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1

Lighting Design / Lighting Design

« on: February 04, 2024, 12:49:15 PM »

Indoor Lighting Design


When designing indoor lighting for energy efficiency, consider some basic design principles and methods.

Energy-efficient lighting design principles include the following:

Maximize the use of daylighting
More light is not necessarily better: light quality is as important as quantity
Match the amount and quality of light to the performed function
Install task lights where needed and reduce ambient light elsewhere
Use energy-efficient lighting components, controls, and systems (i.e., timers, occupancy sensors and connected home apps)
Here are some basic methods for achieving energy-efficient indoor lighting:

Use ENERGY STAR® labeled lighting fixtures and lamps
Install LED light fixtures for all frequently used ceiling- and wall-mounted fixtures - especially those that will be on for more than 2 hours each day - such as kitchen and living room, bathroom, hallway, and other higher-demand locations
Consider installing ENERGY STAR rated LED fixtures, rather than using fluorescent or LED replacement lamps in existing incandescent fixtures
Use LEDs in all portable lighting fixtures that are compatible with LED lighting
Use timers, occupancy sensors, or connected home technologies for automatically turning on and off your lights as needed.
Consider choosing light colors for wall surfaces to minimize the need for artificial lighting.
If you are using recessed lights in a ceiling with an unconditioned space above it, use only Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approved fixtures that are airtight, are IC (insulation contact) rated, and meet ASTM E283 requirements.



Outdoor Lighting Design
When designing outdoor lighting, consider the purpose of the lighting along with basic methods for achieving energy efficiency.

Outdoor lighting for homes generally serves one or more of three purposes:

Aesthetics: Illuminate the exterior of the house and landscape
Security: Illuminate the grounds near the house or driveway
Utility: Illuminate the porch and driveway to help people navigate safely to and from the house.
Here are some basic methods for achieving energy-efficient outdoor lighting:

Security and utility lighting does not necessarily need to be bright in every instance to be effective.
Consider LED flood lights with combined photosensors and motion sensors in place of other security lighting options.
Make sure outdoor light fixtures have reflectors, deflectors, or covers to make more efficient use of the light source and help reduce light pollution.
Use timers and other controls to turn decorative lighting on and off.
Use outdoor solar lighting where applicable.


Source: energy.gov
Original content: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/lighting-design

2

Educational and Institutional Design / Educational and Institutional Design

« on: February 04, 2024, 10:46:59 AM »

Educational establishments are set up for participants to succeed. The whole purpose of school or college is to gain educational and networking experience, with expectations to explore and grow. A productive learning space creates the opportunity for students to expand their knowledge and practice their skills and abilities.



Pictured: Our interior design project at Kent State University, The Student Union

Our research indicates that students of all ages perform better when they are in environments conducive to learning. With thousands of students and faculties utilizing the campus, institutions need quality interior design. Our designs focus on enhancing the learning and development of college students.

For an interior design project for primary or higher education, the goals are a bit different. First, the configurations should be innovative, and adaptable. Many ideas will be conducted in these spaces and should encourage creativity.

The Learning Space
Educational spaces should be comfortable for students. Did you know comfort increases work productivity? It makes sense because being comfortable puts you more at ease and increases focus. That is why furniture is such an important part of design.

Another important part is encouraging groupwork and collaboration. Teamwork is one of the most desirable qualities for any career. Students often lean on others for help or support. Comfortable furniture and tools are essential for studying with other classmates.

Finally, we know the importance technology plays in today’s world. Educational facilities use computers, laptops, overheads, and even smart boards for learning. Blueprints for schools and universities must be designed with technology in mind. Creating ample space for larger objects, or even plugs and outlets is ideal for functionality.



Pictured: Our interior design project at Wright State University, Classroom

An Easy Process
We make the entire process easy and convenient. We are mindful of your goals, style, timeline, and budget.

The first step is the consultation. Done virtually or in person, this meeting is for the discovery. We learn your goals, budget, timeline, and your overall vision plan. After we receive this information, we create a proposal for the customer or client and along with a brief questionnaire.

Next step is where the fun begins! Our goal is to create a design that you love within your budget. We create designs that suggest the best colors, textures, finishes and furnishings for your space.



Step five is when we review the design with the customer or client and make final updates. Upon approval, we send the final documents for auction. We’ll continue to coordinate with the customer or client as well as contractors to make necessary adjustments.

The Finished Project
When your project is complete, it’s time to celebrate and put your new room or building to good use! We’ve had the pleasure of working with dozens of universities in multiple cities. We understand the importance of learning and consider educational and higher ed designs one of our specialties. Check out more of our client work here.


Pictured: Our interior design project at Wright State University, Veteran & Military Center.


Source: Maraye Design Studio
Original content: https://maraye.com/designing-educational-institutions/

3

Sketching Tools and Materials / Drawing Tools & Materials

« on: January 31, 2024, 10:58:33 AM »

You can purchase this Artist’s Portfolio in the DRSB Store

For your learning experience, we have developed an Artist’s Portfolio of specialized drawing tools and materials, designed to be used in conjunction with the techniques described and taught in the book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, DVD, or Workshops. Our DRSB Artist’s Portfolio is provided to all registered DRSB drawing workshop students.

Go to our DRSB Store to see the items available for sale. You can purchase the Artist’s Portfolio, seen above, which includes everything you need to learn to draw, contained in a handsome and durable DRSB plastic portfolio carrying case. There are two versions available: with or without the 2-hour DRSB video where Betty Edwards offers seven lessons with demonstrations and explanations.

However, you can also purchase the DRSB specialized drawing tools individually. 

Materials and tools included in the Portfolio which you can find at most art supply and/or office supply stores:

A drawing board: Buy a drawing board from an art supply store or improvise by using a heavy piece of cardboard, a thin piece of lumber such as Masonite, or even a large wood cutting board as long as it is not too heavy.

Drawing paper: We recommend Strathmore 400 Series Regular Surface drawing paper.  You will need two sizes of drawing paper pads:  9” x 12 and 11” x 14”.

Pencils: You will need drawing pencils (Prismacolor Turquoise 4B and 6B) and a yellow #2 graphite pencil; you can purchase these at an art supply store.

Hand-held pencil sharpener, which you can purchase in an art or office supply store.

A graphite stick: a 4B black graphite stick, found in an art supply store.

A water-soluble marker: You'll need a non-permanent black Vis-à-Vis wet-erasable marker, available in office supply stores.

Erasers (2): You will need a Staedtler Mars plastic eraser, and a Generals' kneaded rubber eraser, available in art or office supply stores.

Tape: You will need a roll of low-tack masking tape, found in at an art supply store.

We highly recommend you purchase these specialized drawing tools, exclusive to the DRSB Store:

AngleFinder and ProportionFinder which can be purchased together as DRSB Sighting Tools, or individually

Large and Small Picture Planes

Drawing Templates

Self-Portrait Mirror and Red Gel

Please note:  The Vase/Faces and Upside-Down Drawings can be found here on the DRSB Website for free download.


Source: drawright.com
Original content: https://www.drawright.com/what-tools-materials-do-i-need

4

Digital Sketching Techniques / Exploring Digital Art Techniques and Tools

« on: January 31, 2024, 10:26:06 AM »

In recent years, the world of art has witnessed a significant transformation with the rise of digital art. Advancements in technology have opened up a whole new realm of creative possibilities, allowing artists to explore their imagination and create stunning artworks using digital tools. In this blog post, we will delve into the exciting world of digital art, exploring various techniques and tools that have revolutionized the way artists express themselves.

In This Post
I. Understanding Digital Art:
II. Digital Art Techniques:
Digital Painting:
Photo Manipulation:
Vector Art:
3D Modeling and Sculpting:
Digital Drawing and Sketching:
III. Essential Digital Art Tools:
Hardware:
Software Applications:
Brushes, Textures, and Plugins:
Color Management:
Online Communities and Resources:
IV. Challenges and Benefits of Digital Art:
Challenges:
Benefits:
Final Thoughts

I. Understanding Digital Art:


Before we delve into the techniques and tools of digital art, it’s important to establish a clear understanding of what digital art entails. Digital art is a broad term that encompasses various forms of artistic expression created using digital technology. It is a fusion of traditional artistic skills and digital tools, allowing artists to push the boundaries of their creativity in unprecedented ways.

Digital art encompasses a wide range of mediums, including painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, and animation. Artists leverage digital tools and software applications to create their artworks, manipulating digital elements to produce stunning visuals. One of the key advantages of digital art is its versatility and flexibility. Artists can experiment with different techniques and styles without the limitations of physical materials. They have access to an extensive palette of digital brushes, textures, and effects that allow for precise control over color, texture, and lighting. With the ability to work in layers, artists can easily make changes and adjustments, undo mistakes, and explore different artistic directions.

It’s important to note that while digital art is often associated with digital devices such as computers, tablets, and software applications, the essence of art remains rooted in the artist’s creativity and skill. Digital tools are simply mediums through which artists express their visions, ideas, and emotions.

II. Digital Art Techniques:



Digital Painting:
Digital painting is one of the most popular techniques in digital art. Artists use digital brushes and graphics tablets to mimic traditional painting techniques digitally. Software applications like Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, and Procreate provide a wide range of brushes, color palettes, and effects, giving artists complete control over their digital canvases. Layers and blending modes in digital painting enable artists to experiment with different textures and achieve stunning visual effects.

Photo Manipulation:
Photo manipulation involves altering and combining different images to create a new visual composition. Artists can retouch, enhance, and manipulate photographs using software like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP. This technique allows for endless creative possibilities, enabling artists to create surreal and imaginative artworks by seamlessly merging multiple elements into a cohesive piece!

Vector Art:
Vector art is created using mathematical equations to define shapes and lines. Software such as Adobe Illustrator and Inkscape are commonly used for vector art. The advantage of vector graphics is that they can be resized without any loss in quality, making them ideal for illustrations, logos, and graphics for web design. The use of anchor points and curves allows artists to create precise and scalable artwork with smooth lines and shapes.

3D Modeling and Sculpting:
Digital tools like Autodesk Maya, ZBrush, and Blender have revolutionized the world of 3D modeling and sculpting. Artists can create intricate three-dimensional objects, characters, and environments, giving them complete control over the shape, texture, and lighting of their creations. 3D modeling finds application in various industries such as animation, gaming, architecture, and product design.

Digital Drawing and Sketching:
Digital drawing and sketching tools provide a realistic and versatile alternative to traditional pencil and paper. Graphics tablets, pen displays, and stylus pens allow artists to draw directly on a digital canvas with precision and sensitivity. Software applications like Autodesk Sketchbook, Adobe Fresco, and Clip Studio Paint offer a range of brushes and drawing aids, making digital drawing an accessible and convenient medium for artists.

III. Essential Digital Art Tools:



Hardware:
To engage in digital art, artists require specific hardware tools. These include a computer or tablet with sufficient processing power, a graphics tablet or pen display, a stylus pen with pressure sensitivity, and a high-resolution monitor for accurate color representation. Investing in quality hardware ensures a seamless digital art experience.

Software Applications:
Numerous software applications cater to different aspects of digital art. Adobe Creative Cloud offers a comprehensive suite of applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro, while Corel Painter focuses on digital painting. Other popular software includes Procreate, Clip Studio Paint, Autodesk Sketchbook, and Affinity Designer. Artists should experiment with different applications to find the one that best suits their style and workflow.

Brushes, Textures, and Plugins:
Digital art software provides a vast array of brushes, textures, and plugins that enhance the creative process. Brushes emulate various traditional art tools like pencils, pens, charcoal, and watercolors. Artists can customize and create their own brushes or download preset brush packs from online communities. Textures can be applied to add depth and realism to digital artwork, mimicking surfaces like canvas, paper, or fabric while plugins extend the functionality of the software, offering additional effects, filters, and tools to enhance the creative process.

Color Management:
Digital artists should also pay attention to color management to ensure their artwork appears consistent across different devices and print mediums! Understanding color profiles, using color calibration tools, and working in a color-managed environment is essential to achieve accurate color representation in digital art. Luckily, there are various software applications that provide color management features and support various color spaces, like Photoshop.

Online Communities and Resources:
The digital art community is vibrant and supportive, with numerous online platforms where artists can connect, share their work, and learn from each other. Websites like Doodle Addicts serve as hubs for artists to showcase their portfolios and engage in discussions. You can also watch online tutorials and courses, or check out forums that provide valuable resources for artists to learn new techniques, explore different styles, and stay updated with the latest trends in digital art.

IV. Challenges and Benefits of Digital Art:



Challenges:
While digital art offers incredible creative possibilities, it also presents some challenges. Artists may face a learning curve when adapting to digital tools and techniques, particularly if they are transitioning from traditional art mediums. Technical issues like software compatibility, hardware limitations, and system crashes can interrupt the creative process. Additionally, the digital realm poses copyright and piracy concerns, as artworks can be easily reproduced and distributed without proper authorization.

Benefits:
Despite the challenges, digital art brings several significant benefits. Artists can experiment and iterate quickly, undoing mistakes and exploring different approaches without fear of damaging their artwork. Digital workflows offer efficient editing and revision capabilities, enabling artists to refine their creations easily. Collaboration becomes more accessible, as artists can share files, collaborate remotely, and receive real-time feedback from peers or clients. Digital art also provides opportunities for commercialization, with avenues like online marketplaces and print-on-demand services enabling artists to monetize their creations.

Final Thoughts
Digital art has revolutionized the world of creativity, offering artists new and exciting avenues for self-expression. The diverse techniques and tools available in digital art, including digital painting, photo manipulation, vector art, 3D modeling, and digital drawing, empower artists to bring their imaginations to life. By embracing digital art, artists can explore endless possibilities, connect with a vibrant community, and adapt to the ever-evolving world of artistic expression. So, whether you’re a traditional artist looking to expand your horizons or an aspiring creator eager to dive into the world of digital art, grab your stylus and start exploring the incredible realm of digital creativity. The digital canvas awaits your unique vision!


Source: Doodlers Anonymous.
Original content: https://www.doodlersanonymous.com/exploring-digital-art-techniques-and-tools/