Nurturing to Bloom

Every beginning starts with a bud!

[professorbl00min]

Task 7 - Being Eco-Friendly

SO this task was about looking into how we graphic designers were making some form of an impact on the environment and how we should be using our skills to somehow to being eco-friendly designers when we waste a lot of paper, ink and watch it go to landfill or get recycled using non-eco-friendly stuff.

What does sustainability mean in the context of Graphic Design?

Sustainability in the context of design is about seeking out solutions to making the finished product, in a physical form such as printed or packaging, more environmentally friendly. This could include the methods/materials used to create the product, to deliver the product or when the life of the product comes to an end. Other than that, reducing the amount of ‘things’ of the product.

Some supporting factors are explained in Task 6 and here, from a blog of mine from a few years ago.

Review the site 'Design Can Change - AIGA' and answer the following questions:

What is 'cradle to cradle' design and how can you see this applied in the Graphic Design industry?

“Cradle to Cradle” (A.K.A: C2C) is a concept that aims to recycle and eliminate waste completely. A visual of this concept can be imagined as a loop cycle.

(Source)

So when the concept is applied in design, the solution is to create something that has a purpose throughout its life and when it also at the end of its life (it breaks down and becomes something beneficial or can be recycled).

*If the product at the end of its life does go to waste or landfill, then it falls in the concept of “Cradle to the Grave”.

(Source)

As for its application in the graphic design industry, the concept can really challenge our way of thinking but it can also be rewarding as I think it allows us to create something unique. How I think it could be incorporated can be idolised in this following points:

Merging/Combining – e.g. fashion label and the extra button in the plastic – sew on extra material with brand ‘tag’ printed or embroidered on the clothing item along with button stitched there and can be unpicked when needed.

Minimalism – keeping the KIS (Keep it simple) concept

Reusing shapes – e.g. beer bottles – beer bottles are recyclable so when designing a brand for a drink, design around it.

Breaking down – e.g. food or gardening product packaging – might be like a ‘Cradle to the Grave’ concept but the packaging it’s made from biodegradable material, which can serve as nutrients for the bulbs/seeds or as compost for the garden. Teabags are already an existing C2C product.

Hands on (???) – Product is made with minimal technology involvement and may serve to create more jobs in society (?). Traditional methods for doing things are something to think about.

Educational/informative – to encourage consumers to play a part in the C2C concept.

“In the 'Creative Gallery on Sustainable Communications '- what ad has the most impact for you and why?”

So there were a lot of advertisements. They were pretty conveying. But annoying to go through because a lot of them were dull. Though this particular one (of the three I liked [1,2,3]) did make an impact and you’d think otherwise too.

Very depressing ;A;

The question here I assume is to analyse the impacting image but I don’t know if the image has to have a significance to graphic design and its impact on the environment as this advertisement is conveying the impact of mans’ actions that are driving animals to the brink of extinction.

As for the images’ impact on me and why, well yes man kinds actions are pretty much driving animals to their deaths because of destruction of their homes, pollutants and chemicals making its way into the environment where they live or that they end up consuming it, I can feel for the poor bird hanging itself and at the same time, it really hurts to see the poor thing die. The bird itself is a common sparrow that can be seen around almost everywhere but it still doesn’t excuse the fact that the creature is a living and breathing being.

It also almost reflects upon our society as well as in this Stone Age, we’re all becoming sceptical about the things we consume or the areas we live in.

An exaggerated example would be if I knew my home was gonna go under in a few years’ time because of the oceans rising and that moving was really costly, I’d be questioning my value of life and then hanging myself for it because I know it’d be inevitable for me to lose myself and my life soon as I watch my home slowly sink.

(Well...me rather than hanging myself...)

So really, I think we should now start putting ourselves in the animals’ shoes if we want to live in a world that isn’t completely ruined by man and his machines.

“List five things that a Graphic Designer can do in their practice to decrease their impact on the environment."

Unless I’m being repetitive here, these are some suggestions for graphic designers to take in when designing and for an eco-friendly purpose at that.

To make things by hand more than relying on machines most of the time

To work around or with a minimal amount of material

Can the design be made done with its appearance on a digital format other than having it printed and displayed?

Reduce negative spacing in a design – fit as much content of the design as one can and leave less empty areas

Research the material used – there are materials out there that made environmentally friendly and definitely look at ones that are certified. Just because some materials say it is recycled doesn’t mean that they have been made in an eco-friendly way.

[professorbl00min]

Task 6 - Code of Ethics

“Design and Ethics - what does "ethics" mean to you?”

Exploring the some of the rules and the ethics of the Design industry :)   

Definition of ethics: Principles that define the way we behave/conduct ourselves; show/reflection of pride/reputation based on actions and thinking. - that's what ethics means to me!

“Read the following "AGDA code of Ethics," "Starving for ethics - Ethics for Graphic Designers" and "Protect your Creative" and respond to the following questions on your blog:” 

What is "free pitching" and how does it affect the industry as a whole?

“Free Pitching”, from my understanding, works in two ways.

One is where the client exploits, or unknowingly exploits, a designer to ‘partially’  work on a proposed brief, where they approach the designer and requests from them how they’d approach the brief, which essentially then has the designer somewhat unaware that they are investing their own time and expenses to create a proposal which may or may not be chosen.

The second one is where the designer themselves choose to ‘pitch’ a proposal to meet a clients’ brief in hopes of winning the opportunity to be chosen to work on the client’s brief or where they will offer to design something for a client or someone and expect to be compensated for it.

The outcome of free pitching at the end of the day is that designers are wasting efforts for little or nothing, especially in regards to finances and paints a black patch on a designers’ reputation as it shows’ desperation and lack of understanding the clients’ request on a thorough level. It’s quite unprofessional!

As for clients, the design may appeal but should the job be botched with a designers’ negligence, their business reputation will most likely be affected as at the end of the day, the design does not fully cater to the consumer aspect of the business. Both parties have a higher chance or losing out than winning.

The industry itself also suffers as it damages the creation of ‘free pitching’ as it devalues the reputation of industry and designers along with the quality of design that is produced, relationships, between designer and client, that is essential to answer the brief at a high standard and is financially damaging.  

[Some sources: DIA, Design Online, VCA, TD]

Why is it important to have a code of ethics in the Graphic Design industry?

The code of ethics in the industry is to help set the workings of the industry straight. They’re like the rules set to ensure the playing field is fair, that there is no misconduct for both designers and clients and that they understand their responsibilities within the design industry.

It’s like a Terms and Conditions of working in the industry.

[AIGA, Ethics of Design]

Protecting the Design

(Wanna try and steal my blood, sweat and tears? well you’ll have it coming!!!)

What is the difference between a copyright and a trademark or patent? 

These all are forms of guarding ones’ own work against theft and unpermitted usage and fall under the topic of IP or a.k.an Intellectual Property. 

What differs between Copyright, Trade Mark or Patent is the level of protection, by law, that covers the work from theft or plagiarism and to clarify ownership of the work or parts of it.

Copyright for starters is a free form of protection that can be simply applied to all designs and lasts for a very long time. The work copyrighted is protected throughout the curator's life and +70 years after the curators’ death. The disadvantage of this is that anything such as ideas that were behind the creation of the copyrighted work is not protected and the usage of the work must have permission.

However, should that copyright of the work is breached, legal action has to be sought from a lawyer.

Something with Copyright applied will carry a circle enclosed C symbol. e.g. ©

Trademarks work a bit differently, where the works, ideas or aspects with this form of IP protection applied, helps to distinguish the brand, services or products from others with similarities. The trademark covers the things that make the brand, service or product unique such as patterns, shapes, lettering, words, phrases to aspects of packaging and smell.  

A trademark isn’t a free application and one must apply for a trademark but it is recommended that the item (which is the idea, service or product) has that trademark registered as well for authenticity, which comes at a further expense but covers for 10 years. An unregistered item with a trademark applied can easily have that trademark removed for non-use and anyone can apply to do as such.

Something with a Trademark applied will carry a TM symbol. e.g. Hello™ whereas something with a registered Trademark will carry a circle enclosed R symbol. e.g. ®

Patents cover the function(s), methods, process, substances or device of the design or invention. Eligibility for a patent is deemed if the product is useful and inventive or innovative and the patented item gives the creator all commercial rights.   

Something patented does not necessarily have to display a mark of proof but can have “Patented” or the patent number (given to item awaiting a patent approval) may be displayed

What measures do you need to take as a freelance designer to protect your creative output?

I would think slapping on a Copyright would be enough...

But I think, to protect myself as a designer, not only is limited to IP. 

Research is key for starters and that is understanding my rights as a designer. I would need to protect my pride and status as a designer as how I work and collaborate as it would determine my worth and my level of professionalism in the design industry. How I conduct myself to a client and colleagues is a key aspect, earning and keeping trust. Hence, taking on the advice of avoiding Free pitching.

Then there is my work. Again, I would need to research what my rights are as a designer. 

To protect my work, other than placing a copyright over it, is to evaluate it. Who I show it to or share it should be considered as such, if it was work for a client, I would only share it with the client. If it was an open brief or competition, I would limit the physical sharing/showing of the work and if I were to share it over media, I would keep the size to a minimum and place a watermark over or password protect it alongside the copyright. I would also note down the use of my work elsewhere as I would’ve granted permission.

[IPA, WIPO]

[professorbl00min]

Topic 5 - What is my worth

"What is your worth? Work out how much you should be paid (based on your skill and experience) per hour as a freelance designer using online resources (http://www.agda.com.au/, http://www.getartisan.com.au/, http://www.dia.org.au/ and http://www.seek.com.au)."

What am I worth? It’s nothing to do with how much I sell for but more about my skills.

To find this out, I looked at the following sites:

Pay Scale

Coro Flot

Living in Australia

Open Colleges Salary & skills

Open University

My Future

Salary wise, Entry levellers start out at an average of $18/h according to the PayScale whereas freelancers are averaging $24/h according to Coro Flot (Specifically in Canberra). And yet, non-freelancers with a similar level of a mid-career experienced average out $24 as well referring back to the PayScale.

I also happened to find an interesting article, on this particular topic that coincidentally popped up on my FB dash. It is very true that charging is tricky as one must discover their working habits and workflow in order charge a client fairly and that the cost of the work reflects the workpiece. Charging at an hourly rate is also somewhat advantages but at the end, the work must reflect on the effort applied to it.

So for someone of my level and if I were to work as a freelancer, I would be paid between $18 - $22 as I would be someone who has skills in certain areas and other skills would need working on. Though, since I am still discovering my workflow, I would just charge the client the value I believe reflects on the work.

My strengths lie in illustration and design analysis after all. So my services would include jobs requiring illustration or designing concepts. Though my worth is not in money but the appreciation that I get for doing the work and knowing that it really appeals to them gives me a piece of mind to further improve my skills so that my worth is more value.

Skills

Apparently, the more skill sets you have, it is given as a trait for a guarantee that someone will invest in one's skills.

*Personally, after having seen the results for the wages and the employment rates, in my current position, I feel somewhat incompetent, especially with the DIA adding more fuel to the fire.

"Using the "forms for graphic designers" as a guide create a self-branded timesheet and post as a jpg. image on your blog."

So the activity part of this task is to create a timesheet that incorporates the self-branding aspect from week 3.

This part I considered annoying as the timesheets I looked at ...bland and going over the net to seek more examples, there are only VERY few examples in a designed format. 

I'm hoping what I have here is what a timesheet should look like, to my understanding.

[professorbl00min]

Task 3 - Branding Thy Self

The homework here was to create our own media brand and then proceed to create a CV from the branding design concept. My approach to this was interesting as I  had interpreted the task very differently till I got close to finishing it.

So we had to first go to Logo Tournament and follow the first three prompts of entry.

I did a bit more digging at logo examples that were associated with the three words.

Then the following reveals the brand logo formation.

(larger version)

‘Unison’ was formed from Unity, which was one of the 3 words I have listed down earlier.The shape was inspired by the other logo examples I had found for inspiration. Colours too :) 

My aim was to keep it simple as well, which I consider simplicity to be a weakness of mine. 

Then there is the CV template with combined aesthetics from the branding logo. I have used a mix of false and authentic information (personal info) to fill out the CV as I do not wish to make myself completely known on the world wide web for personal security reasons.

(larger version)

[professorbl00min]

Task 4

The task at hand was to find out our attributes and how they would work out in the workplace, using a tool called the Johari Window. A series of questions based on this are provided along with a small reading to aid. 

The Johari Window tool takes a heap of persona descriptive adjectives and sorts them into 4 areas of self-awareness perception. The adjectives are sorted into the boxes by oneself and the help of those around/close to oneself. 

The tool does not only reveal what others perceive of oneself but it also enlightens one’s spirits knowing what others see in them.

My results can be found here: http://kevan.org/johari?view=knowing+mishi

What attributes described in Johari Window exercise do you see as key to dealing with clients? 

Dealing with clients is the same almost the same as treating them like a customer but a customer who is investing in one so one would have to be at their very best in a professional manner. Therefore, I believe the attributes that are key to dealing with clients would have to be friendliness, sensibility, logical, idealistic, and observant and patience.  

Reasons for these chosen attributes are because clients, from my understanding, are unsure or vague of what they seek and so they are looking for someone who can help them find an answer. But at the same time, it’s a challenge to win their complete entrustment, meaning persuasion is inserted but one shouldn’t seem pushy either, scaring the client off, hence patience. The client also expects one to know or have a solution almost immediately so logical, idealistic and observant attributes come into play.    

What attributes are key to dealing with your colleagues? 

Colleagues are the other supporting aspects of a job and are people you can rely on to get a job done and vice versa. They’re considered friends but not close friends but that is irrelevant when it comes to the work at hand. So I think the attributes key to dealing with colleagues would have to be friendliness (which is obvious), trustworthiness, dependable, responsiveness and patience.

Working together is key to getting a job done and these attributes aid in creating balance and flow as communication with limited misunderstandings is key.

What attributes are key to dealing with yourself? 

The key attributes to dealing with myself I believe would have to be relaxation, confidence and observation. These are attributes I think are my weaknesses and I should try and embrace them a bit more.

Other attributes include independence, helpfulness, friendliness and idealistic and these are more to my strengths and they help me cope with the daily encounters of challenges and society.

What attributes are key to dealing with your boss? 

Attributes that are key to dealing with my boss, I think, would be confidence, idealistic, trustworthy, dependable and able because that’s what a boss would be looking for and wanting to see in an employee. After all, a boss seeks a committed and motivated person whom they want to/expects to rely on someone to help see through a job/ get a job done.

However, I say that without adding “without so much hassle” at the end there as it is realistic that nobody will ever be completely perfect or thwarted and that everyone tries their best to meet expectations.    

How does your version of the Johari Window differ from your friends/close contacts? 

I don’t quite understand this question as is it asking me to compare myself to another persons’ Johari Window exercise result?

How does this exercise make you think about your position in the workplace (ie. do you think you would be a good co-worker or boss or are there things you think you need to work on/develop?) 

I think this exercise has opened up new aspects about myself that I wasn’t completely aware of and that in turn will help me improve in those attributes so that I can be a better type of person than I am currently.

This would apply in not only changing the way I think and approach in my work but to improve on my communication skills based on my personality type from the Myer Briggs tool. Having social anxiety is one thing but I know I lack skills for presenting and proposing, or to say I have the potential but I get extremely nervous and therefore I think that attributes relating to such an issue would need some working on. Overall, based on my personality type, I’d prefer and would be a good co-worker.

[professorbl00min]

Personality Type

This is just a little extra research (if one could call it) based on the homework that was set in week 2, in regards to finding out one’s personality type and how it would work in the workplace. To do so, a test, with 64 questions, had to be completed over at http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp.

I have done so and the post can be found here.

What this particular entry entails is my understanding about the different personality types, Jung’s theory/MBTI and Human Metrics.

Human Metrics

Human Metrics as this word relates to a categorical word. Human Metric refers to the study or analysis/understanding of human psychology like human traits, types, and personalities. There are a few that I have come across such as 123 Test, 16 Personalities or The Myer and Briggs Foundation (which is a paid version) and appear to offer personal advice and reading services based upon the test outcome. Jung’s Typology Test is the test that was assigned for the homework and appears to be self-service (outcomes results obtained come with pre-written analysis and facts for one to read off and also covers the outcomes’ compatibility in other life categories such as career). 

However, the basis of them derives from Jung’s Theory/MBTI.

Jungs’ Theory / MBTI

Source ^

Jung’s Theory/MBTI are one in the same but at the same time, one of them is a developed indicator with further research based off the other. In this case, MBTI is the developed indicator derived from Jung’s Theory. 

Jung’s Theory was the first brought about of Human Metrics with Carl Jung’s research and theories on personas, which he formally published in 1921 under Psychological Types. Jung hypothesized that there were two contrasting forms of behaviors in how people lived and reacted, coming up with the theory that personalities had 2 different sides (like Yin and Yang) or attitudes towards life. One being introverted and the other extroverted.  

A concept of “four personality function” types was also thought out, further defining the personality based on the individual's’ approach to life. These four types include feeling, thinking, sensing and intuition. The types form into preferences, with 2 of the types being opposite functions to the other and vice-versa. 

e.g. Feeling / Thinking or Sensing / Intuition.      

The combination of both the attitudes and the “four personality functions” types formed Jung’s theories of the 8 personality types.

***

MBTI stands for Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, which is derived from Jung’s theory. This instrument (taking the form of a questionnaire) was created by Katherine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers during the WWII period. However, the creation of the indicator came about a few years after Carl Jung had first spoken of typology, in 1913. Katherine Cook Briggs had taken an interest in it and began looking further into Carl Jung’s theory in 1917.

The aim of the indicator was to make typology accessible to a wider audience, which today has aided in a better understanding of people and catering to their needs and needs of others, such as assisting in making career choices and helping counselors better understand their clients/patients.  

During the development of the MBTI, Isabel had discovered another distinctive 2 functions (to add towards the “four personality functions” types), which Jung had not defined, judging and perceiving (Judging / Perceiving). 

Defining the attitude and personality function types.

Attitude signifies the form of energy obtainment.

The attitudes 2 different sides of a personality (but ideally a personality can only have one of the two attitudes), like Yin and Yang. The role of the attitude in personality typology relates to how one gains energy (mentally/emotionally), a bit like the relation of Yin and Yang with the energy obtained using ‘Chi’ (inner energy). 

Extravert - energy obtainment is from external sources such as socialization, being active and getting involved with physical activities.

Introvert - obtaining energy from within through mental exercises such as reflection and brainstorming ideas. 

Personality function types

These are the traits to making a personality just a bit more unique.

Sensing -  information take-in through physical reality/evidence and using senses like smell, touch, and taste.  

INtuition - information take-in through analysis such as problem-solving 

Thinking - decisions made upon principles, formulas, facts, and evidence. 

Feeling - decisions made upon ones’ own beliefs and understanding viewpoints

Judging - goes through life and learning best by doing things organized and being structured.

Perceiving - goes through life and learning best by taking things in their stride, being open-minded, and being flexible. 

Letter Formation

Carl devised a hierarchy formation to order the direction of “personality functions“ with the most dominant aspect of a personality being listed first, which is the attitude. Then the attitude is followed by the preferences (personality function types), each set in order of the frequently used.

The way the hierarchy is set in this way.

(notice the colors :) )

Defining the formation

This is a broader area, which I will not delve into as it goes onto the specific analysis of a personality type but all of that can be found here.

Me:

This is a summarization of my further delving to understanding Personality Typology with Jung’s Theory and MBTI! and all the while, I was loop frying my brain, especially figuring out how the number of persona types came to be!

Where I was trying to figure out where these 8 personality types came from, especially being founded by Carl Jung... when the MBTI tool reveals 16 personality types ...@_@ so confusing.

Sources:

Psychological Types, Center for Applications of. "About The MBTI® Assessment". Capt.org. N.p., 2017. Web. 3 Mar. 2017.

Development Edge Consulting, Limited. "Myers Briggs Type Indicator Explanation". Dec.co.th. N.p., 2017. Web. 3 Mar. 2017.

"Myers-Briggs: Personality Typology". Gestaltreality.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 3 Mar. 2017.

The Myers & Briggs, Foundation. "The Myers & Briggs Foundation  - MBTI® Basics". Myersbriggs.org. N.p., 2017. Web. 3 Mar. 2017.

Sarah Mae Sincero (Apr 12, 2012). Personality Type Theory. Retrieved Feb 28, 2017 from Explorable.com: https://explorable.com/personality-type-theory

"Information About Personality Type". The Personality Page. N.p., 2015. Web. 8 Mar. 2017.

Shammee, "The Personality Theory Of Carl Jung". iiteeeestudents. N.p., 2011. Web. 8 Mar. 2017.

Roy, Garima. "Jung's Theory Of Introvert And Extrovert Personalities ~ Fractal Enlightenment". Fractal Enlightenment. N.p., 2014. Web. 8 Mar. 2017.

Lela & Lilly, N.A. "Description Of The 8 Letters". Understanding the Myers Briggs Type Indicator. N.p., 2012. Web. 3 Mar. 2017.

"The History Of The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator | OPP". Opp.com. Web. 8 Mar. 2017.

Grace, Mary. "What Are Human Metrics? Why Are They  Important?". Digitalist Magazine. N.p., 2015. Web. 3 Mar. 2017.

Lela & Lilly, N.A. "Disney Characters And Myers Briggs Types". Understanding the Myers Briggs Type Indicator. N.p., 2014. Web. 3 Mar. 2017.

[biolegend]

So that’s what my brain does with those. Comic by theAwkwardYeti.com

[foreverstillofficial]

One of those days…

[professorbl00min]

Task 2 - Personality Type

This weeks homework was about determining ones’ personality type, which would also determine ones’ work habits. 

* I’ve also compiled, in another post, my analysis about the test, how it works and the definitions here.

What personality type are you?

My personality type is ISTJ. This means I’m a bit of an introverted type ( I ) person who perceives and makes decisions by relying on information presented (S)(T) and prefers to lead a lifestyle that is more structured and planned (J).

People with ISTJ type personality are called Inspectors and are defined as people who:

have a keen sense to right and wrong 

are devoted (especially to their work and interests) and will see it through, even at the expense of their own health 

perform better on the basis of doing things step-by-step

are keen learners and learn best by practical method

are heartfelt expressing people but do so with large amount of energy expenditure (can be emotionally draining)

appear to be hard to approach 

keep to themselves but can also open up if asked i.e. feelings

prefer to be honest

are somewhat perfectionists.

People of ISTJ personalities suit the roles of being someone who leads or is a role model to others.

Who else (famous people) shares this personality type with you?

Here are some famous people (that I have heard of) whom share the same personality type as me. 

W.Disney, Princess Diana, George W Bush, Albert Einstein, Harrison Ford and Lewis Carol. 

I also happened to find a character of W.Disney’s creations that shared the same personality type as me.

(Sebastian from the Little Mermaid)

Did the results of this test surprise you?

I would say yes, I was surprised as many of those attributes do relate or define me.

For starters, I can say I am a introverted type person since I prefer to work independently or amongst a few people. I’m not a very big socializing type person and have some social anxiety issues. 

Then there is my perfectionism and self-confidence problem where I can’t trust my own instincts and am meticulous but am a person who is devoted and aims to get work done. 

I read up on how the personality type ‘learning style’ and this was very accurate! 

ISTJ learns best through practical ways and when material is presented in many ways through examples and is set in orderly fashion. However, ISTJ learners do not adhere to learning well when material is overly theoretical (and I for one suck at theoretical based areas) and lacks practical application. 

So, for me to achieve, I learn best through practical methods but in instructed order.

Its almost accurate that it’s scary. An example of this is shown with someone famous who shares the same personality type. Princess Diana! I share my birthday with hers. 

Do you agree with your personality assessment (why/why not)?

I would say that I do agree. After All, its near accuracy to my personality was surprisingly uncanny.

How do you think your personality would fit into the workplace (would your work better in a small studio or a large global agency? would be a team player or a leader?)?  

This particular question, in all honesty, makes me doubt myself.

ISTJ personalities are found in occupations that involve control over production, require responsibility and being efficient working. They have been linked to careers where success takes place such as the military, police force, engineers, lawyers and surgeons. They also make good personality types for higher ranking positions such as management, leading and head of a department.

Now, letting my self-confidence speak here. As for as the personality type being accurate at defining my persona, I feel like ISTJ careers contrast. To elaborate, I’m someone who’d prefer to follow (so I’d want to be a team player) rather than lead when it comes to the industry area as I lack confidence to be a lead or even manager.

I do see myself as a role model though and have a tendency to help and guide though.

I know for a fact that I stress out quite easily. So if I’m loaded with a huge responsibility, I’ll take any little negative thing or problem, in relation to the responsibility, overly seriously. Also, having social anxiety, I would prefer to work, and I know I would work better in, in a place that is small, such as a small studio.

For me and my personality type in a workplace but based on the facts I have jotted down, I would be someone who would fit into the workplace as an team player or assistant mananger(?) as I’m a person who supports. I’m not a big socialiser and I work best in an environment with few people but given I am a devoted type person, I would be quite reliable.

[professorbl00min]

Task 1 - Show N’ Tell

Task 1 was the first assigned piece of homework of week 1.

The task was to select something (anything) and then present the item accompanied with a 5 minute speech, for week 2 tutorial, on why and how the object inspires or defines us as a designer.

Now, I did not attend this tutorial as i had work commitments. But if I had, The content of this post would probably exceed the 5 minutes as I would be excessively stuttering due to nervousness and embarrassment. 

However, I had chosen a pot plant as my object of inspiration/definition of me as a designer. To many, its just a pot plant but to me, this is a special type of plant known as an orchid (a phalenopsis orchid to be precise), which I personally favour and grow as a hobby. I could’ve chosen other things like a postcard, piece of jewellery, art mediums or something personal or etc but I can personally say that this item along with the hobby of growing it is therapeutic for me, where I find peace and about nurturing something alive. It’s rather uplifting and everyday, when I go and look at my orchids, I’m empowered with a sense of incentive to do things. 

How it defines me as a designer is the floral aesthetic of design as I have an interest in Art Nouveau like designs (and flowers in general) with Jules Lalique being a person of inspiration. My weaknesses in design funnily enough relate to simplicity and modern Art Deco but I guess it’s for me to try to grow my skills in and try to adapt to the style. But I can probably say that there will be a floral aspect incorporated into the work as there has been with previous works and even in my drawings (that I also do as a hobby and my profile picture is one). How it defines my personality...I’m someone that strives to be outstanding??

To elaborate as well, I will quickly explain about the orchid as many of the attributes of the plant, that I will list, are significant to my reasons for my choice.

Orchids have blooms that have a life span of a few weeks to months (the phalenopsis blooms can last up to 4 months). Some are fragrant and some arn’t but these are based on the genetics of the plant as there are now hundreds and thousands of many cultivated orchids, creating many different strains of beautiful blooms. Growing them however requires patience and a slightly different routine of maintenance, watering and environmental changes as these plants are somewhat sensitive but ironically also are tough when it comes to regeneration.

The blooms are very rewarding when the right care if given and plenty of light and nourishment. 

Now, in relation, I interpret design to be about cultivation. Growing the plant is like the evolving aspect of ones skills and the design. The beauty of the blooms are much like the finalised piece of work but getting there is a bit tricky, being about trial and error.  If in the real industry, extra attention is a must as orchids are expensive, much like the value of how much the client is investing in one. It’s tricky because one must understand the cultivation background/origins for starters to understand the reasoning for its maintenance requirements before diving in and investing in one, like understanding the client with a brief background knowledge and like wise with the client and designer prior to working with one another. Once thats established, water, light and fertilisers are the like the resources, feedback and assistance to nurture the progress of my work. There are also environmental factors that contribute to the forms of inspiration and can also present challenges to overcome (like how I struggle with creating simplicity in design) within the work like the plant will try and adapt to its surroundings so it can live. If the plant is weak, it will try and regenerate a new plant to carry on, like how if an idea doesn’t work we can still keep trying. 

Design is ambiguous but it has endless blooming possibilities. 

[ms-mandy-m]

[nr1-logo-design-inspiration]

Beautiful and minimal bird logo mark.

[artisthumors-blog]

[geodebiome]

where did the kid in the red hoodie go

[quaadude]

He escaped

[t33th-t00th]

he was the smart artist 

[official-mikasa]

actually he was an escape artist

[ccbunz]

I’M UPSET

[wnq-writers]

Perhaps life is filled with a simplicity that is too hard for us to comprehend.

imnina-15  (via wnq-writers)

[wordsfillingupmyheart]

I’ll keep on reinventing myself until I find the version I want to be

@celtic-poetry (via wordsfillingupmyheart)

[professorbl00min]

Welcome

Hi!

Welcome to my average digital diary where I shall be blogging about my “blooming” adventures in my uni course titled “Professional Practice and Engagement”.