Sunday, February 20, 2011

Complicated Design


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.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Self Portrait

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.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Fresh Portfolio







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/

Saturday, June 19, 2010

I'M COMIC SANS, A@#HOLE

(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

Friday, April 16, 2010

The Many Hats of the Designer



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.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Tables to Divs



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 :)

Thursday, March 11, 2010

I Smell Spring!



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!

Friday, January 29, 2010

2010 Job Outlook for Graphic Designers


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.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Night of the Living Tread IV




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.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Internship

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.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Design Jobs

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.

Monday, September 7, 2009

The Grace of Great Things


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

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Flash



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.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Poker Pedal Run


Check JimmyRigged.com for details.

Homeless Dave has Found a Home


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.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Design


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.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Time Magazine Article on Facebook



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."