Mushrooms Mushrooms Mushrooms

Some photos of my thesis project. More at the link below.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37044564@N08/sets/72157624244310026/

These two weeks really merged together in one long continuos stage of production. The culmination of doodles, cramped margins in notes for other classes, and staring off into space overanalyzing every detail, all coming together in those final moments. I’m not sure how or why I manage to save everything until the last few weeks. It just seems to work out that way, I always need a lot of time to think through all the details and possibilities before I’m ready to put everything in action. 

I was prepared for the construction of the smaller pieces but I was sure something was going to go horribly wrong with my packaging. Amazingly, though I wound up changing some ideas part way through, its construction didn’t have any major mishaps. In the end things went pretty much according to my overly thought out plans, which I’m thankful for.

The goal for my project was to create an informational piece about mushrooms that contained many levels of information that were separated yet till maintained connections to each other. I wanted it to be composed of small separable parts within a single large piece. Surprisingly my plan from the beginning didn’t change much from my original plans and my pieces ended up fairly similar to the sketches I made for them. Having an interest in mushrooms was really helpful and made the research interesting rather than tedious. There were a few moments where I wanted to lose it (coloring those images and compiling and typing the info in the booklet) but there were many more where I actually had fun working on this project.

I enjoyed our end of term meet and greet critique, there was some really beautiful work there. I got a great response and I loved watching people interact with my project. I’m very pleased with the result, it’s probably my favorite project I’ve done so far, and I think I will stay so for quite awhile. Information design is something I really love, both Northwest Mushrooms and Robbing the Bees have helped me realize that. Below are some of my favorite images and a link to further images on my flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37044564@N08/sets/72157624244310026/

HOW TO BE A GRAPHIC DESIGNER… CHAPTER 8

As students we are just beginning to explore the concept of designing for our employer’s rather than ourselves. Until our 321 class I had no experience with designing for someone other than myself; having their company and it what it stood for at the forefront. It was a great opportunity to see what went into making something for someone and how they could appreciate having an identity to be proud of. Seeing all the outcomes for Swoon was eye opening, in our projects we might have similar goals, to make a poster or a brand, but it’s often largely up to us on how we want to execute that. We decide who we’re making a poster or branding for.

Having the experience of other designer’s really helps as we begin coping with the idea that someday we will be answerable to more than just ourselves and our professor’s. I’ve really enjoyed having lectures and events like Be Honest. It seems as if our program has really improved in the past two years or so, with new professors and more involvement with the AIGA and FoGD. Though I haven’t had the chance to go to many conventions if they’re anything like what we have at PSU the experience of them should surely be worthwhile.

During these weeks I really finalized my layout for the cards and booklet. Making tweaks based off of comments during our presentations and in critiques. I also refined my method for my images and after my successful completion of the first, the pacific golden chanterelle (below) the others, not only mushrooms, though time consuming were more easily completed.

I had also begun sketches for my notepad. Things were going a little more slow than I would have liked in the area of production. It wasn’t so much that I didn’t have work ready for it but I have a hard time committing myself, printer, and paper to producing something I know I might till want to tweak. I had chosen paper but my goal of having all my books and cards printed by the beginning of week 9 was far off.

HOW TO BE A GRAPHIC DESIGNER… CHAPTER 5

As I first began this chapter I had some difficulty comprehending and adjusting. Who was I to think about who I would hire? I’m so far away from doing something of the sort. I’m desperate to be hired here, c’mon. Then I adjusted my way of thinking about this chapter. Looking at it on the flip side. The advice on what “they” should look for what “I” should to strive to be.

There is a lot of truth in those few quotes the author used. About looking for those with the ambition to want to strike out on their own or who are better than you in that they can handle those parts you’re willing to hand over in the process of working on areas you excel in. This again links back to the story I used in my last response, those that contrast and therefore compliment your own skills and interests. As well as to be proud of your ambitions. It is good to know that certain things you may think you have to hide from those who would hire you can actually improve your chances of getting hired.

HOW TO BE A GRAPHIC DESIGNER… CHAPTER 6

Though again I had a little difficulty putting myself into the shoes of representing not just myself but a company, I was really able to relate with what Adrian said about portfolios. I look back on the portfolio I submitted for the sophomore portfolio review. The portfolio I slaved over, carried with reverence, and compared to my own non-existing child. Now I look back and am queasy. What was I thinking putting this or that in? Was I even deserving of a 3? It seems in no way adequate now as each new project becomes the standard to which I hold all my other work up to; and find it lacking. This is truly an integral part of being a designer. We are never eternally happy with what we have created. Our portfolios grow and change, things are culled and added, as we ourselves grow and change.

Another part that resonated with me was Adrian’s bit about putting work into context. Something our professors have been trying to hammer into our skulls since we started the program. Though we don’t have the funds or resources to put our work up on billboards that doesn’t mean we can’t show it interacting with others. I don’t mean just well lit representational photos on a clean background, though those are important to. What I’m talking about is holding, touching, turning, flipping. How our work would exist in the real world, where its home would be. Installations and human interaction are still new to us, something we’re still learning to comprehend, but they are important tolls in adjusting our thinking to the role of others rather than just ourselves.

HOW TO BE A GRAPHIC DESIGNER… CHAPTER 7

Most of us, as students, dread the concept of clients. Someone who can veto your good ideas, someone who doesn’t understand true graphic art. We need to learn to be less snobbish. Though I’m sure there is a fair share of clients who will be sure, wrongly, that they know what’s best, there will probably just as many instances where we’re wrong. Truthfully, those who we work for will know their businesses better than we could ever hope to. Their insights are valuable and if you look at the situation as one where they can provide insight and information better than you could than it’s not so bad. I know I definitely would have appreciated a true mushroom experts help and input on my last project. Though I enjoyed learning about mushrooms the research was often overwhelming.

I really enjoyed Adrian’s concept of doing a project for a charity, non-profit, tiny business, or friend in the stead of creating a brief for yourself when you want to do a piece that pushes boundaries. Something like this really benefits everyone. Those limitations could also inspire something really wonderful.

Week 7 Presentation.

During the term I got a little behind recording my process, not that there wasn’t a lot of work going on but keeping up with posts seemed to fall by the wayside despite my intentions. I still want to show my process though and how I did, or didn’t, stick to my schedule so I’m writing some of this after the fact.

Going back to week 6 and 7 I had been working on the layout measurements of my piece, the edible/poison booklet and the informational cards, beginning with the usual sketches. I always use these as a starting point because they let me loosely explore layout without committing to the inevitable time-consuming tweaking I can’t stop myself from doing on the computer. It helps eliminate concepts more easily because I don’t invest much in sketches.

During week 7 we had presentations of our work and rather than keeping up with my posts from there I began forgetting to keep others informed of my progress save for our small group times. I had planned at this point in time to have my card and booklet format complete. I was fairly close with the cards but the booklet still needed some work. Above is my presentation of what I had at the time.

HOW TO BE A GRAPHIC DESIGNER… CHAPTER 2

I really appreciated the advice given in this chapter! In school we learn all about designing, the theory and methods, but that nitty gritty stuff of applications, contacts, etc. are often just vaguely referred to. The authors almost step by step guide is very handy and clearing up those small things that we might not notice but really put off those hiring us is important. We have heard, although only recently for me, that you should SHOW your portfolio to the person across from you, they shouldn’t have to look at it upside down. This may be common sense but it never hurts to hear about these small things that should be avoided at all costs.

Not only with graphic design jobs but with others as well there’s a correct procedure to go about. Coming into this field of working though, we know nothing about that procedure. When I first started looking for a part time job in high school I had no idea what I was doing. What should I put on my resume? Should I have letters of recommendation? Should I call to check up on a submitted application? How soon? I didn’t haver a clue, and worse of all, no one around me seemed to have one either. This is a horrible place to be in and I’m glad to have a little more experience and some actually useful advice this time around.

HOW TO BE A GRAPHIC DESIGNER… CHAPTER 3

I’m glad this book has cleared up some of the questions I’ve had about freelance and in house work. Personally I find the idea of freelance work interesting and would love to do it someday, on my own or sharing a small studio, but I feel like that won’t be for a while. Coming out of college I feel like I still have a lot to learn about my process, specialties, and client relations. I hope then to find a job in house and work my way into the confidence needed to work on my own. Now to mention the stable paycheck to pay off those student loans.

I really enjoyed the part discussing the advantages of working alone versus in a group and can really understand the difficulty of motivating oneself without the environment created by others working around you. The interview also provided some great insight into this debate. As students we always dread hearing those words, “group project” but I’ve noticed as time has gone by, and those of us in the program have gotten more serious and experienced about the work we’re doing, it has become, for me, more enjoyable. Having others to bounce ideas off of and shoulder some of the work is a great thing. As long as the right attitude is present I think I’d really enjoy it. Until then though I think my first step will be inhouse.

HOW TO BE A GRAPHIC DESIGNER… CHAPTER 4

I found that this reading really connected to what I had been thinking of as the concept of working in a group only with capable partners. Since I was relating this to a particular experience I thought I’d describe it. I had done a few group projects prior to this event, both in graphic design classes as well as others. I had hated nearly every one of them excepting one I had done in a scientific university studies class. This was where I first began to comprehend how wonderful working in a motivate group with complimenting interests could be.

Before the project we had done a study in class breaking up majors and putting people from contrasting majors at the same tables. Even though we had completely different interests as a group we got on well and talked with each other during class rather than the usual ignoring of others due to group experiments and field trips we’d taken part in. As a group of we had the inescapable dud that somehow managed to escape any sort of work whatsoever. We were lucky we only had 1. Other than that we had 4 great people to create and present what would be a study on urban trees. One was a math major and did all of our equations, another an english major that was excited to write about our experience, a girl who’d been doing debate for years to present everything, and myself with a modicum of design skills to put together graphs, written material and photos for a presentation. What we created was something we all enjoyed putting together and what our professor called one of the best presentations she’d ever had in her class. As Adrian said if you can find others that you can get along with who fill in your gaps it can be a great experience to work with partners.

HOW TO BE A GRAPHIC DESIGNER… INTRODUCTION

From what I gleaned from the the foreard of this book I can tell I’m really going like it. I agree whole heartedly with the author’s statement that there is a veritable smorasbourg of books ON graphic design but so very few that say anything about what being a graphic designer really means. There is more to graphic design then the art work, there’s process, salries, clients, a whole world outside the techniques we utilize.

As juniors and seniors we are already thinking about life after college, thinking and panicking. What do we need to have and do to find a job? What types of jobs are there? How does one go about applying for work? Does anyone have any idea what we should be charging for our stuff? Being 21, I’ve never had a career. I’ve been limited to part-time work in high school and now college. Keeping up that full time student thing that I’ve been at since I was 5. So the prospect of suddenly departing from that cozy little niche is a bit mind boggling. Every little bit of advice helps and it looks like this book will have more than a bit.

HOW TO BE A GRAPHIC DESIGNER… CHAPTER 1

I really enjoyed Adrian’s story starting at the percieved “beginning” of their awareness of graphic design. I’ve often wondered what made others think, “I want to be a graphic designer.” For me it’s a bit hard to say but I’d probably have to say books. All that text, neatly organized really turned a light on somewhere and might be a basis for my obsession with detail and organization. I look at others work, that spontaneous free flowing stuff and turn green with envy. It’s taken me a long time to wittle away what I have of exess and even now I continue to add more and do more than it necessary or healthy.

I also found the author’s bit about technological means limiting ones thinking and imagination stunningly true. How often have we whined and complained in class that if only we had such and such or knew some who could do such and such we could achieve our vision. At least we still have those thoughts. I have noticed that we increasingly dismiss things right away if we can’t immediately think of a way to achieve the desired outcome. I’d actually discussed this with Amanda a while ago, she’d had the same trouble with her jean brand, an idea that she didn’t think feasible so she dismissed it. However, her professor told her to keep on it and make it happen. I think that we need more of that while designing, less limitations.

CONVEYING EMOTION THROUGH DESIGN

Wow, this took me awhile to get back to. Continuing on. Though I found Sagmeister’s ideals about design noble, for the most part I find them unrealistic. We may strive to touch others hearts through our work but as Sagmeister himself said, unlike movies and books, design has seconds to connect with a viewer, rather than hours or days. The ability to not only catch the eye, but touch the heart, is an exceptionally rare thing in design. Personally I’m not sure if I’ve ever experienced it. Of course there are pieces that have made my think, sparked my interest, or generated envy but to me that has nothing to do with the deeper feelings a wonderful book, a fantastic movie, or a gorgeous piece of art can create.

This might come across as a lack of love for design, which is not true at all. Just because I don’t tear up looking at a poster doesn’t mean I can’t find it deeply intriguing or beautifully worked. But for me design is something different from the arts, a cousin of film, literature, fine art, and music, not because it lacks the ability to be beautiful but because, at it’s core, it does not generally seek to inspire emotion. This does not make it less, simply different. Design is advertising, or if it is done for personal reasons it is commentary or informational. Looking at Sagmeister’s examples he seems to confirm my opinion, citing works of interest or boldness, which I found puzzling taking into consideration his description of design’s relationship to art. Below is a piece I’ve loved for a long time, though not current, it has stuck with me.

PRACTICE AND THEORY

I found this reading rather difficult to get through. It was not necessarily the concept of personas but rather the way in which they were explained and portrayed. I understand the need and usefulness of personas, though I have never actually used the exact system we have done something similar in class. When we have explored the audience we are trying to reach with our projects and deriving inspiration from that we are using some version of personas.

I think there is a limit to this concept though, and it can only be taken so far before the effort becomes meaningless and inconclusive. It is easy to group people by age and the typical interests of that age group, of in other cases gender and race. However, there is only so much that can be assumed from limited amounts of information. We are after all individuals and it is important to view your audience as such.