My Portfolio

Created by:
Amanda Lynne Modelski
November 2010

Submitted for:
Saint Xavier University
ART-216
Computer Graphics
Fall 2010

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a view of my space
Illustrations

A manda Modelski. November 2010.

This is me... Currently, a Senior at Saint

Xavier University earning a Bachelor’s of M
Business Administration in Marketing.

My professor for Computer Graphics,

Nathan Peck, encourages his students to gain
Y
knowledge of computers and various software

W
in order to better market themselves within the
job market. With this idea, he assigned the
class to create a magazine which demonstrates

O
who we are as an artists. Since my goal is to
work at a Marketing Firm, I am taking this op-
portunity to create a portfolio. This portfolio
will include photos, drawings, various art works,
and examples of my creativity with merchandis-
Photos
R
K
ing and marketing.

All of the work in this collection is mine. So

relax and enjoy a view of my space.

Merchandising Skills
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 3 - 9 Project 1: Chicago Landscapes
Page 10 - 13 Project 2: Teapots
Page 14 - 15 Project 3: Cups
Page 16 - 29 Photos
Page 30 Merchandising Skills
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A Taste of Chicago
The first assignment in my Fall Com-
puter Graphics class was to illustrate a
landscape. Since moving to Chicago,
my idea of landscape as changed from
farm land with animals, to skyscrap-
ers with diverse people. I believe in
this assignment I achieved that. The
picture above was the last of
my assignments to include “This picture of Chicago is more
all of the techniques learned
throughout this class. This
section will take you through-
out my entire process with
rough drafts to my final product.
Craft- This drawing was created again
in Illustrator. The color/picture is from
week 4. In addition to the techniques
used to create the drawing on week 4, I
used the brush tool to produce strokes
along the outsides and inside of the
buildings. I changed the color of the
realistic.”
strokes and adjusted the actual brush
used selecting from various brush
designs in the brush pallet. I was able to
use the brush tool to draw the illusion
of windows in the buildings.
Concept- This picture of Chicago is
more realistic. The scene with the
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background color gives the city a
gloomy vibe. The brush stroke around
the clouds add to the illusion of a
gloomy day. Compared to the other
illustrations, the detail that stands out
the most is the brush strokes on the
buildings. It was suggested that in the
drawing there is more details.
The way I tried to establish
that was by drawing what
looks like lines of windows on
the buildings.
Composition- The viewers
attention has now been changed to look
at the buildings on the side of illustra-
tion. The newly created windows add
detail to the drawing that I was looking
to achieve.
 Adobe Illustrator Process

Original photo of Chicago, used in Adobe Illustrations.

the beginning
The picture displayed on top shows the process of using Adobe Illustrator with its various windows and options that I used
while creating my illustration of Chicago. The picture below is a copy of the first image that I created with Adobe Illustrator. Step 1 : Adobe Illustration #1
The photo of the Trump Tower is displayed as a unique process I used within Illustrator with the gradient feature.

Craft- Using Adobe Illustrator, I was able to transform a photo of the city of Chicago into a drawing highlighting the focus
point of the Trump tower in the background. Was able to create shapes to outline the skyline. I began drawing this image by
having the photo I chose of the city in the background, this allowed me to trace the object that I saw with precision. First I de-
cided to draw shapes around the buildings in the photo to create the initial skyline. I was able to use the pen tool to click and
create archor points to connect to create a shape. I continued this with creating shapes around the buildings until I achieved
a skyline. The next tool I used was the eyedropper tool. I used this to select the color of the building from the original photo
and place it as the color of the building in my drawing. I was also able to create a similar background and clouds in the sky
with the pen tool. I was able to curve the square edges by using the ^ tool on the pen tool option listing. This helped with the
full affect of the colors of the skyline being similar to the original photo. Next I took the brush tool to try and establish lines
within the river to create the effect of flowing water. In addition to the color on the photo, I wanted the middle building to
stand out. I was able to do so with creating a gradient. I clicked the gradient button below the fill and stroke options, and also
selected the gradient option within the tool bar and under the windows option on the top of the screen. This allowed for me
to draw the line of gradient (lightness to darkness) in order to establish more effect to the building.

Concept-the main building in the center of the picture draws your eyes attention. The hues of the stroke also add to the
drawing. This is the first image I drew and I wanted to illustrate (as in the picture) the colors of the skyline and the building
features.

Composition- An issue that arose with the drawing was the outline and shapes that could be added to the photo.

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Step #3: Adobe Illustration- Monochrome in green with brush strokes
Craft- My previous illustration in Adobe Illustrator. Was told to transform our picture into a mono-chrome design.
I was able to use various color tools and formats to adjust the hues in the picture. Picked out a specific green in the
picture to elaborate and design all the other colors occurring to this green I chose.
Concept- The picture is showing the city if it was a shade of green. The eye is being drawn to the main building in
the middle of the picture has it has been in the rest of the illustrations.
Composition- I tried to keep the same pattern throughout this photo has I had with previous illustrations- where
your main focus is the river running up to the main building with the sky in the background. I think that the sky’s
colors add to the effect of the picture and make the buildings pop.
additional drawings
Step 2: Adobe Illustration- Monochrome in Green
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Adobe Illustration- Crazy Colors with brush stokes
Craft- Adobe Illustrator. This illustration is ‘crazy colors’. I used the color scheme of ‘ice cream’ colors because it was light, fun
and airy.
Concept-This is showing the city if it was the colors of ice cream. Your eye is still being drawn to the main building in the
middle due to the darkness of its color compared to the rest of the buildings. The sky also gives it a unique background to the
photo, with it being green instead of a shade of blue.
Composition- I was going for a look of colorful, light and airy. The typical colors of the metal seem to put a damper on the
city skyline. This livens it up. I believe the yellows balance the sky’s green to really make the shapes of the buildings pop.
additional drawings
Adobe Illustration - Crazy Colors- Chicago on an Easter Morning
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 teapots
Teapot displayed to the right. Craft- This drawing was created in Illustrator using the pen tablet. The program allows the user
to adjust the setting to brush and then create marks as in relationship to drawing a picture with pen and paper. You are able
to adjust the stroke of the brush (pen) by making it larger in width or smaller. For this illustration I left the stroke at 1 pt. and
continued to draw over various lines to make the darker shades.
Concept- This is a picture of a teapot on top of a two-toned scanner. The teapots shading and curved shaped lines reflect the
outline of the teapot. I used more lines to make various outlines of the teapot and scanner darker as portrayed in the image.
Composition- The viewer is drawn to looking at the darker spot under the teapot and what it could represent. This also makes
the teapot look jump out more.

Teapot displayed below. Craft- This drawing was created in Illustrator using the pen tablet. The program allows the user to
adjust the setting to brush and then create marks as in relationship to drawing a picture with pen and paper. You are able to
adjust the stroke of the brush (pen) by making it larger in width or smaller. For this illustration I left the stroke at 1 pt and
continued to draw over various lines to make the darker shades. With this illustration it was meant to display the light that is
displayed while looking to the image.
Concept- This picture is of a teapot. The teapot is reflective, which means a lot of light is being displayed on the pot making it
have more white than black.
Composition- The viewer is drawn to look at the white in the middle of the lower half to see what represents the reflective on
the teapot.

Teapot with black background to enhance the light on the teapot Teapot with white background to enhance the dark on the teapot

a space full of teapots

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 Craft- This drawing was created in Illustrator
using the pen tablet. The program allows the
user to adjust the setting to brush and then
create marks as in relationship to drawing
a picture with pen and paper. You are able
to adjust the stroke of the brush (pen) by
making it larger in width or smaller. For this
illustration I left the stroke at 1 pt. and con-
tinued to draw over various lines to make the
darker shades. With this illustration it was
meant to display the light that is displayed
while looking to the image.

Concept- This picture is of a teapot. The

teapot is a lighter color , which means a lot of
light is being displayed on the pot making it
have more white than black.
Composition- The viewer is drawn to look
at the white on the teapot which shows the
lighter shades on the teapot.
This picture above is described as: craft- adobe illustrator. The program allows the user to adjust the set-
ting to brush and then create marks as in relationship to drawing a picture with pen and paper. You are
able to adjust the stroke of the brush (pen) by making it larger in width or smaller. For this illustration I
left the stroke at 1 pt. and continued to draw over various lines to make the darker shades. I used white to
show more inside the sink and toilet.
Concept- bathroom with the toilet in the background of the picture and sink in the foreground.
Composition- attention is drawn to the outline of the stall and the darkness of the toilet.

The picture below is described as: craft - Adobe Illustrator using the pen tablet. The program allows the
user to adjust the setting to brush and then create marks as in relationship to drawing a picture with pen
and paper. You are able to adjust the stroke of the brush (pen) by making it larger in width or smaller. For
this illustration I left the stroke at 1 pt. and continued to draw over various lines to make the darker shades.
I also added color to the picture to elaborate on various designs. To increase the white inside the toilet and
sink I erased the pen marks I had already created.
Concept- the same bathroom image is highlighted with color.
Composition- the viewer is drawn to looking at the colors on the bathroom walls and stalls.
Craft - adobe illustrator using the pen tablet.
The program allows the user to adjust the setting
to brush and then create marks as in relation-
ship to drawing a picture with pen and paper.
You are able to adjust the stroke of the brush
(pen) by making it larger in width or smaller.
For this illustration I left the stroke at 1 pt. and
continued to draw over various lines to make the
darker shades. The white pen strokes are used to
increase the top of the nail.
Concept - this is a picture of a nail standing on
its tip on the ground.
Composition - the viewer is drawn to looking at
the top of the nail.

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a space full of cups Craft- adobe illustrator. The program allows
the user to adjust the setting to brush and then
create marks as in relationship to drawing a
picture with pen and paper. You are able to ad-
just the stroke of the brush (pen) by making it
larger in width or smaller. For this illustration
I left the stroke at 1 pt. and continued to draw
over various lines to make the darker shades. I
used white to show more of the outside of the
cup.
Concept- a cup drawing with only vertical lines
based off a darker color scale.
Composition- attention is drawn to the outline
of the cup with the shadowing of the black.

Project 3: Cup with multiple style lines

Project 3: Cup with vertical lines

Craft- adobe illustrator. The program allows the

user to adjust the setting to brush and then create
marks as in relationship to drawing a picture with
pen and paper. You are able to adjust the stroke
of the brush (pen) by making it larger in width
or smaller. For this illustration I left the stroke
at 1 pt. and continued to draw over various lines
to make the darker shades. I used white to show
more of the outside of the cup.
Project 3: Cup with horizontal lines Concept- a cup drawing with only vertical lines
based off a darker color scale.
Composition- attention is drawn to the outline of
the cup with the shadowing of the black
Craft - adobe illustrator using the pen tablet. The program allows the user to adjust the
setting to brush and then create marks as in relationship to drawing a picture with pen and
paper. You are able to adjust the stroke of the brush (pen) by making it larger in width or
smaller. For this illustration I left the stroke at 1 pt. and continued to draw over various lines
to make the darker shades. The white pen strokes are used to increase the top and bottom of
the cup.
Concept - this is a picture of a cup displayed on a table.
Composition - the viewer is drawn to looking at the top of the cup and the sides of it.

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 a taste of Chicago’s spaces
The Importance of Landscapes

For the first assignment, the class was in-

structed to take landscape pictures. In these
picture we were to find as much ‘space’ as
possible, thus leading to the name ‘space’
pictures. Since moving to the city roughly
3 1/2 years ago, I have realized that my
perception of space and landscapes have
changed. With this, the usual farm land
and or orchards that you would normally
associate with spaces and landscapes were
out of the question. Instead, I realized that
Chicago’s space and landscapes came from
inside the heart of the city, what glows
every night within the city, its skyscrapers.
By realizing this on my journey downtown
I took every opportunity in attempting to
creating the perfect picture. With this, I
leaned out of car windows, stood on top of
people’s drums (or buckets) on the side of
the road, was a runaway on a dinner cruise
ship, but most of all I took images of space
every moment I could. With this mind-set
and while looking through pictures, I real-
ized I have always treated photography to
a higher level than just a hobby, but rather
to tell a story. So with this, let me tell you
mine...

This picture was taken off of Lake Shore Drive heading Southbound on September 5th, 2010.

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 These picture of Chicago’s
landscapes tell a unique
story within my life. With
moving from a small town
in Alabama to a major city,
I realized the changed right
away. The most obvious
difference was the level
of flatness followed by
extremely tall skyscrap-
ers. I enjoyed this new
experience all the same. I
was given the opportunity
to sail on Lake Michigan
soaking in the sunset over
the city’s skyline. Nothing
could have ever seemed
so beautiful as it did that
Chicago’s Skyline from Lake Michigan night.
Chicago
Lighthouse off of Lake Michigan
This lighthouse off of Lake Michi-
gan across from Navy Pier. One of
the first weekends after I moved
to Chicago, the first thing I did
was take a water tour along the
lake front. From seeing the beauti-
ful skyline (shown above) to turn
around to see the beautiful light-
house off of the coast. I found that
this city has numerous stories to
be told. This picture shows a light-
house off in the distance that has a
mysterious story behind it.
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The Sears Tower represents more
to me than one of the world’s tallest
skyscrapers. It represents the hard
work and dedication from men and
women alike to place Chicago in front
of the competition. This hard work and
dedication reminds me of how im-
portant it is to realize that people and
ideas matter, and in order to make the
world a better place- we need to live
by this idea.
Chicago
Sears Tower
With a growing
city including
population, pop
culture, Chicago is
constantly keeping
up with the trends.
Within this picture,
the viewer is able
to see a new tourist
attraction set up in
Millennium Park.
This attraction is
reflective, but to a
certain extent (it’s a
tricky bean). Chil-
dren, adults, grand-
parents enjoy it
alike. As displayed
in the left-hand
side of the picture,
this magnificent
landmark appeals to
the most beautiful
of wedding pictures.
They were right to “The Bean”- Chicago’s newest tourist attraction.
place it off of the
“Magnificent Mile.”
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a taste of europe’s space
European Space
While scrolling through old pictures
of past vacations and experiences,
I noticed a trend throughout my
photography. I was intend a photogra-
pher of ‘spaces’. Ironically enough, I
didn’t realize this unique information
until I was looking through pictures
and documents to put together this
magazine. The point that interested
me the most was the unique styles
throughout my photos. In simple
fashion, I was able to take a camera-
point and shot. Boom, The scene was
captured. But as I continued to go
through I realized that each picture
came with a different vibe. I was able
to create a story by looking at the
picture and realizing its importance
not only in its surroundings, but in
my own personal life. This picture of
the main strip off the sea in Copen-
hagen, Denmark, tells the story of my
opportunity of a lifetime. I was able
to experience unique parts of Eu-
rope that many people dreamed (or
never heard) of before. The concept
of this picture came from a draw-
ing from a postcard I saw in a shop
in Denmark. The drawing was of the
uniquely colored houses with a few
ships gathered on the water. I wanted
to replicate that drawing with my
way of capturing a scene, a photo. I
was able to accomplish just that- and
to this day (over 4 years later) this is
still one of my favorite pictures.

Copenhagen, Denmark

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more of europe’s space
The Little Mermaid. Growing up in
America, The Little Mermaid was
nothing more than a Disney movie.
Roughly 18 years later, I realize that
this movie and book (which while I
was little thought it was based off
the movie) was based off a Danish
tale. I found this statue very intrigu-
ing. The woman is torn with what to
do in life. While looking at this pic-
ture, you get the perception that she
is a lost soul, waiting to find her way
back home. With this many people
can easily relate too. I wanted this
picture to tell a story of a lost soul,
but with hope of finding her way
back home. She lives a full life that
she is waiting to fulfill. Luckily, with
the touch of a button, I was able to
capture this moment with a photo.

Anyone who has traveled can

Little Mermaid explain to you the changes
Looks like a Palace right? Well... In this case you are right. With the opportunity to travel across
that occur the second you step
Europe, I found myself in Russia, looking to tell a story from the past. With my snap-shot camera
out of your comfort (home)
in hand, I found it hard to resist taking a picture of the magnificent palace accompanied by gold
zone. A simple change in
statues and water fountains and miles upon miles of gardens. I wanted to capture a picture that
weather, personalities, even
would be able to portray my ‘ah’ moment upon exiting the palace. At the second I was able to
spaces is an interesting sur-
capture the moment, water fountains arise with great splashes of water, which added to the af-
Restaurant located inside Denmark’s largest theme park. prise, but is beneficial to re-
fect of the gloriousness of this location.
ally appreciate everything you
are given in life. This picture
“...beneficial to really appreciate
(left) was taken of a restau- everything you are given in life.”
rant inside of a theme park in
Denmark. The unique factor, The photo (left) captures a unique room.
(other than the fact that this Throughout history, monumental achieve-
is a beautiful restaurant inside ments have been made, this room is an
a theme park- to American’s example of such. The room has thousands
this would sound absurd) was of genuine gems and stones glued to cover
the daily dinner. This was not every inch of the wall. This room stood out
something that was rushed or to me based on its lavish appearance, but
interrupted my various en- with such grace. The layout of the gems
tertainment items. This was are done in a way that it is not obvious
the time everyday people what you are looking at- yet you are able
were able to sit down and talk to identify it right away.
about what they did and truly
spend it with who they love.

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 home spaces away from home

Home is where the heart is. With my traveling aboard

I struck an interest with homes and unique shops that
were shaped like homes. Since my journey was more
than 3 weeks long, I longed for the feeling of home. I
used my snap-shot camera to capture these moments.
I was looking for the most unique places that would
be able to define a story or situation that was occur-
ring. The viewer’s eye is drawn to the colors on the
house. The colors on the roof bring out the colors on
the house and the shutters. The layers are unique to
this picture with the view from behind a fence. With
the various color hues and values, this picture stands
out and makes a statement to the viewer.

The above pictures of water fountains are the same water fountain. But my looking at the color of the
picture and angle, it looks as if it is two completely areas. The feng shui water fountain is a great tool that
is known to attract good luck and prosperity. Water fountains combine sound and movement as a cure to
both retain and activate the ‘qi’ or energy of the space. If situated in the right spot, the constant stream of
cascading water can harnesses the ‘qi’ in the area that needs it the most. Looking at this fountain and it rep-
“Home is where the heart is.” resents a peaceful, calm time in life. The concept of the photo was to develop something that would appeal
to the eye but would still give enough impact of a scenic yard.

This picture displays homes and mu-

seums that are beyond the garden. The
garden displays vibrant colors with a
unique mix across the large landscape
in the photo. This photo also includes
multiple layers between the houses,
fence, and garden landscaping. This is a
very calming picture to look at.

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out of this world- into the outer space

This is a favorite photo of mine. Coming

back from the trip to Europe and attend-
ing college in Chicago, I have been given
many opportunities to experience various
locations across the state. It was taken on
a crisp fall day off of Lake Shelbyville, IL.
The color of the sky with the sun shining
through the clouds really displays a unique
scene of scenery.

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 This picture represents the
winter season in Chicago, IL. If
questioned what reminds you
of Chicago in the winter- this
picture would be my answer. Snow
covered trees in a backyard with
the beginnings of snowmen, and
snow falling in front of the camera.
The feeling a viewer gets from this
photo is a feeling of comfort. By
looking at this you realize how
nice it is to be inside on a day like
this, but also how beautiful it is to
look at.

The picture (above) was taken from within a car on the way to Traverse City, Michigan. This is also one of

seasonal space
my favorite photos displaying everything that describes fall. When looking at this picture you sense beauti-
ful from the simplicity of farm living compared to city life, along with the beautiful changing of the leaves.
The outline of the car frame surrounding the picture also adds too the effect of this picture. It takes away
any outside distractions that might be present and focuses solely on the simplicity of a beautiful fall day.

The picture (below) was taken of Lake Michigan surrounding Traverse City, Michigan. This is a beautiful
picture to display a perfect summer day. The beautiful blue color of the lake makes the surrounding hills
and sky stand out. The concrete barrier surrounding the water also helps aid in the display of the seagull
flying over the water enjoying the day. The viewer is able to feel the openness of the area and appreciate its
true value and beauty.

This photo displays a flower

that has newly bloomed in the
spring time. This photo was
taken in Sweden. The unique
experience in Sweden was its
agriculture that was displayed
within their spring months. In
the background of this photo
the viewer can see the Baltic
Sea. This flower stood on top
of a mountain in which inten-
sifies the reality of this flower
growing in such a climate.

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merchandising skills

photos
While in college, I am constantly busy trying new ways to increase my creative within the market-
ing field. One of the prime examples I was able to do this was on a bulletin board within a Resi-
dence Hall. With this bulletin board that is displayed for over 230 students, I was able to create
“SXU Fun Facts” for the residents to enjoy reading. On this bulletin board, I included newspaper
headlines, articles, pictures, along with trivia questions that gave useful information to Saint Xavier
students but also provided a pleasant, colorful picture within the hallway.

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Special Thanks to everyone who made this magazine / portfolio possible.

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