Articles Written Within Art & Design

What You Will Learn From Online Art Schools

October 9th, 2010 by michaelm

Online Art schools provide the same learning opportunities experienced on a physical campus. Students may work with their own schedule, anywhere with Internet access, and tuition for online art schools is generally the same, even for out-of-state students.
Online art schools may include programs in Graphic Design, Web Design, Game Arts, and Fine Arts. Graphic Design courses, for example, will involve learning the latest skills in Photoshop, InDesign, and similar software tools. Portfolio projects might include logo and poster design, along with book and magazine layouts. Careers in art direction, desktop publishing, and package design will benefit from Graphic Design certification.
Game Art programs will involve 3D modeling, animation, and imaging for video games. Primary courses will explore the challenges of creating and animating 3D characters and backgrounds.
Web Design degrees are ideal for those looking to join a Web development firm, or freelance on their own. Dreamweaver, Flash, and other Web design tools are studied, along with layout, typography, and home page design.
Art technique and theory are the focus in an online Fine Arts program. Digital photography may be used to capture a student’s artwork, and photography training itself is also provided for camera enthusiasts. The study of mass, form, and composition are all included in online drawing and photography classes.
Other online art schools include degrees in Interior Design, Kitchen and Bath Design, and Architecture. These courses cover the safety and usability issues of creating living spaces and work environments. Classes will focus on the colors, space planning, and surfaces inside homes and businesses. For architecture students, additional studies involving conceptual thinking, technology, and problem solving will be applied.
Advertising and Retail programs will teach students account supervision, copyrighting, and creative business strategies. Those majoring in Fashion Design will learn about different textiles, types of fabric, and how to effectively market their clothing and apparel.
Whether pursuing an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree, those possessing a creative edge have the opportunity to study for an online degree at any level, and acquire the necessary skills to succeed in art and design.

Win a New Ipod Touch From My Colleges and Careers

October 7th, 2010 by michaelm

click here to enter

My Colleges and Careers is giving away a free iPod Touch, called the “greatest iPod to date” by IGN’s Scott Lowe. To enter click here. Then all you need to do is like us on facebook and follow us on twitter. Don’t pass up this opportunity to win one of the most amazing mobile media platforms ever designed. It will be a perfect thing to take with you when you go back to college.

Popular Search Terms:

how to win a new ipod touch,

National Design Awards: Interior Designer Finalist Clive Wilkinson Architects

August 3rd, 2010 by Sarah Ward

First Lady Michelle Obama by Margaret Gould Stewart

First Lady Michelle Obama hosted the National Design Awards honorees at the White House last week in an initiative to recognize today’s revolutionary designers and inspire the designers of tomorrow. In conjunction with her support of arts and design education, the First Lady serves as honorary patron for the 2010 National Design Awards.

Interior Designer Winner and Finalists

Among the winners and finalists were Interior Designers William Sofield (winner), Aidlin Darling Design, and Clive Wilkinson Architects.

Clive Wilkinson Architects, a Los Angeles-based architecture and interior design firm, is known for their revolutionary work integrating bold color schemes in open work spaces. A prime example includes their workspace design for Palotta TeamWorks with their creative usage of metal shipping crates. Clive Wilkinson Architects clients include Google headquarters and several Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising campuses.


Palotta TeamWorks work space. Photo c/o http://www.clivewilkinson.com/

The first National Design Awards was held in 2000 and recognizes exemplary designers including interior design, architectural design, and fashion design. In order to be considered, designers are selected for their excellence, innovation, enhancement, and nominated by a national committee of professionals in the arts industry. Would you agree that Clive Wilkinson Architects certainly brings innovation to the table?

Popular Search Terms:

clive wilkinson interior designfinalist of national interior designinterior designer\s work spacewhat is the winners and finalist in national designwilkinson c architectswinners and finalist in national design,

National Design Awards: Fashion Designer Finalist Behnaz Sarafpour

August 2nd, 2010 by Sarah Ward

First Lady Michelle Obama hosted the National Design Awards winners and finalists at the White House last week in an effort to recognize today’s revolutionary designers and inspire the designers of tomorrow. In conjunction with her support of arts and design education, the First Lady serves as honorary patron for the 2010 National Design Awards.

National Design Awards Luncheon: First Lady Michelle Obama. Photo c/o Alexander Tibbets

Among the winners and finalists were Fashion Designers Rodarte (2010 winner), Behnaz Sarafpour, and Proenza Schouler.

Finalist Behnaz Sarafpour is originally from Iran and recognized for her elegant and modern designs. While attending the Parsons School of Design, she began working for Anne Klein, and Isaac Mizrahi post-graduation. In 2006, she made her classic and feminine designs available en masse when she became part of Target’s GO International line, an initiative to marry high fashion at affordable prices. To see Sarafpour’s entire collection, visit her online at www.behnazsarafpour.com/, on Facebook, or on Twitter @behnazsarafpour.

The National Design Awards was established in 2010 and recognizes exemplary designers including fashion design, interior design, and architectural design. In order to qualify, designers must have had seven years worth of experience in their industry and are selected for their excellence, innovation, and enhancement. Would you agree that Behnaz Sarafpour brings all three?

Popular Search Terms:

fashion design awardsfashion design Behnaz Sarafpourhuman services fashion designernational fashion designers 2010what did behnaz sarafpour study at collegewhat is the price for national design awards?,

Guest Blog: One Question Interview with Interior Designer Erica Swanson

July 28th, 2010 by Sarah Ward

This week we caught up with Toronto-based Interior Designer Erica Swanson about how her education has had an impact on her career.

Question: How did your education help prepare you for your career?

Answer: My education has been integral to my success. An ‘eye’ for design is not enough; a firm grasp of basic business principles is essential to succeed in this industry. If you can’t manage the project, your team, the budget or administer the process while you’re also keeping your hands on the wheel of your business, no amount of “make pretty” will keep you afloat. An education is crucial; I wouldn’t be where I am today without the confidence and skills my education provided.

Now we pose the question to you: How has your education helped equip you for your career?

Erica Swanson’s Bio: I’m an Interior Designer which is a fancy-pants way of saying I create kick-ass spaces for wickedly cool people. I listen. I translate. I initiate. And then I deliver you, You. I do that with my ‘Design on the Dirty’ virtual design services available anywhere in North America. With laser-focused intuition, I create customized design and decorating plans delivered digitally or right to your doorstep. Because it isn’t about this year’s hottest paint colour, this year’s trends, or what the Jones’ are doing. It’s about you. You can find me at www.ericaswansondesign.com and on Twitter @erica_swanson where I post about creativity, art and interior design. But don’t just take my word for it; I’ve been featured on national television, radio, in books, magazines, and in both of Canada’s national newspapers. So what are you waiting for?

Popular Search Terms:

interior designer with guest bloginterior design guest blogtennessee erica swansonquestion to interview an interior designerinterview with interior designerinterview of interior design bloggersinterior designer blogblog interview interior designerInterior design college interviewinterior blogs interviewinterior blog interviewsguest post online education blogguest design blogsguest blog post by online collegesetiquette interior design blog writingwhere can i submit my interior design blog,

Public Relations Specialists for Musicians

July 26th, 2010 by Sarah Ward


In order to help musicians build their brand, name, and career, it’s important to team up with a public relations specialist. Public relations specialists with online degrees from reputable schools nationwide can help musicians with their advertising, social media, and branding. Musicians who hire public relations specialists can focus on doing what they do best — writing, recording, and performing their music — while the PR professional can take care of getting them visible positive press.

Public relations specialists help manage a musician’s relationship with the public, creating opportunities for them to be featured in publications such as newspapers and magazines by the distribution of press releases. While it is possible for musicians to do their own public relations, many musicians struggle with this business aspect and prefer to have someone take care of it for them.

A well-respected public relations organization New York recently facilitated a European rock band’s tour to America, coordinating radio promotion, press materials, and interviews while on tour. As they drummed up interest in the band through a variety of different media channels, the band was able to deliver memorable interviews and focus on their performances.

Many schools offer online degrees in public relations, allowing busy professionals to work their school around their busy life, and not the other way around. With a public relations online degree, graduates can choose their niche markets and work with the likes of musicians, small businesses, non-profit organizations, or even politicians. For more information about a public relations online degree, visit My Colleges and Careers.

Popular Search Terms:

public relations specialist for musicianswhat do pr\s for musicians docan i use music in my carerer in Public Relations Specialistcollege degrees for musiciansonline music public relations schoolsonline pr for musiciansorganizations that help musicianspr for musiciansPUBLIC RELATIONS FOR MUSICIANS,

Guest Blog: One Question Interview With Writer Rachel Call

July 24th, 2010 by Sarah Ward

This week we caught up with Rachel Call, a local writer and recent university graduate.

Question: How did your education help prepare you for your career?

Answer: I think my education has helped me in a few ways. In classes and projects with real-life clients I had to learn to write well and on a deadline. I worked in a student-run public relations agency on campus and one of my projects was the department alumni magazine. That taught me to work with lots of different people with different positions and interests to bring opinions, edits, and ideas together to create a product everyone would be proud of.

Now we pose the question to you: How has your education helped equip you for your career?

Rachel Call graduated from BYU with a Communications BA and an emphasis in Public Relations and is a writer for PMA Media Group. She is from Chicago and in her spare time loves reading murder mysteries, talking politics, taking photos, and going to basketball games.

Popular Search Terms:

rachel call,

Nintendo Video Game Designer Shigeru Miyamoto Turns to Life for Inspiration

July 23rd, 2010 by Sarah Ward

Nintendo Video Game Designer Shigeru Miyamoto. Photo c/o Lawrence K. Ho / LA Times

Shigeru Miyamoto is Nintendo’s chief video game designer and the creative genius behind their best-selling games including Mario, Donkey Kong, and Zelda. He’s also the legend video game designers aspire to be.

A natural innovator, Miyamoto received his formal education from the Kanazawa College of Industrial Arts in Japan and finds inspiration from real life experiences for video games. Wii Fit came about as a result of his family’s efforts to get healthier, hit the gym regularly, and track their weight. “It made me think that perhaps health could be a subject for a game,” Miyamoto told The Sunday Times. And thus Wii Fit was born.

When Miyamoto got a puppy, the dog training class with his sheltie inspired him to create the video game Nintendogs. When asked about Nintendogs’ popularity, he reports, “rather than trying to follow industry trends, it’s based on things that people find appealing in general. Not just what they find appealing in a video game.”

Video game design and development is a popular field that relates not only to fictitious worlds, but as Miyamoto shows us, the one we know and love.

Popular Search Terms:

Because rather than trying to follow industry trends its based on things that people find appealing in general Not just what they find appealing in a video gameshigeru miyamoto life as a gameshigeru miyamoto professionshigeru miyamoto tips on game designShigeru Miyamoto video games and artshingeru miyamoto educationvideo game designer colleges in ohiovideo game designer colleges rhode islandvideo game designer photoshigeru miyamoto educationShigeru Miyamoto degreegame designer inspirationinspiration miyamotoinspiration of game designermiyamoto insirationmiyamoto real life experiences video gamesnintendo careers video game designershigeru miyamoto artshigeru miyamoto college degreewhen did shigeru miyamoto graduate college,

Prevent Headaches in a 3D Movie

July 12th, 2010 by Sarah Ward

In recent weeks, the animated blockbuster Toy Story 3 was released in 3D, and millions of people flocked to the theater to see the Disney film enhanced. Unfortunately, 3D movies aren’t always fun and games with many reports of sickness ensuing after attending a 3D film.

Many movie-goers experience headaches and blurred vision both during and after watching a movie in 3D due to eye strain. In real life when an object comes towards you the eye converges (moves inward), following its path, and accommodates or adjusts the lens shape in order to keep the object in focus. During a 3D movie, as your eyes attempt to follow the objects that leap off the screen, they are unable to accommodate in an effort to keep focused on the screen. It is this abnormal behavior that causes headaches and blurred vision. This effect has been dubbed the “vergence accommodation conflict” by the University of California Berkley.

Prevent Headaches in a 3D Movie

Thanks to innovative technology, many theaters have newer equipment that uses one projector, rather than the two that was used originally. The single projector alternates 144 frames per second between right eye and left eye images which helps to minimize the effect that causes headaches.

To prevent headaches and blurred vision in a 3D movie, avoid theaters that use the older stereoscopic red and blue glasses which may play a role in headaches and keep your eye on the focused images on the screen.

For more tips on preventing headaches and blurred vision, contact an optometrist eye doctor.

Source: Why You Feel Sick After a 3D Movie

Popular Search Terms:

3 d blurry picspreventing headaches from 3d movieshow to prevent headaches watching 3d?how to prevent headache while watching 3dhow to prevent 3d sicknesshow to prevent 3d headachehow to avoid hearache with red cyan 3dhow to avoid headaches from 3DHeadaches during movies in theatersblurred vision animationanimated picture of blurred visionaccomodation 3d headaches3d films eye accommodation3d accommodation vergence conflictvergence accommodation conflict,

Queen Elizabeth II’s Hats from Canada 2010 Tour

July 7th, 2010 by Sarah Ward

Queen Elizabeth II recently completed a nine-day tour of Canada, during which she sported some incredible hats.

Hats as an accessory have a myriad of benefits. In addition to being a status symbol, hats protect the wearer from the glare of the sun and can make one appear taller. Hats also draw attention to the face for improved communication.

Not one to shy away from color, each memorable hat Queen Elizabeth II wore on her Canada 2010 Tour matched her outfit perfectly. Even the bouquets bestowed upon her managed to match the color scheme!

Queen Elizabeth II Photo c/o REUTERS/Chris Wattie
Queen Elizabeth II and husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh Photo c/o EPA/WARREN TODA
Photo by Mike Cassese/Reuters
Photo c/o Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II with WWII Navy Veteran Photo c/o Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Photo c/o John Stillwell/PA Wire

Hat design is an extension of fashion design and involves creativity, design, and working with materials of many kinds, and the delight that one day a hat you design may end up being worn by the Queen of England!

Popular Search Terms:

queen eliz hatswho designs queen elizabeth hatsqueen of canada 2010queen elizabeth ii 2010 photoqueen elizabeth ii hatsqueen elizabeth\s hats collectionqueen Hats designsgueen hats designswarren toda mascotwhere to buy queen Elizabeth hatsQueen Elizabeth hats 2010queen elizabeth hatshat collections of queen elizabethhats of Queenhats queen elizabeth iihow can i buy queen Elizabeth hat?queen elizabeth canada collegequeen elizabeth hatQueen Elizabeth hat designerqueen elizabeth hat photowho designs Queen Elizabeths hats?,