#grde326

[doornr]

THE MEASURE OF A YEAR

We've all strived so hard to get this far in the graphic design curriculum. The baccalaureate program isn't for everybody, it's for those few individuals that have a true passion and desire to pursue a professional design career.

How does one measure the life of a student graphic designer in a year? My interpretation of this year has been crammed into just over eight months of design education, experience, passion, and support. This Tumblr post is dedicated to all of the hard working individuals that I have had the opportunity to collaborate with during the 2011-2012 school year at Ferris State University.

Experience is crucial for successful design, one of my favorite quotes came from the mouth of Paula Scher, talking about her quick yet successful design of the Citi Bank logo. "It took me a few seconds to draw it, but it took me 34 years to learn how to draw it in a few seconds." I feel that the experience of design application was the most beneficial to myself, as a design student. Although I have learned a lot this semester, applying what I have learned during the two years in the associates program really helped me grasp the importance of "design practice".

Having a passion for graphic design is key. As Milton Glaser states, "The real issue is not talent as an independent element, but talent in relationship to will, desire, and persistence. Talent without these things vanishes and even modest talent with those characteristics grows." It really doesn't matter how good you [think you] are, you will never be an accomplished designer without the desire and willpower to do so. This year, my passion for design has just exploded tremendously. 

We had the opportunity to tour a few facilities during the year ranging from paper manufactures, commercial printing facilities, and professional design firms. Being able to see design in action was a great way to visualize the 'real' aspects of a graphic design job. Sitting in a classroom or computer lab just doesn't cut it—in fact, it seemed to have an effect on my overall morale. 

Graphic design is a tough career choice and an even more difficult major to choose in secondary education. This year consisted of many long days and nights but I like to refer to them more as rewarding days and nights. That's exactly what graphic design is. Rewarding. It's rewarding in my personal life, my professional life, and more importantly the lives of those people who have supported and put up with me through the up's and down's of my college career. 

I thank you all.

[laurenpinner]

Junior Year in Retrospect

Junior year… where to begin? I’ve learned so much over the past two semesters, and grown so much as a designer, that I don’t know how to put words to all of it.

   One area that I’ve grown a lot in over the past year is my ability to work and function is a group. Previous to this school year, I hadn’t really been a part of a group design project, so I definitely had to learn a lot about how groups function in the design world. The more I was able to work in groups, the more I realized just how crucial collaboration is to the design process. It was a joy to be able to see the different skills and assets that each group member brought to the table, as well as to see how each separate skill set was utilized throughout the course of the project. I realized that the final products of these groups would never be able to produced without the different ideas and input that were provided by each of the group members. That collaboration is also what often got me out of design “ruts,” or past that wall that designers so often hit at some point in the design process. Others are able to view your work in a different way than you are, and that different perspective is often the thing that is needed to push your project farther.

Another thing that I’ve really grown to appreciate is the community that our junior class has formed over the past year. Since we’ve been able to gotten to spend so much time together over the past two semesters, our class of 21 has grown a lot closer and become our own weird little graphic design family. It’s a great group of incredibly talented people, and I’m privileged to be a part of it.

   One of the biggest things I’ve learned about myself is the way I approach my design projects. Every designer has a different design process, and, through the course of this year, I was able to figure out the way that works best for me: how I best come up with creative solutions, and what to do when I can’t come up with those solutions. For starters, I’ve realized that I really like to have a good, solid concept behind everything that I do (and if I don’t have one, then I work and work and work until I do). I also don’t like to move forward with a project until that concept is good and finalized, which, to some extent, holds me back, but also saves me from doing a bunch of unnecessary work.

I also discovered the importance of taking breaks from design work, and the simple pleasures of getting inspiration from the outside world. If I’m stuck on an idea, I often just need to take a step back and do something to get my mind off of things for a short period of time. When I do hit that wall, I’ve also found it very helpful to stop my work, and to go back and focus on the ultimate goals of that project. If my design isn’t functioning as an effective solution to that problem, then something has to change.

   That being said, I’ve also discovered that, once I get an idea, I tend to hold onto it and get stuck on that particular idea, and it’s hard for me to move past that first level and to refine it. I need to be willing to push that idea farther, rather than just settle for the first idea or design that jumps out at me.

   So what can I say? It’s been a crazy, stressful year, but I’ve learned a ton, and I know for a fact that I’m a much better designer than I was a year ago. I can’t wait to see what the next 12 months have in store for me!

[kaylacox814-blog]

Final Post

Wow. I cannot believe this year has finally come to an end. It is incredible how much I have learned junior year. This year has definitely been the toughest yet, but the experience and learning was well worth it.

Along with the classes, It has helped that I have had nineteen other design students to surround myself by everyday. It is nice knowing that I was not going through anything alone. We were all in it together. These students are what have helped me with design immensely. Each and every one of my classmates have taught me a thing or two that I will keep with me in years to come.

Starting the year off with postcards and one-page-wonders is what got our design brains rolling after the summer. I had never designed or created these before so it was exciting. Who knew you could create a whole book using only one piece of paper? When final presentations came around for our books, it was nice to be able to add some pizazz to them by dressing goofy, and not just our typical formal attire.

Before I knew it, Christmas break was already here. It was an enjoyable little break, but then we had to jump back on the horse for second semester. It was branding time! "Brand Identity Essentials”, Designing Brand Identity” and “The Brand Gap” textbooks quickly helped me become familiar with what a brand was all about. I learned the most out of my three years in graphic design from this semester-long project. Never in a million years would I have known what it is like to create a brand, unless I went though it myself. It was a great experience creating a brand for an existing organization in Big Rapids and being able to present the final project to them in the end. All the hard work and lack of sleep was rewarding in the end to see the final outcome.

Next year, even though I will not be by everyone’s side, I know each and every one of you will do great things. You all have amazing ideas and personalities. I am grateful to have become so close to everyone this year and I wish everyone the best of luck in the future! :)

[tkasony]

A Year In Review

It’s hard to put a year into words. Day in, day out I blitz through so many design pieces, whether they are in books, magazines, or on blogs. Add 30 weeks of projects, instruction, and distraction together with that to get immense learning. As stated after our brand presentations last Monday, we’ve learned so much! Most interestingly perhaps, is that it’s not design I have problems with, but rather, it’s myself. When I look back on a year’s worth of projects I see evidence of a struggle to manage time wisely. I see evidence of a fear to just go for it and to try things. Moving forward, I know that’s something I must overcome in order to be successful. Knowing this, though, means I have another goal, and I believe that will help me get through my final year. My goal last year was to get in the Bachelor’s program, and I did. My goal this year was to learn a lot and improve, and I think I have. My goal this summer is to sharpen my thinking, typography and software skills (I’ve fallen a bit behind with CS5.5, and now there is CS6). I know a lot now after 3 years, after the past year, and that provides the rewarding feeling that only Graphic Design has given me. With the knowledge I’ve gained I have control, some goals, and an idea of what to do next. What I heard this year about next year does frighten me, but even if it’s true, getting through will only mean higher reward. A year ago I had far less knowledge about making books, images, presenting (something I will forever have to work on), working in teams, coding, brainstorming, drawing, organizing, and pacing. Our experiences in Chicago with hot shot designers and locally in Grand Rapids alone enriched our lives so heavily. AIGA events like the poster workshop also added an almost infinite amount of experience and knowledge to what I already had. Having written this, I think I can sum up the year into one word, now, actually. Experience. This has been a year of experience. And none of it was what I expected. Next year will probably be similar, but if it’s anything like this one—a class full of good, friendly people, challenging, rewarding work, learning, and excitement—I think I’ll be just fine.

[channingkshriver]

Final Post // A Time of Reflection

When I look back on the entire school year, I can easily break it down into three concepts; pushing, analyzing, and confidence. All very broad terms that can apply to just about any class, but not like they apply to this course. 

Pushing. The first step towards a forward motion in any direction was always pushing. The idea that we must push our thoughts, push these concepts, and overall, push ourselves to achieve goals. I often found that pushing was more intimidating to think about than to actually do, that the thought of the work load was too much to bare when really, it was just a checklist that would help complete itself along the way. Pushing was key, pushing in every single aspect was a hard task that in the end, made everything at ease. It was pushing that kept the whole process moving.

Analyzing. The thought process that evaluated our every idea as well as the motives of others. Trying to understand and reason directions was very well an exhausting process alone -it could be a progressive step or it could be an over thought regression. We often found ourselves analyzing our work and the message that tagged along with it. Later, the wonderful thing that came to realization was the fact that all types of interpretations were allowed. That was the new found beauty in this school year, the idea that to analyze meant to derive any meaning. Design is an open interpretation to the audience and that is how everyone finds a way to engage. 

And finally, the idea of taking pride in what we do; confidence. Is it there yet? No not completely. Will it ever be there? Who knows. But.. it is a great stain to have on our clothes, the stain of confidence that we wear when we explain our thoughts, our work, and ourselves as students. It's hard to find it, it's even more difficult to prove we have it when questioned. Confidence thus far comes and goes; when we find it, we love it. When we haven't found it yet, we remain stagnant. It's an ongoing process; however, it was a thought that came to me often this exact year. Feeling confident with ideas is the single most important part of selling yourself and it is my goal that if I have taken anything from this year, that that is what I strive to find. 

The term concise has bounced around the classroom more often within this year. Therefore, I could go with a whole list of instances from the year that resulted in learning outcomes; however, breaking this experience into three simplistic ideas serves what I learned in class best. Be bold, be direct, and be clear. The school year wasn't concise, (and certainly didn't feel like it), but we have been taught to communicate it that way, to treat the outcomes as simplistic yet educated ideas.

All in all, this year has taught me to make smart decisions in early stages that way pushing feels right, analyzing tends to make sense, and most importantly, it results in confidence to be had every step of the way.

[tkasony]

Typeradio with James Bull

James Bull is a British type designer. His voice rang casually, but his passion was still evident. A lot of people (and some designers) are afraid or unaccepting of changes in technology. How many clients have the most up to date software? How many firms? James Bull embraced technology and was excited and curious to see how it affected his work. I believe a curious mindset is needed today, especially amongst students like myself who are inching closer and closer to the real work force. Digital media is where design has been moving. If we're too afraid or lazy to learn the technology we will start out at a real disadvantage. I've been seeing "web skills are a bonus" or "understanding of digital media a must" on job listings. Design is a dynamic field. We should be dynamic people.

[channingkshriver]

No.12 // Kustaa Saksi

Kustaa Saksi is a well-known illustrator that works in various fields around the globe. Not only does he work on his own but he has teamed with several places such as Abobe and Nike for major projects. Though the life as an illustrator is difficult to share with others, Kustaa has made it work and has indeed learned from the group experiences.

The work that Saksi produces is a large range, whether it is for commercial work or for free illustration itself. He is well known to the world of fashion as well as music and entertainment. In particular, he strives in illustrating strange characters, surrealistic landscapes and strong atmospheres. Based on his website, I have gathered that there isn’t one statement previous to this that doesn’t hold true. He is a very talented illustrator and not often do we put focus on image alone rather than the overall design aesthetic itself.

Similar to a handful of the previous interviews that I have listened to, Kustaa also believes that the world is following the same movement and trends. Being that he is from Finland and is now in Amsterdam, he has noticed the differences in culture; however, fails to see the differences. To avoid that, he doesn’t follow up on many design magazines or information that is given freely, but rather cling to his own imagination. And with that, I reflect on scale often; determining what is considered inspirational and what is based on me as an individual. I believe it’s a hard concept for many creative people to determine; however, what I have found with school is that inspiration is only a step in a process, not necessarily the final foundation.

What I found interesting about Kustaa’s process was the reason he decided to become and illustrator, the reason being that he wanted to “create his own elements” rather than depending on others. At times I am very thankful for the abilities of others and I depend on them like they might depend on my strengths, but on the contrary, seldom times do I agree with him that I want my own freedom and characteristics to manipulate.

Drawing was the very reason I considered this program. I was determined that my skill was something worth pursuing and was sure that in the end I would find myself illustrating. Since I have pursued design the last three years, what I have really understood much better is that drawing was my most beneficial tool in my skill set, that it wasn’t necessarily the idea to set on. What I have gotten from this interview is not only a little inspiration to push my talent, but the idea that was previously stated. Push the freedom. 

[channingkshriver]

No.11.5 // GR GRDE Get Away

Being that I was an eager student last week, I listened to an interview and posted prior to our Grand Rapids Tour topic* However, with that note, I was very appreciative to gain the real experiences that were brought to our attention and it was a very nice step out of the Big Rapids, oh so small, college town. So here we go, Tumblr No.11.5 :)

Printing and packaging took up our morning slot last Friday and to say the least, even with earplugs, I was abruptly woken up. Caraustar was definitely a shock to me being that I was very mush so unfamiliar with packaging and the incredible amount of tediousness about it. It is a very large process for several styles of packaging to travel through and it is indeed something that I could not do from day to day. I have a large appreciation for those who find interest in that field so I do not have to. 

What I would like to focus on from Friday was the impact; a focus on the two places that gave me a strong opinion on the creative spectrum. Caraustar was a place that helped me to understand the amount of focus on detail and thought. Though it wasn’t my favorite portion of the trip to Grand Rapids, it was a memorable experience and that is what I am striving to attain, memorable and knowledgeable instances. Contrasting from that spot on the map, Visual Hero was perhaps the most insightful experience I’ve had all year. Though we have made trips to Chicago and French, (both being exceptional road trips), it was Kevin that put a lot into perspective. What I gathered from that particular studio was the idea that as designers and as students, we cannot create on demand and we cannot be perfect; however, what we can do is push. Though it is often a hard barrier to break in our short timeframes, it is possible and all because of the simple idea of “revert to why”.

It was easy to gather something that caught my interest from every place that we visited. I was very intrigued by the new ability to print white ink on dark substrates at Custom Printers and it was very beneficial to see the large machinery that does the big print jobs. And when it came to Conduit Studios, I was simply in awe at the office itself. The place screamed their personality and their sophistication. Their process was very structured and what I found most comforting was the way they broke their small team up. I often feel overwhelmed by all of the aspects of design, so to see each person playing their true role was a great reminder to push my strengths.

 All in one day I gathered an appreciation for all ends of the spectrum. I got a real life experience in the processes of every realm and though I sigh at the thought, I am a new member of the Twitter family. And hopefully I figure that whole thing out soon because so far, I’m quite oblivious!