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Can you identify these companies just by their logo? Many of you didn't even have to think twice. Companies are constantly designing new ways to attract new consumers and customers. A huge way they do so is through advertisement. Ads range from small to large, with many words or none at all. Lots of businesses use a specific image that will stick with the consumer, called a logo. For example, consumers will likely be more interested in buying from a company whose image stands out in their mind. They feel comfortable with knowing everyone buys from there. It's also easier to pair a name and service together when you can remeber a specific logo.  Corporations like McDonald's use the famous golden arch to bring in hungry people, even when they're not hungry! Their logo has become so known that they really don't even need to put 'McDonalds' on the sign. Trademarks like these are crucial for top sales of a product. If you have a unique logo, you are already ahead of your competition. Consumers need eye catching ads that will draw them in. This means jobs in advertisement are in high demand. People like graphic artists and designers are constantly collaborating ideas for the next big product. They  have to attract the buyer simply with words or art. Sounds like a lot of pressure to me. On the contrary, being in this field can be very rewarding. Designers have the opportunity to have their 'art' on display all around the world. Advertisements are literally everywhere. For instance; posters, billboards, packaging, signs, buildings, commercials, websites, and magazines are some forms of it. And that's not even all kinds of advertisement! Have you ever thought about the people who actually design every one? Well, each and every one of them are artists. They bring an idea to life and persuade the consumer that they can't live without that product or service. 

  

Realism

Grid Art

Drawing by: Kauryn Karmazinas

Recently, I learned a new technique in my high school Art 2 class. My teacher introduced it to me by calling it grid art. Grid art is an effective way to transfer and/or enlarge an original image to a larger surface, such as canvas. In doing so, you guarantee correct proportions. Although this was my first time using this method, it turned out better than I had expected. Take a look at the top right-hand corner for a visual of my drawing. We were covering a realism unit when this project came up, so I was required to make something look realistic. Options for realism could be animals, buildings, nature, people, and many other things. I went out on a limb and chose people because that is one of my weaknesses. I had trouble in the beginning, trying to figure out sizes and proportions of everything. At first I was overwhelmed. My teacher, Mr. Lugo advised me to take it one square at a time. That is a very vital piece of information when trying to execute art like this. It's easy to lose your patience when things aren't looking right, but I promise it's worth it in the end. Don't give up on your art. To use the grid method yourself, start by finding a picture you're interested in drawing. Take a ruler and measure the original picture's length and height. After finding that, double(multiply) each number by two. For example, if the height was five inches, the height of your drawing paper will be ten inches. Begin to make marks for every inch on every side(that will be where your gridlines come from). Then sketch those lines completely across the paper, very lightly. Number each box one through ten, for example. Now you are ready to draw! Patience and accuracy are key. When you have completed your illustration, you can erase the grid and begin to shade. It will start to come to life! Depending on which picture you choose, you could have the option to use color. Feel free to comment any questions below!

Art on TV

Look for the show Naked Vegas on your syfy network channel. This show captures art in a way I've never really researched before. On the show, body paint artists challenge themselves to design and paint on a person. Live models are selected and then painted according to an artist's specific design. The body art ranges from small to large and takes hours  to complete. Models in this field have to be very still and patient. They must get over the fact that they're naked. They must stand for long periods of time without falling over or passing out.There have been times when models on the show get severely dehydrated and have to be removed from the competition. Oftentimes, these live art pieces are performers in several Vegas shows. Some are put on display or even requested for parties of sorts. But just because you hear 'Vegas' and 'naked', it doesn't mean that's what this craft is about. Body art is a truly amazing mastery. Unfortunately, It is constantly misunderstood. You could probably understand why. Well, they're working with naked bodies. Artists of this kind see the human body as a blank canvas. When artists get their model, they are very professional. Many models leave feeling much more confident than before. The artists boost tend self-esteem with their art. They get to encourage others while doing something they're good at! Now, that's pretty cool. Some people see this type of art as a negative thing. They feel as though the human body is being somewhat degraded. They feel like its inappropriate and even scandalous to be doing what they do. But it's just how you look at it. if humans make art, why can't humans be the art too? You should look beyond the negative side because it's certainly a magnificent artistry. Click on the link below for more information on Naked Vegas show times, episodes, and commentary.

http://www.syfy.com/nakedvegas/episodes

Get Your Creative Juices Flowing

Ever feel like you're running out of innovative ideas? Or that you're losing artistic abilities? We've all felt this way before. An artist is easily intimidated by the canvas in front of them, and we tend to go absolutely blank. Many artists experience a situation like this early on in their career. You're not quite sure where to begin and you're feeling overwhelmed. But don't fret. Take a look at this article from artbistro.com for more ways to avoid a creative crash-down. 

http://artbistro.monster.com/benefits/articles/11950-5-unique-ways-to-get-creative-juices-flowing?page=1

Find Your Inspiration

Use your talent

After struggling to pay bills years before, Peter finds security with a painting that changes his future. A painting of his sold at an astounding seven million pounds.  Doig's paintings create a sense of fantasy and reality. They hold a beautiful quality of people being in between worlds. A unique motif he uses in his work is a canoe. Pretty inspiring stuff. Follow this link for an interview with this Scottish painter.

Artsy Furniture & Decor

 Below are some pictures of furniture and decor that I found intriguing. Many homeowners choose things very wisely when it comes to decorating their home. There are hundreds of styles out there. My taste could be described as eclectic, as I like a wide variety of things. Someday when I have my own place, I'd like to combine my art taste into a livable and usable form, according to the way I furnish it. I hope to furnish my home with shapely tables, chairs and tons of patterned pillows. Oh, and especially pictures. I love wood decor because I think it adds a very earthen and rustic feel about a room, without making it feel too outdoorsy. Shades of brown appeal to me because they make an area seem comfortable and warm. In my future home, I'll be sure to add pops of color to draw visitor's eyes to those places. Those who visit will hopefully be inspired and relaxed in my home. My goal is to create an open and inviting space for everyone. All in all, it's important to make your home comfortable to those who live there and those who come over, that is if you plan to entertain people. Plus, It's fun to express your own unique style in those spaces. Make sure it's appealing to you, because of course you are the one who will have to look at it the most. Also, don't be afraid to add seasonal touches to your home. It's always enjoyable to decorate for the holidays or just to redecorate in general. Doing so could change the mood of a space. Use your own flares and you'll never get bored!

High Fashion Models

What would you do to run with the popular crowd? How far would you push yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally to be an 'it' girl/boy? Men and women take body image to a whole new level in the name of fashion. Models put their bodies and minds to the test in drastic ways to please society and more importantly, their employers. Many models struggle with eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia. Others face anxiety disorders, self-esteem issues, and further mental health problems. The modeling industry has always been an outwardly beautiful industry while the insides are ugly. Models are constantly changing along with the new styles, looks, and trends. They are relentlessly jeopardizing their health with no concern of long-term complications. In doing this, many models experience a mental toll. But why do people keep doing this? The initial thought of being a model is beautiful. As a kid, you watch all the shows, runways, and see every girl in the magazines. You look up to them. That's who you get to be now. All the fame and money is great. Society sees you and wants to be you. They want to dress like you and look just like you. Your name gets known and you feel like you're getting somewhere in the world. You're famous. All your hard work has paid off. You're living your dream. But think, is it worth it? Agencies are sculpting you to represent the image their trying to portray. You're not you anymore. Imagine starving your body just to be told you weren't thin enough. What about all the hours in front of the mirror just to be critized by your flaws. The modeling industry is a tough industry, that's for sure. And quite frankly, I'm not sure if it'll ever change. But I don't see it all as negative. Not all models have eating disorders or mental issues. I'm not saying that all agencies change a man or woman specifically and only to how they want them to be. Fashion is creation. Fashion is wearable art that can only be appreciated by those who adore both art and fashion. Fashion can be found at the intersection of fantasy and reality. It's something really beautiful. You can capture an idea in a thousand ways with just one model. Models get the chance to express themselves. Many just have trouble indicating the very fine line between the positive and negative sides.

Famous Faces (Tyra Banks & Twiggy)