Metro: Graphic Design Best practices

Image by lemasney via Flickr

“Class Description:

During this workshop on the basics of visual design best practices, we’ll examine examples and counter-examples of great design, the basics of layout, simplified color theory, rules for fonts and legibility, images and photographs, designing stamps vs. pages vs. slideshows vs. billboards, copyright and creative commons, and free and open source design tools (photo manipulation, illustration, layout, catalogs, and quick editors).

By the end of the program, you will:

* Find and evaluate web-based resources for great design
* Choose the best colors, layouts, fonts, and graphics for other design projects
* Respect copyrighted work by finding imagery and other materials that are freely and legally available
* Become inspired about your design projects
* Move beyond Word and Publisher to more sophisticated design tools”

from Graphic Design Best Practices – METRO Professional Development at Mon Nov 16 2009 23:26:02 GMT-0500 (EST) on http://metronylibrary.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=284&int_category_id=1&int_sub_category_id=61&int_catalog_id=0#

Presentation: http://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0Ad-YsRMv5bPqZGNrZm05ZndfMzkyZHB0eGZ3ZnA&hl=en

Rider University: Identity Theft Countermeasures

Image by fredcavazza via Flickr

Event: ID Theft

Date: Thursday, October 29th, 2009 at 9 AM.

Venue: Sweigart Auditorium, Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ

Abstract:  I spoke as part of a sequential panel on the ways in which we can protect ourselves from identity theft by electronic means.

Presentation: http://docs.google.com/Presentation?id=dckfm9fw_269svttxnfj

Commentary and notes:

HRLC: Using Gimp and Inkscape

Image via Wikipedia

Date: Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

Venue: Highlands Regional Library Consortium at Somerset County Library.

Abstract: In this day-long workshop, we’ll go in depth to discover how to use two fantastic Open Source Design Applications: the GNU Image Manipulation Program (AKA GIMP), and Inkscape.

The GIMP provides layers, effects, painting tools, and all of the features that you have come to expect from a fully featured imaging application like Adobe Photoshop. Inkscape is a vector-based illustration and layout application, similar to Adobe Illustrator in its ability to manipulate text, shapes, paths, vector points, and colors. Because these programs are Open Source Software, you benefit from the work of thousands of volunteer and professional developers, without having to pay anything for the use of the software. In this workshop, you will learn to use these tools by doing a few projects step-by-step. By the end of this workshop you will be able to effectively use painting and drawing tools, brushes, layers, path manipulation, photo manipulation, effects, rulers and grids to meet against your most challenging design needs.

Presentation: http://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0Ad-YsRMv5bPqZGNrZm05ZndfMTU1ZHY3cnJoZmQ&hl=en

Commentary and notes: Some anonymous feedback from participants:

Great presenter – knowledgeable, energetic, articulate.

One of the most prepared instructors I’ve seen recently.

Mr. LeMasney was well prepared and gave an excellent presentation. Thank you.

inspirational.  Great instructor.

Presented all the elements I need to know about how to improve my work.

Speaker was very knowledgeable.

Presenter willing to answer all questions, but not getting bogged down or off track.

The wealth of information presented in a clear manner.

The instructor worked well with people at all skill levels.

I would like to stay in touch with this instructor for further support and critiquing.

Best Class Ever!

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• Open Source Graphics Workshop Series (johnwlemasney.wordpress.com)
• The Book of Inkscape (oreilly.com)

CJRLC: Practically Designed

Image via Wikipedia

Date: Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

Venue: CJRLC Offices, Freehold, NJ

Abstract: In this workshop on the basics of visual design best practices, we’ll examine examples and counterexamples of great design, the basics of layout, simplified color theory, rules for fonts and legibility, images and photographs, designing stamps vs pages vs slideshows vs billboards, copyright and creative commons, and free and open source design tools (photo manipulation, illustration, layout, catalogs, and quick editors).

Presentation: http://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0Ad-YsRMv5bPqZGNrZm05ZndfMzkyZHB0eGZ3ZnA&hl=en

Commentary and notes: Thanks to Amy and everyone who came to the session!

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• Open Source Graphics Workshop Series (johnwlemasney.wordpress.com)

Open Source Graphics Workshop Series

Image via Wikipedia

Date: October 13th through December 10th, 2009.

Venue: Rider University, Memorial 310

Abstract: In these workshops, John LeMasney shows how to use open source (ideologically and monetarily free) software  packages Inkscape and the GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) in order to create graphic design, artwork, and digital imagery.

Presentation: http://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0Ad-YsRMv5bPqZGNrZm05ZndfMjIwMjJrM3djY3A&hl=en

Video:

Commentary and notes: Details on the workshops available at http://osgw.wordpress.com

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• Upcoming Free Workshop Series ” Open Source Graphics Workshops (osgw.wordpress.com)
• How to solidify your visual brand and identity (librarygarden.net)

Book introduction published: The Myths, Realities, and Practicalities of Working with Gen M.

Image by niallkennedy via Flickr

Lackie, Robert J., John W. LeMasney, & Kathleen M. Pierce. “Introduction: The Myths, Realities, and Practicalities of Working with Gen M.” In Teaching Generation M: A Handbook for Librarians and Educators. Eds. Vibiana Bowman Cvetkovic & Robert J. Lackie. NY: Neal-Schuman, 2009: 3-14. <http://www.neal-schuman.com/bdetail.php?isbn=9781555706678>.

Special thanks to Robert Lackie for inviting me, and both Robert and Kathleen Pierce for co-authoring.  Generation M is an important topic to consider, and I feel that Robert’s book does a great job of examining the topic.

Brookdale Computer Users Group: My Top 10 Favorite Free Graphics Tools

Date: 9/11/2009

Venue: Brookdale Computer Users Group, Lincroft, NJ

Abstract: In this session, I’ll discuss 10 of my favorite free (and some open source) tools for making creative work

Presentation: http://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0Ad-YsRMv5bPqZGNrZm05ZndfMjE0ZmNtNW01ZHA&hl=en

Commentary and notes: Thanks to my friends at Brookdale for a great evening, as always. Photos below are by Charles Hildebrandt.

Why Firefox?

Image via CrunchBase

Event: Why Firefox? at Rossmoor Computer Club

Date: Monday, June 15th at 9:30 am-11:00 am.

Venue: Rossmoor Community Center, Monroe, NJ

Abstract: Firefox is an open source web browser. I’ll be discussing the benefits of its features such as personal bookmarks and history, security & privacy, customization, productivity, search, tabs, universal access, performance, standards, and help.

Presentation: http://docs.google.com/Presentation?id=dckfm9fw_140fk96htch

Commentary and notes:

Unconference: Pres4Lib 2009

Pres4Lib logo block, designed by John LeMasney

Title: Pres4Lib

Location: Princeton Public Library, Princeton, NJ

Date: June 12th, 2009, 9 am-5 pm

Description: An Unconference for Library Presenters and Speakers

URL: http://pres4lib.pbworks.com/

Involvement: Designed logo, co-developed materials, helped with planning and execution. Moderated sessions on Creative Commons images and presentation structure and gave a lightning talk on using Picasa.  Got second place in a Battle Decks competition.

(Lightning Talk on Picasa)

(BattleDecks: Bring it on!)

Unconference: HigherEdCamp 2009

Image via Wikipedia

Title: HigherEdCamp Philly 2009

Location: Huntsman Hall, Philadelphia, PA

Date: June 6th, 2009

Description: Connecting communities involved with higher education technology.

URL: http://higheredcamp.ning.com/

Involvement: Led part of a discussion on free tools in higher education and demonstrated Moodle.