Brenda Pinnick -news, ideas, events and more...

Color – Why?

Well, after laying in bed last night and trying desperately to get to sleep– by the way, my new cut-off for iced tea is now 4 p.m.! – I pondered why this topic (see below) struck such a nerve with me. This topic has been gnawing at me and maybe it surfaced because this last week I seemed to run into way too many websites with grey, grey and more grey. Or websites that use only the worst combinations of hues, ones which counteract the intended message. Like orange and black being used for a calm, spa experience. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about rule breaking. But you need to know the rules before you can effectively break them. In art, there are no rules. Here I find it necessary to distinguish between art and design. If you're a  jewelry designer, that's an art, do it your way by all means. If you design craft projects, that's really more art than design and is all about your personal expression of an idea. no rules. But if you offer GRAPHIC DESIGN or PRODUCT DESIGN services, you have an obligation to get it right. I would be remiss if I didn't follow up with some good source material. The first and most important book I recommend is Johanne Itten's  THE BOOK OF COLOR, isbn # 0-442-24037-6.  Consider this your color bible. Read the entire book, starting at page one and end at the very last page. It's pricey, but it's a studio must have–skip lunches and movies if you must, you need this book. After this, move onto Leatice Eisemann's series of books on color. There is a plethera of information available on the web for studying color and plenty of color combination samples that are free to accesss if you're feeling unsure, use them.

My husband asked me why I was bothered by what other people, "Designers" know or don't know. It's about integrity in the field of design. In an industry where virtually anyone can call themselves a Designer, with no standards put in place such as ASID for Interior Design, we have to monitor and work harder to keep the integrity high. I equate it to my husband's profession of engineering. What would happen if new Engineers were showing up at his Aerospace company, but without the math knowledge required to do the job? Imagine! Jet's would become totally unsafe. Billions of dollars would be wasted on badly designed products and people would die. In product design, people  won't die from bad color choices  but billions of dollars might be wasted by putting product out there that doesn't sell because of improper use of color. Or in web design, a client hires a "Designer" who really isn't and spends $8k on an ineffective product. Then that customer tells all his friends, I hired a "Designer" who didn't know what he/she was doing. Now his friend is ready to launch his business but decides to design his own because after his friend wasted all that money...well, "I'm smarter than that" he says.

Color is to Design what Math is to Engineering. It's core knowledge that is essential to the professionalism of the industry. Use it and use it wisely.

now I'm really done. Back to my regularly scheduled crafty goodness! whew!

Color – Why not?

COLOR…WHY NOT?

Posted on July 1, 2009, 7:48 pm, by Brenda Pinnick, under Graphic Design & Branding,some things just need to be said.

This may come off as a rant. That’s ok. This is my blog and I’m a colorist. Some might say I’m a color snob. That’s ok, too. I studied long and hard to get there and honestly, that’s a source of pride for me. When I tell you that the minute details such as 3% more magenta than there should be sometimes sends me over the edge. That color palettes NEED both depth and variety to be functional and interesting, that reds can be powerful or intimidating or sexy or rosy…these are the things that anyone who calls themself a Product or Graphic Designer needs to get. And I mean, GET.

phew….I’m already feeling a bit better.

So why then, do some designers and artists insist on not using color to promote themselves? Are they afraid of commitment? Of insulting someone who doesn’t appreciate, say, orange? The really nice thing about color, especially in the new world of internet promotion is that it is easily changed. “Wallpaper” is not removable only by excruciating, laborious hours of scrapping and peeling. In a website, you can swap out orange for pink in  a heartbeat – I know, I do it all the time as anyone who has followed my blog for any length of time will tell you. It’s been almost every hue imaginable, with the exception of grey. I understand the desire for black, it’s dramatic, it’s mysterious and colors show up stronger in photographic content. Although, black is the hardest background (non) hue to read so if you’re offering considerable written content as opposed to lots of pretty pictures, then you should consider the readers and opt for an easier on the eyes combination. (Don’t even get me started on those awful dot backgrounds showing up on blogs– maybe that’ll be my next point of contention.)  One exception immediately comes to mind – viewing color palettes is best done on a true, neutral grey– read on;

I understand people who lean towards grey. I’m married to one, he’s an engineer. Grey works in his world. Sometimes I wear grey – mostly on a day when I need to have zero color reflection as I work in order to maintain an unbiased assessment of my color choices for my work. But grey is the color of non-commitment. It’s safe. It says, “don’t look at me”. It’s white noise at best. By itself, it’s usually hard and cold (true 50/50 grey, that is). Grey works for companies such as aerospace, technology, etc.  It’s a great base to play other hues off from, say, hot magenta or lemon yellow or a bright turquoise.  Always remember, color is perceived according to what is next to it. When you view green for example, it appears more green if it sits next to a red hue, tint or tone (it’s compliment). If you want a tiny bit of yellow to show as larger, put it next to or in with a purple, it’s compliment. The yellow will double in visual impact, appear brighter and more saturated.

As opposed to

I know what you’re thinking….but Brenda, what about my branding? Well, as a Product or Graphic Designer, why wouldn’t you want to show how you can incorporate a variety of  hues in with existing branding. Afterall, as Graphic Designers, we are in the communication business. As product Designers, we must know how to use color  to get the product sold, not just looked at. Let me repeat that, sold, not just looked at. Our job is to communicate through a variety of means including color and to make it work with the unyielding branding established long ago by our clients. (unless they’re Google who playfully alters their branding for holidays and such, one of the first big companies to boldly do so).

I’m going to stop here, I’ve probably hit a nerve or two. That’s ok, those are nerves that need to be hit. In summation, if you call yourself a Designer, I strongly suggest you get on the program and learn the most important tool in communication arts and in product design – color – it’s meanings, it’s origins, it’s history, it’s geographical significance, it’s nuances and how it affects us emotionally. If you’re not a designer, do whatever  you want. have fun. Just don’t call yourself a Designer when you choose to promote your design services or expertise, with shades of grey. walk the walk.  ok, now I’m done.

Here are some fun ways to use grey as a neutral base or accent.

Yes she is –

a SwellDesigner! Meet Alexa Westerfield- a friend I made through social networking. She's talented, smart, funny and shares her story here.

excerpt – BP- what is your current passion or obsession? A certain style, colorway, medium, etc.?

AW-I go through phases.  Right now, I'm obsessed with my 365 photography project where I take a photo of myself every day. 

 

I think that's awesome. For me, however, this would be a bit painful. I hate pictures of myself. Brave YOU!!!!

Read about Alexa's passion for creativity and please be sure to leave a comment.

Do you have a story to tell, inspiration to share or are maybe launching a new big thing? shoot me an email and if it's a good fit for my blog, I'll give you a feature story like this one. Here are some from the past:

Jill MacKay

Lynne Farris

Susan Eaddy

have a good Monday!

xxx

Brenda

Project using my Sizzix Die

http://www.whencreativityknocks.com/craft-and-hobby-episodes/4th-of-july-broach.html

more fabric fun!

Earlier, I showed you the flowers I made using my new fabric collection from HenryGlass & Co. - I love them worn as a jewelry piece or as an accent on a purse! I wore them out last weekend and got several compliments from complete strangers! I decided that I wanted to have these flowers as a decorative accent for my desk and so I made a fabric vase to stand them up in. I used the same materials and drew out my pattern. I sewed it seams side out rather than a fine finish, to reflect the technique I used for the flowers. I think it turned out pretty cute. What do you think? No watering, just a little dusting every now and then!

I had some errands to run yesterday so I extended my trip to include visiting some local stores that have been on my list for a while. Our town has a fabulous stamping/crafting store, RUBBER STAMP FANTASY, which is an “independent” and I hadn’t visited for quite some time. Upon entering, I was greeted by the owner, asked if I needed any help. “no, really just looking around today”. (I went looking for some Judikin’s Diamond Glaze but wanted to look around first).  Wandering around the good sized store, I was impressed with the beautiful sample projects at every turn. When the owner saw me stop to take a closer look, he was nearby to answer any questions I had. I never felt intruded on, just that he was mindful of my needs. When my arms got full, he promptly handed me a hand basket to put my goods in. When I found a special item for jewelry making, he was quick to show me some new things that had just arrived and were still behind the counter which made me feel like I was privy to some new found treasures - I bought two.

Upstairs is the class room area - it’s HUGE. They were busy setting up for a weekend of classes being taught by a really talented man, Fred Mullett. He has his own stamps, many of them are rubbings from nature, including fish. Anyway, the technique he was teaching was incredible! I mean, it was simply amazing what he was doing with embossing powders, inks, watercolor. He’s traveling all over the country teaching these classes and enjoying a little recreation on his off days…what fun! http://www.fredbmullett.com

I went in to purchase a $5. or so item….$55.00 later,  I’m on my way but with  new knowledge, tons of inspiration, some new friends and an opportunity to teach some local classes. All this would not have happened in one of the big box stores.  I encourage you to support your local independent craft stores,  I’ll be a regular from now on.

Early Morning Calm

I think we can learn a lot from cats.

This morning, Nugget just lived in the moment, laying on the back porch watching the birds at the feeder. When a small breeze would blow, he lifted his nose to the air and enjoyed the gentle scent of honeysuckle. Mondays tend to make me feel a bit overwhelmed, with the tasks at hand mounting into a pile in my head. I decided to sit and quietly enjoy my coffee this morning while doing a little drawing with pen and ink.Do you jump right into your day or do you take a few minutes and enjoy the early morning quiet?

Tending the Creative Garden

Here's a fun project I want to share... I've been playing around with my fabric line(available from http://www.henryglassfabrics.com/)and love these flower pins made by layering hand cut flower shapes! I used black Pelon heavy duty (craft) interfacing under each layer and stitched around the edges. They are backed with a jewelry pin back from the craft store and I'll be wearing one tonight when hubby and I go out for our Friday night Mexican fix. I'm so glad that leaving raw edges is fashionable! Here are a couple of close-ups. The flower with the white background sports bits of leftover ribbons, a good way to use up those little pieces!

I hope you'll make some of these for yourself or for a friend. They make good coasters, too! If you would like the pattern, please leave me a comment, I'll send it to you directly.

To read more on the subject of how I tend to my creative garden, visit my website blog at http://www.brendapinnick.com/blog. 

Have a great weekend!

Renee Pearson classes announced!

My friend, the very popular and world famous Renee Pearson is holding on-line classes starting next week, teaching digital scrapbooking. This is a great opportunity to learn from the one who (literally) wrote the book! She’s regarded as the industry expert so if you’ve been on the fence trying to decide if you wanted to learn, now’s the time! Read on;

“Nearly four years ago, when I wrote the first Digital Designs for Scrapbooking, computers were not yet an essential tool for mainstream scrapbooking,” says Pearson. “As the popularity of digital scrapbooking has grown, so has the need for easy-to-follow instructions. That’s why I developed this workshop.”

“Just the Basics,” is a 4-week beginning digital scrapbooking course. Go here, Contact: Renee Pearson  http://www.reneepearson.com

• Introduction to Photoshop Elements
• Using quickpages and layered templates
• Creating quickpages and layered templates
• Adding digital embellishments
• Understanding brushes and layer masks

She’s got a special price to kick this off! Have fun!!!

Re-launch!!!!

I've missed typepad! I mean, I've REALLY missed typepad. So guess what? I'm returning. Oh, I'll still continue by blog on my website, but there is no reason to ignore this little gem of a space. It's just so much easier to use. I can move things around better and add fluff if I want, when I want, without having to pay someone to do it for me. 

This blog will often feature my friends and colleages who are rockin' the crafting world. I'm going to start with one who is wildly popular, who puts out amazing work and sets all kinds of records with her book sales...

the amazing, the gorgeous, the talented miss......MARGOT POTTER!  

Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out! My interview with Margot is coming up soon, so please check back!

I've moved!

http://www.brendapinnick.com/blog/

Hello,

Please visit my new blog location, above.

Be sure to bookmark it and come back often!

hugs,

Brenda