jdugginsarts102-02

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These past couple of weeks working on our final project of the process journal have been eye opening as it has brought together all the techniques and tools that we have learned to use throughout the semester. I would say the most challenging part for me has been maintaining a spread that both visually appealing and easily comprehendible to my viewers. As I've worked on bettering my spreads, I've learned more about how to balance white space, how to properly incorporate visual hierarchy, and how to make proper decisions when it comes to texjual choices. I still have minor things to work on such as aligning my texts properly within the grid range

[jdugginsarts102-02]

4/7/23 Process Blog

I feel that this chapter reiterated the same message of the last chapter of the expansive possibilities graphic designers have when they have some knowledge of computer programming. This chapter calls such designers "geek designers" and says that they are the kind of designers that are currently in high demand. I can see how a background in programming would offer a designer a more practical sense of how to navigate layouts. I feel that this is because computer programming requires logistical skills that would create design work more logistically effective. In my own experience, I feel like I would have an easier time designing works if I had these "algorithmic thinking" skills which are practiced in computer programming (297). This chapter also emphasized the conceptual thinking that goes into developing a graphic design piece. It is imperative that as graphic designers that each part of our process has been well thought out; randomly throwing together ideas or decoration holds the risk of a design that doesn't effectively communicate the message we are trying to

convey.

Project 5 wasn't too hard for me to navigate. With the project, I learned how to properly use the grid in InDesign and the importance of this tool as it relates to making a concise page. I also became a little more familiar with typography, specifically how proper typography choices have a direct relationship with the readability of a text. I had to make sure that my font choice for my body and header didn't distract from my images and that the typography flowed smoothly with my layout. Starting Project 6, I can see how this project requires the conceptual thinking that was discussed in the chapter assigned for this week.

One task I have had to utilize during the project so far is the purpose within my artistic choices. I need to focus on not just throwing a design in my layout because I think it looks nice; I must also make sure that it doesn't take away from the other messages I'm presenting.

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3/24/23 Reading Blog

I’d say my biggest challenge these past couple of weeks has been learning how to navigate the Adobe software. Tools such as those used to create vector marks within Indesign and Illustrator were difficult for me to grasp. I’ve learned that the process for designing a logo from scratch via using refined marks and vector require both patience and creative vision. So far, Project 5 has proved to be easier for me than Project 4. As I have been creating Project 5, I have learned the importance of balance within layout and how visual hierarchy matters in relation to audience readability/absorption. It is imperative as visual designers that the layout we present incorporates these tools properly for if not, the material we present runs the risk of being misinterpreted by our audience.

One thing I took from the assigned reading is the ability to tell a story as a key component of the graphic design process. Each time a graphic designer creates a body of work, there is a specific message they have been tasked with conveying. They are using specific tools such as balance, symmetry, and order in hopes that their audience is clearly able to understand the message they are presenting. I also learned that in order to be a visual designer in today’s age, it helps to be knowledgeable on matters of writing computer programs. Modern day technology is evolving rapidly, therefore the way information is displayed must be able to keep up speed as well. Being knowledgeable within these spaces also opens up the ability for new creative opportunities. This made me consider how furthering my education in computer programming could help elevate my designing skills. I feel as though the more developed I get in computer programming, the easier it will be for me to grasp technical tools that I currently struggle with in the design process.

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Blog 3/3/23

For our assignment I was given the words “chubby shark”. Immediately I knew what I wanted my two logos to be: a beachside seafood restaurant and a snow cone truck. I began by doing research. I collected different variations of sharks and outlined each of them so I could get a feel of the shape of the animal. After I got a good understanding of how the animal moves, I began to think of ways I could incorporate my words with the design. I feel that so far the hardest part for me has been trying to add the element of “chubby” to the shark itself being that sharks are often sleek and slender. The quality of chubbiness is something I have to play a bit more with so that my design can effectively communicate both words I have been given.

I enjoyed how this section of the reading promoted the idea of embracing change. I feel that this is a very important as it pertains to the quality of a designer; the art of not fearing change provides us with a limitless number of possibilities within our artwork. Graphic designer Erik Adigard des Gautries comments that “we are immersed in an ever shifting media…the nature of our commissions is continually changing.” As designers we are placed with the task of creating visual elements that appeal to the mass public, an audience that is forever evolving. Since our audience is always evolving, we should be open for our creative ideas to follow suit. Before this section of the reading I had never thought of how graphic designers are similar to directors. It is our job to be able to communicate efficiently with all areas of the teams we are partnered with to ensure that our message is clear and aligns with the idea we are trying to convey.

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Project 3 has taught me the value of space and balance as it pertains to audience engagement. It’s imperative that when making a poster, the information displayed is easily digestible by the audience. It should also have a good degree of visual satisfaction. In comparison to the projects prior, I believe that Project 3 has required the most planning. I began with the initial idea of spelling out the word “play” physically after our first exercise we did in the classroom. I found it neat watching the various ways our classmates spelled out the word itself. I immediately had the idea of using my roommate’s hair to construct the word.  I first began with sketches to think of how I wanted the movement of the lettering to be. More so, how I wanted each word to flow. I would say the biggest challenge for me so far has been ensuring that my text has readability. I’ve been playing with photoshop to ensure that the wording in the hair is legible, while simultaneously ensuring that the spacing within my poster maintains balance.

Before reading the assigned reading, I had never thought of the importance of graphic designers as it relates to books. I feel as though prior to the reading, I had been primarily focused on the textual content itself. I had never realized the importance of placement as a visual component of the readability of a book. It makes sense because after all the cover is primarily what draws an engager to read a book. Throughout the reading, I enjoyed learning what different book designers had to say about their challenges and the criteria for becoming a book designer. One criteria that I found most interesting is the quality of curiosity. The chapter noted how curiosity is an indicator of ones ability to experiment and explore. Such quality is a good one to have as these tools equip a designer with the ability to solve problems, whether they be design or communication related.

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Blog 2/3/23

I found that the typographic abstraction project to be enjoyable as it helped me better navigate skills of placement as it relates to my design process. I had to rearrange the letters in a way that the shapes themselves were legible but not necessarily the letters themselves.  This was at first challenging as it was a bit difficult for me to construct images that utilized the body of the words while still managing to make the piece abstract. The varying fonts I used were also huge components to my final composition. Certain fonts provided the letters with more movement and thus helped me to better utilize the shapes of the letters. I found that with practice and learning more about the balance between positive and negative space I was able to come up with some images that I am proud of. I feel that the knowledge I gained during the typographic abstraction will come in handy for our upcoming project.

The reading helped me to better understand the importance of partnership. While I understood the aid of being in a partnership prior towards reading chapter three, reading over the assigned chapters helped me see how helpful a partnership can be in ways I hadn’t previously thought of. Stuart Rigers and Sam Eckersley tell that their partnership helps their design process go more smoothly and efficiently. It also provides for more leeway in areas that would not be as flexible if there was only one person working on a project. In these chapters I also learned more about the harder parts of being in the professional design industry such as funding for projects. It seems that when hiring in the professional design industry, most jobs are looking for talented individuals with an open/unique perspective. I feel that these attributes are important tools that make not only a good designer but also a great partner.

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Project 1 Process

Coming into this class I have had no previous training using Photoshop, so as you can imagine this past week has been a week full of trial and error as I learned to navigate the app. I’d say the major obstacles I faced were learning the short cuts for the tools on photoshop and practicing patience when it comes to the editing process. I enjoyed generating the images with the AI; in order to create the images that I imagined I had to be very specific. For each of my images I ended up blending two or more of the AI generated images to obtain the image that I had imagined in my head. I enjoyed the critique process as it allowed me to gain valuable feedback on how to better my pieces. I also got to observe the work my classmates have been doing and I was able to incorporate some of the techniques they used to better my pieces.

Reading Reflection:

As it pertains to the reading, I learned a great deal about some of the tools needed to become a good graphic designer. The first thing I noticed was the importance of knowing how to incorporate good communication and listening skills in the marketing industry. In regard to the former, I believe that I already have a strong ability to communicate with others. On the other hand, I feel that I still have room to grow when it comes to the listening aspect. As a graphic designer I must be able to appeal to my audience, therefore a better listening ability leads to better work as my work will in turn be a reflection of my audience’s responses. Throughout this chapter I also learned that these two skills are not only imperative as it relates to the audience but also to partnerships. This is seen with the partnership of Bobby Martin and Jennifer Kinon. Throughout their interview, it is apparent that the main reason their partnership works is their ability to listen and effectively communicate with one another.