Monday, June 11, 2012
There has to be an end...right?
It only felt right to bring this blog to an end before I could venture off into a new one. But I still sorta want to leave it open because it's not finished. Story of my life, a trail of unfinished business like bread crumbs to the old witches house. Anyway, I gained so much from this class an it really showed me that I do, very much so, enjoy graphic design; I just needa get better at. I'm my worst critic by far, but I need that, I think.
Any way, I enjoyed the class, I laughed, I cried, I even broken a few things. All in all, I'm going to take the class again. Not because I need to, but I kind of have to and very much so want to. Maybe I'll be better at it the second go around.
So, this post will remain open ended untill I can correctly close it out an push it out of all my memories. But, I'll save a copy on my hard drive.
Thanks Jimmy, and thank you class.
Ta Ta for now...
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Week 6 - Project 2 Product Advertising Feb 13th
So, today was rather surprising in ways. I was very skeptical and worried going into this class meeting because I knew I was not prepared, and I was a little confused, to say the least. My partner definitely came through for us today with flying colors, and it was much appreciated by me. My researching was pretty lax over the weekend, and I did apologize for that. I kept hitting "the wall", and I just had to face it, my brain did not want to think. (And I didn't force it to.) Now it's time to really work. Focus.
Well, for this project, I learned there is a lot more to it than just revamping a failing brand, WAY more. It began to make me wonder, what influences me to buy the products I have? I try to deny that they, the advertisers, have persuaded my decisions, but they have. Every time I go to the grocery store I'm looking for that one thing I saw on TV or in a print ad, and it's never on my list, but it finds its way there some how. I've also come to realize, we as consumers can be persuaded pretty easily, as long as the ad works. Placement is a big factor, as well as a compelling headline that communicates with the viewer instantly.
I am happy to say, I don't wear any brands that clearly state a brand name, or are obviously a particular brand. I like to feel like I'm wearing the clothes and they are not wearing me.
This project is going to take a lot, a lot of research. ( I did mean to repeat a lot.) Mostly to know the brand full circle and avoid repeating something they have already done, AND to scope out the competition and really bring to light why this product is the superior product. All things considered, I want to say I'm looking forward to this project, I really want to, and maybe I will.
I feel like every class gets a little better each time. For me for sure, I'm sort of willed back into it again. I'm reminded that I can handle all this I just have to do it, and do it well; to the best of my abilities and hold nothing back. Even if I have a stupid idea, at least it will make space for a better one to evolve. Which is why sketching a billion sketches makes sense to me, and I only need to capitalize on the opportunity for some great ideas to surface. I really try to take to heart what is being said in class and really try to understand it, let it marinate :-9.
Today also reminded me that I have some pretty good ideas, but suck at getting them out of my head, and on to paper. Hopefully tonight won't be like pulling teeth. Here goes nothing.
To be continued...
Well, for this project, I learned there is a lot more to it than just revamping a failing brand, WAY more. It began to make me wonder, what influences me to buy the products I have? I try to deny that they, the advertisers, have persuaded my decisions, but they have. Every time I go to the grocery store I'm looking for that one thing I saw on TV or in a print ad, and it's never on my list, but it finds its way there some how. I've also come to realize, we as consumers can be persuaded pretty easily, as long as the ad works. Placement is a big factor, as well as a compelling headline that communicates with the viewer instantly.
I am happy to say, I don't wear any brands that clearly state a brand name, or are obviously a particular brand. I like to feel like I'm wearing the clothes and they are not wearing me.
This project is going to take a lot, a lot of research. ( I did mean to repeat a lot.) Mostly to know the brand full circle and avoid repeating something they have already done, AND to scope out the competition and really bring to light why this product is the superior product. All things considered, I want to say I'm looking forward to this project, I really want to, and maybe I will.
I feel like every class gets a little better each time. For me for sure, I'm sort of willed back into it again. I'm reminded that I can handle all this I just have to do it, and do it well; to the best of my abilities and hold nothing back. Even if I have a stupid idea, at least it will make space for a better one to evolve. Which is why sketching a billion sketches makes sense to me, and I only need to capitalize on the opportunity for some great ideas to surface. I really try to take to heart what is being said in class and really try to understand it, let it marinate :-9.
Today also reminded me that I have some pretty good ideas, but suck at getting them out of my head, and on to paper. Hopefully tonight won't be like pulling teeth. Here goes nothing.
To be continued...
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Week 5 - Final Presentation (Don't forget to breathe....)
Well, it has finally come. Final presentations. No one wanted to volunteer, myself included. You could cut the tension with a knife, the air was much thicker today.
So, it all began with the group at the top of the role sheet, unlucky. I did want other groups to go ahead of us because I wanted to see what they would say and have a better idea of where I was at with my presentation. The critique was fairly quiet, as expected, but it was better than the last even though I did feel like we were all begging for some feedback. I did try to get the conversation going a few times, as did others, and it was a lot better. Jimmy gave use the reigns today and we did have our moments.
There was a lot of good work, but I felt if we had one more presentation, we could have had a classroom of GREAT ads. We were almost there =).
So for the big presentation, I thought I could have done better on the delivery and persuasiveness. I didn't even persuade myself, how could I persuade them? I did feel that I had some valid points and explanations, and I really wish I would have done my research on Mr. Superman. That could have been a nice touch to the whole presentation and would have shown some real attention to detail on our part.
Now for the ads, we did some much needed editing with spacing issues and issues with the readability of our body text. We fixed our headline and adjusted our images and content of our body text. We made some affective changes and not so affective ones. I obviously thought I could have done better. I enjoyed my partner and what she brought to the group and she presented well. Three people had comments or questions, if I remember correctly, from a class of 20 or so. I would have like more feedback, anything really. I can't really gauge where I'm at if no one speaks up. On the other hand, I did like the ads I saw and could tell groups made an effort to take more time on their final comps.
Well that's dead and gone, on to the next. New partner, new project and new issues. I'm kind of over whelmed again, it comes and goes.
So, it all began with the group at the top of the role sheet, unlucky. I did want other groups to go ahead of us because I wanted to see what they would say and have a better idea of where I was at with my presentation. The critique was fairly quiet, as expected, but it was better than the last even though I did feel like we were all begging for some feedback. I did try to get the conversation going a few times, as did others, and it was a lot better. Jimmy gave use the reigns today and we did have our moments.
There was a lot of good work, but I felt if we had one more presentation, we could have had a classroom of GREAT ads. We were almost there =).
So for the big presentation, I thought I could have done better on the delivery and persuasiveness. I didn't even persuade myself, how could I persuade them? I did feel that I had some valid points and explanations, and I really wish I would have done my research on Mr. Superman. That could have been a nice touch to the whole presentation and would have shown some real attention to detail on our part.
Now for the ads, we did some much needed editing with spacing issues and issues with the readability of our body text. We fixed our headline and adjusted our images and content of our body text. We made some affective changes and not so affective ones. I obviously thought I could have done better. I enjoyed my partner and what she brought to the group and she presented well. Three people had comments or questions, if I remember correctly, from a class of 20 or so. I would have like more feedback, anything really. I can't really gauge where I'm at if no one speaks up. On the other hand, I did like the ads I saw and could tell groups made an effort to take more time on their final comps.
Well that's dead and gone, on to the next. New partner, new project and new issues. I'm kind of over whelmed again, it comes and goes.
Week 5 - Final Compositions (First presentation-Here goes nothin') DUE Feb 6th
So, today's the day for the final hurrah. Last chance for any fixes or much needed adjustments and last minute tweaks. A much needed critique because my partner and I did not have any finished comps for the previous class. I went into this critique aware of nearly all the issues with our ads, which could be seen as good and bad, if not just bad. If those fixes could have been made, then these and our final comps may have been THAT much better. On the plus side, we didn't have to speak about them just yet. (widow)
The good thing about today, Jimmy did most of the critique. It's fair to just say he did it all, which I had no problem with =), I knew my group would get some much needed feedback for sure. And to my shocking surprise, ahem, he brought up everything I knew he would because my partner and I noticed the exact same things the day before when we printed it. (Which means we should have fixed it then, I'm just sayin')
Today was a hard day for most and some real changes needed to be made, and quick. I would have liked to have had a finished product, but it did not pan out that way. It was nice to finally see the ads up and mounted, it really gave them a different feel and every flaw was magnified. We all seemed to make light of our errors with some candid laughter, but Jimmy wasn't laughing, and understandably so. Our work is a direct reflection of him and his teaching abilities, and no one would want to be directly associated with something they felt was "crap".
Today's class was a major eye opener and put things into perspective, but I really felt like I was dragging my feet a little, or a lot.
So, we have one WHOLE day to fix, fix, fix! Time is of the essence and I don't have enough of it, let alone can I manage it. Enough about that, we have to make some really affective ads and have them printed, cut and pasted for the big finale.
Back to the drawing boards and computer screens. I forsee a really LONG night ahead.
The good thing about today, Jimmy did most of the critique. It's fair to just say he did it all, which I had no problem with =), I knew my group would get some much needed feedback for sure. And to my shocking surprise, ahem, he brought up everything I knew he would because my partner and I noticed the exact same things the day before when we printed it. (Which means we should have fixed it then, I'm just sayin')
Today was a hard day for most and some real changes needed to be made, and quick. I would have liked to have had a finished product, but it did not pan out that way. It was nice to finally see the ads up and mounted, it really gave them a different feel and every flaw was magnified. We all seemed to make light of our errors with some candid laughter, but Jimmy wasn't laughing, and understandably so. Our work is a direct reflection of him and his teaching abilities, and no one would want to be directly associated with something they felt was "crap".
Today's class was a major eye opener and put things into perspective, but I really felt like I was dragging my feet a little, or a lot.
So, we have one WHOLE day to fix, fix, fix! Time is of the essence and I don't have enough of it, let alone can I manage it. Enough about that, we have to make some really affective ads and have them printed, cut and pasted for the big finale.
Back to the drawing boards and computer screens. I forsee a really LONG night ahead.
Week 4 - Initial Compositions DUE Feb 1st
So, today I don't feel started on the best foot because we had nothing to present. This being the first time the class would see our work I would have liked to have something. Well, that's neithr here nor there, we definitely got the opportunity to see our classmates work as well as progress. It seemed very tense and everyone sort of receeded when the time came to critique.
I tried to feel out the situation to see who'd have more to say, and who would just hang back and it was a bit shocking that as a class we were so quiet. Aren't these critiques meant to get us all talking and exchanging feedback with one another, and helping each other improve? It was so discouraging to have works on the board and everyone go silent. The feeling I got was the work was either that bad, or no one cared. Or maybe everyone is just a little timid and didn't want to step on any ones toes. I must admit I took the quiet route most of the time but feel I had things I could have mentioned that may have helped some groups, as well as let them know they did well.
I also felt like I got to see some of my classmates personalities through some of the work. This lead me to believe this may be the reason why some or most take the critiques very personally because they may see it as a part of themselves up there. I almost wish I could have that personal attachment to my work, but there's more of a disconnect. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate my work, but I am my biggest critic all the same and I almost intentionally create space in a way, so I won't take it personal. I know everyone won't get my work or vision, and I'm okay with that. It only makes me feel I have to work that much harder to sway the sceptics, OR simply say, "I can't please um all ;-)".
It's a growing experience and a learning one because others often see the things you don't see sitting right in front of your face and I love that. We always need fresh eyes to look at these creations we often gawck at for hours and hours on end. I also believe this brought to light that time was a real issue for some, myself included, I had NOTHING to show! Time management was never my strong point, but I'm working on it.
All in all, it was a semi productive day for me at best. When you have nothing to show, you can't do much. *shrug* However, there were some insightful tips about the layouts that would be most effective, and how to avoid awkward tension and typography throughout the ads. Next, produce some effective ads. Stay tuned....
I tried to feel out the situation to see who'd have more to say, and who would just hang back and it was a bit shocking that as a class we were so quiet. Aren't these critiques meant to get us all talking and exchanging feedback with one another, and helping each other improve? It was so discouraging to have works on the board and everyone go silent. The feeling I got was the work was either that bad, or no one cared. Or maybe everyone is just a little timid and didn't want to step on any ones toes. I must admit I took the quiet route most of the time but feel I had things I could have mentioned that may have helped some groups, as well as let them know they did well.
I also felt like I got to see some of my classmates personalities through some of the work. This lead me to believe this may be the reason why some or most take the critiques very personally because they may see it as a part of themselves up there. I almost wish I could have that personal attachment to my work, but there's more of a disconnect. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate my work, but I am my biggest critic all the same and I almost intentionally create space in a way, so I won't take it personal. I know everyone won't get my work or vision, and I'm okay with that. It only makes me feel I have to work that much harder to sway the sceptics, OR simply say, "I can't please um all ;-)".
It's a growing experience and a learning one because others often see the things you don't see sitting right in front of your face and I love that. We always need fresh eyes to look at these creations we often gawck at for hours and hours on end. I also believe this brought to light that time was a real issue for some, myself included, I had NOTHING to show! Time management was never my strong point, but I'm working on it.
All in all, it was a semi productive day for me at best. When you have nothing to show, you can't do much. *shrug* However, there were some insightful tips about the layouts that would be most effective, and how to avoid awkward tension and typography throughout the ads. Next, produce some effective ads. Stay tuned....
Week 4 - Are we having fun yet? Jan 30th
Are you having fun?...I'm not sure.
When we say "fun", what do we mean? Fun can be excitement, happiness, intrigue, captivation. When working on my projects, I have realized I'm not having much fun, if any.
What am I getting out of this? This homework and projects and school. My first thought would be a degree, which is pretty much every ones goal, right? I never asked myself that question and I found that I didn't have a good answer at all because I really didn't have one. I really needed to think about this because it really bugged me and forced me to ask myself, what the hell am I doing? I needed answers and I wanted them NOW! I really had to dig deep to find some kind of resolve. Again, what am I getting out of this? Nothing, it seems. It often feels as if I'm sticking with it for everyone else. School being the IT. Whether everyone else be a partner in a group, or my family. I told my family I'd graduate this year and sometimes I feel like I should have waited until a week prior to spill the beans, then I'd know it was for sure.
To answer my previous question, Am I having fun? No. And with that I have to make it fun and find ways to make this work relevant to me. I'm my biggest and worse critic to a fault because I count myself out before I'm even finished.
School would be a lot easier if I were having fun; if I were conscious of what I'm getting out of all this work. What's in it for me? I'm afraid to say, I don't know.
Today was an interesting day, I have a lot to consider and think about....hmmmm. And a lot of work to catch up on. I was flying solo today with nothing to show for. Not my best hour, but it was pretty painless. Today was the day each group was picking their comps for each ad.
Work in progress. TBC
When we say "fun", what do we mean? Fun can be excitement, happiness, intrigue, captivation. When working on my projects, I have realized I'm not having much fun, if any.
What am I getting out of this? This homework and projects and school. My first thought would be a degree, which is pretty much every ones goal, right? I never asked myself that question and I found that I didn't have a good answer at all because I really didn't have one. I really needed to think about this because it really bugged me and forced me to ask myself, what the hell am I doing? I needed answers and I wanted them NOW! I really had to dig deep to find some kind of resolve. Again, what am I getting out of this? Nothing, it seems. It often feels as if I'm sticking with it for everyone else. School being the IT. Whether everyone else be a partner in a group, or my family. I told my family I'd graduate this year and sometimes I feel like I should have waited until a week prior to spill the beans, then I'd know it was for sure.
To answer my previous question, Am I having fun? No. And with that I have to make it fun and find ways to make this work relevant to me. I'm my biggest and worse critic to a fault because I count myself out before I'm even finished.
School would be a lot easier if I were having fun; if I were conscious of what I'm getting out of all this work. What's in it for me? I'm afraid to say, I don't know.
Today was an interesting day, I have a lot to consider and think about....hmmmm. And a lot of work to catch up on. I was flying solo today with nothing to show for. Not my best hour, but it was pretty painless. Today was the day each group was picking their comps for each ad.
Work in progress. TBC
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