While checking my Twitter updates, I came across a follower by the name of Carter Harkins. I'm usually one to follow back on twitter, considering I do like socializing, and socializing is with Carter lead me towards his blog. In a recent blog post where he had gotten inspiration from Graham Smith (Who I also socialize with on twitter), he had asked questions about creativity.
Since I had been designing just a couple minutes before hand, I was compelled to answer these questions, since they made me think about why is it that we create. So without further ado here is my take on it:
What constitutes creativity? Is it a uniquely human process?
As far as I see things, creativity is something all of us has in us, because if we aren't artists (which creativity is usually associated with) we all have the ability to create things. Creatives are usually classified under different names such as engineers, artists, designers, etc. Creativity is a process, sometimes a new process to solving problems. Problems that can be solved in numerous ways, which is why if you gave a group of people cameras and told them to shoot a picture of the same object, you'd come out with pictures that are somewhat relatively the same, but are also different. I guess what I'm trying to say is that there are many different ways to solve things and even if one way is the most popular way, doesn't necessarily mean that trying to go about it in a different prospective is necessarily the wrong way.
Are there “Creatives” and “Non-Creatives”, or is everyone inherently creative?
As stated above, I believe everyone is creative. Then again not many people live up to their creative potential. I guess what I'm trying to say is that there are people who are more creative than others and then there are some people who don't realize they're creative. I guess it depends on the degree of tapping into your creative spark, to know what you're good at. Some people are earlier starters and they automatically know, then there are some people who are late bloomers and don't find out until later that they have creative potential.
Are there hard creative limits or only self-imposed limitations?
As far as limitations with creativity goes I suppose it has to do with surroundings. To my knowledge at least, that's how I see it. I mean if I'm relaxed and not having to think about things and I'm just observing my surroundings I find that ideas come easier to me (why I usually carry a note pad with me everywhere I go to jot these things down). Though if I'm in a high level of stress situation and I'm required to think creatively it seems more so impossible to think of something good, because I actually have to think about. - Meaning when I'm not thinking about being creative something sparks, when I have to think about being creative I've got nothing.
I suppose creativity to me is like a roller coaster, there are times where things go smooth and I'm happily doing things, then there are the peaks where I get a ton of ideas rushing at me at once, but then you slope down and you have the hardest time trying to come up with something.
How do we grow creatively? What holds us back or keeps us in a rut?
Hm, this is a tough question. Growing creatively is a process, though through praise and even sometimes negativity it somehow shapes how we process things. I guess to better say it, is that we gain exposure to things and with that exposure we have reactions, whether they be good or bad is a matter of personal preference. Creativity to me is always a learning process, I'm always learning from people I socialize with and just observing. I guess to grow creatively we have to be open to new things and new experiences.
That being said, there are certain things we're not always opened to or we don't have enough exposure to and don't really feel the need to progress with it. I guess that's what holds one back from progressing into a new media/medium. That or the new media/medium seems so intimidating that we shoot ourselves in the foot before we even decide to try it out.
I guess what holds us back is intimidation and fear. Intimidation coming from those around you who can do certain things - for example I have an intimidation of web design. I think it's because I have the fear of things not working out right or turning out as I planned. Though I'm sure with more exposure to web design and web designing I'd eventually feel comfortable working with it.
Can creativity be a community-centered experience, or is it only an individual pursuit?
I think it's both. I'm surrounded by artists most of the week and now with social media I'm surrounded by artists all over the world. There's a sense of community with the artists I socialize with on an everyday basis, those people help me become more creative when I'm not in my creative frame of mind. They help me break through creative blocks, which in turn gets my creativity flowing.
I also think it's an individual pursuit as well, like I stated before we're all creative, but just because there's one popular way of doing things doesn't mean that an alternative way is the wrong way. We all draw inspiration from different sources which shapes how we think creatively, my perception of a dog for example could be totally different from your perception of the same dog. So in a sense yes, it's an individual pursuit as well as a community experience.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
DEF Graphics: The Person.
This post is to better understand what I do and well half the reason why I do it. So I guess I'll give you the basic rundown on what's happening. Here we go:
Name: The name's Bernie.
What I do: I'm a Graphic Designer/Freelance Photographer/ Novice Blogger. When I'm not designing I blog about designing and other things. - I know, sort of a question of 'why', but I enjoy it endlessly.
What the blog is about: Graphic Design/Designing/Me. (Somewhat).
What's with the eye logo?: Well I am one of the many graphic designers who hates logo design. Well not so much hate, more so logos and I have a love/hate relationship. I had to redesign my logo for a portfolio class and I was working with a typographic treatment. If you look closely the eye actually says DEF and the eye in itself represents an eye for creativity.
Why do you sign most of your blog posts DEF?:
Because DEF originally came from a day of spray painting in my garage with stencils. DEF is in fact the 4th,5th, and 6th letters of the alphabet. I coined the term DEF to mean definite or definitely then graphics because I am a graphic artist/designer. Thus becoming DEF graphics and more so DEF. DEF is an alias, and if I'm making things I usually sign it with a heart and DEF in the graffiti style. Therefore having it say 'Love always' without having to really say it. (I will post the 'Heart DEF' I'm talking about shortly).
The infamous heart I sign most art work with.
How long have you been a Graphic Designer?:
I would say that being a Graphic Designer is always a learning process so I can't really tell you when I became one, because honestly I've been working in editing programs since I was around 13/14 in high school. You know, that one kid who would mess around and made things, that was me. Though if you're asking me when I really got serious about it, I would have to say around my junior/senior year of high school.
Is it true that you use to hate Photoshop?:
Where did you hear that? Yes, unfortunately it's true. I use to hate Photoshop with an infinite passion. To be honest, I use to be a Paint Shop Pro person, Paint Shop Pro 8 to be exact. My first design software I picked up. I hated Photoshop, but was forced to use it in my photography class when we had to design a portfolio. Now I don't hate Photoshop, me and Photoshop are two peas in a pod. I'm a Photoshop junkie.
What other programs do you use?:
Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, most of the Adobe Creative Suite. I'm still learning how to use Flash and Dreamweaver though.
Do you have a website?:
If we're talking on a personal basis with a domain name and everything; No. I'm still trying to figure that whole situation out. Though if we're talking about a website tht showcases some of my portfolio/design/photography then yes. They're located on the blog on the right hand side. I'm actually working on a portfolio based website as of late; it'll be up soon. I still need to work out the kinks in it.
Do you have any advice for beginning designers/design students?:
Some advice? I'd have to say that the computer is just merely a tool in your arsenal. Don't rely on it to create works of art with a few simple clicks. That and always write down/sketch out (whatever you're comfortable with) your ideas. It helps build new ideas, that and you can never stop learning, just because you may think you know a lot in photoshop/illustrator etc doesn't mean you know everything. Strive to be better, but also remember to have fun.
Name: The name's Bernie.
What I do: I'm a Graphic Designer/Freelance Photographer/ Novice Blogger. When I'm not designing I blog about designing and other things. - I know, sort of a question of 'why', but I enjoy it endlessly.
What the blog is about: Graphic Design/Designing/Me. (Somewhat).
What's with the eye logo?: Well I am one of the many graphic designers who hates logo design. Well not so much hate, more so logos and I have a love/hate relationship. I had to redesign my logo for a portfolio class and I was working with a typographic treatment. If you look closely the eye actually says DEF and the eye in itself represents an eye for creativity.
Why do you sign most of your blog posts DEF?:
Because DEF originally came from a day of spray painting in my garage with stencils. DEF is in fact the 4th,5th, and 6th letters of the alphabet. I coined the term DEF to mean definite or definitely then graphics because I am a graphic artist/designer. Thus becoming DEF graphics and more so DEF. DEF is an alias, and if I'm making things I usually sign it with a heart and DEF in the graffiti style. Therefore having it say 'Love always' without having to really say it. (I will post the 'Heart DEF' I'm talking about shortly).
The infamous heart I sign most art work with.How long have you been a Graphic Designer?:
I would say that being a Graphic Designer is always a learning process so I can't really tell you when I became one, because honestly I've been working in editing programs since I was around 13/14 in high school. You know, that one kid who would mess around and made things, that was me. Though if you're asking me when I really got serious about it, I would have to say around my junior/senior year of high school.
Is it true that you use to hate Photoshop?:
Where did you hear that? Yes, unfortunately it's true. I use to hate Photoshop with an infinite passion. To be honest, I use to be a Paint Shop Pro person, Paint Shop Pro 8 to be exact. My first design software I picked up. I hated Photoshop, but was forced to use it in my photography class when we had to design a portfolio. Now I don't hate Photoshop, me and Photoshop are two peas in a pod. I'm a Photoshop junkie.
What other programs do you use?:
Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, most of the Adobe Creative Suite. I'm still learning how to use Flash and Dreamweaver though.
Do you have a website?:
If we're talking on a personal basis with a domain name and everything; No. I'm still trying to figure that whole situation out. Though if we're talking about a website tht showcases some of my portfolio/design/photography then yes. They're located on the blog on the right hand side. I'm actually working on a portfolio based website as of late; it'll be up soon. I still need to work out the kinks in it.
Do you have any advice for beginning designers/design students?:
Some advice? I'd have to say that the computer is just merely a tool in your arsenal. Don't rely on it to create works of art with a few simple clicks. That and always write down/sketch out (whatever you're comfortable with) your ideas. It helps build new ideas, that and you can never stop learning, just because you may think you know a lot in photoshop/illustrator etc doesn't mean you know everything. Strive to be better, but also remember to have fun.
The designer and you,the equilibrium.
Finding the Balance
Countless times I've questioned the fact that it seems like designing is all I ever do. (For the most part). It's as if it's consumed my life for the past three years, and thus it has. Mind you I do like the aspects of graphic design, such as typography and color theory and how visual communication is subconscious and not. Though it makes me wonder if designing is all I'll ever do. So that being said, where do we find the middle of being a designer and just the average Joe?
Some things I tend to forget, but should remember (as many of my colleagues should as well) is that yes, we're designers, but it isn't who we necessarily are, it's what we do.
I know many of you will probably throw a book at me, or threaten me with an xacto, but let's face it, it is what we do. I mean there was a time when we weren't graphic designers. Do you remember that time? Graphic design is only a part of us that we share with other people. Many of us started out as traditional artists who used mediums such as graphite, paint, etc. We were artists first, designers second. Though the two of them mesh together in what makes our styles unique.
I know many of you will probably throw a book at me, or threaten me with an xacto, but let's face it, it is what we do. I mean there was a time when we weren't graphic designers. Do you remember that time? Graphic design is only a part of us that we share with other people. Many of us started out as traditional artists who used mediums such as graphite, paint, etc. We were artists first, designers second. Though the two of them mesh together in what makes our styles unique.
Graphic Design is a job and a passion all in one.
For one, yes it does pay the bills and two somehow we get to incorporate our artistic abilities. I find that designing for myself is way easier than designing for a client, but a good challenge. I'm sure many of you feel the same way, and no matter how most of you want to deny it, I know that deep down inside you really hate how a client will use word to store their clip art as well as try and design a logo in photoshop with the bells and whistles of emboss and drop shadow. That and how we all love to complain and wonder how on earth people survive with using papyrus - It all comes along with the territory. Ironically we know how bittersweet we love it. Damn love/hate relationships.
For one, yes it does pay the bills and two somehow we get to incorporate our artistic abilities. I find that designing for myself is way easier than designing for a client, but a good challenge. I'm sure many of you feel the same way, and no matter how most of you want to deny it, I know that deep down inside you really hate how a client will use word to store their clip art as well as try and design a logo in photoshop with the bells and whistles of emboss and drop shadow. That and how we all love to complain and wonder how on earth people survive with using papyrus - It all comes along with the territory. Ironically we know how bittersweet we love it. Damn love/hate relationships.
It's okay to take a break.
No, really it is. I find myself more likely to design things when I'm not under the pressure of designing. Ironic how that works out, but it does. That and it helps me remember what I like doing besides designing, such as making lists and cleaning plus reading (even if my library is filled with mostly design books).
No, really it is. I find myself more likely to design things when I'm not under the pressure of designing. Ironic how that works out, but it does. That and it helps me remember what I like doing besides designing, such as making lists and cleaning plus reading (even if my library is filled with mostly design books).
If you're not having fun, then what's the point?
Honestly? There's a difference between having a good time doing what you love to do and doing what you love to do because you need money. If you asked me if I was in this game for the money I would have to tell you that even though money is nice and all, I'm in it because I love it. I wouldn't have a job that I hated just because it paid well. Needless to say some graphic design jobs do pay real well, but my heart's in it because it's still fun. When it stops being fun then it's time to reevaluate why I'm still doing it.
Honestly? There's a difference between having a good time doing what you love to do and doing what you love to do because you need money. If you asked me if I was in this game for the money I would have to tell you that even though money is nice and all, I'm in it because I love it. I wouldn't have a job that I hated just because it paid well. Needless to say some graphic design jobs do pay real well, but my heart's in it because it's still fun. When it stops being fun then it's time to reevaluate why I'm still doing it.
Balancing the designer and you
You know what makes you happy and if designing for long periods of time is stressing you out, for godsakes go and pick up a book you enjoy reading and/or do something you know makes you happy. To be truthfully honest I can't sit at my computer for long periods of time or else I start getting ADD and not getting my work done, so usually I spend a great deal cleaning/making lists, making lunch, and/or making books. I realize (even when I forget) that yes I am a designer, but it's my job not who I am completely. There are other things that make up who I am and other things I enjoy. Sometimes I lose sight of those things, but they always come back around. Never lose what you enjoy completely or eventually you'll become miserable.
You know what makes you happy and if designing for long periods of time is stressing you out, for godsakes go and pick up a book you enjoy reading and/or do something you know makes you happy. To be truthfully honest I can't sit at my computer for long periods of time or else I start getting ADD and not getting my work done, so usually I spend a great deal cleaning/making lists, making lunch, and/or making books. I realize (even when I forget) that yes I am a designer, but it's my job not who I am completely. There are other things that make up who I am and other things I enjoy. Sometimes I lose sight of those things, but they always come back around. Never lose what you enjoy completely or eventually you'll become miserable.
Here's to remembering who you are before you became the designer.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Being social and why you should be.
Being social is something that most every human possesses. By basic sounds, to words, to hand gestures, we are able to communicate feelings, thoughts, and ideas with one another.
Though there are some of us who aren't as social as others, and I, for one, am one of those people.
Even though I, for the most part, like being quiet, I do have to socialize with others to get my ideas across a broad spectrum. My point is that the more friendly/social you are with people you don't know (I know this sounds a bit scary) the more likely you are to have people to network with. That and possibly people to drink with, but that's besides the point.
Even though I, for the most part, like being quiet, I do have to socialize with others to get my ideas across a broad spectrum. My point is that the more friendly/social you are with people you don't know (I know this sounds a bit scary) the more likely you are to have people to network with. That and possibly people to drink with, but that's besides the point.
I am sure that most everyone has felt social anxiety, though there are ways to overcome these butterflies and help you become more comfortable with those surrounding you. From being able to talk one on one with a person, to a huge crowd, here are some things I find valuable when meeting new people.
1. Observe what is happening around them, not yourself.
I usually meet new people while I'm at school, therefore I'm always interested in what they're doing. With this being said, striking up a conversation with someone over a photoshop technique or what they are currently producing helps me get rid of that anxiety I feel. Then again, there are some people who, like myself, do like being left alone and are some what suttle with their answers. For the most part, people are usually happy to tell you about stuff that they are doing.
2. Find a common interest and roll with it.
This can stem from rule number one, which will eventually sprout into more common interests if you further the conversation. The warmer you appear and seem to a person the more likely they'll be warm and friendly towards you.
3. Practice what you're going to say.
This is more so with public speaking. If I'm going up for a critique on my work, I'm more so nervous and filled with butterflies when I haven't thought things over in my head about what I'm about to present. Mind you I should know what I have done to achieve certain aspects of my project, but if I haven't thought it through then I'm just as blank to telling you as you are blank of knowing how to do it. Before things like this I usually run through a list of points I want to make sure I get across in my head, but if you are really nervous you could always try writing down what you want to say on paper and practice it in front of a mirror.
4. Know what you're talking about.
No one likes a liar or an 'extender of the truth' - If you don't know how to do something don't pretend like you do. You'll be losing friends instead of making them. Seriously.
5. It's okay to talk about yourself in moderation.
People you first meet aren't going to want to know about your relationship problems and/or any scary health conditions etc, you're going to scare the person off. Though talking about interests you have or a movie you saw (and your opinion on the movie) is quite all right. Mind you, when you start boasting and bragging about certain things, the only thing a person is going to think is that you are probably materialistic and fake, that and you use money to buy friends. No one likes a show off.
6. Be on the same level with the person.
Don't try to talk down or downgrade someone because of achievements you have gained or you don't think they'll understand your form of 'superior intelligence' - this is not only rude, but it makes you look like an asshole as well as pompous. Talk to people in a way you would want to be talk to. I doubt you want a new person to talk to you the way some of your friends do (you know what I'm talking about), I doubt they want you talking to them like that either.
That is pretty much how I deal with social situations for the most part when encountering new people. Hope it is useful for you and social situations you get yourself into. Until the next post.
- DEF
1. Observe what is happening around them, not yourself.
I usually meet new people while I'm at school, therefore I'm always interested in what they're doing. With this being said, striking up a conversation with someone over a photoshop technique or what they are currently producing helps me get rid of that anxiety I feel. Then again, there are some people who, like myself, do like being left alone and are some what suttle with their answers. For the most part, people are usually happy to tell you about stuff that they are doing.
2. Find a common interest and roll with it.
This can stem from rule number one, which will eventually sprout into more common interests if you further the conversation. The warmer you appear and seem to a person the more likely they'll be warm and friendly towards you.
3. Practice what you're going to say.
This is more so with public speaking. If I'm going up for a critique on my work, I'm more so nervous and filled with butterflies when I haven't thought things over in my head about what I'm about to present. Mind you I should know what I have done to achieve certain aspects of my project, but if I haven't thought it through then I'm just as blank to telling you as you are blank of knowing how to do it. Before things like this I usually run through a list of points I want to make sure I get across in my head, but if you are really nervous you could always try writing down what you want to say on paper and practice it in front of a mirror.
4. Know what you're talking about.
No one likes a liar or an 'extender of the truth' - If you don't know how to do something don't pretend like you do. You'll be losing friends instead of making them. Seriously.
5. It's okay to talk about yourself in moderation.
People you first meet aren't going to want to know about your relationship problems and/or any scary health conditions etc, you're going to scare the person off. Though talking about interests you have or a movie you saw (and your opinion on the movie) is quite all right. Mind you, when you start boasting and bragging about certain things, the only thing a person is going to think is that you are probably materialistic and fake, that and you use money to buy friends. No one likes a show off.
6. Be on the same level with the person.
Don't try to talk down or downgrade someone because of achievements you have gained or you don't think they'll understand your form of 'superior intelligence' - this is not only rude, but it makes you look like an asshole as well as pompous. Talk to people in a way you would want to be talk to. I doubt you want a new person to talk to you the way some of your friends do (you know what I'm talking about), I doubt they want you talking to them like that either.
That is pretty much how I deal with social situations for the most part when encountering new people. Hope it is useful for you and social situations you get yourself into. Until the next post.
- DEF
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
What to get the graphic designer in your life.
With the holidays fast approaching, I'm sure there's a lot of reasons to want to pull your hair out right this instant, but do not stress, I am here with a list of things that will possibly cut your time in half while trying to search for the perfect gift for the designer in your family. These are sure fire ways to keep your designer happy as well as yourself. So sit back and be relieved.
1. Tap into their amazon wishlist.
Nothing sinks in better than a list that has been already made and conducted with all the things your designer could possibly want. Instead of socks and colored pencils (yes, I've gotten both when people didn't know what to get me) why not know what they'd actually like? Make a new mouse for their laptop, a laptop cover, CS4, etc. Endless possibilities with a simple click, or well asking.
2. Money
If we have to talk bare basics, money is something all designers and everyone else would like to have more of. This again, possibly going towards what we so wish to buy on amazon or any other online store of our choosing. Mind you, a computer is basically strapped to us most of the time, online shopping is just another thing in our arsenal when we don't have the time to run to the store.
3. Gift brochures/gift cards
We're artsy type of people, I'm sure certain things pop into your mind when you think of what we enjoy doing. Coffee and reading are a few of my favorite things and I do enjoy hanging out at a bookstore. Why not give them something special with a gift card to barnes and nobles? That or we're always looking for new music to jam to, itunes is a worthy cause as well.
4. Sketchbooks
It's one of those things that I never (well, mostly) leave home without. A small simple sketchbook works for me. I like the canson hard cover ones, but a moleskin one is one of choice. This is so we never lose track of ideas or if we're occasionally bored sitting in the doctor's office and need to pass time. Small and discrete is nice.
5. A camera
Though some of us have them, they're possibly the bigger bulkier DSLR cameras. You know, the kinds the professionals use where you have to switch lens all the time? I'm talking about an easy point and shoot ones that are really convenient. There are days where I wish I had just a normal point and shoot instead of having my D50 hang around my neck and cause neck strain. Rechargeable batteries and a memory card will have to come with the package too.
6. Printer/Ink
So some of us usually outsource printing, which is fine. Though for a college designer (and possibly a professional) a printer would be nice. I'm not talking the type of printer that prints only 8x10s. I'm talking ones that print up to about 13x19, such as a Canon Pixma 9000. It's a little on the pricey side, but your graphic designer will love you for it.
7. Storage
This can come in the form of external harddrives, DVDs, and CDs. Something that can hold up and can save us time when we need to archive things. The bigger in size (1TB vs 160GB) the more effective it'll have, but as dreaded as it sounds these things crash. Why we would need DVDs and CDs to back them up so in case they did, our valuable files would not be lost.
8. Bookcase/Book Ends
We're visual people, though sometimes (as with myself) I tend to leave my books laying around, and mysteriously they disappear. I have thus resorted to bookends upon my desk and now I can easily access my design books when I need inspiration. They're cheap and afforadable and well, I haven't lost anymore books since I got them.
1. Tap into their amazon wishlist.
Nothing sinks in better than a list that has been already made and conducted with all the things your designer could possibly want. Instead of socks and colored pencils (yes, I've gotten both when people didn't know what to get me) why not know what they'd actually like? Make a new mouse for their laptop, a laptop cover, CS4, etc. Endless possibilities with a simple click, or well asking.
2. Money
If we have to talk bare basics, money is something all designers and everyone else would like to have more of. This again, possibly going towards what we so wish to buy on amazon or any other online store of our choosing. Mind you, a computer is basically strapped to us most of the time, online shopping is just another thing in our arsenal when we don't have the time to run to the store.
3. Gift brochures/gift cards
We're artsy type of people, I'm sure certain things pop into your mind when you think of what we enjoy doing. Coffee and reading are a few of my favorite things and I do enjoy hanging out at a bookstore. Why not give them something special with a gift card to barnes and nobles? That or we're always looking for new music to jam to, itunes is a worthy cause as well.
4. Sketchbooks
It's one of those things that I never (well, mostly) leave home without. A small simple sketchbook works for me. I like the canson hard cover ones, but a moleskin one is one of choice. This is so we never lose track of ideas or if we're occasionally bored sitting in the doctor's office and need to pass time. Small and discrete is nice.
5. A camera
Though some of us have them, they're possibly the bigger bulkier DSLR cameras. You know, the kinds the professionals use where you have to switch lens all the time? I'm talking about an easy point and shoot ones that are really convenient. There are days where I wish I had just a normal point and shoot instead of having my D50 hang around my neck and cause neck strain. Rechargeable batteries and a memory card will have to come with the package too.
6. Printer/Ink
So some of us usually outsource printing, which is fine. Though for a college designer (and possibly a professional) a printer would be nice. I'm not talking the type of printer that prints only 8x10s. I'm talking ones that print up to about 13x19, such as a Canon Pixma 9000. It's a little on the pricey side, but your graphic designer will love you for it.
7. Storage
This can come in the form of external harddrives, DVDs, and CDs. Something that can hold up and can save us time when we need to archive things. The bigger in size (1TB vs 160GB) the more effective it'll have, but as dreaded as it sounds these things crash. Why we would need DVDs and CDs to back them up so in case they did, our valuable files would not be lost.
8. Bookcase/Book Ends
We're visual people, though sometimes (as with myself) I tend to leave my books laying around, and mysteriously they disappear. I have thus resorted to bookends upon my desk and now I can easily access my design books when I need inspiration. They're cheap and afforadable and well, I haven't lost anymore books since I got them.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Portfolio Overview.
[Edit]
Article about a recent portfolio review.
Well,
Today marks the day that I go on a voyage of submitting my portfolio to another graphic designer for opinions and feedback. Well, as it may seem, it's quite intimidating and scary, but also a good way to know what I should work on and what is making me shine out of the competition. I have thus to redesign my own portfolio, since there are still works that are, of course, not designed yet, and designs I should annex out of it. - This is a never ending process of thought, and of course portfolios should always be redefined.
A portfolio should be a representation of yourself. In your best suit, real clean cut and shaven. Not the you that rolls out of bed in the morning who is not clean kept. Portfolios are in the main part about you and no one else. So why not shine at it?
Things your portfolio should showcase:
1. It should show a reflection of design that you can do and design you enjoy doing.
This in fact being that if you enjoy posters your whole portfolio should not be just poster design. Then again it's also not wise to just put in brochure and corporate design if, in fact, you do like making book jackets, dvd covers, web flyers, etc. Include the professional side of yourself as well as yourself as an artist, there is a balance between the two, but your portfolio is where the two of them can combine.
2. Know the audience of which you wish to show your portfolio to.
It would be ridiculous to show up to a party wearing a costume when everyone is dressed formally, it would also be ridiculous to show corporate business people a design you did for your friend's heavy metal band. This goes without explaining too much into detail. Know who you want to show your stuff to, and who you want to potentially get a job from.
3. Do not bombard your portfolio with more than 10-15 pieces.
If you're going corporate, to burst your bubble now, the creative directors are quite busy and at most are going to take a glimpse at your portfolio. They don't have the time to sit there and glance through 50 million pieces of work that you've done for people. At most, put in your best works and polish up the works you want to showcase. Think of your portfolio as possibly a 5 minute representation of yourself. It says a whole lot of words with a few glances, don't blow it by making it too lengthy. If the client/creative director likes your work, then I'm sure they will ask more of you when you start working for said company.
4. If you're not serious about it, no one's going to take you seriously.
Actually spend time refining and making it that much better. Yes I know a portfolio is a representation of yourself, and like yourself it changes all the time. Styles you were so use to creating can always be replaced. It grows as you grow from a student, to a designer, to a professional. Always keep it up to date.
and 5th, but certainly not least:
5. Have fun.
Nothing's worth doing and/or working for, if you're not having fun. It's really more so, working hard and playing hard. Now I'm not saying half ass your portfolio, I'm saying have fun while making/refining it. I'm sure the stressed out cranky people in the world all turned out that way because they worked too hard and didn't play as hard. There's potential in everyone, you just got to tap into it. Things are out there, now go out and go have some fun.
- DEF
Article about a recent portfolio review.
Well,
Today marks the day that I go on a voyage of submitting my portfolio to another graphic designer for opinions and feedback. Well, as it may seem, it's quite intimidating and scary, but also a good way to know what I should work on and what is making me shine out of the competition. I have thus to redesign my own portfolio, since there are still works that are, of course, not designed yet, and designs I should annex out of it. - This is a never ending process of thought, and of course portfolios should always be redefined.
A portfolio should be a representation of yourself. In your best suit, real clean cut and shaven. Not the you that rolls out of bed in the morning who is not clean kept. Portfolios are in the main part about you and no one else. So why not shine at it?
Things your portfolio should showcase:
1. It should show a reflection of design that you can do and design you enjoy doing.
This in fact being that if you enjoy posters your whole portfolio should not be just poster design. Then again it's also not wise to just put in brochure and corporate design if, in fact, you do like making book jackets, dvd covers, web flyers, etc. Include the professional side of yourself as well as yourself as an artist, there is a balance between the two, but your portfolio is where the two of them can combine.
2. Know the audience of which you wish to show your portfolio to.
It would be ridiculous to show up to a party wearing a costume when everyone is dressed formally, it would also be ridiculous to show corporate business people a design you did for your friend's heavy metal band. This goes without explaining too much into detail. Know who you want to show your stuff to, and who you want to potentially get a job from.
3. Do not bombard your portfolio with more than 10-15 pieces.
If you're going corporate, to burst your bubble now, the creative directors are quite busy and at most are going to take a glimpse at your portfolio. They don't have the time to sit there and glance through 50 million pieces of work that you've done for people. At most, put in your best works and polish up the works you want to showcase. Think of your portfolio as possibly a 5 minute representation of yourself. It says a whole lot of words with a few glances, don't blow it by making it too lengthy. If the client/creative director likes your work, then I'm sure they will ask more of you when you start working for said company.
4. If you're not serious about it, no one's going to take you seriously.
Actually spend time refining and making it that much better. Yes I know a portfolio is a representation of yourself, and like yourself it changes all the time. Styles you were so use to creating can always be replaced. It grows as you grow from a student, to a designer, to a professional. Always keep it up to date.
and 5th, but certainly not least:
5. Have fun.
Nothing's worth doing and/or working for, if you're not having fun. It's really more so, working hard and playing hard. Now I'm not saying half ass your portfolio, I'm saying have fun while making/refining it. I'm sure the stressed out cranky people in the world all turned out that way because they worked too hard and didn't play as hard. There's potential in everyone, you just got to tap into it. Things are out there, now go out and go have some fun.
- DEF
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Things I (and designers like me) fall into and how to overcome these obstacles.
I had written this on Friday morning, but due to pursuits of school it's been postponed until today. So here we go.
While I was stumbling upon on this Friday morning (Usually I'd be in school, but I woke up this morning feeling like crap) I came across a blog that was rather interesting to me. http://selfmadechick.com, has a bunch of information that seems down to earth and an easy read. For myself, I don't like reading things that are extensive and filled with useless bullshit, I like reading things that get to the point. This site has exactly what I'm looking for.
As a Gen Y, my attention span is somewhat short, and I'm sure I have ADD or something that's undiagnosed. Though I'm getting off subject, anyways I found the site to be useful, and hopefully it's useful to you. Now to move on to the big chunk of this post.
Things I (and designers like me) fall into and how to overcome these obstacles.
All right, so I'm sure it's natural for everyone to cruise the internet nowadays, yet for a designer it's a blessing and a curse. It gives us easy access to stock photography, design firms, and things we couldn't even begin to fathom 10 years ago with a few clicks and words. Though the downfall of having it readily available is getting sidetracked by it. So rule number 1 is:
1. When having to work on the computer, disconnect yourself from IMs, Twitter, Myspace, Facebook, and any other thing that gives you social interaction.
Mind you, if your job requires that you are on an instant messenger, make yourself a corporate identity for corporate friends only. This means the people you work with in close circle. Not your best friend, your girlfriend, or any other friends. It'll cut time in half and let you focus on what you need to get done.
The second thing I find incredibly annoying is being disorganized. I think it's one of my many downfalls of being a designer. This can be from simple files that are named the same, but have different file extensions to a cluttered desk. My point is, getting organized is something that helps us flow productively.
2. Organize your workspace/computer to better utilize your time.
The more time you spend looking for files, the more time you're wasting. The best thing to do is set up folders where you can easily access work. My own personal files are listed according by file extension, what version of progress they're in (thumbnails, roughs, finals) and what file to take with me when things are going to be produced. This may sound tedious and boring, but it'll save you time and energy in the long run.
Rushing to the computer with an idea, leads to staring at a blank screen or it not coming out the way you want it to. I've been faced with this problem, time and time again. Where I have a great idea and rush to my computer only to be disappointed. What I've learned is brain mapping is key, that and it helps me set up an idea, that could sprout even more ideas in the process. So number 3 is:
3: Brain map, or back track ideas. Keep them written down in a sketchbook or notebook.
This is effective because usually the first ideas are your brain throwing up ideas. When you see them clearly on paper you know which ones to fix and/or elaborate on. That and you have a record of ideas that you can use for later purposes.
Procrast- what? You know what I mean, procrastination. It's something we all fall into, and something that we all must overcome. We know what procrastination looks like design wise, unless you're really good and design....but we've probably seen better from you. Procrastination happens when our creative juices aren't flowing, or we just don't feel like working. - I know how this feels. One of the ways I know how to beat procrastination is having a schedule. Just like organizing your files, having a schedule helps.
4. Having a schedule and setting up dates when things are due, helps you know what to do days prior and prepares you when things go wrong.
I usually like knowing when things are due so that I can work on them a little each day throughout the week. Working on it a little, rather than spending endless hours the night before and not getting sleep, is not only stress free, but it's also rewarding. That and it gives you a grace period if something doesn't work out right the first time, instead of knowing you spent the night before rushing it only to find out your file is corrupted and the printer can't process it.
Endless hours and not feeling in the creative mode is another one of my downfalls. I find that since I'm not getting enough sleep, the morning after is horrible. I'm more cranky and unproductive. That and I find it hard to focus on anything design worthy when I'm trying hard to stay awake, so this one should be easy to understand.
5. Get enough sleep.
Sleep is good, but sleeping in late isn't always that great. If all else fails, get yourself an alarm clock to be set on a schedule with waking up too.
Besides all this good stuff, what one of the most important thing is get away from your computer. I know it's tempted to be in touch with technology, but if you're like myself, I seem to spend endless hours staring/working/procrastinating on my computer. Sometimes it's easier to just take a break and enjoy other things. By other things, I mean the things you usually put off since you're working/procrastinating. So number 6.
6. Spend time away from technology and fall in love with the things you use to love.
I mean seriously go out and play sometimes. It could be from painting, to playing monopoly to just taking a breather. I find that when I'm not constantly thinking about design the best things happen, because I'm not pinching my creative nerve into overdrive. Why I usually carry a sketchbook/note pad with me everywhere.
The last piece of advice I've got to offer is, have fun doing what you're doing. Just because you're designing for some corporation and they've got strict rules, etc I say still have fun doing it. If you're not having fun, then what's the point really? Minus the money and being able to pay the bills. The last thing:
7. Have fun doing what you do, no matter what it is that you do.
So that's the list, anything else I come up with will be in further posts, but as luck has it class is about to start, I'll talk to you guys later.
- DEF
While I was stumbling upon on this Friday morning (Usually I'd be in school, but I woke up this morning feeling like crap) I came across a blog that was rather interesting to me. http://selfmadechick.com, has a bunch of information that seems down to earth and an easy read. For myself, I don't like reading things that are extensive and filled with useless bullshit, I like reading things that get to the point. This site has exactly what I'm looking for.
As a Gen Y, my attention span is somewhat short, and I'm sure I have ADD or something that's undiagnosed. Though I'm getting off subject, anyways I found the site to be useful, and hopefully it's useful to you. Now to move on to the big chunk of this post.
Things I (and designers like me) fall into and how to overcome these obstacles.
All right, so I'm sure it's natural for everyone to cruise the internet nowadays, yet for a designer it's a blessing and a curse. It gives us easy access to stock photography, design firms, and things we couldn't even begin to fathom 10 years ago with a few clicks and words. Though the downfall of having it readily available is getting sidetracked by it. So rule number 1 is:
1. When having to work on the computer, disconnect yourself from IMs, Twitter, Myspace, Facebook, and any other thing that gives you social interaction.
Mind you, if your job requires that you are on an instant messenger, make yourself a corporate identity for corporate friends only. This means the people you work with in close circle. Not your best friend, your girlfriend, or any other friends. It'll cut time in half and let you focus on what you need to get done.
The second thing I find incredibly annoying is being disorganized. I think it's one of my many downfalls of being a designer. This can be from simple files that are named the same, but have different file extensions to a cluttered desk. My point is, getting organized is something that helps us flow productively.
2. Organize your workspace/computer to better utilize your time.
The more time you spend looking for files, the more time you're wasting. The best thing to do is set up folders where you can easily access work. My own personal files are listed according by file extension, what version of progress they're in (thumbnails, roughs, finals) and what file to take with me when things are going to be produced. This may sound tedious and boring, but it'll save you time and energy in the long run.
Rushing to the computer with an idea, leads to staring at a blank screen or it not coming out the way you want it to. I've been faced with this problem, time and time again. Where I have a great idea and rush to my computer only to be disappointed. What I've learned is brain mapping is key, that and it helps me set up an idea, that could sprout even more ideas in the process. So number 3 is:
3: Brain map, or back track ideas. Keep them written down in a sketchbook or notebook.
This is effective because usually the first ideas are your brain throwing up ideas. When you see them clearly on paper you know which ones to fix and/or elaborate on. That and you have a record of ideas that you can use for later purposes.
Procrast- what? You know what I mean, procrastination. It's something we all fall into, and something that we all must overcome. We know what procrastination looks like design wise, unless you're really good and design....but we've probably seen better from you. Procrastination happens when our creative juices aren't flowing, or we just don't feel like working. - I know how this feels. One of the ways I know how to beat procrastination is having a schedule. Just like organizing your files, having a schedule helps.
4. Having a schedule and setting up dates when things are due, helps you know what to do days prior and prepares you when things go wrong.
I usually like knowing when things are due so that I can work on them a little each day throughout the week. Working on it a little, rather than spending endless hours the night before and not getting sleep, is not only stress free, but it's also rewarding. That and it gives you a grace period if something doesn't work out right the first time, instead of knowing you spent the night before rushing it only to find out your file is corrupted and the printer can't process it.
Endless hours and not feeling in the creative mode is another one of my downfalls. I find that since I'm not getting enough sleep, the morning after is horrible. I'm more cranky and unproductive. That and I find it hard to focus on anything design worthy when I'm trying hard to stay awake, so this one should be easy to understand.
5. Get enough sleep.
Sleep is good, but sleeping in late isn't always that great. If all else fails, get yourself an alarm clock to be set on a schedule with waking up too.
Besides all this good stuff, what one of the most important thing is get away from your computer. I know it's tempted to be in touch with technology, but if you're like myself, I seem to spend endless hours staring/working/procrastinating on my computer. Sometimes it's easier to just take a break and enjoy other things. By other things, I mean the things you usually put off since you're working/procrastinating. So number 6.
6. Spend time away from technology and fall in love with the things you use to love.
I mean seriously go out and play sometimes. It could be from painting, to playing monopoly to just taking a breather. I find that when I'm not constantly thinking about design the best things happen, because I'm not pinching my creative nerve into overdrive. Why I usually carry a sketchbook/note pad with me everywhere.
The last piece of advice I've got to offer is, have fun doing what you're doing. Just because you're designing for some corporation and they've got strict rules, etc I say still have fun doing it. If you're not having fun, then what's the point really? Minus the money and being able to pay the bills. The last thing:
7. Have fun doing what you do, no matter what it is that you do.
So that's the list, anything else I come up with will be in further posts, but as luck has it class is about to start, I'll talk to you guys later.
- DEF
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