For this project, I decided to make a graphic to add to the aesthetic of my blog. I wanted to include all aspects of the themes I mentioned in my topic introduction post in a way that will visually appeal to any readers. I used tools like the law of proximity to show the connection between certain elements of my design. For example, the stones below the banner are meant to be perceived as belonging to the chakra symbol above it. I plan on adding text to my design for the final product but I haven’t decided what yet. also plan to add some original images. All of the images used in this graphic were retrieved from pixabay.com, a site that contains free to use content. None of the pictures were subject to copyright.
Photoshop is a new area for me so my skills are not quite were I would like them to be, but I had fun playing with my own design and the tools available! I was able to change the opacity of the top banner, which was originally all separate images that I grouped together. I had to adjust the sizes of them using free transform as we learned in the tutorials. I also had to figure out how to flip the image in the bottom left and right corners of the graphic. Additionally, I added a drop shadow to those “amethyst mountains” as I like to call them. I used the magnetic lasso tool to crop images, created layers via copy, and then hid the original images to reveal only the portion I wanted to show.
Below are all the links necessary to find all the individual images I used for this project so far. They are all available under the creative commons license CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) or Public Domain Dedication. This means that no rights are held to the image and anyone is free to use and transform it as they please! The last image I pulled by searching flickr via Creative Commons website. This photo requires Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) which means I am free to adapt and share this image.
https://pixabay.com/en/chakra-mandala-muladhara-red-1340058/
https://pixabay.com/en/orange-chakra-mandala-svadhisthana-1340073/
https://pixabay.com/en/mandala-solar-plexus-chakra-yellow-1340066/
https://pixabay.com/en/green-anahata-heart-chakra-chakra-1340075/
https://pixabay.com/en/light-blue-vishuddha-chakra-mandala-1340078/
https://pixabay.com/en/blue-chakra-mandala-meditation-1340076/
https://pixabay.com/en/violet-white-chakra-crown-mandala-1340083/
https://pixabay.com/en/meditation-spiritual-yoga-1384758/
https://pixabay.com/en/milky-way-starry-sky-night-sky-star-2695569/
https://pixabay.com/en/rubies-diamonds-gemstone-gems-2021830/
https://pixabay.com/en/rose-quartz-gems-jewellery-242290/
https://pixabay.com/en/turquoise-amulet-rocks-the-stones-3388170/
https://pixabay.com/en/amber-heart-pendant-jewelry-669469/
https://pixabay.com/en/citrine-crystal-stone-quartz-gem-1093454/
https://pixabay.com/en/rock-crystal-clear-to-white-gem-top-1603480/
https://pixabay.com/en/gem-amethyst-violet-crystal-cave-1576233/
Mikenna's Blog 
Hi Mikenna!
Your blog is so pretty and visually appealing, I am actually really jealous. I really like your graphic design draft, it is really unique, and I do not think there is another one like it. I love the topic you are using for your blog, it is also really unique, and I think it will be really interesting to read about. One critique I have is maybe lighten and contrast the symbols at the top, as they are a little faded and it is hard to see the details of them. They are so pretty, and I want to see every aspect of them! One more critique is to maybe blend in the stones with the background on the edges a little bit, so they do not look so cut and pasted there. Some things I really like are the crystals you used on the sides of your project, the background is really stunning, and the overall layout of the design is really visually appealing. It really makes people want to learn more about the poster and what it means. I cannot wait to see your final design!
Sage
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Hello Mckenna!
Your “first draft” looks amazing so far! Even though you did not use any text (which was not required), you clearly told the story of your project. This looks like something you could sell to the marketing department of a yoga company. The Law of Proximity was implemented well. The stones lining up with the proper symbol is very informative. The use of so many sources was also impressive. You clearly had to go through a lot of work to find the right pictures for your project. There was not a whole lot to critique. I did, however, notice two slight things you could change. First, the side crystal/diamond things are a little big. Although they look good, I think they take attention away from the other aspects. I also recommend making the meditating person in the center larger. Overall, I think your project looks great and is nearly, if not already, complete. Keep up the great work and I look forward to seeing your completed project.
-Zachary
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Hi Mikenna! I think the message of your blog is very unique and something I have never seen before so I am very interested! All the photos you used are very pleasing to the eye and the color scheme works well. One criticism I would say is that there is a lot going on in the graphic. I like the idea of the gems matching up with the chakra symbols but I think it may overwhelm the graphic. Another critique would be to add a simple text trying to explain everything in one or two words. I would try and choose a basic text since the images do most of the eye-catching. Other than that, I think your draft looks really good. All the purples and blues provide a relaxing feeling while looking at the graphic. I am excited to see your final draft.
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I haven’t received any feedback on my post at this time which is unfortunate because I would love to see what my peers think I need to work on! With that being said, I know my graphic is not complete and am aware of a few things I could work on. As I said in my blog post, I plan to add some text to my graphic that will help explain the purpose of my collage to viewers. I will probably have the text in a light color like white so it stands out against the blues and purples in the background. Though I changed the opacity of the top chakra banner, I would like to adjust the saturation on the images if I can to make them pop still against the night sky; I kind of lost the yellow square design because of the effect. I think I have created an attractive visual so far. I also may swap or add some original images of my own. Time to start working on the final product!
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I liked the links that you provided for your ideas, but explanations would improve my understanding of why you chose them. Overall I like the themes of your blog, it has a nice flow which makes it easy to read. Needs a little more to draw in random readers though. Possibly more ways for outsiders to get involved.
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