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Journey MFA

One journey ends and another one begins. This year getting the MFA was a very intense and unbelievable discovery of what its capable of achieving when something is wanted that bad. From month to month there was something new to learn and figure out, from learning about how to make discoveries and research to learning new software. In month two the biggest challenge was learning and understanding how InDesign works in order to design these posters. In Brand Development, creating a presentation for a fictional company using Keynote for the first time was such nervous experience that pushed aside the insecurities of presenting and just doing it. Every month it was something new that added a new tool that it wasn’t there before in helping develop this sense of how to approach design. It wasn’t really till month nine that it really did set in how much it was retained from all the work done before when there were more focus revisions and making the brand identity come together and be able to deliver it across different media. The thesis project was a real challenge in creating the site in a way that showed the learning outcomes. With each section having examples that enhanced all that was learned the issues of how can so much information be delivered in a way that represents the most important points. The concept of how to approach in solving the problem came from creating a map and organizing for each section with sticky notes and matching them with images a process that was learned when approaching the development of a brand identity. In each class, there was something new and challenging to understand. In the second class new software was a challenge working with it for the first time, but being able to create the first poster in it was a great high for me. In month three figuring how to make a presentation and delivered it was another triumph as it was developing a website for a none profit organization in Desing Research or the developing of the brand identity for Rainy Day Toys. The biggest take away from this program is not learning the new software, but the new thinking approach when a solution is needed it for a design. The research that goes into the development of a brand before its even a sketch on paper is something that was not familiar. Understanding the choices that come from the research made that lead into making the right font choice, the right image that works with the brand attributes and is able to deliver something that mirrors what the companies are. The journey here may be over but working on these skills and evolving with what follows next is not. The connections made at Full Sail University has been such a great experience and have given me a hint of how connected we are and gives way to the opportunity to grow, learn and grow even beyond school.

When trying to build a map for the journey that was the MFA some reading about how to make that happen was need it. This is part of the research that needed it to create my own experience map.

Sorting out using post-it notes to easily arrange and re-arrange the semester and the points that I wanted to show up on the map. This helped in also removing what seems unnecessary and adding somethings that got left out.

The first sketch of what the idea of the map an how I wanted to represent the course and the emotional roller costar that was the program. The idea of exploring space with each planet being one class and the idea of other objects that would signify an important aspect. This was just the rough idea of the map.

The initial draft of the map was a lot more confusing with more items that need it. After some peer review, some changes need to be made. Also, the design didn't show the ups and downs that well.

The final draft got rid of extra lines and showed the journey in a more graph-like path. A ship was added to show the moving along from class to class, alien spaceships to show overwhelming adds and an astronaut outside the ship and timeline to show the need for a break from school. Thank you for the great journey and intense mental workout, I hope to keep in touch with everyone now and in the future.

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Once again we have to fight to keep what we already have.

🚨 The FCC plans to kill net neutrality on December 14 🚨

It’s real simple: ISP lobbyists are pushing the FCC to kill net neutrality so phone and cable companies can block apps, slow down websites, and charge fees to control what you see and do online.

Our only chance is congressional pressure and legislative action. But we need grassroots support. Tell your representatives that you support “Title 2” rules and ask for their help protecting a free and open internet.

Go to Battle For The Net to be connected to your congresspeople. 

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Presentation of Design Solution

During this month the thesis has brought together all the hard work that was invested during the year with simply showing the DLOs. The hardest part of this month was just setting up the Thesis in such a way that would be effective as a presentation that would incorporate all the work that was done throughout the year in a very streamlined way that makes sense. The main takeaway that had the biggest impact on the way I process and understand design have been the Desing thinking, the thinking in the design process are one of the big things that were added to the tools of becoming a media designer. Understanding how to research before anything else was a big step in how the creative process starts. Having the information and organizing the data gathered in a way that creates a viable solution can be extracted to form  prototypes “understanding of the problem and its constraints allows more exact solutions to be developed.” ( Sykes, 2012 ) Having a good grasp of what problem is need it to be solved helps to find the right solution. The second has to be Visual storytelling using the CAST system is the second takeaway that has changed the way I approach creating a visual story.  Looking at content, audience, structure, and how its told was something new in the thinking and organizing of how its all presented  “visual elements and combine them in compelling ways so that they can be viewed and understood in a variety of formats” ( Best, 2006 ) Showing visual element that can be direct at the audience that will get what they see helps in influence what the outcome will be. The third is Presentation, how the design solution is present matters in providing insight not just into the design solution but also the process itself. Kathryn Best talks about in Design Management about being prepared to communicate, address questions and paying attention to the story that is told to the audience that generated excitement about the solution is important.

Having those tools have opened my mind to a new way of seeing things when creating, implementing and presenting design. While before a lot of data that was gathered seem just like a massive information that was missing that cohesive structure that would make sense, what can be implemented in future projects is a well-organized structure that can deliver the best solution available.

The Thesis site that was created to provide a clear understanding of the DLOs that where acquired by showing each one on its own page. This included all the projects and journal entries to be examined.

This page was focused on how projects where developed, synthesize and advanced by making the connections that elevated the project

This shows the process that transformed the idea for the project by connecting the research to transforming the initial design into something more and elevating the understating on what the brand can be.

The solving problem page showed different approaches that were considered in developing the final product.

This shows in diagram form the path that was taken in finding the right choice for the final logo for the sea turtle concert. From mood board, the evolution of the logo is constant concept evolution that was refined while using the reference of the mood board in order to not drift from objective.

Creating the unique solution that would transform the project in a different way.

The addition of rain in the graphics animation was one of my innovation that made the reveal of the logo fun and interesting.

Created a new, unique and improved solution while meeting the design criteria.

Learning new software to use that opened up a new way of seeing a design and creating new possibilities in how something can be approached in order to find the best connection to the audience. The images show software learned that helped create motion graphics.

Reference:

Ambrose, G. (2009, December 1). Basics Design 08: Design Thinking > Target groups >  Target groups - Pg. 42: Creative Edge. Retrieved from http://ce.safaribooksonline.com/book/design/9782940439386/research/42?percentage=&reader=pf

Best, K. (2006). Design Management. Worthing, UK: AVA Publishing. Retrieved from http://ce.safaribooksonline.com/book/design/9782940439782

Sykes, M., Malik, A., & West, M. (2012). Stories that move mountains: Storytelling and visual design for persuasive presentations. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Retrieved from http://ce.safaribooksonline.com/book/communications/presentations/9781118423998

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Measuring Design Effectiveness

This months class was more focused on the marketing research for the project of Rainy Day Toys. Spending those few weeks developing the brand into something that would work across different types of media, was now time to test it out. The problem was finding the right type of questions that would make sense to the audience “Surveys and questionnaires can be used to collect information about the opinions and preferences of a defined group,”(O.Grady, 2009) To get the most out of the survey there was a need to find something that would connect the target audience to the project. The solution was giving them questions that would make them care about how easy would be connected with the product, how appealing it is from media to media, and how they see it as brand “You should be aware of the varying importance of different questions. Essential information should appear early, just in case the questionnaire is not completed.”(Collins, 2010) The important questions were set in the first part to make sure that at least if the survey was not completed those questions would be answered.

The introduction for Rainy Day Toys as a project to the audience to get a better understanding of what it was about and why it was important. Links included in the paragraph.  

From the questions that where submitted this was one that got changed in order to better understand the shopping hobbits of the audience.

Color is important in influencing a person in making choices. Some colors are exciting while some invoke trust and friendliness. It's important in making the correct connection between the design with the color in order to let the audience feel also that sense from the color choice.

The end result for any company that is looking to create a brand is also sales, so in finding out if the audience would actually trust the brand enough to make purchases “revenue streams and increase the value of how design is perceived within the organization.”(Best, 2006) The brand increases loyalty and trust through the revenue that its ability to generate.

With the end of class here what is taken and added to the toolbox is a better understanding on how to understand the feedback the audience give when working on a design that would benefit greatly from such information.

 References

Best, K. (2006, October 21). Design Management > Measuring the Success of Design > Measuring the Success of Design - Pg. 173: Creative Edge. Retrieved from http://ce.safaribooksonline.com/book/design/9782940439782/knowledge/173

Collins, H. (2010, September 1). Creative Research > COVER - Pg. COVER: Creative Edge. Retrieved from http://ce.safaribooksonline.com/9782940439676/cover?reader=pf&readerfullscreen=&readerleftmenu=1#X2ludGVybmFsX1BGVmlldz94bWxpZD05NzgyOTQwNDM5Njc2JTJGMTMxJl9faW1hZ2VwYWdlcmVzb2x1dGlvbj0xMDAwJnF1ZXJ5PQ==

G'Grady, J. (2009, February 1). A Designer’s Research Manual: Succeed in Design by Knowing Your Clients and What They Really Need > Methods of Research > Methods of Research - Pg. 48: Creative Edge. Retrieved from http://ce.safaribooksonline.com/book/graphic-design/9781592535576/chapter-1-an-overview-of-research-in-graphic-design/48?percentage=&reader=pf

SurveyMonkey. (2017, October 7). Rainydaytoys project. Retrieved from https://www.surveymonkey.com/analyze/KFgTz5Al3py8RrBfptED5ZgYNDM6DB6FGLI8rfAiIE0_3D

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9.4.1 Mastery Reflection

This month the work continued on Rainy Day Toys in making more revision to the logo and transforming the concept more to be more appropriate with the brand attributes. The Problem how to connect the brand to the targeted audience like parents and grandparents to engage in buying these nostalgic wooden toys. Connecting what the audience thinking of when they are thinking of wooden toys in order to trust the brand and become loyal consumers. Transforming at each stage of the revision, the logo design becomes more and more sophisticated in how it's presented as a brand that can inspire a better value in wooden toys. The solution was researching and finding what works for the brand to be engaging, friendly, and nostalgic for that connection to the youth of the audience. The synthesis of the motion graphics was build in multiple stages of the course of a few weeks from each the changes evolved into some of the more fun ideas to the final concept. With so many refinements and through a lot of feedback from peers, the design helped in also teaching through some mistakes new techniques and tools that helped in advancing some of the ideas for the whole concept. 

The new logo redesign concept for RDT that was done with the wooden texture on the robot.

Some fun concepts using different colors for the wood texture, the exploration phase of what would work better.

The first logo that was more of what the brand seem to be more of what should be.

The second design that changed the thickness of the word “Toys” in order to be seen a lot better at different scales.

Making some changes to the website mockup using some wireframe sketches.

The mockup with the new logo implemented inside for an idea what would look like when presented.

Digital mockup using a gif to demonstrate how it would look on a mobile device.

The box that would contain all the wooden piece, the boxes could be scaled in size to accommodate a different number of the wooden piece.

Large shopping bags that the store would have.

The evolution of the logo after some establishment for easy recognition would give it room to grow and expand into children clothes with the brand logo on it.

One of the revisions used to create the motion graphics what didn't work so well was the transforming of the Rainy Day multicolor.

In this revision, the solution was to just make the text reveal with the wooden toy robot so it's presented as one design and not separate parts.

Thank you

Octavian Anton

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8.4.1 Mastery Journal

The journey this month was a very intense one in pushing through the obstacles that came with the design of Rainy Day Toys. Going through the research of what the brand is, looking at some of the videos from Lynda.com what is something that keeps in the back of my head is what Sean Adams says “The brand is the promise, reputation, and big idea. It is a highly valued asset”(Adams, 2015) So in doing the research and redesign of the logo that thought is in the back of my head trying to keep in mind what is that the end goal of the design needs to speak. Starting out with the main logo and moving on to the website and now the motion graphic there all link “In the visual world, this is the message of the communications, the logo, the website, environment, and printed matter” (Adams, 2015) it’s a connection that needs to stay constant for the brand to maintain the message in every aspect of communication. So in the process of working and reworking the design, there is still more work that can be done in creating that singular voice “An identity system is the combination of all the pieces that work together maintaining a singular voice for the brand.”(Adams, 2015) That is the goal of this project, the end goal is the concise presentation of a single idea that can be seen from the static presentation to the animation of the brand logo. Moving forward I tend to push as much as possible in order to have this connection showing to come out as organic as possible from the design itself.

Moodboard for RDT developing the website around the logo design. Here the use of Typeface, color, images, and textures are used as a starting point for what the feel of the website will be like.

A mockup of the website as a scrolling site or parallax type. The site is made plain but with plenty of room for additional information or even more pages as need it.

Working on the animation for RDT using water falling on the logo as the logo just comes out clear out of the blurry rain fall.

Revision made for the robot to form out of the wooden pieces as it comes together took out the typeface.  

Another revision using the logo itself forming into the toy robot this time with the words around it.

Next, the work continues in trying to simplify the logo even more with less moving parts but still maintain its fun part. 

References:

Adams, S. (2015, March 26). The elements of branding [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.lynda.com/Design-Color-tutorials/elements-branding/363131/380167-4.html?org=fullsailold.edu

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Mastery Journal on the 7.4.1

This month the focus is shifted from just regular assignments to more of a personal motivation for the work. With this occasion, there was an opportunity based on some of the critique from the design committee to go back and improve on some of the past work done. Starting with some research stage “reviews information such as the history of the design problem, end-user research, and opinion-led interviews, and identifies potential obstacles.”( ) Here there was a time to discover some of what was missing from the first time in implementing this tool. The first part is the redesigning of the logo for Rainy Day Toys, the fictional company is branding its ideals in today's market while competing with other wooden toys companies and emerging tech toys that are geared towards young children. During this class, there was an opportunity to study the human design center and the approach in design for a client. Learning about the mindset, inspiration, implementation, and ideation were at the center of it was all about who was it meant for. The inspiration is to create solutions that are not just desirable but also visible even when designing a logo for a fictional brand.

A new exploration for Rainy Day Toys logo, from rocking horse to monograms ideas were looked at.

The digital exploration of the toy wood robot in combination with the type fonts. Also, some fonts and color choice were looked into.

Working out some of the color choices decision in choosing the right combination for it.

The preliminary idea that shows the logo at the different scale. Visibility is key, however, the issues are that at small size it loose the ability to read the words clearly. 

What is next in the next few weeks is the finish tweaking the logo and then move on to animating it. The goal would be to be able to also create a video with some animation that would be appealing to young children and grown up alike. It is very exciting to see where it's all going in the next few weeks, especially now that there are more tools to use and apply.

References

Ambrose, G., & Harris, P. (2009, December 1). Basics Design 08: Design Thinking > Stages of thinking - Pg. 10: Creative Edge. Retrieved from http://ce.safaribooksonline.com/9782940439386/stages_of_thinking?reader=pf&readerfullscreen=&readerleftmenu=1#X2ludGVybmFsX1BGVmlldz94bWxpZD05NzgyOTQwNDM5Mzg2JTJGMTYmX19pbWFnZXBhZ2VyZXNvbHV0aW9uPTEwMDAmcXVlcnk9

IDEO (Firm). (2015). The field guide to human-centered design: Design kit (1st ed.). Canada.

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Organizational Structures

This month the journey continues in exploring motion graphics, video, and sound. Looking at inspirational video from Rick Morris, who invited this exploration from static to motion that he evolved from. Here his own experience “I try for each experience to just sort of take me to a new level of something, just self-awareness”(Morris, 2008) The idea that you don’t have to stay in one medium but can evolve and explore different possibilities in the work you do. From the exploration of the logo, in bringing all the way from sketch to motion graphics, was a journey that was not easy to get through. From drawing to the evolvement  of movement there was gap that need it to be filled “Motion graphic designers create moving graphic designs—things like opening title sequences for movies, advertisements, interstitial graphics to run between TV shows, animated logos, and web banners”(Taylor, 2013) While that was not easy to understand at first the past few weeks of exploring the software started to make more sense how everything connected. When the introduction of video and sound was added on, a new world open to possibilities in which there were no boundaries in where to go next. In the following months, the hope is to add this new tools and get a chance to sharpen my skills in order to evolve my art.

Digital exploration of the logo for Shell for Life, fictional concert.

The logo choice refined more for the next step in adding it to create the motion graphic.

Final look of the logo 

Motion graphic of the logo that was finish before bringing into the video.

The video final cut for Shell for Life.

References:

Morris, R. (2008, June 27). Redirect Notification [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.lynda.com/Video-Motion-Graphics-tutorials/Artist-Profile/618/37507-4.html?org=fullsail.edu#tab

Taylor, A. (2013, March 20). Design Essentials for the Motion Media Artist > Chapter 1 Drawing > Learning to See - Pg. : Creative Edge. Retrieved from http://ce.safaribooksonline.com/9780240811819/learning_to_see#X2ludGVybmFsX0h0bWxWaWV3P3htbGlkPTk3ODAyNDA4MTE4MTklMkZzeW5vcHNpczAwMDQmcXVlcnk9

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Design Research Reflection

In the continuous journey of design, creating web pages, updating themes, and meeting the client’s needs, it is important to realize the elements need it to succeed.

In the ongoing preparation reading about the site design has been helpful “No matter what type of website you’re developing, the design should be as intentional as the functionality” (Beaird, 2014)

Finding that is it need it to not just focus on the site looks and feel but the function that keeps the visitors engaged. Through reading article and reading assignments the project that was started in developing a benefit concert was very informative.

Moodboards ideas that lead into creating the next goal in the wireframe design and layout “The research helped pinpoint key goals, which led to a design strategy that was a touchstone for the visual solution” (O’Grady, 2009)

Finding what was working and what was not within the layout, what elements would have overwhelmed the design and confused the audience was important when finalizing the comps.

From the reading, I also found that information should be obvious when dealing with an online presence. In today’s fast paced world everyone just needs to get what they need on the go and fast. In this “Your goal should be for each page or screen to be self-evident so that just by looking at it the average user2 will know what it is and how to use it.” (Krug, 2014) I found that Krug was right based on my own experience when searching websites. Even though this was published a while ago it is still relevant in today’s trends.

Moodboard based on the look and feel of a grunge rock band that creates a mood and feel that it is easier relatable to a younger audience.  The site tells a story to the audience that helps impact them emotionally and also excites them. 

Wireframe for the site based on the mood board. The initial layout of the design was to create an easy to navigate site that takes you from page to page with ease. 

The site comps that show all the important elements and leaves enough room to evolve as need it.  

As I move on, it is exciting the idea of developing and creating mood boards for a site that will be created based on my input. Technology is changing so fast that all I can say is that I am open to visualy create experiences for customers that will showcase their brands. 

References

Beaird, J., & George, J. (2014, June 17). The Principles of Beautiful Web Design, 3rd Edition > Preface > Who Should Read This Book - Pg. : Creative Edge. Retrieved from http://ce.safaribooksonline.com/9781457174353/d5e89_html#X2ludGVybmFsX0h0bWxWaWV3P3htbGlkPTk3ODE0NTcxNzQzNTMlMkZwcjAxX2h0bWwmcXVlcnk9

Krug, S. (2014, December 24). Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability > Guiding Principles > Chapter 1. Don’t make me think! - Pg. : Creative Edge. Retrieved from http://ce.safaribooksonline.com/book/web-design-and-development/9780133597271/guiding-principles/ch01_html?percentage=0&reader=html

O'Grady, J., & O'Grady, K. (2009, February 1). A Designer’s Research Manual: Succeed in Design by Knowing Your Clients and What They Really Need > Studio Blue > Studio Blue - Pg. 164: Creative Edge. Retrieved from http://ce.safaribooksonline.com/book/graphic-design/9781592535576/chapter-4-case-studies/164?percentage=&reader=pf#X2ludGVybmFsX1BGVmlldz94bWxpZD05NzgxNTkyNTM1NTc2JTJGMTY0Jl9faW1hZ2VwYWdlcmVzb2x1dGlvbj0xMDAwJnF1ZXJ5PQ==

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Fear

I love this quote because it simply sums up what is that I struggle with. Fear in its basic form holds back any potential in developing or advancing one's talent. Going from class to class now I'm slowly moving pas my fear and push myself forward in trying to do my best. My fear of failing is something that I'm dealing with better in letting go of what is not known yet so I may achieve what is possible today.

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Effective Copywriting

This month has been a very interesting one. From writing taglines and copy to creating personas for the target audience it’s a very intense process. One tool that I found to be interesting has been the different approach to different spokesperson in which the concept was formulated for that one person in particular. “real people with real connections to the product work terrifically well—provided the creative people give them just the right twist, which is where you come in.” (Felton 241) The tool here is great in helping create the right type of ad for the target group, this was a lot of fun going through all the brainstorming.  

Some of the takeaways  I got from this class has been the focus on the targeted audience that makes clear the campaign message. Understanding the targeted demographic for my nonprofit organization project was an interesting first part of the developing the of the audience. By giving a name and background the ads were so much easier to put together.

Headlines and copy are something new to me, so it was a challenge when having to write some. “Consumers are looking not for a product that will do the least for them but for one that will do the most.” (Felton 25) So by going through the list of needs, I am more capable of writing copy that is meant for a particular need or needs. Another takeaway is the need to develop multiple solutions in short periods of time or lateral thinking.

This class was a very different from what I imagined and although challenging I'm glad to have a better understanding of the process of combining text with images.

Headlines that grabbed the attention. This was part of the initial process of understanding headlines and copy.

This example where later used to inspire writing my own headlines and copy for targets audience.

The assignment here was creating personas for the target audience that helped focus the campaign.

For this project I had to created an ad campaign for the nonprofit organization Earthjustice. The focus here was more on the headline and the copy as the main part of the ad with the image secondary. 

References

Felton, George. Advertising: Concept and Copy (Third Edition),  3rd Edition. W. W. Norton & Company, 20130805. VitalBook file.

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Brand development

Through understanding of the brand in a clear way the strategy for developing it can work though the collaboration with the client. “The goals are to uncover the essence of this company and to understand how the organization fits into the larger competitive environment.”

 (Wheeler 116). When working with Starbucks, Margo Chase went to the core of the brand to develop the style guide for their next product line. Without that collaboration, the outcome would have not been as clear in the translation from design to product.

The Maturity Model show how crucial is the need for the agency and the client.” This is an invaluable way of soliciting feedback from other stakeholders.” (Best 115). The key to good communication is important if the brand development. In having a clear organized model and leadership that can mediate between groups and outside clients.

 What was the most takeaway was creating, researching, and presenting a brand. This has been new to me and very unfamiliar territory. The intensity of the project was a very good learning experience.

Logo for Rainy Day Toys fictional company

From reading Designing Brand Identity by Alina Wheeler, I took away how much of a process the market research is.” New insights about attitudes, awareness, and behavior of prospects and customers often indicate opportunities for future growth. (Wheeler 120)

           A most valuable take away has been Sean Adams tutorial. Without his breakdown of the branding design and attribute I believe it would have been heard to design a logo. The process in which all the elements of branding are explained and then pieced together was a great process to watch. “The logo is the entry point to the brand. It's the visual expression of a brand's identity and values. It's shorthand, and it tells the viewer who is speaking, and what they believe.” (Adams 2015)

Developing solutions for the Rainy Days Toys brand inspired by Sean Adams

Developing the logo with icons and word marks in order find the best solution for the brand. 

Research and analysis for rebranding of a none profit committee including SWOT analysis  

References:

 Adams, S. (2015, March 26). Foundations of Branding for Designers [Video file]. Retrieved from

           https://www.lynda.com/MyPlaylist/Watch/11106448/380159?autoplay=true

Best, K. (2006, October 31). Design Management > Competitive Advantage Through Design >

Competitive Advantage Through Design - Pg. 118: Creative Edge. Retrieved from http://ce.safaribooksonline.com/book/-/9782940439782/knowledge/118?percentage=&reader=pf#X2ludGVybmFsX1BGVmlldz94bWxpZD05NzgyOTQwNDM5NzgyJTJGMTE1Jl9faW1hZ2VwYWdlcmVzb2x1dGlvbj0xMDAwJnF1ZXJ5PQ==

Wheeler, Alina. Designing Brand Identity: An Essential Guide for the Whole Branding Team, 4th

Edition. John Wiley & Sons P&T, 10/22/12. VitalBook file.

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What inspired me about the message is how true it rings. Without the struggles we go through we don't discover what we can do and what we can achieve. Sometimes trying to find out strength requires a struggle.

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Course Reflection

To define a client’s needs a designer finds themselves learning to speak different languages that can bridge the gap between clients from different industry’s that may not be visual or understand the construct of the branding. Through research, time, and budget allowance it can become very relevant to the process in supporting the designer with the right decisions.

For a client to make sense and trust that it is the right path for their project, a clear communication and explanation is need it. Realizing that it is important for the client to know why the choices for the typography, color, images and so on are the choice in the design.

Pop Art poster design for Romeo and Juliet using classic references.

Modern design take on a poster for Romeo and Juliet

Poster design using typography as the main design object.

Modern design for Romeo and Juliet using hierarchy in creating a contrast with the image.

What I learned from this course is the kind of responsibility that a designer really has when it comes to making sure that the client gets the best solution for they brand. A detail understanding on what that means was presented by Margo Chase in her video explaining the research and development of the brand identity. “before we really are able to put anything on paper and make something, we really try to understand what we're trying to achieve, what the business goal is and really who we're speaking to, because often we're not the audience, in fact, most times we are not the audience.” (Chase, 2008) The amount of research that goes behind the scene pays off, when the client can use the guides in order expand and grow his brand as times change.

Another take away from this course is how important typography is in the content of the design. From the detail of choosing the right type of font to creating hierarchy by using color, weight, contrast, orientation, and position. In the video by Ina Saltz, she talks in detail the importance of not only the need to have a very legible and easy to read design but creating contrast using scale and weight. (Saltz, 2008) Although when the client enjoys a finish product it’s the job of the designer to let them know why certain aspects of the design work better.

Understanding the important of a layout is also crucial when designing something exciting and eye catching. “The goal here, is not to create a design that's irritating, it is to maintain interest. And fortunately, there is no simple formula to create tension, this is an intuitive sense.” (Adams, 2013) The most memorable design has this tension that keeps that work in the back of your mind even after long gone. Understanding what makes a successful layout has been a great addition to the tools need it to develop my skills.

 Reference:

Adams, S. (2013, October 31). Foundations of Layout and Composition [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.lynda.com/Design-Techniques-tutorials/Using-repetition-create-sense-unity/135095/153695-4.html?org=fullsail.edu

Chase, M. (2008, April 9). Branding [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.lynda.com/Design-Documentaries-tutorials/Branding/685/38838-4.html

Salts, I. (2013, November 25). Creating hierarchy using size [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.lynda.com/Design-Typography-tutorials/Creating-hierarchy-using-size/133327/156592-4.html?srchtrk=index%3a1%0alinktypeid%3a2%0aq%3aFoundations+of+Typography%3a+Hierarchy+and+Navigation+with+Ina+Saltz%0apage%3a1%0as%3arelevance%0asa%3atrue%0aproducttypeid%3a2

[o-anton-blog]

Sometimes you have to believe that the reason your not satisfy is because you haven't reached your life task. 

[o-anton-blog]

Mastery Journey Timeline

Month 1: Mastery

My goals for this course                                          

I want to understand APA style

Learning about taking the journey towards mastery in my field

Learning about apprenticeship and tools.

My strategy and tactics

I am using OWL Purdue Online to learn about APA.

Reeding the book my Robert Green “Mastery”

Social media utilization in researching and connecting.

Month 2: Defining Client Needs

My goals for this course  

I want to understand what the client needs.

Understanding the relationship between me and the client

I want to learn the research process in creating a multimedia campaign.

My strategy and tactics

Learning what the target market is for the specific client.

I will watch the video on Lynda about user experience.

Going on social media to observe companies promotional campaigns.

Month 3: Brand Development

My goals for this course  

I will learn about brand development.

I will learn marketing techniques applied by professionals.

I will research some of the brands that are successful.

My strategy and tactics

I will watch the course on Brand Identity on Lynda.com.

I will do online research about brand developing across platforms.

I will learn about big name brands and their success in promoting themselves.

Month 4: Effective Copywriting

My goals for this course  

I will read more about copywriting.

Take some time to learn about persuasive writing.

I will develop my communication field.

My strategy and tactics

Reading the article on copywriting by Susan Gunelius on entrepreneur.com

“Using Online Media to Write Extended Persuasive Text” by Leisa Morton-Standish.

Practice writing more effectively

Month 5: Design Research

My goals for this course

I want to learn to explore all my options when designing. 

Give myself multiple solutions to what I’m creating

I will learn to evaluate options based on strategies.

My strategy and tactics

I will read “Understanding Design Thinking” by Scott R. Klemmer1 and John M. Carroll2

I will identify and understand the problem and devise a plan to implement the solution.

I will evaluate the process of what worked.

Month 6: Organizational Structures

My goals for this course

I want to learn to organize my research information.

I will create a project from my research.

I will collaborate on my project to get feedback.

My strategy and tactics

Reading “Research Portfolio” from the “Journal Of Academic Librarianship” by Snavely, Loanne L.

I will create work that is consistent.

Working with my peers to create a professional look.

Month 7: Design Strategies and Motivation

My goals for this course

I want to learn to maximize my impact of my communication.

I will create professional visuals.

I will implement skills learned through my research.

My strategy and tactics

I will watch the tutorial on Graphic Design Tips & Tricks on lynda.com

I will use design.tutsplus.com for inspiration to design.

I will practice my design concepts.

Month 8:  Design Integration

My goals for this course

I will develop my visual thinking skills.

Learn software that I need for design.

I want to stay on top  of trends.

My strategy and tactics

I will read “Making Things Visible” from Human-Computer Interaction.

Learn Adobe programs on lynda.com

I will use only resources to learn new trends.

Month 9: Multi-Platform Delivery

My goals for this course

I want to learn about multi platform delivery.

In depth research about campaigns.

I will create a plan to communicate in various types media.

My strategy and tactics

I will watch “ Create for multi platforms” by Doug Winnie.

I will use action-gating on social media for my research.

I will plan out targeted  elements for specific media.

Month 10: Measuring Design Effectiveness 

My goals for this course

I will explore a more deep way of thinking.

I will research how metrics affect strategy.

I will read about marketing strategies in the industry.

My strategy and tactics

I will read “The Nature and Development of Critical-Analytic Thinking.” by Byrnes, J., & Dunbar

I will read the article on boundless.com on metrics

I will read the article on inc.com

Month 11- Thesis: Presentation of Design Solution

My goals for this course

I will review my material to ensure my best work.

I will research my design to create a professional look.

I will bring together everything I learned in my presentation.

My strategy and tactics

I will watch the video on Presentation Fundamentals

Use online resource for inspiration from milo.co

I will go over everything I learned until now to create my presentation.

Month 12: Professional Practice

My goals for this course

I will get myself ready for my career.

I want to learn to present to a group, committee, and clients.

I want to expand my network, and my goals

My strategy and tactics

Read “How to get a career in graphic design” article on creativeblog.com

I will watch the “Broadcasting your presentation to a group” on lynda.com

I will use online resources like LinkIn, Behance, or Mediabistro to find opportunities for work.

[o-anton-blog]

I found his speech appealing and inspirational because I found myself relating to what he was saying. Through out school there was not much I was interested in and I found myself being an underachiever for most of the time I was in it. Connecting to something I loved doing was what started to make me work hard in trying to achieve my life task. While everyone one will always give there opinion in what you should do with your life its important to understand that no matter what happiness will only come from that which give you passion to do.