Circular Cluster: Step 2
Here is one possible example of a circular cluster using the five elements provided. This is an average design, not too minimal and not too fully loaded.
Evaluate My Cluster—Here’s What I Did
Remember, it’s okay if your process of cluster creation is different than mine..
- I started with the circular string. It looked a pretty flat to me, so I added a low shadow. But this would also be a good opportunity to use a custom shadow.
- I rotated my string so that the end would be facing down.
- Next I added the coffee stain under the string. No shadow was added to the stain because it’s acting as a stamp and stamps never get shadows.
- I made the stain about the same size as the string, but made sure to offset it a little to add variety and interest.
- Next I decided where my cluster’s area of interest would go. Because my two circular elements were offset, the best place to put the area of interest was at a position on the circle where the two circles connected.
- I added two pinecones to start off the area of interest. They both got high shadows because they are very bulky elements. I made sure the pinecones were in good proportion to the string.
- I also made sure the pinecones were two different sizes—where the smaller one was somewhat tucked under the larger one. Both pinecones pointed in a different direction, but both directions followed the line of the circle. They are also slightly offset from one another.
- Next I added the greens behind the pinecones. Again, I tried to keep things in proportion and stick with the flow of the circle. My circular design has some intrusion of elements in the center, but it still has the appearance of being empty in the center.
- I wanted the tag to look like it was coming from the center of the pinecones and gravity was pulling it straight down.
- The tag has a medium shadow because it’s over top of something more bulky. If it was flat on the page, I probably would have given it a low shadow.
Step Two: Copy My Cluster Exactly
- Take the time to create an exact copy of my circular cluster above. Use the elements I provided.
- Pay special attention to the order and position of each layer and element.
- Follow the advice of drop shadow depth for each of the five elements.
More Inspiration
Did you happen to try the Additional Challenges above? I had a little bit of time to play. Here are some additional circular clusters I created.
These three are more minimal. The first two only use three of the elements provided. The last one uses all the elements, but the string was cut up so that it provides circular movement but does not go all the way around the circle.
I mentioned above that if you were feeling extra creative you could create your own circular cluster from parts of small clusters. Here’s one example of a wreath that uses only four of the elements provided.
NOTE: Creating your own circular elements from little elements can be a big job. It’s very time consuming and requires great patience. I will not expect this level of clustering in this class. We’ll be sticking with average clusters.
What’s Your Preference?
So, which of my additional clusters do you like best? One of the minimal clusters? The chopped up average cluster? Or, the fully loaded design? Make a note of your preference and keep it in mind as you journey through the class.
ATTENTION: Please do not post your results of Step One or Step Two on the class Facebook Group. Doing so may sideline the creative process for your fellow classmates.
If you’re mega excited to share your result of Step Two, I’d love to see it. You can
email it to me or send it via the Help Desk.CAUTION: Don’t rush to Step Three until you’ve successfully completed Step Two.