Alignment

Alignment:  Here, the assignment dictated that I align and format a poster that replicated a particular layout and composition from our class text. The layout of the content text, as well as the introductory text above the heading, is left aligned.  However, the heading and bottom right logo are both justified.  Additionally though the fonts and sizes of fonts differ, they are all constrained within the same vertical layout of the page.
Graphics: After placement of text on the page, I created a graphic with repetitive panels from a photo that I downloaded from stockvault.net and altered in Adobe Photoshop CS5.  Then, I aligned it along the left side of the page.
Color Echo:  Not only did I incorporate backgrounds in the graphics that apply the colors from the shoe tongue layers, but I also used these same colors in the text. Finally, once complete, I took a screen grab and saved it as a JPEG to upload to my blog.

Emphasis: before and after

After: above; Before: left.
Emphasis:  I saturated the banana with purple, the compliment of yellow to give emphasis to a single banana on the clump.  Then, I added some patterns to add further excitement, rather than change the size or shape.
Harmony:  Next, I cutout the bananas and inserted them onto a background of similar patterns and colors to add harmony to the picture.  Not that it was needed, but I thought it created a more interesting still life.

Harmony with Visual Echos of Color

After I finally decided on a topic, this assignment became fun.  Hopefully, the concept of learning "how to draw" a cake is clear.
The Concept:  First, I found an actual photo of a cake that I cropped with the magic lasso tool.  Then, I proceeded with step-by-step directions. The steps flow in logical numbered order from left to right.  Since black is a dominant color that many associate with writing, I created the numbers, typography, and the specific parts to draw per step in black.  Once a step was completed, I converted "already drawn" parts to white to differentiate between steps.  While this might not make sense upon first glance, as one works their way through the steps it should become apparent.
Color Echo:  Rather than divide the poster in six equal parts, I aligned three smaller boxes in the top row, remembering the pleasing visual of a 62:38, or uneven, split. I also divided these steps with light pink (beads), pink, green, and orange boxes that reflect the identical colors of the cake photo. The visual echo of color gives a harmonious effect to the entire design.  Next, I used slightly brighter colors to fill in the final cake to generate excitement about the completed design. 
Placement:  Finally, the flowers, again drawing on the orange, are just a playful effect to complement the "fun" theme. However, I did place the flowers purposefully so that your eye naturally follows from box to box connecting the content.

Fun with Adobe Warp Tool

Before:  Above is the original photo that I downloaded from Stockvault.  I thought it was an interesting photo that drew your eye directly down the center of the shot.  However, the horizon line is low enough that it works.

After:  Here is the photo that I warped the column.  Initially, after I warped the column lots of transparent space existed in the areas previously occupied by the column.  Therefore, I also had to clone stamp.  The fence is still a little uneven, but overall, it works.  I don't know if it adds to the photo, but it was fun to experiment.

The "After" Version

Cropping:  I took Janet's advice and removed the 100% from the bottom of the left column.  I also cropped the screen grab and removed the word "detail," as well as cropping out the magnifying glass.  This definitely simplifies the left side which previously contributed to cognitive overload. 
Color Choices and Echo:  Additionally, I altered the color by adjusting the gradient colors. Now, the darker color covers a larger portion of the lower left portion providing a stark contrast with the multi-colored flowers and giving more dimension to the "Life is" font.  Most importantly, by switching the placement of the yellow and orange, the yellow now gives the perception of sunlight that flows in a similar diagonal direction with proximity to the watering can and the colored ribbons (which by the way, match the colors of the flowers). 
"Overflowing:"  Now, I know this may alter the two terms that I used to describe myself.  However, I decided that "stretched but fulfilled" could be clustered together to generate "overflowing."  And overflowing can denote a positive or negative personality trait, depending on the day and situation.  I do think this improves my poster.  I always appreciate critiques and advice.

Grouping "Me" Poster

Here is my poster.  Of course, I do not want to explain what it is about, until after our class discussion.  Tools for Design:  However, I did incorporate various programs to develop my poster.  I drew the stick figure (supposed to look a little like me, lol), created the flowers, and edited the flowering can clip in Adobe Elements.  Then I created a Wordle and took a screen grab.  Finally, I put everything together in PowerPoint.
Grouping:   I tried to follow some of the grouping ideas, especially those concerning placement and I applied contrasting and complementary colors for interest.  I also thought about the 62:38 ration and left the top right portion less detailed and open.  Again, I will follow my post with details about why I chose specific placement, after our next class period.

Grouping Shapes

I included two "Unity" designs, simply because I could not decide which seemed most effective.  Components:  The square-framed shapes both retain similar properties, with beveled frames and gradient lighting.  By varying the sizes and alignment, interest increases.  I also thought about the 62:38 ratio and placement of the shapes.  Like a cluster of picture frames hanging on a wall, I wanted to project unity without necessary sameness.
Themes:  Green is supposed to be calming so I chose it to reflect how life is in harmony when we are united.  I liked the vertical placements on the green background.  However, the park-like setting, faded through the transparency function, also suggests one of those camera-ready moments worth photographing to place in a frame.  This time, the frames did not flow well in a vertical placement, so I simply adjusted a few until I created a unique flow without straight lines. In addition, I incorporated "Unity" into the design hoping it would blend.  It also gives the design an odd number of objects that is more pleasing.

Saturation:  I chose the bright rainbow background, using the gradient tool, to generate an exciting environment.  Then I added the star shapes projecting from the center. 
Placement:  I purposely began this project in the center, to experiment with breaking the rules.  In addition, the background tended to draw one's eye to the center.  The stars in the center are smaller, with softer edges and slightly transparent.  As I placed larger stars in the forefront, I increased their sizes and sharpened the edges.  I decided to add the glow/blur effect and rotated the stars in differing directions in hopes that they might give viewers the perception of twirling or dancing.  I still tried to retain the 62:38 ration.  Again, I placed "Celebration" in a fun font with a glow and reflection effect among the stars.  Hopefully, the stars and saturation of color emit fun and happiness.

Nothing like going from the life of the party to being left out of the party! 
Concept:  I chose brackets because when paired, they demonstrate enclosed space; however, unpaired they lose their usefulness. 
Color/Hue/Contrast:  The paired brackets are joined by color (two pairs of complementary colors) and face each other while the two isolated brackets are of differing colors (still complementary) floating in darkness for emphasis.  Again, I used the gradient tool for the background with white and black dividing the space, white for paired, darker shadows for the unpaired. 
3D Design:  I like the bevel and 3D design effects because it adds depth and allows the brackets to appear to be self-standing.  I also added a slight shadow and aligned a larger group and then smaller group of brackets in a diagonal line similar to the title and gradient background. 
Placement:  The title adds to the effect of loneliness.  I purposely spaced the simple-font letters randomly, not uniform, and placed it as a divider between the paired and unpaired brackets.  While I certainly would not have this dreary poster enlarged and framed, I think it evokes "Isolation."

The black backdrop against the receding, progressively placed smaller circles attached on the right, portrays the inside of a tunnel. 
Size, Placement, Hue:  As each beveled circle becomes slight smaller, it also becomes thinner and a little lighter to add depth and perspective.  I purposely placed the largest circle along the border to draw the viewer into the scene.  This time, I let the title become the focal point of the picture.  I beveled the title, added a slight curve, and italicized the font to try and demonstrate movement.  While this picture does not abide by the 62:38 ratio, it does allow for empty space.  I still have not decided whether "Escape" is moving towards the viewer or away from the viewer, yet it does give the concept of a 3D effect.  Maybe the viewer can interpret this.

Components:   I define these shapes as the Pac-Man things.  Out of all my pictures, this took the longest and required a lot of experimentation with the bevel, 3D rotations, and shadows to create the effect that I desired. 
Placement of Shadows:  I wanted the shadow of the large, dark purple Pac-Man shape to loom over the pastel, smaller versions.  Shadows can create a lot of intimidating effects.  I tried to place the smaller shapes in precarious upright positions and then slanted the dark purple shape to hover over the others. The purposeful placement of the large opened Pac-Man shape ready to gobble the small Pac-Mans, in addition to their openings pointing upwards, hopefully produces the concept of fear. 
Color:  I experimented with different backgrounds, and even considered leaving the background white ( I prefer backgrounds of color.  It probably stems from my mother preaching to me about how white walls are clean and make rooms look more spacious.  That is why you won't find a white wall in my house! LOL!).  Anyway, I settled for grey simply because it showed the looming shadow best. Additionally, I blended "Intimidation" into the foreground knowing the large evil "Pac-Man" shape needed little explanation.  I still think the colors are a little blah, but I like the size, placement, and shadow effects. 
Repetition and Proximity:  In conclusion, the contrast between dark and pastel and big and small, the purposeful alignment of the open area of the smaller shapes in repeated positions, along with the proximity of the small shapes to the larger shape produces an abstract idea of intimidation. 

This was a fun, controlled picture to create. 
Composition:  By using complementary colors, I created my 3D pyramid of triangles.  Again, I added a slight bevel to add to the dimensions.  Then I offset the wobbling "Logic" with a counterweight.  I formatted the background with a patterned grid effect that resembles graph paper. 
Placement:  This became my toughest choice.  I followed through with the 62:38 ratio.  Since the "logic" side of the balance leans slightly left, I considered placing the picture to the right of the slide, knowing that the scales tip inward.  On the other hand, the "logic" side stands taller leading your eyes to the tipping yellow triangle.  Therefore, after sliding the graphic around, I decided to place both pictures on my blog and let you decide which composition works best.

Emphasis with Saturated Color:  I chose to highlight and emphasize the actual title "Anarchy," rather than the shapes.  By creating a fractured font, saturated in red, yellow, and orange against a contrasting black background, the word definitely becomes the focal point of the picture.  Again, I added bevel effects for dimension and also inserted a reflection.  Hopefully, these choices add the perception of fire. 
Repetition and Placement:  Then, I used repeated arrows, rotated in various directions, to produce a chaotic form.  Rather than fill the entire picture with arrows, I grouped them in close proximity to the beginning of the title.  Then, I generated their dimensions through the 3D rotational effects.   I chose o fill them with a gradient black/white coloring effect to portray that no conflict is black or white - two sides always exist, each with their own story to tell.  This was quite simple to create, but overall, I like its interpretation.

"Me" Poster / Photoshop

Composition:  I tried to compose my poster according to the 62:38 percent ratio.  Of course, I spent a lot of time with the magnetic lasso to cut and crop most (not all, haha) of my pets from photos.  Initially, after aligning them along the lower portion below the horizon line, I noticed that my poster resembled more of a 55:45 ratio.  Rather than resize all of the layers, I simply heightened my canvas size by another inch, and then extended the background giving me the 62:38 composition.
Placement:  Additionally, rather than use a hard line to divide my sections, I used the pencil tool to sketch in a black fence.  Though it obviously does not appear real, it divides the frames.  I also placed my name vertically, in a casual font, and extended the the descriptive font out, like a crossword puzzle.  Not only does this also define the left side from the right, it also shows chaos in an organized pattern.
Color and Grouping:  I also chose the same pink that matches my shirt just to add repetition and a contrasting color with the sky.  Of course, I also worry that the grouping of so many different shapes, sizes, and colors might cause cognitive overload - yet isn't that what chaos is about?  Hopefully, the poster evokes a sense of fun.
Identification (LOL, L to R):    Splash, April, Holly, (Rooster 1), Mr. Pea, Mrs. Pea & Baby, Drifter, Gracie, Polly, Ripley, Wrigley, Della, Jax, and Slick (of course, me in the back; missing:  Zelda the cat,  3 more peachicks now almost fully grown, 2 more roosters, 4 more goats - Millie, Heidi, Floppy, BW; and five cows (I don't name the ones I eat)).