The Aesthetics...Creating Your Mock-Up Designs

Here's the fun part!  How can we create aesthetically pleasing designs by incorporating a variety of design elements?  We will focus on answering this question over the next few classes and in the end have a number of design mock-ups to select from.


STEP 1. The Color Wheel

• a. Create Mock-up #1 applying elements of the color wheel discussed in class (hue, shade, tint, color relationships: monochromatic, analogous, complimentary, etc.) to your background.
• b. Refer to your Color Wheel worksheet notes taken from the Color Wheel Video Explanation
• c. To edit background:  Template --> Customize --> Background (select a color theme) or Advanced (to customize each section of your blog)
• d. Take a screen capture of this design #1 and upload to your Picasa Web Album.
• e.  Add a caption with brief explanation of your color choice.

STEP 2. Photographs 

• a. Create Mock-up #2 applying a photograph to your background that uses rule of thirds.

• b. To edit background:  Template --> Customize --> Background --> Background Image (look through gallery of photograph categories OR take and upload your own photo).
• c. Take a screen capture of this design #2 and upload to your Picasa Web Album.
• e.  Add a caption with brief explanation of your photograph choice.

STEP 3. Graphic Design  

• a. Create Mock-up #3 applying graphic design elements discussed in class (color relationship, line, vector-shape,stroke-outline, patterns.
• b. To edit background:  Template --> Customize --> Background --> Background Image (look through gallery* with graphic designs or create/upload your own.)
• c. * Suggested graphic design categories include:  Abstract, Patterns, Technology, Textures & Transparent.
• d. Take a screen capture of this design #3 and upload to your Picasa Web Album.
• e.  Add a caption with brief explanation of your graphic design choice.

Be sure to use the task specific rubric #1 to guide you in this design phase.

To earn a 5 – 6, make sure:

• You have generated THREE or more thoughtfully created template mock-ups through screen captures.
• All mock-ups demonstrate good blog design using the basic design elements and principles.
• All mock-ups clearly reflect your personality, theme and design specifications of your blog.

Remember:

• Each of your designs should display insight into your theme.  Some ideas discussed:  Star Wars, Sports, Hawaiian, Nature, etc.
• Take a look at your mind map.  Are there any themes that you could tap into from there?