Category: Art

Have you ever felt the need to express your creativity in a unique way? If you have, then paper crafting might be the perfect hobby for you! Creating paper figures can be an exciting and rewarding experience that allows for endless creativity and personal expression. 

The art of paper folding, also known as origami, has been around for centuries. However, modern-day paper crafting has evolved beyond traditional origami techniques. With new tools and materials available, the possibilities are endless. 

One popular form of paper crafting is called “papercutting.” Papercutting involves cutting intricate designs out of a single sheet of paper using scissors or a craft knife. This technique can be used to create stunning silhouettes, delicate lace-like patterns, and even 3D sculptures. 

Another form of paper crafting is called “quilling.” Quilling uses strips of colorful paper that are rolled, twisted, and shaped into intricate designs. These designs can be used to decorate cards, frames, and even jewelry. 

But why should you consider taking up paper crafting? For starters, it’s an excellent stress reliever. Engaging in a creative activity like this can help calm your mind and improve your overall well-being. 

Additionally, creating something with your own two hands is incredibly satisfying. Watching a flat piece of paper transform into a beautiful figure or design is truly gratifying. 

Finally, the possibilities for what you can create with paper are endless. From cute animals to intricate mandalas to personalized greeting cards – there’s no limit to what you can make. 

If you’re interested in trying out this exciting hobby for yourself, there are plenty of resources available online. YouTube tutorials offer step-by-step instructions on how to create various papercrafts while Pinterest provides endless inspiration for new ideas. 

Now that you’re convinced to try paper crafting, it’s time to get started. Here are some tips to help you create stunning paper crafts: 

• Invest in quality tools and materials: While you can start with basic scissors and paper, investing in higher-quality tools and materials can make a big difference in the finished product. Look for high-quality paper, sharp scissors or craft knives, and a good cutting mat. 
• Start simple: Don’t overwhelm yourself with complex designs right away. Start with simple shapes and gradually work your way up to more complex designs as you gain confidence. 
• Practice, practice, practice: As with any skill, practice makes perfect. Keep practicing and experimenting with new techniques to improve your skills. 
• Join a community: Joining a paper crafting community can provide you with support, inspiration, and feedback on your work. Look for local clubs or online communities to join. 
• Have fun: Above all, remember to have fun with your paper crafting. Don’t worry too much about making mistakes or creating a perfect final product. The process of creating something with your own two hands is what’s most important.

Monochromatic color schemes, also known as tone-on-tone, involve using variations of a single color to create a cohesive and harmonious design. This design approach can be a great way to achieve a timeless and sophisticated look, as it eliminates the need to worry about color clashes and allows you to focus on the other elements of your design. Here are five monochromatic color schemes that you can use for a timeless design: 

Shades of Gray 

Gray is a versatile color that can create a variety of moods depending on its shade. A monochromatic gray color scheme can range from light and airy to moody and dramatic. By playing with different textures and finishes, such as using matte and glossy surfaces, you can add depth and interest to your design. 

Blues 

Blue is a calming and serene color that can work well in many different spaces, from bedrooms to living rooms to bathrooms. A monochromatic blue color scheme can create a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere, especially when paired with natural materials such as wood and stone. Using blue as the primary color in a room can also create an illusion of depth and space, making it an ideal color for smaller rooms.

Greens 

Green is a refreshing and energizing color that can bring a sense of nature into your space. A monochromatic green color scheme can create a cohesive look that is both relaxing and invigorating. By adding different shades and textures of green, such as mossy greens and shiny metallics, you can create a dynamic and interesting design. 

Neutrals 

Neutrals such as beige, taupe, and ivory are classic colors that can create a timeless and elegant design. A monochromatic neutral color scheme can create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere, especially when paired with luxurious materials such as silk and velvet. Neutral colors also provide a great backdrop for bold pops of color in your accessories or artwork. They can also be used to create a cohesive design throughout your home by using similar shades in different rooms.

Black and White 

Black and white is a classic color combination that never goes out of style. A monochromatic black-and-white color scheme can create a modern and minimalist design that is both timeless and chic. By playing with different patterns and textures, such as using geometric shapes and natural materials, you can create a dynamic and interesting design. 

In conclusion, a monochromatic color scheme can be a great way to achieve a timeless and sophisticated design. By using variations of a single color, you can create a cohesive and harmonious look that is both relaxing and interesting. Whether you choose shades of gray, blues, greens, neutrals, or black and white, a monochromatic color scheme is sure to bring a sense of elegance and sophistication to your space.

Your heart knows the words you want to put on the page. But do you know how to make your poetry and prose truly stand out? You need to use the right literary techniques to capture your audience’s attention and keep them riveted through to the end. Ready to make that happen? Here are five smart tactics to use in making your poetry pop and sizzle.  

Meter

Meter is one of the first things you learn when studying how to write poetry, and for good reason. The meter you choose determines how the words make your reader feel as they move from line to line.

The iambic pentameter, for example, leads the readers through a series of five stressed/unstressed syllable pairs. This meter was popular with William Shakespeare and is exactly why ‘Sonnet 18’ is so magical.

Experiment with all the different types of meters to find the ones that sharpen the words in each line of your poem. Beyond the iambic metrical style, your options include anapest, trochee, and dactyl.

Alliteration

As you write your poem, your words naturally invoke a certain mood, helping bring even more meaning to your prose. If you want to elevate that mood even more, you need alliteration on your side. This technique centers around grouping words with similar sounds.

If you use a series of ‘d’ sounds, for example, the percussive nature of the letter darkens the mood. Dr. Suess was a master of this approach, and he used it to great effect in ‘Fox in Socks’. As he grouped up letter sounds, the poem quickly took readers on a frantic ride through his zany world.

Conceit

Metaphors are the lifeblood of poetry, so why not go even further with that approach by using conceit? Also known as an extended metaphor, conceit uses the metaphor as the central device of the poem. This is difficult to do, so use your metaphor as a guiding light as you write each line.

In ‘Because I Could Not Stop for Death,’ Emily Dickinson uses conceit to great effect by taking readers on a carriage ride journey with Death himself. The extended metaphor weaves even more meaning into every line. The prose evokes strong feelings as a result while bringing vivid imagery to life.   

Zeugma

A relic from ancient Latin and Greek poems, zeugma involves the use of one single verb to mean two different things. When done correctly, this technique shows your incredible ability to build meaning and overall mastery of the language.

Although she wrote stories, not poems, Jane Austen loved to use this technique in her writing. Most famously, perhaps, is when she wrote that “time and her aunt moved slowly,” ensuring that the words brought forth the right imagery in an instant.

Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia is a fun way to add more pizzazz to your poems. This literary technique uses words that create the sound you want to describe, such as:

• Boing
• Growl
• Meow
• Boom
• Splat
• Pow
• Fizz
• Tick-tock

When you use these words effectively, your readers will hear the sound in their minds. These descriptive words make your prose more powerful while beautifully setting the mood. You can use these words sparingly, but it’s often more fun to be daring with them and fill line after line with onomatopoeias.

Stick with one literary technique at a time to master the basics. Then, see what you can do with a combination of tactics. Also, remember to write and rewrite your prose as many times as it takes to create the desired effect.

Papercraft is a fun and creative hobby that involves using paper to make three-dimensional objects. It can be a great way to relieve stress, express your creativity, and make unique gifts for friends and family. If you’re new to papercraft, it can seem a little daunting, but with a few tips and tricks, you can get started and create amazing projects.

Start With the Basics 

The first step in getting started with papercraft is to master the basics. Start with simple projects that use only a few pieces of paper and require minimal cutting and folding. You can find beginner-level templates and tutorials online, or you can create your own designs. 

Choose the Right Paper 

The paper you use for your papercraft projects can make a big difference in the final result. Use high-quality paper that is thick enough to hold its shape but not so thick that it’s difficult to fold. Look for paper that is acid-free and lignin-free to prevent yellowing over time. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures to add interest and dimension to your projects. 

Invest in the Right Tools 

While papercraft is a relatively inexpensive hobby, there are a few tools you’ll need to invest in to get started. You’ll need a good pair of scissors, a cutting mat, a ruler, and a bone folder or scoring tool. If you plan to create more complex projects, you may also need a craft knife, a cutting machine, and a self-healing cutting mat. 

Practice Your Folding 

Folding is one of the most important skills you’ll need to master in papercraft. Take your time and practice your folds until you can make them crisp and clean. Use a bone folder or scoring tool to make creases that are sharp and precise. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different folding techniques to create new shapes and designs. 

Experiment With Different Types of Projects 

Papercraft is a versatile hobby that can be used to create a wide range of projects, from greeting cards to 3D models. Try your hand at different types of projects to find what you enjoy the most. You can create origami animals, paper flowers, and even miniature buildings. There are endless possibilities for what you can create with paper. 

Join a Community 

One of the best things about papercraft is the community that surrounds it. Joining a group or forum can be a great way to connect with other papercrafters, share tips and techniques, and get inspiration for your own projects. You can also attend craft fairs or workshops to learn new skills and meet other hobbyists. 

Have Fun 

Most importantly, remember that papercraft is supposed to be fun. Don’t get too caught up in making everything perfect or worry too much about mistakes. Allow yourself to be creative and try new things. Whether you’re creating something for yourself or for someone else, the joy of the process is what makes papercraft such a fulfilling hobby. 

In conclusion, getting started with papercraft can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner, there’s always something new to learn and create. With the right tools, materials, and techniques, you can make beautiful and unique projects that will bring joy to yourself and others. So grab some paper and start folding!

Think about the iconic corporate logos that stand out as memorable, familiar and enduring. Whether it’s the McDonald’s arched M, the Nike swoosh or the Apple … apple, there are certain icons that have worked on multiple levels.

The art and science of corporate logo design incorporates multiple elements. Best-practice design techniques, color science and testing all factor in to the development of a strong and effective corporate logo.

These decisions are critically important. A study of corporate logo design published in Harvard Business Review showed that logo choices – descriptive or nondescriptive, simple or complex, symmetrical or asymmetrical – can greatly influence consumer behavior, funding decisions and brand performance and equity.

How do corporations develop their logos? Here’s a look at the steps that result in excellent, powerful and resonant corporate logos.

Conceptualization

The first step is to iterate what the desired outcome is for logo design. How will the logo be used? What will the logo say about your brand.

You want a logo that communicates what your brand is all about. The logo is a critical element of your broader brand strategy.

Research

Logo design is about far more than finding a cool graphic and adding some text. It also needs to be relevant to and representative of your brand. The team working on your logo should conduct research into the following:

• Competition. This work will assess what competitors have for logos and are there common themes and approaches within your industry
• Versatility. Logos need to work in multiple formats and channels. You want a logo that will work on your website, social media, signage, letterhead and business cards and advertising
• History. Is there a historical significance to your company, location or name? If so, incorporating that heritage into a logo is an ideal opportunity
• Resonance. The logo can look fantastic on your website, but does it resonate with your target audience? A good logo will form a connection with customers

Brainstorming and Designing

Logo design is a process that will have multiple waves of presentation, discussion and refinement.

Brainstorming meetings that allow designers and executives to share ideas, concepts and approaches can elicit powerful ideas that lead to great logos. This creative process may involve initial rounds with larger groups before shifting to a smaller group of decision-makers who evaluate different rounds of options.

Some designers choose to present initial concepts in black and white, leaving the decisions on color to later in the process. A minimal approach to colors is usually the right approach, choosing hues that may already be incorporated into your brand.

Other considerations in this phase will include:

• Typography. What fonts and faces will be included, if any, in your logo
• Longevity. Will the logo endure and not become dated
• Shapes. The shapes you choose say a lot about the brand. Circular shapes are perceived as softer, friendlier and caring. Angular shapes evoke a more formal and firm position
• Icons. Whether derived from your logo or paired with them, the icons you may choose to use as part of your brand need to be aligned with the logo

Finalization and Presentation

When the logos have been finalized, they will likely go through multiple layers of approval. Marketing teams, C-suite leaders and even boards may want to share their feedback on the logo. That’s why presentation is so critical. In this phase, designers will provide examples of how the logo will look on your web page, on social channels and in company marketing materials. These presentations will be accompanied by narratives about the process, the purpose of the logo and what it is intended to evoke in customers and other stakeholders.

Logos are an important part of a brand. Using a careful process can result in an end result that’s appealing, compelling and effective.

Broadly defined literary devices are tools that writers use to express or evoke larger themes and guiding ideas in any work of fiction. They are often used as “shorthand” to make connections that might be painfully tedious or less powerful if they were fully spelled out in concrete language.

Although literary devices have been common throughout the ages in all forms of writing, their succinct and implied nature make them particularly useful in the composition of short stories and other creative works that have lower overall word counts.

With this in mind, read on to learn about five literary devices that can dramatically improve your short stories.

1. Metaphor

Metaphor occurs when to unlike things are presented as similar or the same. Although it abounds in all forms of literature, few people make proper, extensive use of metaphor in their writing. While it is relatively common for a writer to work a simple simile (such as Robert Burns’ “my Love is like a red, red, rose) into their work, an extended analogy (such as Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s wallpaper) is far less common. In her short story, “The Yellow Wallpaper” serves as an analogy for the oppressive social norms of the patriarchy. Although she never explicitly identifies it as such, Gilman’s descriptions of an imaginary women trapped beneath the yellow wallpaper communicates volumes about female repression in the short story.

2. Symbolism

Far wider in use and more culturally universal than a mere metaphor, a symbol is an object, image, or word that isn’t necessarily limited to a single implied meaning. A terrific example of symbolism in a short story can be found in the “Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe. After killing unnamed old man and hiding his body under the floorboards of the house that they shared, the protagonist and narrator of this short story is driven insane by a distinct thumping sound in the house that they both had shared. In light of the complex associations that humankind has long drawn between the heart and notions of love, togetherness, and morality, this supposed heartbeat infuses this rather brief tale with an outsized amount of extremely poignant symbolism.

3. Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing (previewing or hinting at key literary themes or narrative plot points relatively early in a work of fiction) may take a long time to pay off in a longer creative form like a novel. However, this payoff can be just as satisfying within the relatively compressed duration of a short story. Because it has precious little time to place a firm grip on a reader’s attention, a short story can foreshadow a future event within the first few paragraphs to create a compelling hook for the narrative and build suspense throughout.

4. Irony

The ample use of narrative twists in short story writing, makes them fertile ground for the use of irony. In particular, short stories often contain situational irony, which subverts expected outcomes for maximum reader impact and enhanced contextual meaning. Take O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi” for example. This widely read short story depicts a wife who cuts off her long hair and sells it to purchase a chain for her husband’s cherished watch. At the same time, her husband sells this watch to buy his wife a comb for her long hair.

5. Satire

Works of satire use humor or wit to ridicule influential and/or authoritative figures, institutions, and cultural ideas. Writers can use it to make powerful statements of inference that often stretch far beyond the limited lines of text in a short story. One of the most famous instances of satire in a short story is the central character of Mathilde in Guy de Maupassant’s “The Necklace.” Maupassant uses satire to point out the extremely destructive vanity of his protagonist as well as other members of the petty bourgeoisie.

Capturing your audience’s attention through a visual medium, like a presentation, poster, or even a leaflet, requires creativity. Being unique is not often enough. You want someone to see the design and instantly want to learn more. How can you do that? A good way to start is to ensure the five visual principles of visual design are incorporated into your piece.

What Are the 5 Visual Principles That Are So Important?

Though a range of visual concepts play a role in whether a design captures attention and conveys its message properly, five specific visual principles define the success of your poster, leaflet, or presentation. It is these elements that create a thoughtful visual, and each plays a role in the success of your piece.

Here’s a closer look.

#1: Scale

The scale of any component within your design is critical to get right. The eye is drawn to the piece’s largest and most noticeable element. That’s why scale matters so much so. The size of any design component should be relative to the importance of that component. 

For example, if something within the piece is the most important visual, it should be scaled larger than details that are backup information (ever wonder why there’s fine print?).

#2: Balance

Imagine an axis in the center of the design. Balance refers to the ability to manage the amount and type of design features on either side of that axis. Creating balance helps to create a satisfying arrangement of the design elements. 

If there is one small design component on one side of the axis, but there are several on the other side, and they are larger, that feels off balance and create a bit of a disturbing feel. It’s not just about the number of elements on either side but the overall size and relation to each other. Two small components can help balance one large component on the other side of the axis.

#3: Visual Hierarchy

When the design has a good visual hierarchy, it’s easily understood and absorbed by the user. The term refers to the way a person’s eye moves across the design so that attention is given to the specific elements in order of importance. The goal is to make it possible for the eye to travel from what’s most important through other elements to reach the final goal.

Visual hierarchy is achieved through a various series of elements, all of which come together to create the finished look. This includes the spacing of objects, balance, scale, placement, and even the color used. Utilized properly, it helps to maintain control over the experience a person has when looking at the poster or reading the leaflet.

#4: Contrast

Contrast is a visual design element that helps something stand out. By contrasting two or more items, one of them will likely stand out and, therefore, become more valuable and important to the completed presentation. 

Contrast typically focuses on the juxtaposition of items that are not similar to each other, such as they belong in a different function or they work differently. It could be size or color, too.

#5: White Space

White space is not just empty space that is void of value. In many ways, it contributes to the overall functionality of the final piece. While a leaflet may seem more valuable when packed with information, the white space, or areas without any design element, are valuable themselves.

White space helps to position images or statements in a way that they stand out while also giving the viewer a chance to stop and reflect on something.

Each one of these components is valuable to the success of any leaflet, poster, or presentation, even in graphic form.

Nothing affects an artist quite like hitting a wall and losing inspiration. You can sit there for hours thinking about what you should create instead of simply letting your mind take over your body through inspiration. It’s much easier said than done to get into that kind of inspired rhythm, though. 

If you’re one of the countless artists that are struggling to find inspiration, not all is lost. There are plenty of ways where you can inspire yourself, and in the process not just benefit your art, but your life in general. Here are five of the best ways that will enrich any form of your art through inspiration.

Travel 

If you’re the creative type seeking inspiration to expand your artistic prowess further, one tip that could help get those juices flowing is traveling. Our incredible planet has an almost endless amount of thought-provoking and inspiring places to be explored. Your destination doesn’t have to be set in stone and your journey can be whatever you make it. Inspiration could strike when you least expect it and that’s the beauty of using traveling as a tool to get your artistic vision back. 

Explore Different Walks of Life 

While traveling, or even in your own backyard, you can find people from all walks of life. Intriguing people are everywhere, you just have to find them. Some individuals are unassuming and don’t always put themselves out there, but when you get to know your community and people you meet on your travels, you’ll discover a cornucopia of personalities, with interesting life stories and their own view of the world. 

Taking pieces of others and using them to reshape your own reality can help birth inspiration for new projects and maybe even a new outlook on life. You begin to blossom when you aren’t stuck within the confines of your own mindset. 

Meditate

Speaking of mindset, having a clearer view of how the inner mechanisms of your mind work can help provide inspiration. Whether you’re happy, you’re in love, you’re hurt, or you’re feeling things you can’t put into words, art can help express the things words can’t. It’s one of the reasons people indulge in varying artistic outlets, to begin with. Meditating doesn’t have to solely be used as a method of calming oneself, although it definitely can be. 

It can be a way to hone in on the emotions you’re experiencing, reflect on the reasons behind those emotions, and how to output them into another source. Otherwise, we hold onto them and it doesn’t always end well. It’s a great way to maintain a healthy mind, organize your thoughts, and get to know yourself in ways you previously didn’t. As well as providing you with the inspiration you need to put your feelings into art. 

Experiment With Different Art Styles

Even if it’s not your cup of tea, trying new things can turn out to be helpful. You don’t have to be good at or even necessarily enjoy it. Sometimes trying new things isn’t for our enjoyment and ends up being more of a learning experience and can lend to self-discovery. Try out new art styles, methods, and approaches, and see what it leads to. 

Keep An Open Mind 

A lot of what is featured on this list requires the depth of an open mind. Art in itself typically does as well. So odds are you have one or are capable of opening your mind further. Do things you’ve never done before. Entertain ideas you typically wouldn’t. Expect the unexpected and don’t conform to the norm and monotony of everyday life. When your mind is open, the possibilities are endless and your artistic skills will expand with it. 

While you might not be thinking about it all that often, we’re all fighting for attention on a daily basis. Think about the times you’re scrolling through YouTube’s suggested videos. There are some that grab your attention while for others you simply scroll by without reading the title. 

A lot of this has to do with color. There are certain colors that capture your attention immediately and draw you in. It’s a massive part of marketing, which is why you see certain colors used more than others. Here are five image colors that are the most eye-catching, both scientifically and emotionally. 

5. Green

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when the color green is mentioned? More often than not, the answer is either money or the word “go.” Because of this, there’s an exciting feeling when seeing the color green, making it almost universally positive. When you add in the fact that green grabs attention while representing both Earth and nature, there aren’t many people that actively dislike green.

There are certain brands that come to mind instantly when thinking about the color green. Starbucks has built an entire brand using the color, while others include John Deere, Holiday Inn, and Heineken.

4. Blue

Blue is one of those colors that has a calming effect because the first thing that comes to mind is usually water. There’s a sense of stability and serenity that comes with blue, as well, which is why it’s used as a paint color for walls, especially in lighter shades.

Blue is seen as a more ‘masculine’ color, as we think of baby boys being dressed in blue. Darker shades are also incredibly popular, especially amongst sports teams. Blue is a favorite for a lot of corporations. We’ve seen companies become synonymous with the color, including Ford, Facebook, and PayPal just to name a few.

3. Yellow

While yellow itself is one of the most visible colors on the spectrum, a lot of it depends on the shade of yellow. Some lighter shades can be incredibly difficult to see, which is why these shades make for bad backgrounds. Medium shades of yellow, however, can be seen from long distances.

Yellow tends to have a cheery reputation, though some will associate it with caution due to traffic lights. Overall, yellow represents happiness, joy, and warmth. Yellow is used by a lot of businesses to attract attention, helping to propel brands with instantly recognizable logos like Snapchat or McDonald’s.

2. Orange

When you walk into a grocery store, the produce section is usually right at the very entrance. Among the first fruits that you’ll see are oranges, drawing your attention immediately. While some other colors can warn of dangers or attract your attention in a negative way, orange is used to express happiness. After all, we think of sunshine when the color orange comes to mind.

Orange has a lot of different shades, but the brighter ones tend to be considered “energetic.” Due to its positive vibes and attention-grabbing traits, there are a lot of companies that use orange in their branding. Nickelodeon is among the most notable, and their use of orange is a nostalgia-inducing one, especially with their retro VHS tapes.

1. Red

Scientifically speaking, red is the most visible color on the spectrum according to NASA, measuring in with a wavelength of 700 nanometers, making it the longest. Even in terms of cars, red ones usually have higher insurance premiums due to the fact that police officers are more likely to pull over red cars.

We use red in just about everything that demands attention. Whether it be corporate branding, bullfighting, or stopping our cars, red can be spotted from almost a mile away. It’s why out of the largest fast food chains in the world, almost all of them have at least a little bit of red in their branding, while places like McDonald’s or KFC use it primarily.