A few months back, I did a post on moving cinemagraphs, an entirely unusual yet exciting addition to the field of motion graphics. A cinemagraph provides the effects of a video within a GIF image. For those who don’t recall, Jamie Beck (Fashion Photographer) introduced cinemagraphs, in conjunction with Kevin Burg (Motion Graphics Designer).

As graphic designers, we should always be eager to learn about the latest developments related to our field. The concept of cinemagraphy is to animate some parts of the image while leaving the rest motionless. A good number cinemagraphs animate somewhat similar objects like fire burning, hair blowing, and vehicles in motion. Lately, I stumbled upon 28 new and fresh cinemagraphs that I wished to do a sequel post.

Let me remind my readers that these cinemagraphs will take some time to load. So, be patient because you will find them worth staring at.

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Being a graphic designer, I have been an avid follower of new developments and techniques in graphic design. However, there is one advancement that has always enthralled me…animations and motion graphics and lately I stumbled upon a unique technique that left me mesmerized. After gazing those pictures for quite some time, I pondered to myself…are these images or videos? No it’s a cinemagraph. For those who are unaware of this terminology, let me tell that it’s a sophisticated and refined version of creating animated GIF’s.

Cinemagraph is a technique of blending the effects of images and videos. It was introduced by a New York fashion photographer Jamie Beck, in collaboration with motion graphics designer Kevin Burg. Since then, many other designers have created similar forms of cinemagraphs. However, I found some very exciting, funny and extremely creative cinemagraphs here and decided to exhibit them for you guys.

Some of these 22 cinemagraphs will take time to load, so be patient and watch each of them carefully….you will really enjoy them.

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Being a graphic designer is both rewarding and entertaining. When you master the tools of the trade, you can also use them in your leisure time. Many graphic design tools like Photoshop, Corel Draw, Freehand and Illustrator are a blessing as well as a means of entertainment for graphic designers. If you have ever laid a hand on any of these softwares, then you must be familiar with the concept of Photoshop manipulation. It is a technique of editing image in order to create a delusionary effect on the audience.

Recently, I came across a hillarious collection of Hollywood posters at imgcrunch.com it displays some of the blockbuster Hollywood movies and their posters inspired by foodstuff. Since, we all love watching movies while enjoying a snack or junk stuff, these posters make perfect sense.

Being a real foodie, I simply loved these images …now your turn to enjoy

Friday the 13th ——» (Birthday the 13th)

Harry Potter ——» (Curry potter)

Dawn of the Dead ——» (Dawn of the Bread)

Die Hard ——» (Diet Hard)

Finding Nemo ——» (Frying Nemo)

The Godfather ——» (The Godfather)

I am Legend ——» (I am Hungry)

Inglorious Bastards ——» (Inglorious Bagels)

Scream ——» (I-Scream 4)

Jurassic Park ——» (Jurassic Pork)

The Kings’ Speech ——» (The Kings’ Peach)

Lord of the Rings ——» (Lord of the Onion Rings)

SpiderMan 3 ——» (Pizza man 3)

Ice Age ——» (Rice Age)

Superman Returns ——» (Supperman Returns)

The Fly ——» (The Fry)

The Mummy ——» (The Yummy)

X-Men Wolverine ——» (X-Men Wolverine)

I couldn’t agree more! Therefore, I have created a new category named; “Graphic Design Contests” Here; I will be updating you with latest contests being held in the World of Graphics. In short, I aspire to become a source for my creative friends, backing them to introduce their talent and creativity to the World.

However, which contest should get the first chance, became a million dollar question for me. At last, I decided of giving the honor to Logoblog.org as it catches my attention with hard to resist gift offers.

This contest throws an opportunity for designers to drop in ideas for their blog’s logo redesign and win some amazing BIG Prizes. 1st place is a brand new 13” MacBook! 2nd place wins an 8 GB Apple Ipod Touch! 3rd place will receive a 16 GB Ipod Nano!

I think it’s not a bad deal…start sending in your doodles from 21st March to 13th April; maybe you might be the lucky one. (Read More)

Last, but not the least…Do share your views about this new category on my blog and don’t hesitate to send in details of any interesting graphic design contest you come across.

Do keep coming in to check other latest happenings!! ]]> http://www.graphicdesignblog.org/graphic-design-contests/feed/ 9 http://www.graphicdesignblog.org/video-games-graphics-2009/ http://www.graphicdesignblog.org/video-games-graphics-2009/#comments Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:24:30 +0000 Charlie B. Johnson http://www.graphicdesignblog.org/?p=157 An addiction treatment center at Amsterdam reported numerous teenagers and young adults being helpless with an unusual obsession. Hold on…you must be thinking crazy of me to discuss alcohol addiction on my graphic design blog. But let me tell you, these addicts aren’t hooked on drugs or alcohol, in fact they are the Video Game Addicts.

Video game addiction might sound like a stretch but experts confess that these games can’t be resistible. Therefore, I have listed 12 most anticipated video games of 2009 with amazing graphics which make playtime more thrilling for you all.

But hey, if I missed any, let me know and if you think any of these is not good enough to be on the list, do let me know again  

NCAA Basketball 09 (March madness edition):

There are lot of people who are drawn to the passion, excitement and drama of college basketball. The March Madness Edition is a downloadable game exclusive to Xbox Live that lets you play your way through the NCAA Tournament with all 65 teams as it’s occurring in real life.

Halo Wars (Xbox 360):

You all must be eager to know how the game’s flow and which tactics would break the tradition. The answer to this question is Halo Wars, which is set to release on 3rd March no, Master Chief isn’t in it. It’s still within the Halo universe with the Covenant going after a mysterious relic, giving you the challenge of stopping them.

Resident Evil 5 (Xbox 360, PS3):

Release date March 13
Despite the controversies surrounding the setting and the African zombies in the game, Resident Evil 5 is claimed to be one of the most awaited games of 2009. The game appears faster with more weapons and game play options with all the trailers and gameplay footage released until now.

Street Fighter IV (PS3, Xbox 360, PC):

Release date February 17
The game retains the classic 2-D gameplay with a twist of color, animation, and visual effect, makes it the best looking Street Fighter game yet.

F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin (PS3, Xbox 360, PC):

Release date February 10
The game continues the frenetic gunplay, heightened reflexes and shattering scares of the first game. F.E.A.R. 2 is back with some bigger weapons, scarier ghosts, and a wider environment.

Diablo 3:

It’s release date hasn’t been issued yet but the game seems to be simple but addictive. The trailer for the game looks awesome, it has new features, but retains the nostalgic feel of the first version.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2:

There isn’t much info on this one except it’ll probably hit shelves in the fourth quarter of this year.This is the sixth installment in the series and I seems as if they will be coming up with something between world war 2 and modern warfare.

God of War III (PS3):

A game with great fighting and graphics, God of War is back and better than ever. This time onscreen enemies have been increased to 50 as opposed to the maximum of 15 in previous God of War installments but only two weapons have been confirmed so far. A press release from Sony revealed the PlayStation 3′s 2009 lineup includes release of God of War III later this year. The first two games for PS2 were classic so anything less would be a disappointment and don’t forget it’s the last in the series.

The Godfather 2 (PS3, Xbox 360, PC):

Release date February 10
It’s based on the film, but once again you don’t get to play as any of the Corleone family members. However, this time your character will be moved from that of a soldier to a don who controls certain parts of New York, Miami, and Cuba.

The Lord of Rings Conquest:

With a vast array of characters, heroes, mounts, siege equipment making epic battle fields more adventurous in the service of good and evil.

Ghostbusters:

Release date June 16
The Video Game (Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, Wii, DS): Publisher Atari has release a new batch of screens from the Wii version of the upcoming Ghostbusters game, demonstrating the game’s decidedly cartoonish art style. Although this decision of presenting the game in simple graphical style instead of forcing Nintendo’s graphics found in the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions, the game might seem to be a kid stuff.

Killzone 2:

Release date February 27
The gameplay footage which was released some time back has been impressive so far but let’s see what the game have in it to offer.

Do you think I am heading towards the addiction mania as well…Oh Lord save me;)

By the way don’t forget to tell which is the most addictive game in this list and if you think I have missed any exciting game, do send in your choices.   ]]> http://www.graphicdesignblog.org/video-games-graphics-2009/feed/ 5 http://www.graphicdesignblog.org/motion-graphic-designs/ http://www.graphicdesignblog.org/motion-graphic-designs/#comments Mon, 19 Jan 2009 11:54:28 +0000 Charlie B. Johnson http://www.graphicdesignblog.org/?p=98 Some time back when graphic designers started blending 3D animations with strange motion tracks, it took up the graphic design industry with a blow, announcing the new design discipline: motion graphic design.

Creative minds proved that graphics don’t need to be static and fixed, in fact designs can float, swirl, dance and presented in many unusual forms. Motion designs have introduced new dimensions to design such as speed, timing and transformation, providing more space to the designers to explore their creativity.

I believe, there’s still a lot left to explore….anyways, I have compiled some best examples of motion graphic design which prove how visual elements in motion can help us achieve stunning results.  

Smoke

Cherry Drop

Long Walk

Splatter

Abstract Smoke

Baseball

Gone with Smoke

Wild

Marbles

Underground look

Shower Cap

Type in Motion

Jump

Water Drop

Wanna Ride

Let’s Play