While doing this activity, it was apparent that it was much easier to point out our flaws then choose positive attributes.
I know I did this because I'm too hard on myself. I felt almost guilty when trying to say good things about myself, however finding a negative came instantly.
However, I think that may only have been my problem. I'm too critical by nature.
Ugh, this is the hard part
Positive Qualities
Hardworking
I have a work ethic that doesn't seem to stop. I can't stand not having things done and don't allow myself to stop until the work is done. As bad as this sounds, it is actually a good thing because it allows me to get things in on time and in the end the rewards seem to balance out with the work.
Reliable
If I say I am going to do something, I am going to go out of my way to get it done.
Adaptable
I am usually able to be happy wherever I am. I tend to make the best of what around me (even if I complain a lot...)
Motivated
I am naturally motivated to work & get going .
Creative
If I wasn't creative I couldn't function. I draw, paint, play piano by ear, and design like crazy.
Now onto the easy part
Negative Qualities
Competitive
This has always been a problem for me. Even though I hate it, I always try to be the best. Everything has to be perfect. {Such an annoying & embarrassing quality.}
Stubborn
Stubborn as a mule. That's me. I tend to stand by my point of view unless I can be proven wrong. I tend to dig my feet into things and refuse to budge once I've got my mind set.
Argumentative
I tend to start arguments on things I don't agree on, especially if it's something I feel strongly about.This is probably due to the fact I question everything. I crave answers and reasons.
Disorganized
As much as I try and keep everything organized, I find myself becoming disorganized.
Things that are important to me (my DVD collection, my book shelf, & my immense collection of Doctor Who merchandise) are always in their exact spot, however, when it comes to everything else in my life, it is complete chaos. But I suppose that's how I work. I try to manage my time (never works out as I want) and keep my notes organized, however by the end of the semester I find my notes to be scattered wherever they will fit.
Defensive
I really hate this quality - I get defensive. I'm so scared of rejection/failure that I get defensive when people give me negative feedback or question something I do. However, if I am comfortable with the person, or really truly value their input, I tend to not be as defensive.
***
There. Now wasn't that fun?
Now that I've had an honest look at myself I'm going to go drink some tea.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Building Natalie Racz 101
Over my lifetime there has been a few people who have helped shape the person, and therefore designer, I am today.
I know it is cliche and it is a bit corny, but I would be lying if I didn't say that the most influential person on my life is my mother.
I think I get my workaholic attitude from her; And, like my mum, I cannot stop until the work is done.
Two years ago she was diagnosed with cancer and this came as a great upset to my family. However throughout this battle she has not missed a beat and taught me that life is a precious thing that we should not take for granted, no matter how the cards fall. Shrug off the small things because it may seem like a big deal at the time but in the "big scheme of things" (oh how I used to hate when she said that) it's very minor.
Most importantly, we have to live each day to the fullest because we don't know how long we have to make each day the best day of your life.
{I am aware how ridiculously cliche this sounds, however it is 100% true}
My twin, Max.
I don't really know if this counts as influenced, but Max has been a huge part of my life.
As most people know, I am a twin & that Max means the world to me.
I actually don't know if I could function if I wasn't a twin because no matter what there is always Max and we tend to lean on each other and rely on one another as one person. People come and go in my life, but when everyone's gone I can always count on him.
We also, luckily, have the same interests, and since we think a like I never have to explain anything. (Which might explain why I have little paitence)
Max is also very creative and very, very artistic, so we've always had each other to bounce ideas off of as well as critique each other's work in a completely honest way.
No matter what I need help with, Max can help me.
Even when I'm feeling at my worst and I just want to throw in the towel on some pieces, Max is there to kick me in the butt and help me realize that nothing comes without sacrifice and hard work. I have to work especially hard now to shape a successful future.
Just having the support and unconditional love from Max has been a huge impact on my life.
Stephen Fry. Although I have never met him personally, he has affected my life greatly. I admire his intelligence and wit immensely. Over the years he has inspired me to learn as much as possible (no matter how random or useless it may seem) as well as appreciate classic literature.
In fact, just the random tidbits that I've learned by watching his program QI over the past six years have helped me join in on discussions and answer questions that without it I would have been completely clueless.
Radiohead {& Stanley Donwood}
Through their music/lyrics and artwork I have developed my design style. I have been listening to Radiohead (almost exclusively) for almost a decade now and I think the nature of their music has helped me develop my darker/grungy style of design.
And there we have it.
Four people/groups that have helped shape the designer I am today
I know it is cliche and it is a bit corny, but I would be lying if I didn't say that the most influential person on my life is my mother.
I think I get my workaholic attitude from her; And, like my mum, I cannot stop until the work is done.
Two years ago she was diagnosed with cancer and this came as a great upset to my family. However throughout this battle she has not missed a beat and taught me that life is a precious thing that we should not take for granted, no matter how the cards fall. Shrug off the small things because it may seem like a big deal at the time but in the "big scheme of things" (oh how I used to hate when she said that) it's very minor.
Most importantly, we have to live each day to the fullest because we don't know how long we have to make each day the best day of your life.
{I am aware how ridiculously cliche this sounds, however it is 100% true}
My twin, Max.
I don't really know if this counts as influenced, but Max has been a huge part of my life.
As most people know, I am a twin & that Max means the world to me.
I actually don't know if I could function if I wasn't a twin because no matter what there is always Max and we tend to lean on each other and rely on one another as one person. People come and go in my life, but when everyone's gone I can always count on him.
We also, luckily, have the same interests, and since we think a like I never have to explain anything. (Which might explain why I have little paitence)
Max is also very creative and very, very artistic, so we've always had each other to bounce ideas off of as well as critique each other's work in a completely honest way.
No matter what I need help with, Max can help me.
Even when I'm feeling at my worst and I just want to throw in the towel on some pieces, Max is there to kick me in the butt and help me realize that nothing comes without sacrifice and hard work. I have to work especially hard now to shape a successful future.
Just having the support and unconditional love from Max has been a huge impact on my life.
Stephen Fry. Although I have never met him personally, he has affected my life greatly. I admire his intelligence and wit immensely. Over the years he has inspired me to learn as much as possible (no matter how random or useless it may seem) as well as appreciate classic literature.
In fact, just the random tidbits that I've learned by watching his program QI over the past six years have helped me join in on discussions and answer questions that without it I would have been completely clueless.
Radiohead {& Stanley Donwood}
Through their music/lyrics and artwork I have developed my design style. I have been listening to Radiohead (almost exclusively) for almost a decade now and I think the nature of their music has helped me develop my darker/grungy style of design.
And there we have it.
Four people/groups that have helped shape the designer I am today
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Natalie's Manifesto
Here are 13 short and simple points that I live my life by;
1. Don't take things to seriously
Life is short: try and enjoy it. Don't hold grudges or look too deep into anything- because it will drive you mad (and/or you'll end up wasting valuable time that you could have spent otherwise enjoying yourself). Remember, we are all human.
2. Try to see things from a different angle
We all see things differently, so try and look at a everything from at least two angles or points of view.
3. Make mistakes
As hard as it may be to admit it, we all make mistakes. However, this not a bad thing. The best way to learn is to make a mistake and then learn how not to get in that situation again.
4. Read as much as possible
It doesn't have to be Dickens or Cicero, but reading has the ability to stretch your imagination and force you to create without even realizing it.
5. Have a passion
It's perfectly alright to have hobbies and interests, as well as be passionate about something. If something can help you escape the real world for periods at a time, the more power to it.
6. Make time for others
Sometimes our friends and family can be a good influence on us. As well, having conversations with others can be quite insightful.
7. Take long walks to nowhere
The world is an interesting place, you never know where you can find inspiration. It's fun to see what's going on around you locally, so walk away from the computer and go for a walk. Fresh air and sunlight are good for you.
8. Don't stay still
Move around. Working from one angle can put your brain in a rut. Lay upside-down, move your furniture around, hop up and down.
9. Don't be afraid of change
Like it or not the world is constantly changing. If we don't embrace the change and change with it, we get left behind.
10. Be informed
The better informed you in all areas the more interesting you are. Read the news paper, surf international news websites, watch documentaries. Learn as much as you can. We live in an age where there are so many free resources, why not take advantage of it? Nothing is random or meaningless, you never know when it will be important.
11. Have a muse
Inspiration can come from anything. Having something that can inspire you can help motivate you when you're stuck, therefore find your muse early on.
12. Live one day at a time
Start each new morning fresh and forget yesterday's worries.
13. Set a short term goal
Plan a vacation or treat for yourself. Having a short term goal ahead can help you get through tough times.
1. Don't take things to seriously
Life is short: try and enjoy it. Don't hold grudges or look too deep into anything- because it will drive you mad (and/or you'll end up wasting valuable time that you could have spent otherwise enjoying yourself). Remember, we are all human.
2. Try to see things from a different angle
We all see things differently, so try and look at a everything from at least two angles or points of view.
3. Make mistakes
As hard as it may be to admit it, we all make mistakes. However, this not a bad thing. The best way to learn is to make a mistake and then learn how not to get in that situation again.
4. Read as much as possible
It doesn't have to be Dickens or Cicero, but reading has the ability to stretch your imagination and force you to create without even realizing it.
5. Have a passion
It's perfectly alright to have hobbies and interests, as well as be passionate about something. If something can help you escape the real world for periods at a time, the more power to it.
6. Make time for others
Sometimes our friends and family can be a good influence on us. As well, having conversations with others can be quite insightful.
7. Take long walks to nowhere
The world is an interesting place, you never know where you can find inspiration. It's fun to see what's going on around you locally, so walk away from the computer and go for a walk. Fresh air and sunlight are good for you.
8. Don't stay still
Move around. Working from one angle can put your brain in a rut. Lay upside-down, move your furniture around, hop up and down.
9. Don't be afraid of change
Like it or not the world is constantly changing. If we don't embrace the change and change with it, we get left behind.
10. Be informed
The better informed you in all areas the more interesting you are. Read the news paper, surf international news websites, watch documentaries. Learn as much as you can. We live in an age where there are so many free resources, why not take advantage of it? Nothing is random or meaningless, you never know when it will be important.
11. Have a muse
Inspiration can come from anything. Having something that can inspire you can help motivate you when you're stuck, therefore find your muse early on.
12. Live one day at a time
Start each new morning fresh and forget yesterday's worries.
13. Set a short term goal
Plan a vacation or treat for yourself. Having a short term goal ahead can help you get through tough times.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Design in 20 words
Here are a list of twenty words that describe my design theory;
1. Communication
2. Exploration
3. Experimentation
4. Message
5. Creation
6. Thought
7. Provoke
8. Connection
9. Inspiration
10. Admiration
11. Understand
12. Growth
13. Purpose
14. Express
15. Change
16. Interaction
17. Impact
18. duplicitous
19. Functional
20. Visual
1. Communication
2. Exploration
3. Experimentation
4. Message
5. Creation
6. Thought
7. Provoke
8. Connection
9. Inspiration
10. Admiration
11. Understand
12. Growth
13. Purpose
14. Express
15. Change
16. Interaction
17. Impact
18. duplicitous
19. Functional
20. Visual
Sunday, March 1, 2009
What is Design? /revised design statement
DESIGN IS COMMUNICATION DISGUISED AS ART
**how'd I get that?**
/
Over the past week I have been thinking long and hard about how I am going to narrow down my Design statement.
But it has made me go back and reevaluate, yet again, what I think design is.
Design is constructed
Design is purposeful
Design communicates
Design changes with the times
Design is becoming more interactive
Design is becoming more immediate.
Design is communication posing as art
or is it Design is art posing as communication?
I guess that all depends on who you ask.
But how do I summarize all this neatly into one sentence?
I keep thinking and thinking but I just can't seem to find an answer yet.
Am I being too broad?
Guh!
**how'd I get that?**
/
Over the past week I have been thinking long and hard about how I am going to narrow down my Design statement.
But it has made me go back and reevaluate, yet again, what I think design is.
Design is constructed
Design is purposeful
Design communicates
Design changes with the times
Design is becoming more interactive
Design is becoming more immediate.
Design is communication posing as art
or is it Design is art posing as communication?
I guess that all depends on who you ask.
But how do I summarize all this neatly into one sentence?
I keep thinking and thinking but I just can't seem to find an answer yet.
Am I being too broad?
Guh!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Design Is {revisited}
Design is communication.
It is used to carry a message to people.
From a poster informing you about an event, or to show others what kind of person you yourself are by having a stylish iPhone.
This can either be direct and in your face, or subtle enough to miss the first three hundred and thirty four times you see it.
Design has purpose, meaning and function.
That is what separates it from art.
Design is everywhere. Everything is designed.
I'm looking around me to find an exception, but cannot find one.
Design is changing.
Design is becoming more interactive, more immediate.
But through this, design is still communication.
It has its purpose and its audience.
We can classify design as "good" design on how effectively it delivers it's message.
Sure, a poster may look pretty, but does that make it good design?
What do you get out of it? "Oh that use of Helvetica is very nice. The green is very greeny - I like that!" but do you understand what the poster is saying?
Do you learn anything from it?
Again, I repeat, this is what separates design from art.
Art doesn't have to communicate with us. It can simply look pretty for the sake of art.
Design has its one, ultimate task, to better inform the audience.
Design is communication.
/I sure did blather on and on there, didn't I?/
It is used to carry a message to people.
From a poster informing you about an event, or to show others what kind of person you yourself are by having a stylish iPhone.
This can either be direct and in your face, or subtle enough to miss the first three hundred and thirty four times you see it.
Design has purpose, meaning and function.
That is what separates it from art.
Design is everywhere. Everything is designed.
I'm looking around me to find an exception, but cannot find one.
Design is changing.
Design is becoming more interactive, more immediate.
But through this, design is still communication.
It has its purpose and its audience.
We can classify design as "good" design on how effectively it delivers it's message.
Sure, a poster may look pretty, but does that make it good design?
What do you get out of it? "Oh that use of Helvetica is very nice. The green is very greeny - I like that!" but do you understand what the poster is saying?
Do you learn anything from it?
Again, I repeat, this is what separates design from art.
Art doesn't have to communicate with us. It can simply look pretty for the sake of art.
Design has its one, ultimate task, to better inform the audience.
Design is communication.
/I sure did blather on and on there, didn't I?/
Breaking down my life
I recently recorded how much I use technology over a 7 day week.
I find these recordings quite frightening.
time spent on the computer: 78hours (EEP!)
time spent surfing the internet: 26 hours
time on msn: 78 hours (if I'm on the computer, I'm on MSN)
facebook: 3 hours
twitter: 5 hours
emails sent: 19
emails received: 118 (SPAM SPAM SPAM)
texts sent: 42
texts received: 63
phone talk time: 126 minutes
listening to music: 42 hours
listening to radio(1): 3 hours
television/movies: 68 hours
reading news/online: 6 hours
reading magazines: 45 minutes
reading books: 4 hours
playing video games: 2 hours.
By doing this I have reassured myself that I indeed have no life.
But keeping in mind this was recorded of the week of 9th to the 16th, in which I was in school. Had this been documented over reading week, the number of hours of computer and television would have been drastically lower.
I am in awe at how much of my life is being consumed by this aluminum box of mine.
That is all.
I find these recordings quite frightening.
time spent on the computer: 78hours (EEP!)
time spent surfing the internet: 26 hours
time on msn: 78 hours (if I'm on the computer, I'm on MSN)
facebook: 3 hours
twitter: 5 hours
emails sent: 19
emails received: 118 (SPAM SPAM SPAM)
texts sent: 42
texts received: 63
phone talk time: 126 minutes
listening to music: 42 hours
listening to radio(1): 3 hours
television/movies: 68 hours
reading news/online: 6 hours
reading magazines: 45 minutes
reading books: 4 hours
playing video games: 2 hours.
By doing this I have reassured myself that I indeed have no life.
But keeping in mind this was recorded of the week of 9th to the 16th, in which I was in school. Had this been documented over reading week, the number of hours of computer and television would have been drastically lower.
I am in awe at how much of my life is being consumed by this aluminum box of mine.
That is all.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Design Process take 2 {short blog}
After receiving feedback from last weeks class I revisited the design and made appropriate changes.
Now I will get new feedback tomorrow that will allow me to produce a piece of work I am proud of and that I hope communicates the desired message.
I have also started to record how much time I spend on my computer, listening to music, radio1, etc. I already know I live at my computer, but it may be an eye opener if I start documenting it.
Now I will get new feedback tomorrow that will allow me to produce a piece of work I am proud of and that I hope communicates the desired message.
I have also started to record how much time I spend on my computer, listening to music, radio1, etc. I already know I live at my computer, but it may be an eye opener if I start documenting it.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
The Design Process
Step one:
Research
I looked into what the what "Prologue" means.
How it is applied to music, the Jazz program, students?
How can I convey that message through the CD design?
This also involved reading the brief and figuring out what the client is looking for.
Figuring out how many colours can be used, as well as what images we are to use.
What is the client asking for? How I can achieve what they are looking for?
Step Two:
Thumbnail sketches
I jotted down ideas as well as sketches onto pieces of paper to give myself a direction to follow.
This involved creating several different layouts as well as figuring out placement of the elements to include
Once I had a solid concept in my sketches I moved onto revising them.
I picked two directions I was experimenting with and tried to push them further with revisions.
I took elements from each and tried to apply them to one "better" layout.
Once I had a layout & concept I was happy with I moved onto my computer.
Step Three:
Searching for Typefaces
Since this mostly a typographic layout I felt it was important to find typefaces that were appropriate for this piece.
I wanted to choose a typeface that could express the feeling of Jazz, but that was not too flashy.
Once I had figured out a general idea of which faces I was going to use I opened up the template in illustrator.
Step Four:
Digital Comps
After opening the template I began to create guides for my layout.
I then applied my concepts and designs.
Although it is still very rough, I feel I have a good direction and will be able to get some good feedback on Monday.
Research
I looked into what the what "Prologue" means.
How it is applied to music, the Jazz program, students?
How can I convey that message through the CD design?
This also involved reading the brief and figuring out what the client is looking for.
Figuring out how many colours can be used, as well as what images we are to use.
What is the client asking for? How I can achieve what they are looking for?
Step Two:
Thumbnail sketches
I jotted down ideas as well as sketches onto pieces of paper to give myself a direction to follow.
This involved creating several different layouts as well as figuring out placement of the elements to include
Once I had a solid concept in my sketches I moved onto revising them.
I picked two directions I was experimenting with and tried to push them further with revisions.
I took elements from each and tried to apply them to one "better" layout.
Once I had a layout & concept I was happy with I moved onto my computer.
Step Three:
Searching for Typefaces
Since this mostly a typographic layout I felt it was important to find typefaces that were appropriate for this piece.
I wanted to choose a typeface that could express the feeling of Jazz, but that was not too flashy.
Once I had figured out a general idea of which faces I was going to use I opened up the template in illustrator.
Step Four:
Digital Comps
After opening the template I began to create guides for my layout.
I then applied my concepts and designs.
Although it is still very rough, I feel I have a good direction and will be able to get some good feedback on Monday.
Friday, January 23, 2009
How do I create?
I am a person who lives for design.
I live to experience, to embrace and, most importantly, to design.
I am an experimentalist in the context of creativity and design.
I am still trying to find my creative voice and style; therefore, on this never ending journey, I find myself experimenting with new (well at least to me) techniques, typefaces, colours, and styles.
I want to create a style that is distinctly my own.
I find myself learning towards more of a grunge influence with saturated colours - this is because of my influences and interests.
I want my concepts and styles to be unique to myself, however I do not want to limit myself to working in that one style.
I guess I could say that my creative process is influenced by what I see around me: environment, mood or circumstance all contribute to the work I produce.
I want to remember and keep in mind that design is communication, not art - not personal expression. I have to be able to distinguish that design is all about communication: if I lose the message I have failed as a designer.
When watching the Ken Robinson TED talk, I was in complete agreement with what he was saying. I understood completely when he said that students are often told to give up their dreams because they will not end up getting a job in that field, or more importantly make any money in that. If I had a nickle for everytime I heard my mother say that to me growing up.
But more importantly there was a quote he said that struck me the most: "If you are not prepared to be wrong, you will never come up with anything creative."
I find that line to be remarkably true because I feel it myself.
When working on a project for school I am, more often than not, afraid to push the bar and the boundaries of the brief because I am afraid of not doing well on the project, mark wise.
This is something I am starting to pick up on and starting to attempt to correct because when I look back, the pieces I am most unhappy with are the ones which I followed the rules and stayed within the boundaries.
While discussing the Ken Robinson talk I think we all came to a pretty unanimous decision that public schools try and limit creativity and courses focused on the arts in hope of producing more scientific and mathematically clever students.
Being a visual person, I hated taking maths and sciences in high school, not that I didn't like learning, but rather because I would have liked to have spent that time in an art or music class.
When listening to the excerpted 100 Habit's list, I found that I although I agree with all of them, I find myself not following the, as much as I would.
I should get out more. Make the time to go and appreciate the design around me. I live in the city now, there is no excuse.
Of the suggestions discussed from the 100 Habit's list, I related most to #4 - "Change your Environment". (Although I found it hard to simply pick one. I can relate to all of them.)
I spend so much time in my small residence dorm that by the end of the semester I have completely run out of creativity. Over the last few weeks I have found myself being more productive by leaving my room and working in lounges or with friends.
By leaving my environment I find myself being able to take a fresh look at what I'm working on.
It also ties in with #2 –"Look at the everyday world for inspiration", because by changing my environment I can grab for different inspiration around me.
Additionally, I really liked the suggestion of watching videos of comedians.
I often find myself listening to comedians while I work, or take a little bit to watch a comedian I like like Dylan Moran, if I am feeling stuck on something.
I thought it was because I was a bit mad, but I am glad to find that there is someone who has found this to be a beneficial.
In conclusion, creativity needs to be encouraged and nurtured to grow. Constant application and practice helps us as designers learn and in the end helps us better our work.
We also learn from other designers and the world around us.
But most importantly, we have to be able to learn from our mistakes. Be prepared to be wrong. As John Adam's says: "Fail often, succeed sooner".
Words to live by.
I live to experience, to embrace and, most importantly, to design.
I am an experimentalist in the context of creativity and design.
I am still trying to find my creative voice and style; therefore, on this never ending journey, I find myself experimenting with new (well at least to me) techniques, typefaces, colours, and styles.
I want to create a style that is distinctly my own.
I find myself learning towards more of a grunge influence with saturated colours - this is because of my influences and interests.
I want my concepts and styles to be unique to myself, however I do not want to limit myself to working in that one style.
I guess I could say that my creative process is influenced by what I see around me: environment, mood or circumstance all contribute to the work I produce.
I want to remember and keep in mind that design is communication, not art - not personal expression. I have to be able to distinguish that design is all about communication: if I lose the message I have failed as a designer.
When watching the Ken Robinson TED talk, I was in complete agreement with what he was saying. I understood completely when he said that students are often told to give up their dreams because they will not end up getting a job in that field, or more importantly make any money in that. If I had a nickle for everytime I heard my mother say that to me growing up.
But more importantly there was a quote he said that struck me the most: "If you are not prepared to be wrong, you will never come up with anything creative."
I find that line to be remarkably true because I feel it myself.
When working on a project for school I am, more often than not, afraid to push the bar and the boundaries of the brief because I am afraid of not doing well on the project, mark wise.
This is something I am starting to pick up on and starting to attempt to correct because when I look back, the pieces I am most unhappy with are the ones which I followed the rules and stayed within the boundaries.
While discussing the Ken Robinson talk I think we all came to a pretty unanimous decision that public schools try and limit creativity and courses focused on the arts in hope of producing more scientific and mathematically clever students.
Being a visual person, I hated taking maths and sciences in high school, not that I didn't like learning, but rather because I would have liked to have spent that time in an art or music class.
When listening to the excerpted 100 Habit's list, I found that I although I agree with all of them, I find myself not following the, as much as I would.
I should get out more. Make the time to go and appreciate the design around me. I live in the city now, there is no excuse.
Of the suggestions discussed from the 100 Habit's list, I related most to #4 - "Change your Environment". (Although I found it hard to simply pick one. I can relate to all of them.)
I spend so much time in my small residence dorm that by the end of the semester I have completely run out of creativity. Over the last few weeks I have found myself being more productive by leaving my room and working in lounges or with friends.
By leaving my environment I find myself being able to take a fresh look at what I'm working on.
It also ties in with #2 –"Look at the everyday world for inspiration", because by changing my environment I can grab for different inspiration around me.
Additionally, I really liked the suggestion of watching videos of comedians.
I often find myself listening to comedians while I work, or take a little bit to watch a comedian I like like Dylan Moran, if I am feeling stuck on something.
I thought it was because I was a bit mad, but I am glad to find that there is someone who has found this to be a beneficial.
In conclusion, creativity needs to be encouraged and nurtured to grow. Constant application and practice helps us as designers learn and in the end helps us better our work.
We also learn from other designers and the world around us.
But most importantly, we have to be able to learn from our mistakes. Be prepared to be wrong. As John Adam's says: "Fail often, succeed sooner".
Words to live by.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Design is...
Design is all around us.
From the posters on our walls, the shoes that we wear, and even the cars we drive: Everything is designed.
I think as a society we have become so accustomed to design that a lot of the time we don't even notice that it is around us. I also think we take design for granted; A lot of people purchase products and without a second thought. They tear through the carefully designed packaging- only throw it in the bin. Rarely, if not ever, do they experience or examine the absolutely brilliant piece of work that had been so carefully and painstakingly put together for their enjoyment.
The unique and interesting design of the Apple's iPods have contributed to their success. Almost everyone knows how and iPod looks, and that's exactly why they have become an accessory in today's society.
And that's why it separates them from the other brands of Mp3 players.
It's the design.
I chose to become a designer because I have always had a passion for creating and designing. The reward for me is the sense of satisfaction I get after creating a piece I am truly proud of.
I turn into a child on Christmas morning when I am given a project.
I love planning a layout.
I love scribbling down as many ideas as I can.
I love choosing typefaces and then making them to work the way I want them to.
I love designing grids.
This is so exciting to me; I love it all.
Design is also important because it makes the world interesting.
Innovative and interesting/unique design makes things stand out. It keeps the world interesting by breaking away from the mundane and everyday.
Design also can be used to solve a problem or to make a task easier.
Recently I came across these "Beetle tip" pens. These pens are designed so that they circle words in one motion and also to work as a traditional highlighter.
Simple design, simple concept. Not life changing, but it's nonetheless unique and interesting.
Design is generated by creating a balance by using elements such as grids, colours, graphics, and typography in a way that the piece is visually appealing as well as being informative to the audience. If the message is clear and the visuals are appropriate and interesting- If the piece makes the viewer think- Then, and only then, is the piece successful.
When I design, I tend to become obsessive.
I feel motivated to create a good piece of design and try not to over complicate things. However, sometimes I find myself stepping away for a bit so I can regroup and remember the basic principals of KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid!).
When I experience good design, I generally make some attempt to capture it.
Good design motivates me to work harder myself. I learn from it. I see from it things that I may not have thought of myself. Not something to copy, but something new and altogether my own.
When I experience good design online, I screencap or save it.
If I find it in a book or magazine, I buy it.
If I see it on the street, I take a picture of it.
But this often makes me question what "good" design is. Can I classify something as "good" design simply because it appeals to me? Of course not! "Good" design is such a broad term.
Remember, gentle reader, design is universal.
//revised again at 10:35pm / JANUARY 15, 2008
From the posters on our walls, the shoes that we wear, and even the cars we drive: Everything is designed.
I think as a society we have become so accustomed to design that a lot of the time we don't even notice that it is around us. I also think we take design for granted; A lot of people purchase products and without a second thought. They tear through the carefully designed packaging- only throw it in the bin. Rarely, if not ever, do they experience or examine the absolutely brilliant piece of work that had been so carefully and painstakingly put together for their enjoyment.
The unique and interesting design of the Apple's iPods have contributed to their success. Almost everyone knows how and iPod looks, and that's exactly why they have become an accessory in today's society.And that's why it separates them from the other brands of Mp3 players.
It's the design.
I chose to become a designer because I have always had a passion for creating and designing. The reward for me is the sense of satisfaction I get after creating a piece I am truly proud of.
I turn into a child on Christmas morning when I am given a project.
I love planning a layout.
I love scribbling down as many ideas as I can.
I love choosing typefaces and then making them to work the way I want them to.
I love designing grids.
This is so exciting to me; I love it all.
Design is also important because it makes the world interesting.
Innovative and interesting/unique design makes things stand out. It keeps the world interesting by breaking away from the mundane and everyday.
Design also can be used to solve a problem or to make a task easier.
Recently I came across these "Beetle tip" pens. These pens are designed so that they circle words in one motion and also to work as a traditional highlighter.Simple design, simple concept. Not life changing, but it's nonetheless unique and interesting.
Design is generated by creating a balance by using elements such as grids, colours, graphics, and typography in a way that the piece is visually appealing as well as being informative to the audience. If the message is clear and the visuals are appropriate and interesting- If the piece makes the viewer think- Then, and only then, is the piece successful.
When I design, I tend to become obsessive.
I feel motivated to create a good piece of design and try not to over complicate things. However, sometimes I find myself stepping away for a bit so I can regroup and remember the basic principals of KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid!).
When I experience good design, I generally make some attempt to capture it.
Good design motivates me to work harder myself. I learn from it. I see from it things that I may not have thought of myself. Not something to copy, but something new and altogether my own.
When I experience good design online, I screencap or save it.
If I find it in a book or magazine, I buy it.
If I see it on the street, I take a picture of it.
But this often makes me question what "good" design is. Can I classify something as "good" design simply because it appeals to me? Of course not! "Good" design is such a broad term.
Remember, gentle reader, design is universal.
//revised again at 10:35pm / JANUARY 15, 2008
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