My new favorite toy!

On my birthday in October my parents bought me the Bamboo capture. It is a small tablet you can connect to your computer, and it can be used to edit images and create illustrations. I haven't been able to use it until recently because my Macbook Pro cd drive was broken. I needed to install a program before I could use it properly. 

Now that everything is fixed, I just used the Bamboo Capture for my senior project! For this project we had to chose from a list of creative briefs on the D&AD website. I chose to design perfume packaging for L'Artisan Parfumeur brand. I thought this would be a perfect project to break out the Bamboo. I created all my illustrations on the bottles on the Bamboo. It was a great way to get to know the product better. I love it!

Computer Arts

I love buying new magazines for plane rides, and two years ago I discovered my favorite magazine! I found Computer Arts at Barnes and Noble, in the craft section. I was so excited because I had never seen this mag before! It was a huge bonus that it also came with a disc of tips and tricks on different Adobe Creative Suite programs, and a free font. It was so helpful, the magazine is filled with new creative's work, brilliant ideas, and great advice. This specific issue of the mag had a portfolio section on do's and dont's! To this day I go back and read the portfolio section to keep me on track.

After my vacation I went back to Barnes and Noble to get the next issue of Computer Arts, but it was no where to be found. Last year for my birthday I asked for the subscription to the magazine. It is UK based, so I am assuming that is why Barnes and Noble only had it for a short time. The subscription is a bit pricey, but I am so happy to have it. I learn something new every month, and improve my skills with the disc that comes with each issue. I would recommend this magazine to every designer! I love it.

http://www.computerarts.co.uk

3 Things I Have Learned

As a Senior, on the verge of graduation, it is time to think about the real world. I have had so many questions over the years about the future of design, and where I can go as a designer. I have asked these questions to guest speakers, teachers, and other people in my class, and have received numerous answers. Here is what I have learned.

1. Design for you.

Do personal projects. Design what you want. As a design student we do class project after class project, but you need to find the time to do your own work. I don't know about anyone else, but most of the time I am not the biggest fan of the briefs or the solution I create for a problem is "out of reach" for a client. Personal projects give you space to express yourself and show off your creative solutions. This is something I just started doing senior year, but I wish I had worked on more personal projects earlier.

2. Start your portfolio before the portfolio class.

Always be collecting your work as you create it! Take screen shots and pictures of your projects as the process moves along. This way once it comes time to chose what to put in your portfolio, you have lots of options and process work to chose from. This will be so helpful. I wish I had done this! Also know how to photograph your work ahead of time. Here is a good beginners perspective of how to shoot your work. http://www.paper-leaf.com/blog/2009/09/how-to-take-better-photos-of-print-design-work/

3. Network.

Be social! Networking is a great way to get help in the design world. I cannot tell you how many opportunities and freelancing jobs I have received from just having a friendly conversation with someone. I know a lot of talented designers in my classes, but just because someone has amazing work doesn't mean they will get a job. Being sociable and friendly is huge. You need to be able to communicate your ideas and thoughts!

Death Wish Coffee

I love branding. Last year i took a brand strategy design class, and I really appreciated the thought process behind creating a brand. Learning everything about the brand is the easy part, because everything is out in the open for you to gather information. The hard part is creating a solution that stands out from the rest of the brand's competition.

Being an extreme coffee lover, I stumbled upon a coffee company called Death Wish Coffee. I was shocked by their brand, and instantly loved what they were doing. They took coffee to an extreme, and the way they branded themselves is extreme as well. They aren't messing around. Their name alone sets them apart from all other coffee brands. This is the most highly caffeinated premium dark roast organic coffee in the world. That statement alone makes me want to try this coffee, just to accept the challenge. 

Their design is rough and edgy. The colors and brand name represent the brand just the way they want it to. I think this is a perfect example of a brand taking a risk and standing a part from the competition. Their branding makes me want to purchase a bag just to try it out!