Unit 30: Task 1 P1

Task 1: P1

In order to create the graphic images required different hardware and software are required to create the imagery digitally. There are four different aspects to consider and these are hardware basics, hardware input, hardware output and software.

Hardware basics are a necessity for making the required graphic images. So for example a computer is required in order to create the images. A monitor is needed in order to be able to see what the images look like. A keyboard and mouse are the other two obvious hardware basics which are needed as these are the main way we can create the images.

There are also several hardware inputs that may need to be used in order to create the imagery digitally. A digital camera could be used in order to upload the images onto the computer before they are edited. A scanner will be required in order to get some images onto the computer to edit. It is an easy way to transfer images on paper onto the computer. A graphics tablet would be a very useful device for a graphics designer as it allows them to draw without using a mouse. This makes it a lot easier to draw on the computer.

Hardware output is also very useful and important when designing graphic images. For example printers are very important as they allow us to have a paper copy of the images that have been designed. A projector is also useful as it allows the graphic image to be shown on screens, so for example it can be shown in a presentation. Vinyl cutters are useful as they cut out shapes on plastic and cardboard. So if a logo was designed, a vinyl cutter could cut it out onto plastic so it can be used. It provides a way to turn the image designed on the computer to be made into a useful object. File storage devices are also useful because they provide ways to save the images onto things such as floppy disks and memory sticks. It then means that the graphic images can be transferred from different devices.

Software is required in order to do graphic design. Photo manipulation is where the designer can manipulate and change the original image to change the appearance. An example of a piece of software that would do this would be Photoshop. Drawing packages for logos are also useful as they are very helpful when it comes to logo design.  It makes it easier to design the images on the computer. Desk top publishing also allows a large amount of documents to be printed cheaply, so for graphic designers images can be printed many times. An example of a piece of software for desktop publishing would be Microsoft Office.