Design School Degrees - Curriculum and Accreditation Info

Aspiring designers may earn a degree at any number of schools ranging from art and design institutions to technical colleges to traditional colleges and universities.

These degrees are also offered at every level including associate, bachelors, masters, and first professional. A number of schools offer certificates in certain areas of design such as interior, graphic, and web design.

An associate or certificate can help prepare students for entry into a bachelor's degree program or for entry-level or support positions in the field. For most other design jobs, employers prefer a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited school. To get started on a career in design, you should enroll in an accredited program in your chosen field. You may choose the traditional format (on-campus), a blended format (online and on-campus), or a program that can be completed entirely online.

Before enrolling in any program, whether traditional, blended, or online, you should check to make sure the program is accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (Ed.gov). The top accrediting bodies for design schools are:

-The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)

-The Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER)

-The Council for Interior Design

-The Accrediting Commission for Community and Pre-collegiate Arts Schools (ACCPAS)

In many case, schools may carry more than one seal of approval. Some of the top accrediting bodies overall include:

-Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

-Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

-Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

-Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)

-Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (regional)

-New England Association of Schools and Colleges (regional)

-North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (regional)

-Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (regional)

-Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (regional)

-Western Association of Schools and Colleges (regional)

In addition to making sure you will receive a degree from an accredited institution or program, you should spend some time reviewing curriculum and admissions requirements. All programs should have similar curriculum requirements from major to major.

If you are considering an online school, you should keep in mind that traditional design program curriculums are still the standard in the academic world. When reviewing admission requirements, make sure the school asks for, an admissions application, official test scores, official transcripts, recommendation letters, an application essay, and a creative sample.

Abstract Expressionism In Art Is Really Primal Realism

Merlot-Ponty

The philosophy of Maurice Merlot-Ponty treats human senses themselves as the proper locations of expression. Eyesight, for example, is the human body's anatomical expression of light stimuli. Similarly, touch, taste, smell, hearing, and proprioception are the human body's unique anatomical expressions of other stimuli.

The idea of expressing oneself to others is secondary to primal expression, which is sensation itself. In other words, we have expressed ourselves unconsciously, long before we intend to or say that we have, and we have done so in a much more fundamental way. Our analysis of our statements about self-expressions are matters of record keeping or means of resonating with like minds that perform similar activities.

Expression Precedes Emotions

Abstract expressionism, thus, seems to have very little to do with emotions. Instead, abstract expressionism has everything to do with pure reflexes and with unconscious predispositions that enable people simply to sense the world and to respond.

I do not believe that Jackson Pollock was involved emotionally with his drip paintings. Emotion had little to do with it. Pollock was responding. He was not expressing. He was an expression. He was an expression of Nature. He even said so, "I am Nature." Pollock was an instrument of Nature's expressing through his actions. He was a stylus recording the fluid script of Nature's most fundamental creative method, which is fluid dynamic flow.

Pollock's Proper Place

In my opinion, historians would be better to classify Pollock as a fluidism artist, because fluidism artists simply feel the flow, and they preserve peak performances of the flow. Pollock, in my view, was a pioneer in this area, because he pushed the medium of liquid paint to its very limit of primal expression, which opened up a frontier to future photographers of fluid dynamics events.

Dry paint can present some peak performances of fluid flow, but wet paint presents other, more fragile peak performances that drying cannot preserve. Drying kills the most short-lived or the most delicate fluid forms. Consequently, if wet paint itself is the subject matter of an art form, then another, different medium best represents the art and records its peaks. This is where photography comes in. Without photography, the most ephemeral fluid forms could not exist as lasting artefacts. Creating such artefacts in response to the human eye's visual expression is the goal of fluidism.

Capture Vs Express

Using a camera to record peak fluid performances is not so much an expressive venture as it is and obsessive venture to be ready to capture what happens naturally. There is indeed an excitement about being in the right place at the right time, but there is no deep emotion in snapping the shutter of a camera to capture beauty. The presumption of the fluidism artist is that beauty will happen spontaneously, without emotion to summon it or give it further significance.

Fluid dynamics beauty is already self-justified. Fluidism artists record it, so that human, biological expressions of vision can enable repeated enjoyment of it after it disappears. Fluidism artists create an illusion of permanence where there is no true permanence to any one form of beauty. These artists, thus, prove that beauty is a rhythm or an action, not a thing or a static object. This active beauty, furthermore, expresses itself through the artists, not because of artists willing it into existence.

(c) 2011 Robert G. Kernodle

Top Photography Schools

Do you have an eye for compelling images or do you have the desire to capture special moments or keep old memories in prints? If you have the desire, but believe you do not have the skills, there are top photography schools where you can take photography lessons from the best the world can offer. There are mostly no restrictions in enrolling in one. You can choose between using the traditional analog cameras or move in to the more advance digital cameras. Whichever you may select, most of the training would be the same.

Most top photography schools are located in cosmopolitan centers all over the world. Cities like New York, Paris and London boast some of the best schools and teachers in this industry. Most top universities also offer great courses in photography.

Top photography schools would have you take a class on the historical background of the industry of photography. They do it to try and give you a sense of appreciation in the changes that the industry has gone through, through the years. These top schools would make sure that by the time you leave their campus, you are an expert in handling different kinds of cameras - from analogs to a digital model - and the different equipments that are available to you.

You would learn how to do flash photography and how to use different flashes, different lenses, studio equipments and lighting for portraiture. They would teach you not only the technical aspects of handling the camera, but the creative techniques as well - the composition and the photographic controls and the pre-visualization of capturing the photograph. You would know how to capture and develop stunning images both colored and black and white alike.

You would be taught advance techniques such as red eye reduction, digital work flow, digital file management, and some basic computer techniques. With these skills, you would be able to not only capture images but make enhancements on them. Top photography schools convert you from a hobbyist to a world-class photographer.

Tips For Taking Green Screen Fantasy Photos

Increasingly popular green screen photography is adding a creative new twist to the image of small photography studios, allowing them to provide a service that big corporate photo studios have chosen to overlook. Green screening, also called chroma keying, is the type of innovative technique that can give a small studio the critical edge needed to smother the competition. Moreover, if your studio can carve out a niche with a specialty such as fantasy photography, you'll stand out in the vast photography field.

In the world of green screen photography, there is the fantasy-theme option known as "sword and sorcery." This includes the well-known game Dungeons and Dragons, and stories such as "Lord of the Rings." To shoot these fantasy-theme photos, pose the client dressed in a period costume in front of a green screen, holding a "weapon" or prop such as a sword, bow and arrow, or a magic wand. Then, add digital background scenery such as breathtaking views of nature or ancient architectural structures -- especially castles. And here's a tip: If the client wants to come across in the photo with a soft, mystical look, fasten a piece of nylon to your camera lens with a rubber band. Instant dreamy mystery.

Science fiction is another widely used fantasy-theme choice. Common settings for this genre would come from Star Trek, Star Wars and Babylon Five. Some interesting choices in this genre would come from Dr. Who, a show that crosses times and dimensions, and steam punk, in which Victorian-era characters operate modern technology. This particular niche come complete with thousands of costumed characters who are eager to be photographed. Here are some ideas for unforgettable photos: For shots on a space travel theme such as Star Trek, create the Enterprise's observation deck, featuring a large window looking out onto a vast blanket of stars, or the Ten-Forward cantina, using a contemporary bar scene for the background. Steam punk photos could be shot using interiors of Victorian homes.

Yet another category that can combine elements of the first two is that of fairy tales. Fairies and other gentle creatures are the stars of these photos. For the best fairy tale shots, use landscapes that have a aura of mystery -- and just a hint of mischief. Remember, the fairy tale scenes aren't just for children or costumed characters. There's another unique group who love these particular photos: high school senior girls. Think about shooting portraits of them in their prom dresses, standing in front of this mystical backdrop. This way, your clients get magic and memories from a single photo.

The last category, which borrow elements from all of the previous ones and yet remains unique, is known as Anime and video game costumed characters. This type of photo requires Asian-inspired locations, both interiors and exteriors, as well as contrasting run-down warehouses or possibly historic sites that have only the barest traces of original buildings remaining.

The most important thing to keep in mind when shooting fantasy photos is that regardless of the strange, outlandish costumes you may use, and regardless of the odd locations your clients want you to create, if you can produce a believable photo you will have plenty of eager clients for many years to come.

Fine Art Photography and Today's Global Artists

In recent years the boundaries between different photography fields are becoming more and more blurred. Traditionally it was easy to distinguish the different features of the work of fine art photographers, commercial photographers, photojournalists and others. The Photojournalist tells a story, the commercial photographer sells a product and the fine art photographer transmits a message through his/her artistic interpretation of a theme. All of these still apply today, however the boundaries between them are fading more and more.

Commercial advertising work has been getting more of an artistic treatment. A similar thing has been happening with photojournalism in some cases. Fine Art Photographers have been hired to produce commercial work and commercial photographers have been producing fine art photography exhibitions. At the same time new areas are born as 3D renderings, illustrations and other media blend and mix with photography to produce more in-between creations.

All of this means that we live in really exciting times. When the convergence and mix of so many different ways of creating visual works, is generating many surprising new forms of art and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

In the middle of all this, the role of the fine art photographer continues to be the role of those that don't seek to sell a product neither to necessarily tell a story, but are simply transmitting their personal interpretation of any part of the human experience.

Let's now think about the pre-production, production and post-production stages of the creative work and the way they are changing in the times we live in.

Nowadays the boundaries between post-production and production are also blurring for the fine art photographer. The issues that they will have to deal with in the post have to be considered from the very beginning of the project. Many decisions that are taken during production will depend on what will be done later on. As such we are seeing a similar phenomenon happening in film making as both fields integrate as tightly as ever pre, pro and post production making them revolve around each other and around the final objective.

Fine art photographers continue putting at the top of their priorities, getting everything they can from the production process. However the often highly imaginative and inventive works that photographers design require more and more the support of the post production stages. These, in turn often require some specific changes at the production level to make their work easier.

As a result, post production and production people work now together from the beginning of the projects designing every step with the final goal in mind.

Yes, these are indeed exciting times. As the improvements in the technologies that support our artistic work continue, the photographer is able to incorporate video, audio and so much more into his works. By doing this, an invisible evolution is taking place, transforming what we call today a photographer, into a global artist, who drinks from the conceptual base of his imagination and then applies a myriad of techniques and methods to transform the seeds into a tangible creation.

Green Screen Photography

I have been to Events, Parties, Amusement Parks, Races, and I always see Companies taking pictures for Companies and give it away for free. But wait there is always a catch. Those Companies giving away the photos either have you fill out a survey, go online and their website first or put their branding on the photo. What a great concept. They then use your information either to send you advertising at a later time or have you fill a survey and see what you think of their products. I thought about starting a photography company and start little maybe parties and Bar Mitzvahs first.

First
I would first set up a website and print some business cards. Then get a good Camera, Laptop, Printer and software. There are plenty of Professional Photography Equipment Stores online.

Second
You need to test everything and make sure you know what you are doing. Have a get to gather and snap photos and print them right away. Time yourself so if your clients ask you know how long it takes. I started Taking picture on my camera and using a compact flash card to transfer the photos to the laptop. I started using Photoshop to print all photos and add client's logo to the photo. There is better software where the camera connects directly to the laptop and you have instant access to the photo and may print it faster check out Imaging Spectrum. Also go to events and see what other Companies are doing.

Third
You will also need to call competitors and see what you should charge. What packages do they have? Do they print onsite? What is there sales pitch? Ask for samples and ensure your quality is as good or better.

Fourth
Finding clients is the hard part. Go to hotels and your local planners and pitch your services. Offer to do a Party for free but maybe only 2 hours services so you can market and channel at the party. Word of mouth is the best advertising

What is Green Screen Photography?
What is very popular now is Green Screen Photography. This way you could do theme events and offer Green Screen Photos.

What is very popular now is Green Screen Photography. This way you could do theme events and offer Green Screen Photos. What is Green Screen Photography? Green Screen Photography is when you shoot your subject in front of a green backdrop and then the computer software takes out all the green in the photo. From there you can add any kind of background behind or in front of the subject of the photo you just took. The computer software will automatically merge the two images together creating one great fantasy photo.

Princess Cruises Top Things To Do

Princess Cruises are becoming an increasingly popular choice amongst British cruisers and when reviewing what they have to offer as a cruise line it's clear why. Billing themselves as 'the consummate host' in their brochures, adverts and leaflets, they appear to tick all the boxes for destinations, variety of ships, onboard facilities, outstanding service, new experiences and much more. In fact, their cruise holiday offering is so entirely comprehensive, it's difficult to narrow their highlights down to just ten!!!

Top of any list to consider has to be the cruise line's destinations and Princess don't disappoint with their wide selection of worldwide ports of call. From the abundance of choice they offer their customers, number one on the list has to be Alaska, as Princess are true specialists in this breathtaking corner of the world. They offer land and sea cruise tours to give you the best of the region by ship, rail and lodge plus a huge variety of optional shore excursions and land excursions, from river rafting to nature hikes. In addition, number two reason on the top 10 list, is the large availability of balcony staterooms from which to gaze in wonder at the stunning scenery as you enjoy one of the many varied Alaskan itineraries.

Number three on the Princess Cruises top ten list of 'must-do's' is to spend some time soaking up the atmosphere and multimillion-dollar art collections hanging in the understated yet lovely public rooms.

No cruise holiday would be complete without the enjoyment of mouthwatering cuisine and deliciously designed menus and Princess Cruises are one of the minority of cruise lines who offer the flexibility of Personal Choice Dining so passengers can eat when they wish and with whom they would like to. Guests onboard can try the fresh cuisine cooked with passion and care in the range of eateries onboard which vary according to ship but never disappoint!

Number five on the list of things to do on a Princess Cruise is the addition of ScholarShip at Sea enrichment programmes to their onboard adult activity roster, featuring guest lecturers, cooking classes, wine-tasting seminars, pottery workshops, and computer and digital photography classes and much more for guests to indulge in a new interest.

Coming in at number 6 is a visit to the Lotus Spa where you'll find every treatment you could wish for to treat yourself to an hour, or even a day of absolute decadent pampering. In the same area you'll also find access to a well equipped gym, a range of classes and salon services including hair styling and manicures.

Number 7 covers night time entertainment when Princess Cruises present a range of Broadway-style production shows in the main show lounge, where performers might include comedians, magicians, jugglers, and acrobats. During the evening, guests can also take in live music from one of the bands who play a selection of musical styles for dancing and listening in the smaller lounges throughout the ships.

At number eight, guests mustn't miss Pub Night when the cruise director's staff lead a boisterous evening of fun with passenger participation. At the conclusion of the second formal night, champagne trickles down over a champagne waterfall, painstakingly created by the arrangement of champagne glasses in a pyramid shape. It's a great photo opportunity for guests especially when several women are invited to join the ma簾tre d' to assist in the pouring.

Last, but definitely not least, Princess Cruises offer picturesque chapels on their ships for weddings at sea. At number 10, enjoy your wedding ceremony onboard as legally, ceremonies with the captain officiating can be performed on certain Grand-class Princess vessels - an option not offered by any other cruise line.