Website Mock-Up Pages

So I completely change my original  idea(s) for what I wanted my portfolio website to look like and while it's very simple, I think it works for a start. I'm sure that in the future I'll change it again. My previous ideas I scrapped because I made each page on a whim, honestly. I just didn't put a lot of thought into each one.  My group feedback was little, so what was said is just to make sure I fully execute my ideas and change up the design and layout. I really didn't have anything that stood out and the design was very generic and uninspiring. Then after we view some of the mock websites, I decided to start over. I know I could do better and I feel better with what I came up with this time than in the beginning. While I know there's room for improvement, I know these pages represent what I'm aiming more effectively.
Anyway here's what I have so far:

Home Page 

About Page

 

 Gallery Page

 

Basically each page in the design aspect will look the same. All the navigation remains on each page, but when the user click on each button, the text enlarges and gets bolder. Then the page will pop up or maybe fade in with the text/images/links relate to the purpose of that page.

Final Piece for Typography in the Environment

Here are some of my images for a latest project. I generally received good criticusm, I just need to go into Photoshop and play with the contrast sightly more, but the finally piece I choose to present turned out pretty well.

Just a recap...I place the letters/word on my windshield, parked, and took pictures from inside the car. I tried shots from different angles, drove around the park so the scenes would different in each picture.

Final image: 

Different angle:

 

 With someone else driving:

 

Different area and angle:

 Another image of the parkway:

Milwaukee Film Festival

I really want to check out the Milwaukee Film Festival. Last year I learned the hard way and didn't but tickets ahead of time, so I missed the movie I wanted to see. This year I won't make the mistake if I am able to go.

There is one film I know I won't be able to see due to work, but I hope others will is
"Sign Painters" and here's the synopsis:

"An expressive call to return to the handcrafted and tactile before entire city landscapes are swallowed by uninspired homogeneity, "Sign Painters" is an affectionate look behind the curtains of the custom calligraphy and ornate beauty that comprise the trade. With dozens of sign painters as their subjects, co-directors Faythe Levine ("Handmade Nation") and Sam Macon provide an unprecedented glance at the process behind sign painting as well as its history: from the apocalyptic 1980s, when computers and die-cut vinyl lettering with its quick and cheap allure nearly brought the movement to its knees, to its thriving past and hopeful future."

This film would be good for the art students to go check out.

I know for myself I like to learn about other artists and art forms. I think it's cool how this film explores the history of sign painting. Hopefully I'll get to watch it another time!

Madness at Utrecth Demo

I got to see James Hemple, a well-known painter in Milwaukee do a portrait at my job. He took his time and was very careful with his strokes. I watched ever chance I could in between customers and other assigned tasks. It took him about 2 hours to complete. The lady stood still the whole time. I know that's not to hard to do, but I know it could have not been me. I move way too much.
Anyway, it was cool to have him there. Most of the customers/guests sat through the whole demo.
He also gives painting lessons, so maybe one day I'll check it out. Great time at Madness!

Yarn away

For 3-D concepts we had to use yarn in different areas of the school that presented the work of Fred Sandback, who used the concept of lines in his pieces.
My partner and I were given a stairwell in the CFA building. Students from a different class had painted the images on the wall a few months ago. So we decided to enhance this space by framing it with the yarn, which was pink and blue. It took about an hour and a half to complete, but it turn out well.

These photos are the preliminary ideas. I'll post pics of the finish installation soon.

Any Wall/Mural Artists Out tThere?

I'm an intern at Tessa's Black Entertainment and Youth Center and they are looking for volunteers to paint one of the dance studio walls. If anyone is interested in helping out, just let me know.
I think it will be fun and interesting to see how it turns out!

I'll post a pic of the wall soon!

Box Project

In my 3-D concepts class, we had to make a box for our first project and for our second project we're suppose to re-interpret the box into something else. So I decided to make my box into something relatable.

It has 6 sides, all with "cracked" designs and each with a different word associated with feeling broken or fragile: Insecure, sorrow, anxious, lonely, discouraged, and disconnected. Many people can relate to seeming strong and put together, but there are times when they are struggling and seem to be falling apart. Sometimes people hold their feelings in and it's not until they can't take it anymore that they break down.
The box is a symbol of this situation. The box was once clean, smooth surfaces, and durable until things start picking at it. The cracks represents the weakness or vulnerability a person can feeling or going through when those negative feelings start coming at them.
When I'm done with the designing, I'm going to put bubble wrap around it. The wrap will represent the carefulness one needs to have when dealing with these feelings that make someone feel fragile or broken.

Event notice: Madness Party

Another event going on is Utrecht's Madness Party on September 26 from 10am-closing! There will be a raffle, live music, free demos, and more!!! Stop by if you can. Many local artists will be there too!!!
Also get 30% off of non-sale items.

Studying Typography

While studying for my typography exam, I finally realized there is so much to typography. I'm kinda worry that I won't remember everything or I'll start to mix information up. I do understand most of it, but there were some information I actually drew my interest in wanting to learn more and more about where fonts come from and the anatomy of letters. As a aspiring graphic designer, the work I do now shows my close attention to typefaces and lettering, but I think the more I learn, then better my work will become. I want to build a connection between my artwork or print materials and the fonts/typefaces I used.

Just hoping my first quiz in this class goes well for me. I better get back to studying.

Next Project: Exploring Lettering Part 2

My first drawing took me longer that I thought it would, but sometimes I like taking my time so my work isn't messy. I didn't know at first how creative I was going to get, but I just let my artistic juices take over and went with the flow. Eventually I got done and I don't it turned out too bad for my first time drawing the letter at such a large size.
Today I didn't have much time to dedicate to my second drawing, so instead of trying to measure everything out perfectly, I did a quick sketch first. Then I went back over with my pastels. It did take me less time than the previous drawing, despite how I drew the letter twice.

I noticed between my first and second drawing there are differences. I curved the single "y" more in the first drawing and the two "y"s are more straight. I will have to really be more careful on the next two I do, which instead of pastels I'll use the sharpies. There needs to be consistent in all the pieces I'll produce over the next couple weeks. 

Next Project: Exploring Lettering Part: 1

So we have a new project in class. I'm looking forward to trying something new and challenging my artistic skills. I like to think outside the box, so I'm hoping by the time I get to my final piece, it is what I envision it to be. Even though I want to do two letters, I'll go with one for now I can put in the time and effort to make sure it's done well. I really like the Garamond typeface, so I'm thinking about using that one for my letter choice, which is "Y".

I'll talk about my first two drawings in my next post.

Working with Type

I'm still learning what it is to be a good graphic designer. So even though I think my work is good, there's always room for improvement. I make flyers, posters, and other print materials and the fonts used makes all the difference if it is well done or not.

Here's a flyer I just made. Usually it doesn't take me that long to make one, but lately I find myself really paying closer attention to where I put the lettering, the colors scheme, and other important elements. I needed the words to stand out and be eye-catching. It is promotion an up-coming dance competition, so the flyer had to grab people's attention and even evoke a sense of fun and expectation.

Dance Show

So yesterday I went to a dance competition. It was held at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center and there were over 15 dancers going head to head to advance to the next and final round.

I love it. It was truly a great event to attend. The dancers were so gifted and love to do what they do best.
I think shows like this should be more often in this city. Dancing is one of those arts that people often over look especially if it's not modern or ballet. These youth don't just twirl around, they flip and twist, jump and move their feet all kinds of ways. They did such a great job.

It make me wish I could dance as well, but I support those who can and do very well at it. From some of the dancers, it is just for fun, but the rest want to go further. Either way, I like being apart of helping them find a place they can show off their skills. They are artists as well. Their moves are not always the same and dancing is the best way they can express themselves creatively.

I'll be back to see the next one.

Typography Class

I've taken typography before, but it is good to have a refresher and there is always more to learn. I'm excited about the class and working on projects I can add to my portfolio. The first assignment is to make a ransom note with certain criteria. I think I have concept in mind, but in the meantime I'll  look up examples to help me out.  This should be a fun project to do. Can't wait to see what I and my classmates come up with...