Integrating Uli Motifs/Symbols in Coreldraw Application Software in Graphic Art Instructions

INTEGRATING ULI MOTIFS/SYMBOLS IN CORELDRAW APPLICATION SOFTWARE IN GRAPHIC ART INSTRUCTIONS
Abstract
Graphic designs in this era have made it imperative that integration of uli motifs into teaching and learning for graphic arts should be given a high priority in Nigeria. This should make for effective and efficient teaching and learning process especially in using uli motifs in graphic arts. This study was designed to explored the use of symbols embedded in CorelDraw for graphic arts instructions in South East colleges of education and the research questions were on the: availability of uli motifs in CorelDraw Application Software for graphic instructions and problems encountered in scanning of uli motifs in computer. Fifteen lecturers and fifty five students were selected for the study. Questionnaire and checklist were used to elicit vital information from the respondents. The findings revealed that majority of the uli motifs are not available in CorelDraw Application Software for designs and graphic art instructions. Lecturers and students experience some technical problems in the use of scanner. The paper recommended that the Igbo motifs uli should be integrated in newer versions of CorelDraw Application Software and other design software like Print Artist, Instant Artist, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.  
Key Words: CorelDraw, Uli, Symbols, and Motifs

INTRODUCTION
Symbols constitute the basic elements of design in both traditional and modern world graphics. These elements are made up of geometric shapes such as circles, triangles, rectangles and squares. The organizations of these elements or Forms exhibit the graphic designers’ ideas. Examples of these organizations could be seen in both traditional and contemporary designs that are often in use today. The analysis of the design draws claim from the socio-cultural significance of the forms. This is shown by the content and meaning of the elements that make up the symbol. The ideas and images...