How do we see? Vision vs. Perception

Growing up, I can recall my mother telling me that I perceive things differently than most people. And when I think about it, there must be a nugget of truth in this. Over the course of my life, variations of this statement have resounded in my ears; from an irate boyfriend screaming "Your perception is all screwed up!" to "Wow, I've never looked at it in that way before". Everything that our eyes encounter takes on new dimension and meaning as our mind spins it in the gossamer of perception and interpretation.

Vision is not merely a function of our eyes, but a joint venture of our eyes and brain. Our eyes send simple signals of edge, shape and motion to our brains, where they are constructed into images. Our brains interpret these signals based on pattern recognition, and then seamlessly cause us to perceive whatever the object might be. One example of pattern recognition is the the fact that motorcycles and bicycles get hit every day by motorists who were looking right at them. Most drivers are looking for cars.

Perception, the brain's personal spin on things, is not so easily explained. It is that ethereal factor that determines beauty...that detects the "mood" of a work of art. Perception varies as much as we are individuals, reading a myriad of connotations into the images our brains have stitched together from those signals sent from our eyes.

In design, we make use of pattern and consistency to produce a positive, harmonious visual experience. We create interest by variations in pattern and movement in line and shape. We are able to direct the eye of the viewer by way of composition and contrast. Understanding the way that we see and perceive will enhance our ability to successfully incorporate the elements and principals of design into our work.

Book Cover Critique

Boy’s Life by Robert McCammon

This book cover’s strong use of contrasting colors are eye-catching.  A bicycle, devoid of rider, rushes toward the viewer head-on, leaving behind what appears to be a fog-shrouded swamp. The bold diagonals of it’s headlight beam draw the eye toward the vortex, where the subtle mirage of an eye inexplicably winks from the lens. These are surely elements representative of the story.

My overall impression is of a good read - untethered adventure tinged with mystery, seen through the eyes of a  boy’s imagination.

That being said, I must also comment on the similar size and hue of the text of title and author. There is no heirarchy here - no contrast.  The two elements fairly cancel one another out. While the author’s name seems to float unanchored, the title feels embedded into the scene. The backlit title’s perspective distortion and cast of long shadows could have added further interest and depth, but instead sets the design further off-kilter as the two elements battle for heirarchy.

But wait - it seems I'm getting ahead of myself and rambling.  Perhaps I should begin by welcoming you to my blog.

"Welcome!"

Introducing myself, I suppose, wouldn't hurt, either.

My name is Janet. I have been known to wear many hats, so to speak, but first and foremost I am a mother.

I've got a grown-up son and a beautiful, bright, witty, charming, and altogether disarming fourteen-year-old daughter who is the absolute light of my life. Her name is Elyssa (pronounced with a long E, as she would no doubt be quick to remind you).

I am introducing her to you now because, if you follow my blog, you will surely run across references to her often.  She is not merely my daughter, but confidant, fashion consultant, adviser and critic as well (as it should be). Her dog, a Parson-Russell rescued from the Huntington Beach Animal Shelter over on Newland and PCH, has been dubbed "Wheatley" after the evil core of Portal 2 fame.

Besides mothering, I spend my days using Flash to create interactive curriculum for a network of private schools. During the evenings I attend classes at Goldenwest College in order to obtain a teaching credential in Graphic Arts. I hope to one day become a part of the excellent group of instructors that make up GWC's Digital Arts Department.

Portraits are another of my specialties, as are caricatures (at Knott's), murals, tattoos, and face painting. Here's an example: my family on our way to the "Zombie Walk" in Long Beach last year.

I absolutely LOVE my classes this semester! After "slaving" over a hot Mac all day at work, it's so nice to come home, cook a quick meal for the kids, and delve into the land of sound mixing (on Mondays). Tuesday it's the History of Rock and Roll (!), and on Wednesday's I'm stretching the boundaries of my Photoshop expertise. My last (but certainly not least) class of the week is Digital Prepress.

Judging from the title this class may sound rather boring, but let me assure you this is not the case. Our big project for the semester is to create (author and publish) a "coffee table" book. Before my instructor even finished outlining the assignment, my head was spinning with ideas! And when my alarm assaulted me the next morning, not only did I know exactly what my book would be about, but I had already worked out (while fast asleep) the cover and page layout design.

This is not the first time my problem-solving skills have kicked in while I lay sleeping.  I am curious to know how many others have had similar experiences.  Does this ever happen to you? If so, please drop me a comment - I would love to know all the details!

I've been involved in the graphics field for longer than I care to recall, but I am still amazed at it's rapid evolution. The exponential advance of related technology requires today's graphic artist to continually strive to master new software and skills.

For me, personally, this set of circumstances is optimal. I am easily bored with repetition; without the challenges and victories of new endeavors, my career would surely have lost it's appeal and luster long ago. I have found that I thrive in an academic environment - surrounding myself with others who are equally committed. Continual, lifelong education, to me, is a path to realizing my full potential.