Technological Mediums in Emerging Popular Performing and Visual Arts

Fundamentals of Digital Media and Photography

• Photography: Derived from the literal meaning "drawing with light." It is the capture of still images, rather than moving ones.
• Videography: Includes the electronic capture of moving images and encompasses specific methods of video editing and post-production.
• Filmography: The art and process of creating complete films, including storytelling, directing, and full-scale production.
• Digital Audio Workstation (DAW): Software or platforms used for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering digital audio. It simulates a physical studio environment to synchronize audio with visuals and improve overall sound quality.
• George Tapan: An award-winning travel photographer and winner of the $2011$ National Geographic Photo Contest. He is a recipient of two Pacific Asia Tourism Association (PATA) gold awards.

Visual and Aural Elements in Media

• Gradation of Values: The smooth transition between light and dark areas. This technique creates depth, mood, and realism, guiding the viewer's attention to key parts of a scene.
• Role of Music: In commercials and media, music establishes emotion, helps capture attention, and makes messages more memorable for the audience.

Photo Manipulation

• Definition: The process of altering or enhancing images using digital software to improve quality (brightness, contrast, sharpness) or create creative effects (filters, text, combining images).
• Ethical Considerations: Tools should be used responsibly to avoid creating misleading or deceptive content.
• Common Applications: Pixlr, Photoshop, Picsart, and Canva.
• Key Techniques:
  • Cropping and resizing.
  • Adjusting saturation and contrast.
  • Removing objects or backgrounds.

Graphic Design Concepts and Pioneers

• Definition: A creative process combining art and technology to communicate ideas. The term "computer graphics" was coined by William Fetter in $1960$.
• Principles of Design:
  • Typography: The art of arranging type to make language legible and visually appealing.
  • Visual Hierarchy: Bringing attention to specific elements to create a focal point.
  • Repetition: Creating rhythm and cohesion through recurring elements.
  • Alignment and Proximity: Establishing visual connections and grouping related information.
  • Contrast: Creating visual interest and emphasizing important parts of the design.
  • Color Theory: Explaining how colors interact and influence feelings or moods.
• Filipino Graphic Designers (Pixar Studios):
  • Ronnie del Carmen: Co-director and story writer for Inside Out ($2015$); nominated for an Academy Award.
  • Ricky Nierva: Art director/production designer who worked on Toy Story 2 and Finding Nemo (winner of an Annie Award).
  • Paul Abadilla: Art director involved in films like Cars 3 and Brave.

Digital Illustration and Animation

• Digital Illustration: Creating narrative images from scratch using digital programs (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, GIMP) and hardware like styluses or tablets.
• Standard Process: Sketch → Layering → Coloring → Deleting sketch layers → Final detailing.
• Anime: A Japanese style of illustration characterized by exaggerated facial expressions and dramatic gestures.
• Philippine Animation: RPG Metanoia ($2010$) is the first full-length Philippine animated movie presented in $3D$. It was produced by Ambient Media, Thaumatrope Animation, and Star Cinema.

Summary of Digital Arts Styles

• Photo Manipulation: Alters existing photos (e.g., commercial retouching).
• Graphic Design: Organizes text and imagery for commercial messages (e.g., logos, infographics).
• Digital Illustration: Creates original art from scratch (e.g., character design, digital painting).

Questions & Discussion

• Processing Questions for Media Analysis:
  • In what ways does each pair of pictures differ from another?
  • How does the use of elements affect the overall impact of the picture?
  • How do gradation in values (lights and shadows) affect videography and filmography?
  • How can DAW help in making audio and video productions?
• Activity-Based Questions (Creative Canvas & Ma-iba Taya!):
  • What tools or techniques did you find interesting in the photo manipulation software?
  • What challenges did you encounter during the activity, and how did you overcome them?
  • What principles of design did you use for your Bayanihan-themed digital art?
  • How does the creative process differ between graphic design and simple photo manipulation?