Creative Process Final Assignment

This assignment I really enjoyed. However it felt like two assignments in one and although I finished my assignments by the original deadline, I was grateful for the extension as it gave me a safety net. I also really felt like I could work on this assignment on my own because I was able to take all the lessons I learned this term and use them to create these final pieces. I did appreciate my professors input though. When something wouldn't look quite right he would come and give a suggestion that was right on and it would make the layout fit together so much better.

One of my challenges was working with color. I felt that the double page wasn't as hard to add color to but the cover was a real challenge. Overall I really like the way both of my final pieces turned out. I feel that there are many things about design that this class has taught me that I will remember in future assignments and projects. I also have realized now, that when I look at a magazine, the design of the page jumps out at me and I notice the layout and how artistic and time consuming it must have been for the designers to put the pages together. I am happy and excited that school is done and that I am graduating, but I also wish that I would have discovered new media sooner as I really have enjoyed these classes and this type of work.

Cover

Double page

Bohemian Image

Bohemianism is a term used to describe the non-conventional lifestyle of artists, actors, writers and musicians of the nineteenth century. Cafés, Music, drugs and alcohol were key activities associated with the Bohemian lifestyle.
“The term ‘bohemian’ has come to be very commonly accepted in our day as the description of a certain kind of literary gypsy, no matter in what language he speaks, or what city he inhabits .... A bohemian is simply an artist or litterateur who, consciously or unconsciously, secedes from conventionality in life and in art.” (Westminster Review, 1862)
I found several pictures that express Bohemianism, but I feel this picture below really encompasses bohemian culture.

Creative Process for assign. 9

I found this to be one of the most challenging assignments. I really felt the pressure to think of, and complete a creative idea all in one week. I did a lot of research for this assignment but I unfortunately feel it only took up time. I had originally thought about choosing the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Paris as my building. I then thought about one of the trump towers. I then collected pictures of the glass house located in B.C, designed by an individual who once was an undertaker and had built his entire home out of used embalming bottles. However, I found that the images were too small to be able to focus on. I final got started on my design having chosen ‘The Empress Hotel’ in Victoria. Because I didn’t have much to show my professor on Wednesday it made it that much harder on the days that I came to work in the lab on my own. I hadn’t been able to get any feedback on my ideas and therefore I was unsure if my design was what he expected.

I also found that this project really stretched me to move outside of my comfort zone. I really like images to flow and blend nicely together and it was a personal challenge trying to come out of that box and create something that in my opinion looks more ‘cartoon’ looking. I also find that because I am not as familiar with the tools that I used to create this piece, and that I haven’t worked with them enough to move quickly with them, I found that creating shapes alone were very time consuming. I spent several evenings till midnight in the labs and felt that I was getting more and more frustrated with the layout of my poster. I finally decided to use four repeating images. I took this inspiration from the artist Andy Warhol. Even though I didn’t follow the same techniques that he did with his colors I think the layout worked well. I am also very particular about color and for this project I really took a jump and decided to use bright and vibrant colors.

Overall I am pleased and relieved that this project is over. I hope it is what my professor is looking for and I am eager to hear his feedback. My last frustration with this project has been trying to print. The copy center’s color printer is still broken so I went to staples down town only to find out that there color printing needs a part and is also down. I plan to take my poster to printing services on Monday but I feel that like last time, this process might also be frustrating. On a positive note, I feel that I learned a lot about the structure and process of design. Having personally been to the Empress in Victoria and seeing the amazing architecture it is fascinating to learn about the history behind the building!

Assign. 9

Original Image

Assignment 9

creative process assin. 8

This project I very much enjoyed. I found that it helped me grow and stretched me to try new things. I also really enjoyed learning about the artists that I researched. There were a few challenges that I came across throughout creating this poster. I found it hard to find the balance between creating a piece that reflected me as a "designer" and the artists that I was trying to portray. I felt that I was on the right track but I still felt that I needed the reassurance that I was doing what I had been asked so I was more then grateful for my professor’s feedback. My final frustration came when I tried to print the poster to hand in. The copy center wasn't working and ended up printing my poster in a very orange color. I then went to the printing services to see if I could get them to print it off in better color. After almost an hour of loading images and trying to get the images to print properly I was done. The color isn't perfect but I came up with a variety of choices to hand in. I must also say that the people at the top of the hill at the printing services were very helpful and friendly making this frustrating process that much better! Overall, like I addressed in my paper, I feel that this was a very enjoyable assignment!

Assign 8

Re-designed assin. 7

I was asked to change some aspects from my original design. This is my new project 7 complete. I agree that I needed to change some of the elements from my last design. This copy is looking much better!

Assign 7 process

For this assignment I choose to re-design a logo within the community. I did some research and found the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization LSCO logo and thought that I could work with it to make some improvements. At first I was rather intimidated by the task as I felt unqualified to work on a logo that was currently being used. After talking with my professor and getting some design ideas I felt more at ease about the challenge. I found that the new style of logo I created is more graphic looking. It also seems to be easier to read and yet I still kept the aspect of the original logo that captured the essence of Lethbridge, specifically the train bridge.

I found the details of creating the piece, such as working with the various program tools, a challenge. I believe that at times I can be a perfectionist and it took a while to get the lines looking right. It was also rewarding to see the logo come together and see the areas of negative space shine through. Overall I am pleased with my final image and feel that I could learn so much more working through various assignments like this one.

Assign. 7

Assign. 6 Process

This assignment I really enjoyed. I also started out a little nervous. I leaped out into the world of design with the little knowledge that I have learned so far this year, along with my text book and a little research and I feel that I found something new and exciting. There were many challenges that I faced along the way. I started by researching fonts to decide what direction I should go in. I looked on dafont.com and I really like the Nashville look. It reminded my of the western feel. With that idea in mind I started brainstorming ideas and sketching layouts for my poster. It wasn't until later when I started working at school did I realize that the Nashville font wasn't available on the school computers. My next option was to research a different font that was available or to choose a font that would also work in the western theme. I found another font called "Marcelle" and I really thought I could work with that font to be a varsity theme. In the end I wanted to stick with the western theme and the font "Playbill" really worked!

Other challenges that arose included spacing and deciding on where to place text and how much images I should use. I think my biggest frustration was the shading and color. After speaking with my professor I decided to add some more color to my original design. I agreed with his opinion and really liked the colors that I came up with for the over all look. What became frustrating is that when the poster is printed the shades look different then they do on screen. Although I am now pleased with my over all image the process on printing and re-printing became tedious.

Before I finished my poster, as I mentioned earlier, I got some personal feed back and I really felt that this helped to re-assure me and let me know that I was on the right track. Overall I really feel that I learned a lot from this assignment and I am looking forward to what my peers have come up with!

Assign. 6

Monday's class

Today I really appreciated how we reviewed our projects as a class. I found that critiquing my own work collectively actually helped me to learn, causing me to see areas where I could improve and techniques that I should keep. I also liked how we didn't get an assignment today but were told that one would be explained next class. This way I was able to focus on the class lecture without feeling any time constraints. I like this because next class there will be time to ask questions regarding assignment 6, therefore this class I can focus, and learn!

Assignment #5

Today and Assign. 5

Today I went to the printing services for our tour. I had checked my mail before leaving my house but we hadn't received notice yet that class was cancelled. I understand what it is like to be sick and I hope by professor gets better soon. I also hope that we get another chance to tour the printing services as I was rather interested in the process that takes place.

I worked on project #5 today. So far I have really enjoyed this project. I am not sure if I am choosing the right colors for each set but I feel that this assignment has allowed me to be more creative. What the colors mean to me might not be what the viewer sees and I like how this assignment has room for subjectivity.

Assignment #4 (1,2 and 3)

Assignment #4 (4 and 5)

Frustrations and apology

Today I got mad. I thought that this class was a safe place to express feelings and frustrations and I was wrong. I ended up yelling and my teacher and for that I am sorry. I have a lot of other stuff going on right now in my life and I'm a little on edge. I also feel that I am behind the class as I seem to be the only one struggling with the time strains on each assignment. I find it frustrating that the only time I can work on projects is at night in which case I get started, have questions, and am left without a professor to guide me. Even now it is just after 9pm on Monday night and I was trying to work on my assignment #4. Unfortunately I am not as familiar with the illustrator program as I would like to be. I am struggling with figuring out where to find which tools. At this point I don't know how or else I can't remember how to change the weight variables. I also am little discouraged because I don't think I'm as familiar with design as I want to be. I work really hard on tasks that I am given and I feel nervous about this assignment because I'm scared to try new layouts. I'm nervous to try and be creative without creating absolute design no no's if that makes any sense. Anyway, all I can say is I'm trying.

Assignment 3 Process

My project is finished and I've handed it in! I started out a little over whelmed with this assignment as I felt like I had a lot to accomplish and little time to complete it in. As the labs tend to be booked throughout the day I tend to work in the labs when I can at night. In the mean time I was trying to get ahead by putting my ideas on a sketch pad. Therefore when I came into the labs I had ideas in mind about what to do so that I wasn't wasting time in the lab. I found it challenging trying to get all the images to work together, but I am very satisfied with the over all product. I included many shapes that are slightly hidden within the negative space, and am proud of the time and energy I put into this assignment.

Assignment #3 Triangles

Circles

Rectangles

My thoughts

Today in class we were introduced to typographical hierarchies. I found that the key rules that we were taught very insightful. Rules such as left justified text is easier to read then justified text, except for when working with columns. In the past I was taught that justified papers make your work look neater, so I have justified my papers. However after learning that it makes the text actually harder to read I will re-think this decision. What I have been taught in this course already are aspects that I never knew and feel that I am learning a lot. I feel that because of the extensive amount of information on the topic of design that I am going to have a hard time retaining it. So far I have also found the text book really helpful as it is a source to refer back to. The class blog is also a great help, especially directions, and examples.

So far I feel that the class is going quite well. I find some aspects frustrating such as the last assignment. I was really excited with my chosen images and how the final product turned out but the printing wasn't 100% and I am worried about my grade. I guess I'm frustrated because I spent so much time on this assignment when it is only worth 5%. Not that the amount that its worth gives it any less of value, but I feel that perhaps it is taking me longer to learn then others. I mentioned to a class mate how time consuming the process was for me and he said "really, I found it rather easy." I guess I shouldn't be too upset; I am taking this course along with many nmed majors, which I am not. I guess I just want hard work to pay off. It is only the beginning and I have a lot to learn.

Pictures for Assignment 2

Assignment 2

My First Thoughts

Classes just begun and I am looking forward to what this semester will bring. My professor Michael has split the class up into a smaller group that needs further direction on the computer program that we are learning and I feel that the system is working really well. I have learned new techniques in Illustrator and feel like the pace of the class is good. I like having instruction time followed by a work period with a chance to ask for one-on-one help. I also feel that the text is quite helpful, as I can refer back to examples in the text after Michael's lectures.

One factor that I have been finding frustrating is the lack of options that I have for extra time in the labs. I work on weekends and don't like leaving project till last minute. I know that it is only the beginning of the course and I'm sure that I'm just getting nervous, but right now it’s frustrating.

First In-class Assignment

Picture and quick sketch

Quick self-portrait

Data Body (Assignment 1)

A bit about me!
My name is Tamara Craft. I was born is Creston B.C and moved to Whitehorse Yukon at a young age. It was in Whitehorse where I grew up graduating from Porter Creek Secondary School before moving to Lethbridge for school. I am 21 years old and am currently in my fourth year majoring in social sciences. My three streams include anthropology, kinesiology and psychology. My plan is to graduate this spring with my B.A and go on to obtaining my B.Ed and become an elementary teacher. Outside of school I work as well as hang out with my friends as much as I have time to. I enjoy sports and generally take in a basketball or hockey game depending on which team is home.

Originally I chose to attend the U of L because of the reputation of the Education program, also because I have some family that lives here. I wanted to take this particular course because I really enjoyed the last new media course that I took and felt that I learned a lot. I also like taking courses that I enjoy as it helps make learning feel less like school and for me more beneficial. I hope to achieve new program skills and a wider understand of design. I feel that many aspects that I will learn in this class will be useful in my teaching career.
I personally don't feel that I am overly familiar with the various software programs. But I do believe that I tent to pick up on concepts quite fast. I believe that I learned a lot about Photoshop, Dreamweaver and Premiere last semester. I feel most confident with Photoshop but I am excited to learn more and discover new things. I personally don't have access to a digital camera or video, but I believe that I would be able to borrow one from the U of L library.

Interests:
on a daily basis I tent to visit the U of L website www.uleth.ca
and check my e-mail at www.hotmail.com.

Movies:
Pretty Women
Moulin Rouge
Empire Records

Books:
Tested by Fire ~ Kathy Herman
Sophies Heart ~ Lori Wick
The Negotiator ~ Dee Henderson

I don't have a favorite Magazine but tend to read 'People' and 'In Touch.'