQFVY

InDesign:

InDesign has by far been the most interesting and fun program I have learned. It is great for making news letters, covers of magazines and books, and much more! It is easier to work with than Photoshop and something I can see myself using all the time in the future.

This website is an amazing website that has a collection of tutorials for beginner InDesign users. Each section has several subsections that may answer my questions about InDesign. These subsections will take you to a new page that explains it in a step by step format, with a picture to go along with each step. This website caught my eye compared to others because there is a whole section on how to make magazine covers which we are doing in class. 
Creative Bloq. (2013, July 23). 40 brilliant indesign tutorials. Retrieved from http://www.creativebloq.com/graphic-design-tips/indesign-tutorials-1232639

This articles is another resource that can help you understand what you can do in InDesign.
XDesigns. (2013). 25 indesign tutorials for beginners. Retrieved from http://xdesigns.net/2013/06/indesign-tutorials-for-beginners/

Below are a few videos that are extremely helpful with beginning questions on InDesign.
Ross, J. (2010). Introduction to magazine layouts.mp4[Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4JBuCSgbZw

TastyTuts. (2013). Adobe indesign for beginners - tutorial course overview & breakdown [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHDy_nEvgd4

White, T. (2012). How to get started with adobe indesign cs6 - 10 things beginners want to know how to do [Web]. Retrieved from http://tv.adobe.com/watch/adobe-evangelists-terry-white/how-to-get-started-with-adobe-indesign-cs6-10-things-beginners-want-to-know-how-to-do/

Top 10 Rules of Website Design

Here are what I consider to by top 10 rules of website design.

1. KISS: Keep It Simple Stupid
2. Have everything consistent
3. Eliminate clutter
4. Make it easy to navigate
5. Keep it free of errors, SPELL CHECK!
6. Choose colors that are appealing and not hard to read
7. Have a purpose when creating a website
8. Be unique and creative, make it your own not anyone else
9. Don't be afraid to put lots of visuals, it is fun and interesting to look at
10. Include contact information

National Education Association, . "10 Principles of Basic Web Design." National Education Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Oct 2013. <http://www.nea.org/home/10-Principles-of-Basic-Web-Design.html>.

Sharpened Productions, . "10 Rules of Web Design."Sharpened Productions. N.p., 13 Jun 2012. Web. 11 Oct 2013. <http://www.sharpened.com/web_design_rules>.

Stevenson, Tony. "13 Design rules that every Web site designer should know about." TechRepublic. N.p., 20 Sep 2002. Web. 11 Oct 2013. <http://www.techrepublic.com/article/13-design-rules-that-every-web-site-designer-should-know-about/>.

Introduction

My name is Gillian Bevan, I am a senior at Western Washington University graduating June 2014. I am studying Communication Studies and Event Planning, hoping to get into the event planning industry once I gradate. I have started the blog as an assignment for my Emerging Communication Technology course. I have had a blog in the past but did not keep up with them, hopefully this assignment will help me get back into blogging.