Week 11 - Open Source Software

This week we learned about open source software and the advantages that it offers. Open source software is free and available to the general public. It can also be modified by users, which is why it is constantly changing and getting better. Gimp is a free program that offers features much like those of Photoshop. However, Photoshop is a very expensive program only available for purchase from the manufacturer. I think more people would use the free alternatives if they knew about them. I had never really heard about open source programs before this class and I think once it catches on, people will begin using them more, as well as continue to make them better.

Open source software can impact the advertising industry in the tools we use to create ads as well as the experience students get before they enter the industry. For example, as a student I didn't have much experience in Photoshop or InDesign, the standard programs of the industry, because I never had the money to purchase them. My first introduction to the programs was in my upper-level advertising classes, and could only access them in the labs. This led to me being very inexperienced and learning at the same time I was trying to create my projects. However, I feel that if I would have known about free programs such as Gimp, I could have downloaded them on my personal computer and became familiar with them before those classes. This could have led to me producing better quality work, and in turn having more experience once I graduate.

I decided to incorporate this video as an outside resource because it shows all of the features available on Gimp and a tutorial on how to use it. I hope that more people find out about these free programs and use them more.

Week 6 - Visual Literacy

This week we learned about visual literacy and how it can be manipulated to distort original images. We also discovered how prevalent visual literacy is in our society, we use it everyday from street signs to bathroom signs. Visual literacy is also very important becuase it is universal. By using only images, it does not matter the language you speak because an image can portray the exact way something looks in real life. For example, a picture of an apple will be understood by anyone in any country. This week began our introduction to Photoshop which I am excited to learn because it is an essential skill to know when working in my field.

Visual literacy greatly relates to advertising because it is a crucial part of the creative side. Advertisers who create ads, especially for print, are required to know the basic design principles. In order to effctively get the message across, advertisers must ensure that the ads are easy to read and pleasing to the eye. As advertising majors, we are required to take a visual design and principles class, which demonstrates the importance of this element to the advertising field.

I chose a video from YouTube to gain a deeper understanding of visual literacy.


This video displays many images which can spark discussion in a classroom and help students relate to what they are learning. It was created to inspire teachers to use visual images in their lessons and presents several questions that can engage students in learning. I also liked the way the video incorporated different forms of visual art such as graphs, charts and scientific elements.