biwerv posted a link to a short blog post that I thought was GREAT and something that's been bothering me for quite a while as a graphic designer, especially recently. Please check it out if you have literally just 2 minutes to spare (don't kid yourself, you know you do!).
http://www.eightyonedesign.co.uk/blog/2008/09/why-does-everyone-think-they-are-a-graphic-designer/
Friday, September 26, 2008
“Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all.” -Sam Ewing
Typography Project #2
ASSIGNMENT: "Create a Monogram for yourself using your initials. A Monogram is a motif made by overlapping or combining two or more letters to form one symbol. Try to express something about yourself through the monogram logo.
REQUIREMENTS:
-Must use two or more letters interacting with one another to create a unique Monogram for yourself.
-Preliminary roughs will be done by hand using tracing paper and a black marker or black pencil.
-Final monogram will be created in Adobe Illustrator and printed out. 2 Printouts: Black and White version and a One to Two color version.
GOALS:
-To take what you learned about letterforms and their interactions and apply it to creating a successful mark; in our case, a personal Monogram.
-To continue to explore the interactions of positive and negative shapes and unique interations into using Adobe Illustrator.
Alright guys, let me know what you think of what I've got so far! And in case you don't know already, my initials are S.E.H. The only one that has all 3 letters is the one with the cursive font. Most likely, I won't be going with that one, but I love the flow and beauty of certain cursive fonts and had to try one out. My idea was to create that one so that it would be symmetrical- so if you flip it upside-down it still reads SEH. I like the concept, but not really into the elegant design if it's going to be a monogram for me, that's also supposed to express a little about who I am. And most of you know that elegance and flowery curves and what not aren't exactly my style.... :) So take a look and let me know which one you like best. I think I have my pick already though, but I'm definitely curious as to what you think!
click one to enlarge it:
ASSIGNMENT: "Create a Monogram for yourself using your initials. A Monogram is a motif made by overlapping or combining two or more letters to form one symbol. Try to express something about yourself through the monogram logo.
REQUIREMENTS:
-Must use two or more letters interacting with one another to create a unique Monogram for yourself.
-Preliminary roughs will be done by hand using tracing paper and a black marker or black pencil.
-Final monogram will be created in Adobe Illustrator and printed out. 2 Printouts: Black and White version and a One to Two color version.
GOALS:
-To take what you learned about letterforms and their interactions and apply it to creating a successful mark; in our case, a personal Monogram.
-To continue to explore the interactions of positive and negative shapes and unique interations into using Adobe Illustrator.
Alright guys, let me know what you think of what I've got so far! And in case you don't know already, my initials are S.E.H. The only one that has all 3 letters is the one with the cursive font. Most likely, I won't be going with that one, but I love the flow and beauty of certain cursive fonts and had to try one out. My idea was to create that one so that it would be symmetrical- so if you flip it upside-down it still reads SEH. I like the concept, but not really into the elegant design if it's going to be a monogram for me, that's also supposed to express a little about who I am. And most of you know that elegance and flowery curves and what not aren't exactly my style.... :) So take a look and let me know which one you like best. I think I have my pick already though, but I'm definitely curious as to what you think!
click one to enlarge it:
Friday, September 12, 2008
Art is making something out of nothing and selling it. -Frank Zappa
At the first Women's Volleyball home game I went to this year (Thanks Ryan for letting me drag you out there!!, I caught up with Wayne, a really nice guy who's in charge of student-athlete development. I agreed to helping out LBSU and mostly, the athletic department by doing some promotional work for them, some projects paid and some pro bono. I figured, if they have an enormous audience and their mailing list alone reaches out to over 33,000 people, it definitely wouldn't hurt to keep my creative juices flowin' throughout the semester- if I have free time from school work and studying. And Wayne said I would always have the freedom to pass on a project if I was already busy.
So, the first project is done. I think. It's a handbill that will promote the upcoming basketball season for both the men's and women's teams. I had 2/3 of each side of the handbill to design as a coupon, designed by someone else, was to be attached on the bottom. I was given professional photos of the star players, which I simplified by cutting out all of the details of the gym and the court, leaving just their profiles and a clean, more dominant image of them as players. I've never really seen them play, but I think they look pretty dang good pictured like that. For side 2, athletics wanted to list as many of their home games as would fit, so I managed to get all of them on there. I hope people don't think it's too cluttered....
It was a busy week in the athletic offices and I haven't gotten the final FINAL approval, but here's what the end result will most likely be (or be a lot like):
This thing took me a LOT longer than I expected it to, like just about every other project I work on, but I'm pretty excited to see it printed and sent out to so many people. Ryan asked me if I thought doing this kind of work would really be worth it to me and I said definitely yes for a couple reasons. True, not many people ever take a thorough look at the design of something printed, and I'm willing to bet 99% of those people don't know what all it takes to design and develop something usually. I'm aware of this. But for me, an idea or a thought that's created is art in some form or another, and my art is my work. So as long as I'm working, I'm getting better at the thing I've happily let become my job. And most importantly for the business side of it, the longer I work at my job, the more I have to show for it-especially in my portfolio for anyone to see since it's on the web. So that's basically what it comes down to. Yeah, I truly hope more people show up for some basketball games this year because they felt inspired to by my designs. But what's more (and more selfish of me as a graphic designer, I realize), I hope that the people who see my work who also DO look at something and understand what all goes into it, ie other designers, marketing professionals, other digital or fine artists, recruiters, etc..... I hope they see a job well done. That's all it ever comes down to for me, really.
I hope for that now, but my goal is to become developed and skilled and talented enough to expect that from these types of people.
So, the first project is done. I think. It's a handbill that will promote the upcoming basketball season for both the men's and women's teams. I had 2/3 of each side of the handbill to design as a coupon, designed by someone else, was to be attached on the bottom. I was given professional photos of the star players, which I simplified by cutting out all of the details of the gym and the court, leaving just their profiles and a clean, more dominant image of them as players. I've never really seen them play, but I think they look pretty dang good pictured like that. For side 2, athletics wanted to list as many of their home games as would fit, so I managed to get all of them on there. I hope people don't think it's too cluttered....
It was a busy week in the athletic offices and I haven't gotten the final FINAL approval, but here's what the end result will most likely be (or be a lot like):
This thing took me a LOT longer than I expected it to, like just about every other project I work on, but I'm pretty excited to see it printed and sent out to so many people. Ryan asked me if I thought doing this kind of work would really be worth it to me and I said definitely yes for a couple reasons. True, not many people ever take a thorough look at the design of something printed, and I'm willing to bet 99% of those people don't know what all it takes to design and develop something usually. I'm aware of this. But for me, an idea or a thought that's created is art in some form or another, and my art is my work. So as long as I'm working, I'm getting better at the thing I've happily let become my job. And most importantly for the business side of it, the longer I work at my job, the more I have to show for it-especially in my portfolio for anyone to see since it's on the web. So that's basically what it comes down to. Yeah, I truly hope more people show up for some basketball games this year because they felt inspired to by my designs. But what's more (and more selfish of me as a graphic designer, I realize), I hope that the people who see my work who also DO look at something and understand what all goes into it, ie other designers, marketing professionals, other digital or fine artists, recruiters, etc..... I hope they see a job well done. That's all it ever comes down to for me, really.
I hope for that now, but my goal is to become developed and skilled and talented enough to expect that from these types of people.
Monday, September 1, 2008
The Grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. -Allan K. Chalmers
I found a lot of quotes this morning that I felt would be great for this entry. I tried and tried to narrow it down to one, but just couldn't. Here are the other two that tied for first:
Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy -- because we will always want to have something else or something more. -Brother David Steindl-Rast
Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. -Mohandas K. Gandhi
I probably read over 100 quotes, but these 3 in particlar stopped me in my tracks and got me thinking even more positively about my life these days. They impacted me the most and made sense of things the most, and I could talk about them alone as my entry for today, but I'll leave them open for interpretation.
This morning, I just wanted to take the time to thank my family, friends and Ryan especially for such a great summer!
The list of activities I've compliled over the past couple months is pretty dang long. Not just long, but full of amazing occasions and moments that are pretty unforgetable to me.
I didn't land my first job as a flash developer like I planned, but I did complete a full design project for Wah-Tah!, a great new company with a timeless and powerful purpose.
I tackled my second sprint triathlon and got another great time despite my gimp leg!
For the 4th of July, I went with Ryan and his family up to Washington to see him and his brother do a half-ironman. That was just incredible. The entire trip...
"Forfeit, Please?" won our division!!! WOO-HOO!!!
I turned 23. And it was the best birthday I've ever had. An early present from Liz to see the Rodeo with her, Ryan and Krystal was a great way to start it all. Then came the best date night ever with my boy- dinner at Garlic Joe's, a walk on the beach afterwards and just being treated like a queen everyday by Ryan. :) On the day of my birthday I was treated to a facial from the Weegers and had a great dinner with my loving family.
Ryan and I saw DAVE MATTHEWS BAND!!!! They were #1 on my list of people to see live (living or dead) and after we saw them, I can easily say that they put on the best show I will ever see. Thanks boy!!
The somewhat-Annual Hudson Family Talent Show was somehow pulled off in August with some pretty classic skits.
Ryan took me to my second Chargers game!
I realize I'm pointing out all of the main events and leaving out tons of details like what I thought about them all, but for the sake of this being my online blog, I'll just say this: I know that just by being a Hudson, and just by being Ryan's girl, I AM the luckiest and most blessed girl on the planet. I get to do things with people I love every single day, all the time. What's more important to me than just doing those things is what all they mean to me. How I feel about being a part of them all just lets me know constantly that I am loved. I couldn't ask for anything else in my life!
Going back to those quotes, I always have something to do (whether I like what I have to do or not, I'm glad I am able to do it), lots of people and things to love, and always something to hope for (a great rest of my life!).
I'm eternally grateful for who I know and love, for what I've been given, for what I have and for what I've learned.
And I am happy. see- :) Really though, All I have to do is think about that third quote for a split second and I can apply it to so many different aspects of my life. It makes so much more sense each time I do. I think about Ryan all the time and about how much I love him, we both say "I love you" all throughout the day, and I know that everything we do together is with love for eachother. It works for the simpler things in life, too: I think about weird/funny things all day, and maybe a little too often, like stupid puns or laffy taffy jokes or deep thoughts by Jack Handey or movie quotes... or whatever! And we all know I love telling a good joke to people whenever I get the chance (and remember to!). Then, the "what you do" part of that quote naturally happens as I live my life seeing the humor in things. I live a better life because of it- because doing these things make me happier than I already am.
I think those two examples are probably the purest forms of happiness since they are afterall about love and humor, but the point is that quote is extremely true, in my opinion. So are the others.
Thank you for being a part of the best summer I've ever had!
what's on my desktop:
Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy -- because we will always want to have something else or something more. -Brother David Steindl-Rast
Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. -Mohandas K. Gandhi
I probably read over 100 quotes, but these 3 in particlar stopped me in my tracks and got me thinking even more positively about my life these days. They impacted me the most and made sense of things the most, and I could talk about them alone as my entry for today, but I'll leave them open for interpretation.
This morning, I just wanted to take the time to thank my family, friends and Ryan especially for such a great summer!
The list of activities I've compliled over the past couple months is pretty dang long. Not just long, but full of amazing occasions and moments that are pretty unforgetable to me.
I didn't land my first job as a flash developer like I planned, but I did complete a full design project for Wah-Tah!, a great new company with a timeless and powerful purpose.
I tackled my second sprint triathlon and got another great time despite my gimp leg!
For the 4th of July, I went with Ryan and his family up to Washington to see him and his brother do a half-ironman. That was just incredible. The entire trip...
"Forfeit, Please?" won our division!!! WOO-HOO!!!
I turned 23. And it was the best birthday I've ever had. An early present from Liz to see the Rodeo with her, Ryan and Krystal was a great way to start it all. Then came the best date night ever with my boy- dinner at Garlic Joe's, a walk on the beach afterwards and just being treated like a queen everyday by Ryan. :) On the day of my birthday I was treated to a facial from the Weegers and had a great dinner with my loving family.
Ryan and I saw DAVE MATTHEWS BAND!!!! They were #1 on my list of people to see live (living or dead) and after we saw them, I can easily say that they put on the best show I will ever see. Thanks boy!!
The somewhat-Annual Hudson Family Talent Show was somehow pulled off in August with some pretty classic skits.
Ryan took me to my second Chargers game!
I realize I'm pointing out all of the main events and leaving out tons of details like what I thought about them all, but for the sake of this being my online blog, I'll just say this: I know that just by being a Hudson, and just by being Ryan's girl, I AM the luckiest and most blessed girl on the planet. I get to do things with people I love every single day, all the time. What's more important to me than just doing those things is what all they mean to me. How I feel about being a part of them all just lets me know constantly that I am loved. I couldn't ask for anything else in my life!
Going back to those quotes, I always have something to do (whether I like what I have to do or not, I'm glad I am able to do it), lots of people and things to love, and always something to hope for (a great rest of my life!).
I'm eternally grateful for who I know and love, for what I've been given, for what I have and for what I've learned.
And I am happy. see- :) Really though, All I have to do is think about that third quote for a split second and I can apply it to so many different aspects of my life. It makes so much more sense each time I do. I think about Ryan all the time and about how much I love him, we both say "I love you" all throughout the day, and I know that everything we do together is with love for eachother. It works for the simpler things in life, too: I think about weird/funny things all day, and maybe a little too often, like stupid puns or laffy taffy jokes or deep thoughts by Jack Handey or movie quotes... or whatever! And we all know I love telling a good joke to people whenever I get the chance (and remember to!). Then, the "what you do" part of that quote naturally happens as I live my life seeing the humor in things. I live a better life because of it- because doing these things make me happier than I already am.
I think those two examples are probably the purest forms of happiness since they are afterall about love and humor, but the point is that quote is extremely true, in my opinion. So are the others.
Thank you for being a part of the best summer I've ever had!
what's on my desktop:
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