Summation

Here are the three products from the first exercise in Visual Communications 1. Communication is something that I need to work on, as these works seem to have multiple problems with them.

Pressure.

To improve this:
-Pay close attention to craft-keep glue off the page, and make sure circles are aligned correctly.
-The middle circle should be smaller, and centered equally between the two larger circles.
-Make sure that the smaller circle is not as covered by the others, as this creates an unwanted perception of depth. They need to appear on the same flat field.

Structure.

To improve this:
-Once again, watch the craft. Some circles are overlapping more than others.
-Consider flipping the whole thing upside down?

Escape.

To improve this:

-Rearrange dots, so that it is easier to tell that the one dot is moving away from the group-having it missing from the center does not make a clear idea.
-Craft is poor. Pay more attention when lining up the circles, they are all uneven.

Overall, my craftsmanship seems to be pretty poor. Also, composition in all of these pieces is not very interesting. I'll work on improving these over the weekend.

To Do:

• Drawing to Scale Worksheet
• Read "Basic Industrial Drafting"
• Delineation and Scale Exercise
  
• Find + Share
• Project "Warm Up" part 2
• Read First "Reading" p. 7-33
• 2 Letters, Labeled

Work It All At Once

The readings, Type and Image and Graphic Design Sources gave a lot of insight as to the uniqueness of graphic design in comparison to other forms of art (like architecture and painting, as mentioned in Type and Image). I was already aware that graphic design is a form of communication. But these two readings broadened my understanding of how distinctive design is as it's own language, almost like it's own society. But you must be able to understand many specialized elements of design, in a sense "layering," as Hiebert says. It is easy to understand and work well in a particular niche, but unless you are able to culture yourself in the many different elements of design, you are depriving yourself of a well-rounded knowledge. Keeping up with the ever-changing elements of design, as well as avoiding fads and unoriginal ideas is essential to staying on top of the fast-moving industry of design and gaining the experience needed to stand out among others.

Why Graphic Design?

It's all about the little things, really.

I'm the kind of person that has a little box at the bottom of my desk drawer full of unused stationary, magazine clippings, and old candy wrappers--clutter that I couldn't bring myself to toss because they are all so darn pretty. I've always had an interest in posters, packaging, patterns, and the like. Walking through a mall and seeing all the store displays and advertisements is just as, if not more, exciting as walking through an art museum.

In high school I had the honor of being part of an advertising design course. That classroom became a sanctuary for me during my junior and senior year, as I learned about both marketing and graphic design. Since then, learning everything about visual communications has been my biggest passion. I love the idea of being able to make everyday, undercover art--the kind that everyone sees but doesn't necessarily consider "art." I want to make information appealing, packaging pretty and web pages wonderful; but most importantly I want to be able to convey messages and connect with people on a simple, basic level. I've got a lot to learn, but I hope to soak it all in as the years progress!