2009
05.03
Due next Friday, but I think it is pretty much done. I experienced a little of aggressive censorship last year when there was a possibility of me staying in China for a long period of time. (Glad that my big sister took over.) At that time the Tibetan protest also broke out. I watched some of the Chinese bloggers/twitterers begin losing access to websites like CNN or YouTube. I also witnessed how distorted personal views can get when truths are being hidden. Using that very limited experience I made this design for the class:
Tags: censorship, graphic design, poster, project Category School |
2009
05.03
This was turned more than a week ago. Crazy German was here and life was a little more hectic for a few days. 
Oh, and this is my new workspace:
Tags: cube, graphic design, typography Category School |
2009
04.21
I still can’t decide which of the following three to use for the fifth side.
Tags: graphic design, homework Category School |
2009
04.18
This is the second graded project for the Design Concept class. We are starting to look at typography. The project’s goal is to examine the positive and negative spaces using letterforms by creating sides of a cube following different sets of rules, also treating it as a packaging design, all sides have to relate to each other.
Side 1: Using the chosen letterform once, working the negative space of the letterform to make it visually dominant
Side 2: Using the letterform with a geometric shape, showing both negative and positive space within the letterform
Side 3: Emphasize scale and sizes using multiple instances of the letterform
Side 4: Use the letterform as a texture
Side 5: Create a side that compliments all other sides
Side 6: Reserved for name and color information
Here are some designs that I have created. I like most of them, but will likely keep only a couple and have to come up with new designs. My original idea was to tie the sides together with a prominent letterform “a”. Treating that single element as a logo or merchandise that never changes position, but with other elements of design bringing different treatments. I took them to class, but the instructor was worried that people couldn’t tie them together easily. So, back to the drawing board.
I really like the above design. I used the letterform as texture, I also tried making it look like something else. It worked. The instructor at first thought I was using extra element that wasn’t allowed. Unfortunately it looks too different than the others.
I am leaning toward to making a series of designs in the above direction now.
Tags: graphic design, typography Category School |
2009
04.16
Let me ask you a question. If you were to move into a gated community that has a management that takes care of the common properties, provides security measures, would you refuse to pay the assoication fee?
If no one pays taxes, where are we going to get the money to support public schools, our military, to help the poor and the sick? Would it be better if we call it mandatory donations?
Hmmm… Did any of you support going to war with Iraq? Or, the building of big walls along our borders to block out illegal immigrants? Who do you think should give money to support your big ideas?
Tags: politic Category What the? |
2009
03.15
Design Concept exercise for week four, using shapes to represent elements of a layout, titles, copy, images, graphics, etc. Using only black, gray and one more color.
I was quite nervous about this exercise. It was the first one without using an existing ad as example, meaning it was to come completely from our own creativity. I’ve doing graphic design for years, but without going through proper training. I questioned if my designs would be considered acceptable from an educated point of view. Would I be devastated if they were received negatively? Anyway, without going through details, let’s just say that I got through the experience OK.
The process was actually quite freeing, no employers giving orders, not worrying about a specific set of images and copy, just creative use of space. Here are the three designs that I submitted. Believe it or not, my main concerns were where to place various elements of an ad using shapes and colors to represent them. Every shape has it’s purpose, not just to create a pleasing image. I use only rectangles, circles and lines, thinking in terms of blocks of elements.
Tags: santa monica college Category School |
2009
02.28
Me sporting a Yak/Merino scarf made by Marianne
OK, it’s actually Yak and Merino, and it is SOOOOO SOFT and light, so warm.
Some time ago (how long was it Marianne?) I volunteered to do the Pay It Forward with Marianne. I had the easy part, she was the payer, I was the payee. Ha! To be honest, I had completely forgotten about it. Plus, I thought I was one of the extra ones that volunteered to do Pay It Forward with Marianne. It was really a bit of surprise to actually receive a package from her. Not that I didn’t think she was serious, mind you. I really just didn’t remember.
It is a loooong scarf knitted with 50% Yak, 50% Merino yarn, Superyak, by Karabella, made in Italy. A simple pattern, but the result is a super luxurious scarf. Possibly the softest knitted fabric that I’ve ever felt. So light and warm. And as you can see in the picture, it drapes really, really well. Thank you so much Marianne! It’s wonderful!
Tags: scarf Category Family & Friends, Knitting |
