Ann Arbor Designs

Complicated Design

2011-02-20T14:42:00.001-08:00

Hello! Its been awhile, but life is complicated which is why I love complicated design. Different styles of design resonates with different folks. Some like things clean and simple. A cool blue complimenting its darker relative. Or an array of warm hues butting up to one another while interrupted by a bright green. Although, for me, life is never that well defined. Here are some examples of what I like to consider "complicated design". Different patterns collide, a lone orange is uncalled for and unexpected, but it works. You might find yourself wondering if the design was actually thought out or accidental. Personally I find this design to be much more difficult to achieve. It pushes oneself out of the safeness of balance and into something inconsistent yet still harmonious.

Self Portrait

2010-09-21T08:26:00.001-07:00

I receive Allure magazine in the mail, although I don't remember ever subscribing to it. Anyway, I just recycled them for a long time, but lately I have made it a goal to read everything and anything to do with design. This includes fashion magazines, well because they speak about the current generation and it is important to be up on such things. So I was flipping through the latest Allure when I came across an article by Augusten Burroughs. I was immediately happy about the goal I set for myself. I would have never read the piece had I not committed myself.

The article is titled "Snap Judgment" and talks about the truth in self portrait photography. Burroughs expresses himself as an unsure man confused when it comes to his feelings. He has development an artistic method of discovering his emotions. Augusten takes photo after photo of himself to look at them and solidify what he is actually feeling.

He writes, "I blow past the shots with the fake smiles, raised eyebrows, or any other kind of bullshit pose. And there, among the rejects, will be one shot that captures in 40 megabytes what it is I am feeling but cannot name: terrified, lonely confused, excited, bored."

I loved this confession. Working with photography myself, I know the exact feeling when scrolling through thumbnails and I see "the one". When this technique is applied to something even greater, like the human condition, imagine the power.

Augusten also comments on how we, as human beings, do this self seeking on a daily basis even without lens and shutter:

When you check your hair or makeup in the mirror, is that all you do? Are you focused entirely and exclusively on disobedient strands, or the tiny tributaries of lipstick that have formed at the corners of your mouth and must be dabbed away? Or, if truth be told, do you also search your own eyes, your parted lips for meaning? Is it not oddly reassuring to see your own reflection? To know for a fact that you are, indeed, still real?

I really love Augusten Burroughs' work and I just wanted to share this piece. I thought we could all relate.

Fresh Portfolio

2010-08-10T03:41:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this site recently. Although I am not crazy about the logo, colors or much else, I am liking the way the portfolio page is setup. I dig the way the designer took the websites and angled them in the box. Very refreshing.

http://geekgirlwebdesign.com/portfolio/

I'M COMIC SANS, A@#HOLE

2010-06-19T17:19:00.000-07:00

(This is only for those with a sense of humor. If that is not you I apologize I normally do not repost this sort of thing.)

Listen up. I know the sh#t you've been saying behind my back. You think I'm stupid. You think I'm immature. You think I'm a malformed, pathetic excuse for a font. Well think again, nerdhole, because I'm Comic Sans, and I'm the best thing to happen to typography since Johannes f#$%ing Gutenberg.

You don't like that your coworker used me on that note about stealing her yogurt from the break room fridge? You don't like that I'm all over your sister-in-law's blog? You don't like that I'm on the sign for that new Thai place? You think I'm pedestrian and tacky? Guess the f#$k what, Picasso. We don't all have seventy-three weights of stick-up-my-ass Helvetica sitting on our seventeen-inch MacBook Pros. Sorry the entire world can't all be done in stark Eurotrash Swiss type. Sorry some people like to have fun. Sorry I'm standing in the way of your minimalist Bauhaus-esque fascist snoozefest. Maybe sometime you should take off your black turtleneck, stop compulsively adjusting your Tumblr theme, and lighten the f&*k up for once.

People love me. Why? Because I'm fun. I'm the life of the party. I bring levity to any situation. Need to soften the blow of a harsh message about restroom etiquette? SLAM. There I am. Need to spice up the directions to your graduation party? WHAM. There again. Need to convey your fun-loving, approachable nature on your business' website? SMACK. Like daffodils in motherf#$%ing spring.

When people need to kick back, have fun, and party, I will be there, unlike your pathetic fonts. While Gotham is at the science fair, I'm banging the prom queen behind the woodshop. While Avenir is practicing the clarinet, I'm shredding "Reign In Blood" on my double-necked Stratocaster. While Univers is refilling his allergy prescriptions, I'm racing my tricked-out, nitrous-laden Honda Civic against Tokyo gangsters who'll kill me if I don't cross the finish line first. I am a sans serif Superman and my only kryptonite is pretentious buzzkills like you.

It doesn't even matter what you think. You know why, jagoff? Cause I'm famous. I am on every major operating system since Microsoft f$%king Bob. I'm in your signs. I'm in your browsers. I'm in your instant messengers. I'm not just a font. I am a force of motherf$%king nature and I will not rest until every uptight armchair typographer cock-hat like you is surrounded by my lovable, comic-book inspired, sans-serif badassery.

Enough of this bulls@#t. I'm gonna go get hammered with Papyrus.

- BY MIKE LACHER

The Many Hats of the Designer

2010-04-16T13:18:00.001-07:00

While being a Graphic Designer, I have been required to take on many different roles. I imagine many other designers have found themselves in similar situations.

For instance while being a designer I have had to play the IT person, feeling around aimlessly in the dark. This is one field I wish I knew. My tactics are much more hit or miss than applied strategies.

Another role I find myself in sometimes is web developer. Now, I love web design and consider myself a Web Designer, but when it comes to just hand coding, some serious architecture building, ruby and php I again find myself guessing. This field is so massive in itself, it takes a master to be able to do both design and development. Usually the two fields find themselves satisfied with friendly collaboration.

I have also been asked to design products. Product design consists of strong drawing skills with a touch of engineering.

I have also found myself behind the lens, whether it be moving or still. The most confusing part of this is that within these two fields there are many others. Such as prop designers, production artists and more.

Lastly, I find myself wearing the hat of the Illustrator or Flash Designer. I have a steady hand in both of these, because I need to in my field. However, my belief is that for the optimal solution to a project, an experienced Illustrator and Flash Designer should be consulted if animation or illustration is an integral part of the job.

Bottom line is we designers have to know a little bit (or a lot) of everything to be most useful to our client/employer. Although it would take a lifetime, if not more, to settle into all of these wonderful professions.

Tables to Divs

2010-03-26T05:51:00.001-07:00

I have gotten so comfortable with using tables over the past few years, but I know I have got to keep up. My site currently is created with tables and styled with CSS, but I need to switch the tables over. In the coming months I plan to revamp my portfolio site, eliminating all tables and replacing them with lovely div containers :)

I Smell Spring!

2010-03-11T06:41:00.000-08:00

Us poor Michigan folk. This past Winter has been gloomier than normal. We are in definite need of some sunshine. Every day the snow melts a little bit more. Soon the Diag will be moving with frisbee and picnics. I cannot wait!

2010 Job Outlook for Graphic Designers

2010-01-29T02:53:00.000-08:00

Here is an optimistic article I read about the future of Graphic Design. The actual article can be found at artbistro.

Employment of graphic designers is expected grow about as fast as average. Keen competition for jobs is expected.

Individuals with a bachelor’s degree and knowledge of computer design software, particularly those with Web site design and animation experience will have the best opportunities.

How Employment Will Change

Employment of graphic designers is expected to grow 10 percent, about as fast as average for all occupations from 2006 to 2016, as demand for graphic design continues to increase from advertisers, publishers, and computer design firms. Some of this increase is expected to stem from the expansion of the video entertainment market, including television, movies, video, and made-for-Internet outlets.

Moreover, graphic designers with Web site design and animation experience will especially be needed as demand increases for design projects for interactive media—Web sites, video games, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, and other technology.

Demand for graphic designers also will increase as advertising firms create print and Web marketing and promotional materials for a growing number of products and services.In recent years, some computer, printing, and publishing firms have outsourced basic layout and design work to design firms overseas.

This trend is expected to continue and may have a negative impact on employment growth for low-level, technical graphic design workers. However, most high-level graphic design jobs will remain in the U.S. Strategic design, the work of developing communication strategies for clients and firms to help them to gain competitive advantages in the market, requires close proximity to the consumer in order to identify and target their needs and interests.

Job Market for Designers

Graphic designers are expected to face keen competition for available positions. Many talented individuals are attracted to careers as graphic designers. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree and knowledge of computer design software, particularly those with Web site design and animation experience will have the best opportunities.Graphic designers with a broad liberal arts education and experience in marketing and business management will be best suited for positions developing communication strategies.

Earnings for Artists

Median annual earnings for wage and salary graphic designers were $39,900 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $30,600 and $53,310. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,120, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $69,730. May 2006 median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of graphic designers were:

Specialized design services $43,410
Advertising and related services 41,600
Newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers 34,290
Printing and related support activities 33,930
Newspaper publishers 31,540

According to the American Institute of Graphic Arts, median annual total cash compensation for entry-level designers was $35,000 in 2007. Staff-level graphic designers earned a median of $45,000. Senior designers, who may supervise junior staff or have some decision-making authority that reflects their knowledge of graphic design, earned a median of $62,000.

Solo designers who freelanced or worked under contract to another company reported median earnings of $60,000. Design directors, the creative heads of design firms or in-house corporate design departments, earned $98,600. Graphic designers with ownership or partnership interests in a firm or who were principals of the firm in some other capacity earned.

Night of the Living Tread IV

2009-10-14T18:40:00.000-07:00

So it's that time of year again. Night of the Living Tread is upon us again. this years theme should provide plenty of entertainment for those at the checkpoints. There is an origin 8 frame set, track wheelset, origin 8 cranks, mks pedals, random hats and t-shirts as well. One Fixed will be shipping some swag as well. The Diag has proven to be such a good central meeting spot that we will be meeting there rather then Wheeler Park. As always, looking for volunteers to run checkpoints. See you there.
More info.

I Love This!

2009-09-26T11:20:00.001-07:00

Interesting Love Story

2009-09-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

Internship

2009-09-11T02:54:00.000-07:00

This is an outstanding internship opportunity for an individual who wishes to gain exposure to the dynamic atmosphere of internet marketing. You will be working directly with the our web designers & specialists and, although the primary focus of the position will be marketing on craigslist, you will have a unique opportunity to experience and contribute to all aspects of the e-marketing process. Read More.

Design Jobs

2009-09-09T02:54:00.001-07:00

I realize how hard it is out there so I thought I would help my fellow designers. I will try and post design positions in the Michigan area. Here are two recent postings I found. Good luck!

Senior Graphic Designer - Web Sites
Niche Retail, a fast-moving, team-oriented, and environmentally-conscious company, is seeking a full-time Senior Graphic Designer to join our team. The Senior Graphic Designer will be responsible for conceptualizing and delivering digital graphic designs for eCommerce websites. Read more.

Entry Level Graphic Illustrator/Designer – Temporary
A full-service engineering supplier headquartered in the Detroit suburb of Livonia, Michigan, Roush has over 2000 employees in more than 40 facilities across the United States and interests around the world. Widely recognized for providing engineering, testing, prototype development, and manufacturing services to the transportation industry, Roush also provides significant support to the automotive aftermarket, electronics, consumer product, and motorsports industries. Read more.

The Grace of Great Things

2009-09-07T06:19:00.000-07:00

What liberates the imagination is the sense that work in its theory and practice holds aesthetic possibilities, that jobs can be elegantly conceived and gracefully done. This sense of beauty unlocks feelings of pleasure and love that break down the barrier between worker and work and commit to work not merely the "thinking" consciousness but the full resources of mind.

- Robert Grudin

Augusten Burroughs

2009-07-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

Flash

2009-07-09T02:56:00.000-07:00

I am diving into Flash now. This program has had a love/hate or rather love/fear resolve with me. In one hand the timeline reminds me of Final Cut Pro, which I used often once upon a time. However the program offers layers upon layers of timelines and can be confusing. On the main timeline we hold the scene, which holds the animations or what have you. However, you can also click on the objects on the screen and they each have their own timeline, which looks similar to the main timeline. If I had one suggestion for Adobe, it would be to make it easier to tell the difference between timelines, but that is simply my opinion.

I have been researching avenues to learn Flash when I stumbled upon the site LearnFlash.com. Once I signed up for their weekly e-mails, I began getting free small tutorials on animations. For instance I recieved an online lesson to create a foggy effect and a venetian blinds sort of transition. After a couple of these lessons I was drawn in and actually browsed their products. They offer bundles, which includes an array of lessons or in my case I bought a single lesson. Normally I have paid $130 for 24 hours worth of lessons, where I paid only $36 through this site. I would recommend them to anyone longing to learn web-site design or Flash.

Poker Pedal Run

2009-06-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

Check JimmyRigged.com for details.

Homeless Dave has Found a Home

2009-06-16T17:10:00.000-07:00

Ann Arbor is the kind of city that I consider to be tightly woven, where individuals know one another and care. However, the city is still big enough that you might not know everyone or be able to reach its social boundary on each and every side. Homeless Dave seems to have been able to stretch himself far enough to not only come in contact with the circumference of our city, but to nestle in every aspect of it. Dave has a sincere interest in our city. He takes the time to visit, report, support, converse and even teeter (or totter) with all of us.

I originally met Dave in light of my husband's involvement in the cycling community here in Ann Arbor. Dave would come out to his events, volunteer as well as broadcast the happenings. Dave would also pop up at art shows, council meetings, the streets of downtown and any where people of this city gather to create and promote. He shares his participation in The Ann Arbor Chronicle which describes itself as a "daily news site that reflects and embraces the energy, oddities, and character of our community."

Dave also notices and interviews select citizens of Ann Arbor by sharing a ride with them on his teeter totter. At Homeless Dave Teeter Talk. The interviews are casual and fun, which often involve a dialogue about the teeter totter itself.

I wanted to write this in honor of Dave. In response to all the time and energy Dave has spent connecting his city and shining light on its heroes, he too has become one. Thank you Homeless Dave for all your dedication and talent you have shared with us. You are a valuable token to Ann Arbor, and we are lucky that you call this city home.

Design

2009-05-04T18:10:00.000-07:00

I was thinking today how far I have come in this field. I know my journey is still long and dense. I love every moment of this learning experience and now that I am immersed in what I love every day, I feel as if I can simply enjoy what I do.

One attribute that I have seen in previous mentors is the refusal to stop when the design is not perfect. There is a sense of accomplishment as I continually push myself harder and further in my work. I find myself often physically exhausted just from thought.

Every piece I create, no matter how insignificant, is created to the best of my ability. Anything less would eat me alive until it was polished.

On another note, I love seeing the world flip in and out of balance. Traffic aligns just so, natural light glows in its sincerity...
I notice it and I love it. Life is good and I feel very grateful today for art and design.

Time Magazine Article on Facebook

2009-03-30T05:48:00.000-07:00

Here is an article Time Magazine wrote on "Why Facebook is for Old Fogies." I think this is hilarious, and I now officially feel like and Old Fogie.

"Facebook is five. Maybe you didn't get it in your news feed, but it was in February 2004 that Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg, along with some classmates, launched the social network that ate the world. Did he realize back then in his dorm that he was witnessing merely the larval stage of his creation? For what began with college students has found its fullest, richest expression with us, the middle-aged. Here are 10 reasons Facebook is for old fogies:

1. Facebook is about finding people you've lost track of. And, son, we've lost track of more people than you've ever met. Remember who you went to prom with junior year? See, we don't. We've gone through multiple schools, jobs and marriages. Each one of those came with a complete cast of characters, most of whom we have forgotten existed. But Facebook never forgets. (See the best social-networking applications.)

2. We're no longer bitter about high school. You're probably still hung up on any number of petty slights, but when that person who used to call us that thing we're not going to mention here, because it really stuck, asks us to be friends on Facebook, we happily friend that person. Because we're all grown up now. We're bigger than that. Or some of us are, anyway. We're in therapy, and it's going really well. These are just broad generalizations. Next reason.

3. We never get drunk at parties and get photographed holding beer bottles in suggestive positions. We wish we still did that. But we don't.

4. Facebook isn't just a social network; it's a business network. And unlike, say, college students, we actually have jobs. What's the point of networking with people who can't hire you? Not that we'd want to work with anyone your age anyway. Given the recession — and the amount of time we spend on Facebook — a bunch of hungry, motivated young guns is the last thing we need around here.

5. We're lazy. We have jobs and children and houses and substance-abuse problems to deal with. At our age, we don't want to do anything. What we want is to hear about other people doing things and then judge them for it. Which is what news feeds are for.

6. We're old enough that pictures from grade school or summer camp look nothing like us. These days, the only way to identify us is with Facebook tags.

7. We have children. There is very little that old people enjoy more than forcing others to pay attention to pictures of their children. Facebook is the most efficient engine ever devised for this.

8. We're too old to remember e-mail addresses. You have to understand: we have spent decades drinking diet soda out of aluminum cans. That stuff catches up with you. We can't remember friends' e-mail addresses. We can barely remember their names.

9. We don't understand Twitter. Literally. It makes no sense to us.

10. We're not cool, and we don't care. There was a time when it was cool to be on Facebook. That time has passed. Facebook now has 150 million members, and its fastest-growing demographic is 30 and up. At this point, it's way cooler not to be on Facebook. We've ruined it for good, just like we ruined Twilight and skateboarding. So git! And while you're at it, you damn kids better get off our lawn too."

Gifts in Ann Arbor

2009-02-26T13:03:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to take a minute to support a local business. Please visit Crown House of Gifts for a wide variety of gifts. A perfect place to find gifts in Ann Arbor.

Shadow, Light and Sarah

2009-02-11T16:58:00.000-08:00

While growing up there are things, people, who you gravitate toward even before you know why. Friendships you attain, moments you have, that at the time are everyday but now you think of them always.

Sarah Washburn has been my closest friend for the majority of life. It is not necessarily that we liked the same things nor that we were much alike. Sarah and I seemed to simply take to the same environment even if that meant trouble.

We went to school together, studied under some of the same professors and just naturally grew as artists together. She a painter, I a writer. Our paths have crossed and merged so many times there simply came a time to bond and be.

Today I realize why we connected. Sarah and I are ying and yang. Sarah's incredible talent to capture light and shadow is beyond me. Her gifted patience has paid off. Her work seems to me as a confirming grip of the soft light and shadows that modestly live among us. Her paintings not only notice these highlights and down lights, but she masters them and forces them to come forward.

Sarah's work reminds me of Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin. Gauguin was never my favorite artist, but that does not mean he was not talented. Gauguin always made sure to "box" in his work. There was always a structure; a beginning and an end. I have never personally been comfortable with that notion, which simply reflects on my personality (loose ends).

Sarah utilizes colors that most likely do not exist, or are embellished from their natural state. I may be biased (probably) but knowing Sarah as long as I have is not cognitive, it is a natural attraction to talent.

Back to Art

2009-02-07T15:31:00.000-08:00

Okay, I have been getting WAY off subject lately. The news and life in general have been viciously whisking me away from the relevant. I was sitting here thinking how I could get back to what matters... and I thought of Bill.

William Burgard is without a doubt one of my favorite artists. If anyone is on Facebook, they have faced (no pun intended) the "25 Things" where people write 25 things about themselves. Number ten on my list is:

"A few of my favorite artists are Turner, Miro, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Frida, Riviera and my friend William Burgard."

I met Bill in 2003, when I was trying to fulfill my credits at U of M here in Ann Arbor. Mary Schmidt, Assistant Dean of the School of Art and Design, mentioned this fantastic class titled, "Imaging Ann Arbor." It was rather mysterious, even for Bill. We were to design a public art piece for downtown Ann Arbor - specifically the State Street area.

Five years later... I have found an idol. Bill is amazing. His most popular work are the posters for the Summer Festivals he has created every year since the 1980's. However, all his work is consistently random and honest. In my opinion it begins with an image, perhaps a photograph (lets asks him), containing many loose ends.

I believe loose ends offer, although my sculpture teacher disagreed, so many opportunities. Bill finds these small, almost unnoticeable openings for design – and harvests them.

Bill discovers dining images that no one - absolutely no one - could think of.

I sat down with Bill roughly five months ago when I was frustrated with my job. He said "I remember feeling like that. I felt like I was being asked to do these drawings when I knew I could do so much more."

He did.

Sink or Swim

2009-01-11T16:36:00.000-08:00

In order for there to be a "booming" economy there needs to be an unproductive economy. There has to be a balance in everything, and the stock market is no exception. Some times we do not make sense. When things are great we hold fast, when things are poor we want to sell. The stock market was never meant to perform like that, but just the opposite.

What I really want to touch on is the idea of sink or swim. Hopefully we have learned that financials will never be predictable nor always giving, because they are driven by human beings. The trick is to settle with the nonproductive as well as the non-devastating. Times can be just as challenging when life is simply idle. What I hope that we do during these times of neither sinking nor swimming, is think and prepare. Lets take this unproductive time as a gift of preparation.

Tonight!

2008-12-31T18:18:00.000-08:00

Alright, tonight is the night. I love that we get a chance to "start over." Imagine if there was never a break. Whether it is a physical divider or simply metaphorical, it is nice to wipe the slate clean. This past year has been tough, especially for those of us here in Michigan. I think as the clock strikes midnight tonight, we need to all invest in the same resolution. We need to trust one another and ease up on survival mode. We will not improve if we only look out for ourselves. I believe everyone is beginning to work together now, and that is the only cure for the country's illness. Happy New Year to all who stop by. See you in 2009!!

On the Right Street

2008-11-25T17:53:00.000-08:00

"We cannot have a thriving Wall Street without a thriving Main Street."
-Obama

We are all connected. When one falls.. all falls. This means it takes all of us to pick this country back up again. Please support your local businesses when shopping this Christmas.

Holiday Budget

2008-11-10T03:29:00.001-08:00

I thought I would post some ideas on how to be creative during the holiday season. Even though your holiday budget may be tight, there are other ways of giving a priceless gift without overextending your wallet. Photo gifts are always a fantastic gift. Special photos are to be cherished, and have value aside from currency. A nice site to visit is Snapfish for this sort of gift. What else is great about this site is that you can upload your digital photos, create the gift online and have it shipped to you or the receiver in mind. The site even has a section dedicated to gifts under $20 to assist with holiday budgeting.

Another great economically modest gift is creating a cool mouse pad for someone. I am always on the search for unique mouse pads, and I don't know if you noticed but mouse pads can get expensive! For a fancier sort of craft you can visit this site. However, the drawback for this creation is you will need to be a bit computer and image savvy. So, for a more hands-on experience you can also follow these instructions. A mouse-pad is also something that someone will put to use and keep for an extended period of time. I have posted a photo of a creative pad for inspiration.

These are just a couple of ideas. You can browse online for more. Here is a site that offers some more creative ideas on making gifts. Remember if you do not feel comfortable solely giving hand-made gifts you can combine them with less expensive purchased gifts to raise the value of your overall offering. Good luck and happy holidays!!

Longing for Art

2008-10-24T03:22:00.000-07:00

I have been so wrapped up in pushing my graphic and web design career forward that I have neglected my fine art. My friend, and one of my mentors, Anne Mondro has joined a new gallery in Chicago. The gallery, American Contemporary Gallery, hosts a handful of very talented and diverse artists. As I was browsing the artists and their work I stumbled upon these pieces that I have posted here.

These two paintings made me still. That is what happens when I encounter a piece of art that speaks to me - everything becomes still and for a moment I seem to understand it "all." Art, like these two paintings, whisper the secrets of life. They whisper things about connection and order. How amongst the day to day randomness there is a design that we can neither control or understand. These two pieces are very inspirational to me and they resonate to my inner artist and humanness.

Flash Exhibit

2008-10-22T17:56:00.001-07:00

Gallery Project presents Flash, an exhibition of original graphic art of tattoo culture worldwide. What used to be reserved for warriors, carnival performers, and other people on the fringe of society, tattoos now adorn us all. Their decoration guides their wearers into life's chaos and helps to define their individuality in the face of its conformity. The images are chosen talismans that protect, evoke memories, capture emotions and express opinions. The artists responsible for these creations are unique. Their canvas is alive, ever changing and imperfect. Their canvas can feel pain, and these engravings are permanent marks on a dynamic surface. There is a unique synergy between the artist and their living canvas that leads to the creation of an artwork that is personal and unrepeatable. This sub culture of artists has founded, maintained and evolved its traditions without any mainstream support or recognition, a social network of artists, creators and collectors that has evolved outside the contemporary art context.

This sub culture of artists has founded, maintained and evolved its traditions without any mainstream support or recognition, a social network of artists, creators and collectors that has evolved outside the contemporary art context. This showing of paintings, drawings, and graphic art, reveals some of the imagery and iconography which describes this culture. Curated by Jeff Zuck, owner of Name Brand Tattoo in Ann Arbor, and Alexa Lee, former director of the Alexa Lee Gallery, these artists represent the current state of several living global tattoo traditions. The artists include: Adam Forman from LA, Mario Desa from Chicago, Chriss Dettmer from Hamburg, Jeff Zuck, Kerri Baker, Leo Zulueta, Jen Munford, Mike Aul, Ethan Zuck and Dianne Mansfield all from Ann Arbor, Mike Dorsey from Cincinnati, Bill Falsetta from Ann Arbor, Tomas Garcia from Barcelona, Adam Shrewsbury from Cleveland, and Jason June and Guy Ursitti from Fun City Tattoo in New York City. Flash is a tribute to tattoo creators and enthusiasts, and is recognition of their artistic and cultural contributions. Gallery Project is a fine art collaborative. Its mission is to provide a venue for contemporary art that is culturally aware, individualistic, courageous, and thought provoking. Gallery Project is located at 215 South Fourth Avenue in Ann Arbor. Gallery hours are: Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 9; and Sunday, noon to 4. The gallery is closed on Mondays. For more information, call 734-997-7012 or e-mail at galleryproject@gmail.com. Visit the website at thegalleryproject.com.

Halloween

2008-10-10T03:08:00.000-07:00

The season is changing now, time to pull out the winter coat if you haven't already. A fun place to consider taking the family is Wiard's. Events include country fair, hayrides and a haunted house. We go every year. Another event I would like to promote is through an organization that Ann Arbor Designs actually does creative work for. I have posted the flyer, but it is strategic race of sorts - but on bicycles! The race, Night of the Living Tread, is a yearly occurrence with this being its third annual appearance. Check jimmyrigged.com for more details.

Obama

2008-09-28T06:16:00.001-07:00

“I believe that America's free market has been the engine of America's great progress. It's created a prosperity that is the envy of the world. It's led to a standard of living unmatched in history. And it has provided great rewards to the innovators and risk-takers who have made America a beacon for science, and technology, and discovery…We are all in this together. From CEOs to shareholders, from financiers to factory workers, we all have a stake in each other's success because the more Americans prosper, the more America prospers.”
— Barack Obama, New York, NY, September 17, 2007

I am so excited about this election. Being a part of the current generation and trying to break through vocationally has been a struggle. Every American has their own trials in our current economy. Whether it be trying to maintain a current lifestyle, attempting to create a life or losing everything all together; we are all suffering together. Something needs to give. I was raised to believe that I could accomplish anything if I worked hard enough. My parents never put restraints on me, they supported whatever I wanted to do. When I wanted to take piano lessons they bought me a piano, when I played in a band they put up with hearing drums in their basement, when I worked on my art they dealt with the mess. Now a mother, I instill those same ideals into my son. I want him to pursue anything he finds an interest in. I will never tell him that after working hard through college he will have to settle for whatever job he can get. That is not the America I love. If someone has the skills and the drive, they should be able to get to that place where they can benefit the community and themselves the best they can. I refuse to lose hope and I am thoroughly excited to be a part of the up and coming era of change.

Illustration vs Graphic Design

2008-09-11T07:34:00.000-07:00

There was a time when students went to school for either Illustration or Graphic Design. Illustration is "a visualization such as a drawing, painting, photograph or other work of art that stresses subject more than form" (wikipedia). Graphic Design "can refer to a number of artistic and professional disciplines which focus on visual communication and presentation. Various methods are used to create and combine symbols, images and/or words to create a visual representation of ideas and messages. A graphic designer may utilize typography, visual arts and page layout techniques in varying degrees to produce the final result of the project" (wikipedia).

So what is the difference? Well, generally Illustrators do not perform Graphic Design and Graphic Designers do not create Illustrations. That statement is beginning to faulter, however. Everything and everyone is becoming global. Designers and Illustrators must function across all platforms, although the two are very different. Illustrators create visual depictions of concepts. Whether it be via cartoons, actual drawings, digital renditions - Illustrators construct the beautiful eyecandy that goes into the layout.

The Graphic Designer is the collage artist, in layman's terms. He/she gathers the illustrations, photos, type, copy, paper, color and all other odds and ends that come together to create an entire communcative piece. The Graphic Designer finds a way to juggle all the elements effectively to ultimatley deliver the end result - the message.

Design at its Best

2008-09-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon Phire Branding while researching design in my area. There is not a day where I am not researching design and absorbing all I can. By saying that I research on a daily basis, when I take the time to focus in on a particular designer or firm, it certainly means that I have found something valuable. Phire Branding's web-site makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It is so intuitive, as I feel completely in tuned while it displays its contents. It moves from left to right, from top to bottom, supporting my natural instinct to absorb information.

Phire Branding is Flash at its best. Their usage of the program is exactly why I am learning it. The site is so organic and seems to have a life all its own. With every click there is something new and compelling, while maintaining the consistency that is so essential in design. This site is fantastic, so much so that it must be shared. Here is an article about the firm if you would like to know a little more about them.

Time for Flash

2008-09-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

I have been struggling to catch up with the web world lately. I made it my goal to learn Dreamweaver, but all along I kept hearing that I really needed to know HTML and CSS. I wanted to learn correctly, and work correctly, so I strove to learn. I have been dabbling with code even though the designer in me wants to just work away in Dreamweaver, referring to the code only when there is trouble. Even though I thought I had come so far, I kept feeling as if I was still behind because I had not learned Flash.

Well, this is going to change. I finished my last Dreamweaver/CSS course and now I looking to Lynda.com for lessons in Flash. As of right now I am learning the drawing tools, which are already really cool. Flash is like Illustrator with some extra gadgets. Not to mention the way Lynda offers the information is extremely effective. The courses are ideal for a designer since they are all video, therefore visual. So here I go..

CSS Issues

2008-08-26T02:59:00.000-07:00

When starting a style sheet everything seems to go fine. One thing I have to watch carefully is to connect each page to the same style sheet, so that's easy enough. However, an issue I am finding is sometimes I will try to set a style and it will not work. This dilemma leaves me guessing over and over again for long periods of time. I fool around with making the style external and even internal to get it to perform. This trial and error can leave me with repetitive and even useless code in my style sheet. So, these are the cliches I need to work out. When this happens I look in the code and I just can't figure out why it is not working. I am guessing there must be a style already defined that conflicts. I know the rule of thumb is "work from the outside in." That might be my problem too.

826michigan

2008-08-15T19:27:00.000-07:00

I donated a piece to 826michigan. Although it did not sell at their silent aution they are now trying to sell it on their ebay auction. The details of their auctions can be found here.

"826michigan is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6 to 18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. Our services are structured around our belief that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success."

If you have never stopped by 829michigan, you really should. They have turned the front half of their building into Liberty Street Robot Supply & Repair - which is way cool. They even have a 2-XL robot in there!! Does anyone remember these guys? Stop by there some Friday night, its a blast.

Flash...yes I know..

2008-08-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

No, I have not forgotten about you my dear Flash. I just want to give each and every vehicle of my design the attention it deserves. I have dabbled in animation years ago in a college course. I also used to be addicted to Final Cut Pro for a few years, and that program is similar to the setup of an animation program. I have used sound software as well, so I am not completely ignorant to Flash's infostructure.

I am going to learn Flash as soon as I am finished with handy dandy CSS course. These days a designer needs to know everything. It seems like there was once upon a time where everyone had their responsibilities. There was a designer, an illustrator, an animator, a web designer... Nowadays you have to be cross platformed, no doubt about it.

Anne Mondro

2008-08-14T19:06:00.000-07:00

Here is a video featuring Anne Mondro. I consider Anne a mentor, a professor and a friend. She is amazingly talented and detailed.

New Site!!

2008-08-11T16:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, after viewing the traffic of my fine art site I decided to redirect all my attention and focus solely on my design for now. The new site Ann Arbor Designs showcases my graphic and web design portfolio. Once I feel comfortable with the success of this site I will rework my fine art in later. I am still in the process of completing my last CSS course and then it is on to Flash! Then perhaps I can add some more pizazz to the new site.

CSS Craziness

2008-07-31T07:39:00.000-07:00

I have been building this site and using my new found (still developing) CSS skills. So I think I am ready to revamp the Ann Arbor Artist site. I could just go on and on in constructing a site. It is amazing how far it comes from where it starts. I put it up and I think its done..nope. When it comes to design in general, that is just the way it goes. The design has to sort of "settle" after putting it together. There has to be a period of time where the designer is allowed to detach from the work. Unfortunately in the real world, things have to be put together so fast that natural perfecting of design is not allowed to happen, so the designer must force himself/herself to step away.

When I'm designing I end up closing and opening the window I am working in, just see what my first reaction is to the design as it pops up. I try to put myself into a third party perception when I do this. I do it more than one time over and over again, and usually my eyes will continuously go to the same spot, then I know that is the element that needs adjusting. There is a time, however, where everything just "flows." Its a perfect jive, well at least for now until a few years goes by and you look back and realize you would have done this or that. That is the way it should be though. If there ever comes a time when I can't look back and reflect on all I have learned, then I am not doing my job as a designer.

One Last Class!

2008-07-14T11:52:00.001-07:00

I am enrolled in one last web site class. I have now taken Dreamweaver, HTML, intermediate HTML and introductory CSS and this final course is intermediate Dreamweaver and CSS. My idea was always to gather up as much information as I could before jumping into the site's redesign. I wanted to go into it knowing how it was suppose to be built as to not have to backpedal (I hate backpedaling). So, I hope to get the new site up by the end of next month. It is really hindering not having a successful place to exhibit my work, it looks as if I am some amateur. Well in some ways I am but not for long!!

Renovation

2008-06-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

I have not written in a while and I apologize, although perhaps no one reads this anyway. I have been very busy with advancing my graphic design career. My plan is to revise my web site and it will serve as a dual host for my graphic design and my art. The process will be timely, so please forgive my absence. More importantly please forgive my web site I know it needs serious work.

Talk to you soon!!
Elizabeth

Aging With Attitude Documentary

2008-05-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

Aging with Attitude Art Exhibit

SafeHouse Show

2008-04-27T10:26:00.001-07:00

This was a very powerful show. I donated my piece to SafeHouse and now can be found in their lobby.

rEVOLUTION

2008-04-09T18:50:00.001-07:00

Show this Friday featuring "The Story of the Wood." It will take place at the Duderstadt Center. Opening reception starts at 7pm.

Aging With Attitude

2008-03-08T13:26:00.000-08:00

The show was fantastic!

Show At Cafe Ambrosia

2008-02-15T06:24:00.000-08:00

I am participating in a small show at Cafe Ambrosia. The show is Friday, February 22nd from 8-11:30pm. There will be great coffee and live music as well.

Aging with Attitude

2008-02-11T13:28:00.000-08:00

I am participating in a show at the Slusser Gallery. The piece is titled "Le Bain." It depicts the functionality of a woman. As she ages she becomes the agent rather than the participant. Her life absorbs more purpose. The tools symbolize her responsibilities. The porcelain tub is her youth. This piece is an etching with acrylic on steel. The show will run from March 7-28 2008 with the opening reception on the 7th from 6-9:00pm.

Finished

2008-01-13T08:13:00.000-08:00

I finished the piece, it is titled "Mama's Little Boy". I let the steel sit in the etching solution for almost an entire day. It is a challenge to work with portraits on steel, because the metal curbs the organicness of the figure. Since I am working with etching solution, there is a sence of unpredictability. I actually enjoy this aspect because I am forced to conform to the piece rather than the other way around. Saying this, a viewer must accept that there will be flaws in my pieces and some might not be able to do that. My work is meant to be humble and simply tell a story. I am not a grandoise person, therefore my art will never be. They are simply observations from my point of view in life.

The trickiest thing about creating this particular piece was dealing with the black and white. The problem came when I was picking colors for the stain of the wood. At first I went with a "storm gray" but combined with the wood it almost seemed green to me. I did not want the frame to take any precedence over the piece, so choosing an accent color was out of the question. After much stress, I decided on a cool blue, which I am still unsure about. I figure the blue speaks appropriatly to a little boy, so that alone let me rest.

Process

2008-01-01T10:38:00.001-08:00

First I determine what it is I walk to talk about in a piece. In this particular piece I have decided to discuss being a mother. An idea for a piece first starts with a photograph. Sometimes I go out and take a roll of film with the intention of collaborating the images in a design to create new work. I had this photo of my son from over the summer, and I just think it is such a perfect capture of him. He is communicating with me through his eyes and he is so very happy. Of course I had a good deal of negative space to deal with once I place him at the very left side of the composition. I needed an element that was appropriate for the feeling the piece encompassed, but also it needed to be something that would float the eye around. I chose the bubbles for exactly this purpose. The piece is simple and hopefully speaks for itself. It is about childhood and innocence. After I created this design I laid it out on steel and it is etching as we speak. I think I am going to keep the final product black and white, because for one I have not done a black and white piece, but for two I believe its subtleties will preserve the elegance I wish to resonate. We'll see..

Giving

2007-12-23T04:31:00.000-08:00

I am full of thoughts this morning; aching to write as I make my coffee. I was thinking about Christmas and family controversy. Issues thrive whether there is a holiday or not, but I think it is interesting how those issues are less tameable around Christmas. Anyway, that really is not what I wanted to talk about. What I was thinking about was what someone told me this past week. I was sitting in on a conversation about someone who is claimed to be a selfish person. The conversation was concluded with the comment, "She should think of someone other than herself. She should try giving to others and she would not be so selfish." I have been thinking about that comment for the past few days. I think that comment is very true. We can remove ourselves out of our head by giving. This liberation from inner-thought could surely be a concoction for happiness. The problem with this ideal advice is that not everyone has the ability to give.

What if a key element to being happy was to give to others? How many of us are excluded from this cure? If someone is constantly consumed with making ends meet, how are they possibly expected to give to others? When people are in survival mode, stretching to make ends meet, they are stricken with selfishness. Can you blame them? I think it is also very easy for this comment to be declared if the person declaring has never struggled.

Giving is more than handing a concrete object to someone else. It is the feeling of contributing to the whole idea, making a difference. Having the ability to give is a result of fortune. More than anything the act of giving shows the existence of choice. When someone gives they had the opportunity to choose. It all comes down to free will and having the ability to utilize it. As an individual if forced to battle through the everyday, they are unable to employ free will. This disadvantage inevitability hinders happiness.

In With the New and Out with the Old

2007-12-18T07:11:00.000-08:00

I went in the Apple store this past weekend. I have never seen a retail store actually shine from the outside. As I slowly wandered (and drooled) around in awe of the macs, I felt as if I was at Olympus resting at the feet of deities. With each step I took in the luminous environment, the idols became larger and larger until I found myself fiddling with 24 inch iMac. I have a G5 at home and I remember thinking I had it made when I bought it roughly four years ago. Now I feel like I should be squinting as I type this.

There is so much to know, so many devices and programs out there. How am I suppose to get my hands on them? I am a student, a mother, an artist and an office manager. How can I afford to keep up with the Joneses, or should I say Jobses. I suppose a good way of looking at it is that new technology can only take us so far and individual creativity takes us the rest of the way. It sure would be nice to have both though.

Impact of Technology

2007-12-04T10:37:00.000-08:00

Our focus throughout this semester has been the impact of technology on all different aspects of our lives. I have customized my approach to these repercussions to analyze the artistic world. My investigation has probed art's place on the Internet. It is amazing to think about art in its most primitive sense. Try to imagine Durer carving crevasses in wood blocks to create his masterpieces, or Michelangelo chipping away at his stone. Artwork exemplified patience and dedication during the time of these two geniuses. Being an artist can certainly still require these traits, but our processes have surely sped up. Not only did the execution of a piece become more timely, but the artist's message can now reach millions through the World Wide Web.

For an artist to communicate efficiently they must think of a consistent way to group their work for a website. The artist's own personal style and technique should resonate through the site. Unlike artwork, however, the website needs to be clear and understandable even if the work is not. The conversion time of a visitor opening a page and deciding whether to enter or leave is rapid. The site must be enticing and easily applicable. The present day visitor has no time to waste. The unfortunate truth of the matter is when it comes to the web, there are millions of other voices trying to be heard and a message can easily be muted.

I have created this brief video to show the basic fundamentals to creating a website. The journey begins with the idea, the epiphany. The concept must make it to paper where all thoughts and travel are mapped out. Correct copy must be written for the site, because text is everything. The description should be simple, direct, original and plentiful. Images are suggested, but they must also be modest and careful. It can be very difficult for anyone who is artist to abide by the rules of the web. The Internet is governed by code and is very precise. All text, images and design is constructed by this code. Once everything is as it should be, the website can be published for all to view. A website should never be thought of as "complete". As Michelangelo dedicated his life to his creations, the web designer always needs to analyze and reconstruct.

Some things I like..

2007-12-01T12:53:00.000-08:00

“When I say artist I mean the man who is building things -- creating molding the earth -- whether it be the plains of the west -- or the iron ore of Penn. It's all a big game of construction -- some with a brush -- some with a shovel -- some choose a pen.”
-Jackson Pollock

A Utensil for Every Hunger

2007-11-20T17:20:00.001-08:00

Tonight in class we talked about the Fork and how it changes in different situations. My personal take on the Fork is that there is a specific Fork for distict purposes, as there is a unique utensil for each meal. I see the Fork resembling a medium. Every artist has his or her own vehicle to project art. I put together a small video to examine how there is medium for every artist as there is a utensil for every hunger.

Ode to Layers

2007-11-20T10:47:00.000-08:00

Today is my "Ode to Layers" posting. Our physical world is abundant with all types of layers. Professor Moss brought in the book that is about the surface of objects, but an object without layers does not exist. There is of course the exterior of all substances, but an entire world lives and breathes beneath what is seen that is an essential part of the whole. There are layers within our skin, layers that construct our bodies. Layers encompass the earth, it is a buried system at work.

Layers are very important when it comes to art as well. Obvious examples of this would be a background and a foreground that establishes a sense of depth in a piece. Layers in art also offer a richness that is neglected by flat compositions. Having mentioned what an important aspect layers are in artwork, I am confused why layers are looked down upon in website design. Website design seems to be the one exception to using layers in design. The elements in web design are suppose to be thought of as all being on the same plane, existing side-by-side. This concept is very hard to succumb to, especially if you are used to using layers like I am. I long for the web to be as organic and layered as the rest of the world, and I hope I can find a way to do so.

Daily Technology

2007-11-13T17:25:00.000-08:00

"Technology is a broad concept that deals with a species' usage and knowledge of tools and crafts, and how it affects a species' ability to control and adapt to its environment." Going forth after knowing this definition, I sift through my day and those who I spoke with on North Campus regarding the technology they regularly come in contact with. I use every piece of technology that was mentioned (except an MP3 Player and I do not ride the bus) so I began to mentally commute through my day. I hit my alarm clock, adjust the heater in my house, warm my son's milk up in a microwave, take a shower, curl my hair, make espresso, start my car, talk on my phone, stop at a stoplight, ride an elevator, live on the internet, scan images, print those images, design with Adobe, add on my calculator, park in a garage, swipe my school ID, correspond with my fellow students via email, take priceless photos of my family, watch a movie after I have popped my popcorn in the microwave and then I turn out the lights and go to bed...which I can't wait to do.

The Modesty Card

2007-11-13T11:40:00.000-08:00

Modesty, according to Wikipedia, "comprises a set of culturally or religiously determined values that relate to the presentation of the self to others." So, in a sense is it having integrity in that it is forming principles within oneself. These are principles that are not instilled upon an individual, but they are values established by the individual. When it comes to the web, modesty is challenged where freedom reigns. The web allows a massive amount of publication and distribution, so when utilizing integrity on the web, one should choose wisely in one's administration. As Lessig pointed out, the Internet holds admittance to an alternate life. This liberation of anonymity also lends itself to dishonesty. The Internet numbs the effect in the case of "cause and effect" so the bad deed or thoughtless performance on the Internet escapes its due repercussions. Modesty, integrity and editing oneself are all essential, although not required, attributes when using the Internet. Editing oneself on the web should be just as detailed as manifesting a thesis paper. Participation on the web should be well thought out with the intention of a worthwhile contribution.

Cool Website

2007-11-03T09:14:00.001-07:00

I stumbled upon this website and I just had to share it. Go ahead and take a look first: http://www.dredg.com/

The best way for an artist to display their work is through a website. What better way to display one's work artistically. The design of this website jives perfectly with the artist's style. The color scheme is lovely, the cool green and peach has an anatomical feel. With an organic representation, the artist's creatures come to life as Flash allows them to breathe in the corner as you observe. Everything is also so clean, it gives me the feel of something involving laboratory research. Exotics encased in labeled beakers. I love this site, and I am so grateful I found it. When I see sites like this it makes me so excited to learn more. Such an inspiration! Hope you enjoyed it.

What Is Art?

2007-11-02T06:56:00.000-07:00

Art in Everyday Life

2007-10-31T07:44:00.001-07:00

We create art in our lives everyday. I suppose a definition of art would be appropriate at this point. However, I am viewing art as an expression of oneself. I am not narrowing art down into a medium or training, I am simply stating that art flows from us even if we are unaware. For instance we create art through the way we decorate our house. By choosing the beige color in our living room or by picking out the lamp next to our bed, we are aesthetically acting out. Another way in which we promote art on a daily basis is by listening to the type of music we gravitate toward. Music, whatever it may be for each of us, resonates within us and again gives us a vehicle to create art. We also use art when we dress or wear our hair a certain way. Our taste in fashion relays to the world what sort of person we are and what appeals to us visually. One last interesting utilization of art in everyday live can be as simple as our daily routine. We all establish our own personal ambiance in our lives. Whether we brush our teeth in the shower or out, sleep on our side or our stomach, even whether we write with our right hand verses the left; these qualities are unique to us all and are ways to which we represent ourselves artistically.

Voice

2007-10-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned in a previous post that artists acquire their own voice and through that voice their artwork becomes recognizable as their own. Many artists are aware of where their particular style comes from, whether it be their home town, or from studying under a particular genre of art or artist. Some artists have no idea where their style derived from, and it can be an interesting inner-journey for them to discover that. I have chosen an artist by the name of Sharon Cummings to use as an example to show how an artist's work becomes like a family. It became apparent to me that somewhere along the way Sharon has gravitated toward a sort of circular design. Even though each piece is unique, most of them share a orbital quality. This element in Sharon's work could resemble a sort of harmony within her, for circles are very powerful in art and design as a symbol of completeness. I think I fancied Sharon's work because I tend to incorporate circular features in my own work. It is important for a working artist to be aware and embrace their voice in order to be successful.

Found Art

2007-10-17T13:01:00.001-07:00

I want to share some examples of what I consider "Found Art". In everyday life beautiful art can reveal itself. Some art does not even need to be intentional. Far and few between rocks may be arranged in a certain manner, paint will be peeling in a particular way, even telephone lines will crisscross in a specific fashion. These are just examples of events that can happen in life that give a viewer an opportunity to notice or to overlook. This junction in time is the precise moment a test arises and a conclusion is derived. The result is whether or not one is observant to one's world. These are the little things in life and my hope in sharing them with you is that maybe next time you'll pay attention.

Art Exhibits

2007-10-08T13:36:00.000-07:00

I went to a couple of art openings this past Friday. I actually have not been to as many as I would like due to my toddler needing all my extra time. I have a piece in a show at the Ann Arbor Art Center. The show is called "The Annual: All Media Exhibition". A show with such a diverse offering, permitted one to see how wonderful being an artist is. I was standing on the second floor looking at a large photograph that had been extremely saturated and I was thinking about what a clever idea the piece was. I would have never thought to do what that artist did, but the artist found their voice and now whenever I see an image like that I will know it must be them. Artwork is like fingerprints, every one is unique. An artist's work becomes their own personal identity. Some may absorb a style of another artist through inspriation, but it could never possibly be the same. My piece was on the first floor of the gallery. Such a small creation next to larger manifestations. It looked so meek and could perhaps even get glanced over. As I stared at it, I could envision the years ahead of me consisting of progress and work. I have been chipping away at this for as long as I can remember, and I love every minute of it. I once read that "art is a journey, not a destination." This quote may seem cliche, but its sincerely is undeniable. I have no endpoint in mind for my work, I do it for the process and for the revelations that unveil themselves with each piece. Something else that I want to share with anyone who reads this (if anyone even reads this) is the other artist I went to see Friday night at the Washington Street Gallery. I have included an image of one of the pieces that is on display there currently. The artist, Alvey Jones, shares beautiful and laborous pieces. His artwork reminds me of shadow boxes filled with secrets and memories. I especially appreciate the mixing of medium. He reaches out to all the senses with his piece. He paints the water and includes actual sand to bring forth the actual presence and texture of the beach. The colors are careful and specific, creating a sense of reflection and nostalgia. There is something very private, yet public, about this piece. Each little container holds a piece of the puzzle, and together they make a statement about the world and life as a whole. I would love to know what he was thinking, but then again I don't. Constructing one's own personal relationship with a piece of art is the point of the experience. For a second I can feel as if that piece and I found each and something beautiful was shared.
For more information on these two shows please click here.

Structure

2007-10-01T13:30:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about what we talked about last week regarding structure. I personally feel as if structure is very important. We discover structure and limits as we grow, which assists in molding us as the individuals we are. It is impossible to succeed at something that does not have structure. Without limits or guidelines, a task seems unnecessary to me. Once a structure has been determined, an amazing array of events reveal themselves. The individual begins to derive a plan to reach the goal set by the structure. Every scheme arranged by each person will be different and vary in such a way that the planner is unique. The plans will either fail or flourish. Even these two consequences allow for such essential effects. When someone fails they get to learn from their mistakes (if they wish). If someone succeeds, they breathe in a air of confidence. When someone bestows structure and guidelines it tells me that they care. A person has given a lot of thought to something that requires guidelines. When this concern is lacking, any secondary effort could possibly be absent as well.

Architecture

2007-09-25T07:17:00.000-07:00

I am building a website right now and I am still relatively new at the process. Building a site takes time, patience and planning. Everything must be organized so with each click the viewer gets closer and closer to their destination. The site also has to be clear and understandable. It is difficult because too much information can put off the visitor, but sometimes the amount of information is unavoidably massive and the designer just has to work with it. While I am building I am thinking of Lessig and how he wrote about the "building" and "architecture" elements of the web in Code. In a way building a site can be like a puzzle, where the pieces have a correct placement and the designer must find it. Every choice the designer makes must have a reason, there should not be any decision made without a basis. There can be a lot of maintenance as well, even redundancy. Although, the final product is well worth all the hard work. When the site is up and running on the web, it is cared for like a lit candle on a cake making its way to the birthday boy. The carrier must pay careful attention to their footing as to not blow out the candle. Little adjustments and steps here and there, but after all the trial and error to get the site to work, the designer must be careful not make a mistake since everything is linked together. It is also interesting how even once the site is complete, there is still another challenge to undergo. Every browser system displays and reads code differently. On top of that every server is unique, so a website changes it's skin with every set of eyes. The designer must also make herself mobile and look at the site from every angle possible to make sure everyone can view the site correctly. One last thought about websites, which I love, is that even when all is said and done I still can't help but want to take the site to the next level. Sites were meant to constantly change, spiders on the web ignore stagnant sites. The process is never really finished, and thank God for it.

Streamlining

2007-09-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking how I can take this blog thing and veer it in the direction that is most suited for me. Seeing that I am an artist, it seems most appropriate for me to gravitate toward what the web has to offer as far as art is concerned. I began to research the web and art and how the two intertwine. I found definitions of what Internet Art is. I followed a trail until it led me to an artist named Young-Hae Chang who creates Internet Art. I especially thought this piece was appropriate to share with the class. She asks a lot of questions that we have touched on already in Lessig. One thing in particular that resonated with me was when she mentioned that a website is a story of someone's life. How true. I am going to streamline my blog into a discussion about art on the web. Whether it be Internet Art, someone's photography, writing, a website or whatever I deem worthwhile and shareable. Lets start with this.

Lessig's Four Themes

2007-09-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

Lessig set up his book by telling the reader four different stories to communicate four themes that he plans on addressing. The first "regulability" was emphasized in the story about gambling and how a leader did not want her people gambling, but the people found a way to do so through the internet, because it was difficult to track down where the servers were. The second theme "regulation by code" describes regulability being capable by code. Each space on the iternet offers its own architecture, which determines its own set of rules. The third theme "latent ambiguity" relays the story of the worm and teeters on the idea as to whether the worm really breaches our rights. We would first need to re-examine the definition of "search" and how it is understood. What the amendment originally meant does not exactly match up with what the worm is doing, so there are quite a few holes to fall through. The last and fourth theme is "competing sovereigns" from the story about Jake from Ann Arbor. This theme discusses how the norms in cyber space are different, and do not necessarily relate or comply with other locations, such as reality.

Internet and Inhibitions

2007-09-13T06:05:00.002-07:00

I was reading the article Leslie contributed about the effects the Internet has on social interaction and depression based on the studies of Psychologist Robert Kraut, PhD. As I am reading this article I am relating the unhealthy participation on the web to addiction. The web has taken on the role of a drug, but we will use alcohol for this purpose. Alcohol has a known effect of lifting inhibitions for its users. The freedom this release offers allows for the feeling of confidence, an adrenaline fix or even the feeling of being social when that ability is normally hindered. As the article states, "Like any technology, the World Wide Web can lead to good or bad behaviors." The web becomes an enabler for this addictive behavior. If anyone knows anything about addiction you will also know that addiction is there regardless of the web's presence. These people are looking to the web to offer them something they normally struggle with, therefore they are already conflicted. However, a society that is so significantly based in the web makes recovery for that individual that much more difficult.

Gains and Losses

2007-09-12T11:55:00.001-07:00

I have began thinking about the question "what have we lost and gained with the presence of the internet?" So, I thought I would make a list...

Gains:

Locating Family Members: http://www.familysearch.org/
Finding Old Friends: http://www.myspace.com/
Getting Dates: http://www.match.com/home/mymatch.aspx?
Obtaining Directions: http://www.mapquest.com/
Discovering if there are Sex Offenders in your Area: http://www.familywatchdog.us/
Hearing Local Opinions: http://annarbor.craigslist.org/rnr/
Ordering Movies to your Doorstep: http://www.blockbuster.com/
Buy and Sell: http://www.ebay.com/

Not to mention one can find whatever they want. Go ahead try it: http://www.google.com/

I find it harder to list things that we have lost. Let see...

Losses:

We talked about this: http://www.stefangeens.com/graphics/blog/letter-cover-front-s.jpg
Maybe less of this: http://www.nuim.ie/location/tour/photos/south_library02.jpg
Less of these: http://www.learntoplaymusic.com/US/images/CD-Case-6000-6.jpg
Not so many of these: http://sleepygi.setupmyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/WindowsLiveWriter/postittable_1101F/post-it-table%5B4%5D.jpg

I am having a difficult time thinking of anything worthwhile that has been lost due to the internet. If anyone can think of anything feel free to chime in.

Fellow Students' Blogs

2007-09-10T06:10:00.000-07:00

Evan: http://plisner.blogspot.com/
Kimberly: http://mblog.lib.umich.edu/eng280kim
Leslie: http://mblog.lib.umich.edu/Eng280Leslie
Elizabeth: http://mblog.lib.umich.edu/eng280elizabeth/
Scott: http://racevoelkleng280.wordpress.com/
David: http://mblog.lib.umich.edu/~melnick
Michael: http://mike-eng280.blogspot.com/
Thomas: eng280farce.blogspot.com

Code 2.0 Response 1

2007-09-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

I never thought about government and the internet in the same connotation. Although, now that I think about it there are many governing entities outside of the traditional ideals one might refer to when thinking about "government". I think one particular entity that comes to mind is Google. Now, I love Google for being in Ann Arbor, but you have to go through them first if you ever want to be found on the internet. They determine which web sites are worthy enough to be featured above others and this is exhibited in their "page rank" that they distribute. There are certain rules that must be followed, criteria that must be met if one wants to be found on the internet. If you have the money and the right words, AdWords or proper SEO will do the trick.

Lessig also asks the question "Why is cyberspace incapable of regulation?" Of course it is though. Web sites are categorized, ranked, bought, advertised and lost on the internet. This last placement of web sites interests me, the "lost" aspect. When I Google something and click further and further down the listed results, I may stumble upon an abandoned web site. A haven of information that just sits there, possibly from years ago. It is easy to get lost on the internet, perhaps see something one day and never be able to find it the next. There are massive amounts of information on here, a file cabinet that stretches and grows. I love it.

Lessig speaks of the act of building and thats all the Internet does is build and build, but to no such destination. The internet is an example of the way we think, one thought to the next, and speed matters. Information must not only go through the appropriate channels on the internet to be found, but it has to be quickly accessible. If a site stutters and takes a second too long to open, forget it. The viewer is gone. This brings me to another of Lessig's points: privacy or access. I believe there is no privacy, and access is the core objective here on the internet. To even go one step further I would think access and contribution are the two main elements of the internet. I can access any bit of information that exists in the world and I can also contribute to that database.

My final thought here is that as different as online and offline are, they are very much the same. The two have merged with one another so much now since the internet has taken on such an impacting place in our society. The internet is not a secret within a small community, it is a fundamental way of our life. When something is so significant it will never extend beyond government's control but rather it becomes a matter of interest.