Don't Text and Drive PSA Poster

My topic was about the issue of texting and driving at once. My assignment was to construct a PSA poster to make people of my age group understand the consequences of texting while driving, in an attempt to prevent them from doing so.

I learned, from a graphical standpoint, that different colors can have different persuasive subliminal meanings. From a research standpoint on the topic, I learned several facts regarding the subject, such as the amount of collisions that involve the use of a mobile device or distraction. From an organization point of view, I learned that one must first make a rough draft in order to have a good end result. I came up with a rough draft first but eventually changed quite a bit of it when it came to the final draft.

The interesting facts I used from the website DontTextDrive where as follows:
That texting while driving increases your chances of driving by 23.

My rough sketches and ideas are here...

My finished PSA informs and educates the viewer by making the connection between a broken phone and an accident. My attempt is to try and visually show them (through the screen of the phone) that accidents can very well by influenced by mobile devices. It is for this reason why the screen is cracked, it represents the collision, followed by a more visual and literal example inside of the phone itself.

PSA Don't Text and Drive Designed by Joshua

©2013 All Rights Reserved

         Copyright, as portrayed by Dictionary.com, is defined as 'the exclusive right to make copies, license, and otherwise exploit a literary, musical, or artistic work, whether printed, audio, video, etc'. Given the definition, several scenarios admitingly done by several people may be infringing copyright law, which in turn, is an illegal action. Such examples include that of downloading an artists music without charge nor consent to the creator of said music; as well as taking credit for the work of another individual(s).

         Furthermore, one may be dismissed from such illegal actions given that said individual follows the act of fair use. Fair use is when one uses a fragment of copyrighted material for the intention of 'transformation'. Simply put, it is a form of defense if one were to ever find him or herself in the middle of a copyright infringement claim. There are only a few exceptions for that of copyright, these are known as commentary, criticism, and parodies. For example, if one were to 'ridicule' the work of another for comedic purposes, then said person would be protected by copyright. Granted, the art of parodying requires fragments from the original work in which the parody is based off of, it is in this scenario in which the legal defense known as fair use comes into play in the sense of dismissing the normally illegal action as one of legal virtue. 

         There have been incidents where even those of a professional stature find themselves in violation of copyright. Take for instance, Shepard Fairey, the creator of the famous red, white, and blue portrait of President Barack Obama. Fairey was order to pay a fine of $25,000 in fines for a dispute that can be traced back to they year of 2009. He claimed that his use of the photo was protected under the fair use doctrine, unfortunately, a wrong move was made in which he tampered with evidence to better favor his story. Due to this, he has recently been sentenced to two years in probation. On a positive note he states that he accepts, "full responsibility for violating the court's trust." Nonetheless, this goes to show how even the creator of such a famous photo can wind up having to battle copyright.

         There are however, ways in which copyright may be completely avoided altogether without one having to interpret the fair use doctrine, and that is through what is known as public domain and Creative Comments. 'Public Domain' is, according to UCC, is defined as 'consisting of works that are either ineligible for copyright protection or with expired copyrights'; while Creative Comments is defined as, 'the sharing and use of creativity and knowledge through free legal tools.' (According to the official website)

Examples of websites/links that grants one access may be found here for Public Domain and here for Creative Comments. 

  
Halloween before image used with permission, Creative Comments.

Playing with Photoshop - Exploring what Liquify, Dodge + Burn, and Clone Stamp Tool can do.

Color Psychology

In the color psychology article, the author states that color is an influence to our every day lives. This can be said in the sense that colors affect our emotions and state of mind. Different colors trigger different things. For example, looking at the color red can increase your heart rate, the result of this is that of an increased amount of adrenaline being pumped into your bloodstream. While blue on the other hand, may result in a more peaceful and comfortable environment.

The article reference can be found here: Color Psychology: The Emotional Effects of Color.

Color in advertising
According to an article by Sydney Moyer, entitled Thoughts on Pink: Feminism and Advertising (which can be found here at the website  of 'digilib.bu.edu'), it is best to keep things plain and simple when one attempts to advertise. Throughout the article, the other describes different methods one can do to keep something straight to the point while at the same time keeping the overall design like 'eye candy'. The author goes on to say how at times, color is used in advertising, such as with the color pink, which is universally known as a 'feminine' color. It is in this sense that it applies to 'Color Advertising'.

Dream Destination Getaway

Japan is a dream destination for me because of the several tourist attractions. For example, Japan is home of anime and several other TV Shows, some of which have made there way to American Television. On top of this, Japan is also known to be one of the most advanced places in the world technology wise. I personally love technology and would enjoy seeing all the unique and new gadgets in Japan that have not made its way to America. Furthermore, I would find it fascinating seeing Mount Fuji in person and perhaps take a hike along its exterior. It is for this reason that Japan is my dream destination.

The official website for more information on Japan (such as travel updates, places to go, and an in depth description regarding the geographical and traditional information) can be >>Seen Here<<

I imagine visiting this location and my experiences being like the image I illustrated below with me having the time of my life, my souvenirs in one hand and sushi in the other. As the picture shows, I would enjoy visiting and learning about several of Japan's architecture, history, and landscapes.