At this point in time

At this point in time, I will gladly admit that I no longer hate web design. I might, just maybe, even like it, a little. I was afraid, after only one week into class, that I would never figure it out, but now seem more comfortable and understanding of how exactly HTML codes work together to build a website.

My experiences so far, have been both good and bad. I struggled dearly with my attempt to make a drop down menu and an online web gallery using Photoshop's easy button. With the help of my instructor, I was able to make it work. I have yet to learn how to make it look exactly as I had wanted.

I remember during the 2nd or 3rd week of class, I was sitting there and one of my classmates asked me a question and I answered him almost instantly. I think I shocked myself with how much I actually knew, and found myself explaining it to others. I was also very proud of myself when I found the command that allows you to make roll over images, which I used a lot for my navigation buttons. :)


Here are two examples of the websites I have built.

- Web Accessibility

- Vector Art

And the student becomes the teacher...

During class today, while fighting with html coding and java script, my instructor who was helping me, and myself, who was concentrating on what he was doing, got to the point where we both had to step away from the computer. In doing so, I wondered around the room observing the other websites that my classmates were working on. While my instructor had been helping me, other students needed his assistance...so rather than giving away my instructor, I asked, could I help?
I was able to help a couple different students who were struggling. This is a really awesome feeling because I think it is important that you can explain and teach someone else what you know. First of all, it reinforces the fact that you actually do know what you're talking about. Second, if it is something you know but not all that well, it may be an opportunity to figure it out, together.
On that note, it is equally important to get feedback, not only on a final design but the process of designing. I'll be the first person to give you insight on the process. If I am watching someone design something and I see that the person is doing something the hard way, I will jump in and show them a shortcut if I know one. I hate to see people frustrated because they don't know how to do something, but even worse when they are too embarrassed to ask for help. I have found that it is may be the best way to learn and that no one should be embarrassed of not knowing how to do something. They should be embarrassed for not asking how it can be done.

When is it ever enough?

It was about 2 a.m. this morning when it dawned on me, when is it ever enough? I really feel like I am becoming a graphic designer. I had been sitting for several hours, completely focused on building a website, that I had not looked at the clock for nearly seven hours. I had been so busy trying to finish up this project for class, everyone in my house had gone to bed without me taking notice.
After a few short hours of rest, I arrived in class an hour early, like usual to work on it again. It seems that every aspect of my life revolves around design. I can not watch T.V. (when I get the chance) without paying attention to commercials, counting camera changes, and trying to see how they might have created certain special effects. I can not drive anywhere without critiquing the billboards and signs along the road.
The point of this blog was to express how as a designer, I find myself pushing to learn more and more, constantly forcing myself to be open minded, and try new things, not just to settle for my first attempt at a design. I am always looking at something from different perspectives, to see how others may view my art as well.
Today during class, after struggling last night to create an online photo gallery, someone showed me an easier way to do so, using Photoshop. While it had seemed like a shortcut, it ended up where my instructor and myself were sitting for an hour and a half trying to figure out why it would not upload in my website. I could have easily given up and settled for something else, but I was and am still determined to make it happen.
I know that at times it may seem like too much, but I really appreciate the help of my instructors. I'm really glad that they don't mind putting up with me, because I am trying my hardest to be the best designer I can be. The only way I see that happening is having the guidance of great designers, like the both of them. I am looking forward to what lies ahead in the next few months.

It isn't just awesome art...

Just the other day, during class, we had a guest speaker who really inspired me. She too, was a graphic design major who had attended Keiser University. I have been told that you can not make a living using Photoshop alone, and yet she stood there telling us that's exactly what she does. I found myself fascinated by her photography and artwork. Afterward, I really wanted to sit down and re-explore the world of Photoshop. Sadly, I find myself so busy an unable to do so, but I was even inspired by her portfolio, not only what was in it, but its layout. She had spent a lot of time putting it together and making it look very professional. I was really impressed. I would like to invest in a portfolio similar to hers.
It seems that many people forget that even with the absolute perfectly designed piece of art, a poor presentation can ruin the entire thing. For this reason, I wanted to express my gratitude for having her in class, and thank her for the inspiration to challenge myself and try harder to build my professional status.

Aspects of Design

Throughout my high school career I developed a great passion for design. However, at that particular time, I was only interested in such a small portion. By further exploring the possibilities, I found myself open to new areas of design.

I had never imagined that in two weeks, I would be writing html codes and building a website, but just last week I finished a fairly neat travel site to the Palm Island in Dubai.

I have been exposed to several different programs, all of which I am learning to love. I must admit that my favorite classes were Multimedia I and II, and 3D Modeling (not 3D Animation). I really got a chance to express myself when using the Cinema 4D program for modeling my Pearl drum set. I found that I am very much a stickler for details, and had to have every piece of hardware on the drums. (even the pieces you couldn't see when it was published back into Photoshop). I also really enjoyed modeling everything for a 3D Starbucks commercial.

Final Cut Pro (used in Multimedia I) and Flash (used in Multimedia II) were both very useful programs. I had the opportunity to film and edit my own one minute music video, which can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGn5Gbbf0Wk and typography synced to a song, which can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fui_nfjTEA. As a class we made a short film, titled "Murphy's Law". As director, I had several responsibilities and challenges I was faced with, but as it came to an end, I learned a lot and found I really enjoyed every part of it.

Of course, no designer could ever forget about Photoshop and Illustrator. They seem to find their way into most of my projects, even if only in a small way. It it really fascinating how you can alter pictures by changing levels, adding filters, and removing flaws.

In conclusion, I am really looking forward to the next few months. I feel very comfortable in this major (Graphic Design) and hope I can develop my talents further and find success in the future.