Week In Design, #4

AIGA | Crowdsourcing

99 Designs | Contests

Visual Explanation of Crowdsourcing

Design Crowd | Crowdsourcing Video

 

• Do you need a degree to be a graphic designer?

No. Kind of ironic since I’m in college getting a degree for it, isn’t it? However, I didn’t come to school just for the “degree”…I came to school to be further educated and to get an experience with the different kind of projects, etc. offered in the field. I think, in many senses, school is a great warm-up for graphic designers…you’re able to become a better, well-rounded artist, while continuing studies in design. It’s a chance to better your design skills BEFORE you have a job…When you get hired, they’re not going to wait for you to improve. They want you to be a KILLER designer…NOW.

• Is the portfolio more valuable than the degree?

Yes. And in a sense, I think that’s why we ultimately go to school for that degree= we want our portfolio to be AWESOME. In school, we get a lot of opportunities to try classes like letterpress, screen-printing, and other things that make GREAT portfolio additions…but hey, if you are talented without those classes, more power to you. Of course, a degree is recommended…especially in other majors more than others. But, as a graphic designer, I think that have an amazing, out-of-this-world portfolio is way more important than writing down “BFA in Graphic Design” or whichever degree. And, once again, I’m not crushing the idea of a degree…I’m obviously all for it since I’m specifically in school for that AND the added experience that comes with it…however, is it ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY to be a graphic designer? No. Do you HAVE to have a degree in painting to consider yourself a painter or artist? Of course not. When it comes down to it…the portfolio weighs a lot heavier in the hiring process, etc.

• Have those that haven’t done what you have deserve to call themselves graphic designers?

Sure! But I’m willing to take them on in a portfolio stand-off 😉

• Do tutorials as lynda.com tutorials and adobe tutorials devalue going to school for graphic design?

Not really, considering lynda.com was the site I was told to visit daily when I GOT to art school. I have taught myself Photoshop, Illustrator, AfterEffects, InDesign, and more…*ahem*…”taught” “myself.” I get it…art school doesn’t have time to teach everyone the programs, but I literally haven’t been taught anything from the programs…minus the lessons that were set up by a former graphic design STUDENT. Tutorials have been my teachers, in that sense…so I don’t think they devalue going to school at all. They’ve literally helped me REMAIN in art school.

• What skills have you gotten from school you don’t think you would have gotten by going straight into the industry?

Exposure to other art mediums, art processes, thinking processes, and immediate connections with professionals of the graphic design field. I am SO fortunate to have links and experiences with Kate, Gunnar, and Craig…all are so knowledgeable and obviously are a great source to come to for directional help. Going straight into the industry may leave someone naive or connectionless with the graphic design world: it’s good to have knowledge about what you’re getting yourself into. Although DEFINITELY not impossible, college does widen that experience and could help create a much better portfolio.

 

Random Planning…

Next semester, Lizzie and I are doing an independent study with Craig. We talked to him about the curriculum and as a matter of fact…there isn’t one. We get to essentially choose our projects (with his consent, obvs). I wanted to use this blog entry to brainstorm some possible ideas for some projects…

• **Design a personal business card

• **Design a personal portfolio website

• Design custom labels for wine bottles, etc.

• Design school advertisement poster for “Graphic Design” major (similiar to ECU Ad project from Typography…could even create a series)

• Design tribute poster, etc. for famous artist

• **Design cereal box

• Design a brand identity/logo for a made-up company

• **Design poster for a specific social issue (drunk driving, texting and driving, bullying, littering, smoking, etc.)

 

…I’ll come back and add if I think of any more.

A Future Of Design

CORNING | A Day Made of Glass: Same Day. Expanded Coming Edition.

I absolutely loved watching this video. It not only completely embodied, what I believe to be, the inevitable direction for technology in the future, but it also made me think about our recent class question, once again: What do graphic designers bring to the table?

What do WE bring to the table? Should we watch the video again??

Every innovative idea…every ingenious engineering detail and user-friendly-based technology…involved a designer. Especially a graphic designer. Don’t believe me? The first example that popped into my head dealt with the girl swiping through her “closet collection”: WHO designed those icons she touched? Who designed the layout of the swiped box entries or the colors involved? But it’s also a lot more than that…Who made sure the user-friendly factor was more important than displaying involved technology (aka. RTFM Technology…Read the F*cking Manuel Technology, brought to you exclusively by engineers of our day). Who designed and reshaped the usage of glass in the first place? Who used design thinking to directly create technology for the improvement of our daily lives (from choosing an outfit out of our closet to learning in school, etc.)?

Tired of the questions yet? Well, its a graphic designer. We’re a lot more than what we’re given credit for. Yes, we design…but let’s remember what it even takes TO design: First you have to FIND out what the problem is or what the direct issue is that you’re designing for, of, etc. (WHICH might I add takes just as much research as any other in depth business, science, etc. major if not more…) Then it’s a matter of brainstorming for a solution (if there even is one) and that involves: sketching, re-sketching, word lists, research, discussion, word maps, rough drafts, critiques, more discussion, more re-sketching, brain dumps, more and more and more research, more sketching…and that’s without even touching the computer yet (and don’t get me started on that either…my pre-carpal tunnel will start to ache).

All and all through that process…we’re thinking of you. Our client. Our audience. Ourselves. We’re thinking of user-friendly attributes that can make certain issues either easier to handle or understand.

The video really demonstrated this and I was SO enthusiastic watching it. It made me realize all of what I just said AND more…Graphic designers have played a major role in creating the future. Our designs have improved technology and have opened our minds to seeing newer possibilities. Designers have helped create iPods, iPhones, Computers, and will one day even help design/create the good ol’ “hoverboard” featured in “Back to the Future.” Graphic designers, with an immense talent of peeling back the true process of “design thinking,” have helped our world progress…

And hey, without graphic designers and our user-based solutions, we’d all be buried beneath manuals.

Long.

Foreign-sounding manuals.

Oh, and to all the haters…yes. You’d be without all the “pretty designs” we create, too.

And DEFINITELY no hoverboard.

Who doesn’t want that??

Brain Dump

BIG OVERVIEW OF WHAT I’VE DONE FOR OUR FOOD DESERT PROJECT:

 

Came up with questions we’re hoping to answer after our initial research: Who are the people affected by food deserts, How does low-income affect accessibility and what role does it play, What is the most desired time range to get to a grocery store, How are major groups helping in the “healthy” movement, and most importantly…How do you get people involved and motivated to stay involved (with making healthier decisions and being proactive with their health).

Googled/Researched: Health Disparities (and definition), Food Deserts (and definition), Food Desert Locator, Food Deserts in ENC/US, Obesity link to Food deserts, Low-income link to Food Deserts, USDA’s Definition

Food Projects Found/Researched/Discussed: Walmart’s Fresh Food Makeover, ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project), The Community Foods Project (CFP), The Food Project, Healthy Carolinians, Baltimarket

Emailed: Roots of Change, Food Day (Eat Real), SHARE Food Program, Sow Much Good

Came up with direct questions for Food Project Owners:

1. What is your specific area of study?
2. What is your definition of a food desert according to the area you live in?
3. What does your program focus on with relation to food deserts?
4. What are the challenges you face in your program?
5. How do you plan on overcoming these challenges.
6. In your opinion, do you think that the issues with food deserts can be solved.

Experts Found: Lauren Roughton Hendricks, ECU (Food Literacy Partners Program Coordinator), Dr. Stephanie Jilcott, ECU (Department of Public Health)

More Source Collection: The Atlantic Cities Article: “The Problem With Blaming Food Deserts”, The Week: “America’s Food Deserts”, NAC County News: “Food, Food Everywhere, But Few Healthy Choices”, NC Department of Health and Human Services: Corner Stores Key to Reducing North Carolina’s Food Deserts

Week In Design, #3

40 Business Card Inspirations

Business Card Marketing

1.) Why is it important to have a personalized business card? How can a personalized business card make you look better than the average graphic designer? Is a personalized business card to much… would the average joe want to see a clean business card design with only typography?

First, to answer this question, we’d really need to figure out what a business card actually does for a designer. Ultimately, it is a hand held advertisement that possible clients can hold on to for reference and contact information. For a client who has never seen your work before, the business card may be the first impression of what that person sees…so why is a personalized business card important? Simply for the fact that it allows that first impression on the client to turn into complete persuasion for them to use your business. If it were any other card, it wouldn’t be memorable and they may not find working with you as an urgent or serious consideration. Your business card, since it is distributed to clients, is an essential factor and, since it is the first line of work your client will see of yours, it needs to capture the talent found in your portfolio and the professionalism you envelope as a business owner, or worker.

2.) How much is to much information on a business card? When does it get to personal?

Too much? Your grandma’s name and the address of the house you grew up in back in New York. Oh okay, seriously…well, I think it’s easier to consider what you SHOULD include: Name, phone number, email address, and your position in your business. All in all, it’s important to include all contact information so a client can reach you at a different time. It’s not a resume…it’s a “contact me later” card. Your business card should be professionally designed so that they WILL want to see your resume…after they contact you from the information you place on that card.

3.) Our society is connected in many paperless ways. Facebook, Twitter, Email, Linkedin, Four Square and many other social networks. Is it appropriate to transform the traditional business card into a virtual social profile? … That includes your resume, portfolio, contacts, domain, videos and photos all in one location?

I don’t think it’s necessary to completely eliminate business cards as a whole, but I think virtual profiles are IMMENSELY successful in their ability to connect us to people internationally within seconds. With the right amount of professionalism, your name can be spread to millions of businesses and your work can be well known and appreciated as it should be. These profiles should definitely be taken advantage of due to their willingness to advertise yourself as a designer and promote your wants/needs for a future career…it’s getting easier to search for businesses with open positions, and these websites make it even easier for them to find you.

What Do Graphic Designers Bring To The Table?

Today, in class, we began our discussion about what graphic designers bring to the table. Even though it was pretty difficult to get a word in with all the eager people in our class, I still had a lot of thoughts on this topic.

I think graphic designers are entirely taken advantage of and somewhat forgotten in credibility. Graphic design is everywhere…it’s in the box of silverware you chose over the generic brand, the cool pack of gum you paid twice the money for, the bed set you just HAD to have for your new apartment, and that dank poster you just couldn’t live without…the list goes on and it leaves no product behind. And yet, graphic designers are still taken for chumps that only hang on their computer all day and draw pictures. I can’t even BEGIN to count the number of times people I know would assume I took the easy way out with all of my art classes.

“Graphic Design? So you like…design pretty things, right?”

“Um. A little bit more than that. Actually, A LOT more than that. But thanks for the credit, anyways.”

We…

Design, find problems, create business, collaborate, discuss, build, think, make user-friendly problems, find the tangible from the intangible, etc etc etc…We kinda do it all. And it’s a shame we don’t get more credit for it.

First off,

Graphic designers have to always have a few mindsets on at all times when approaching an issue. They have to have the mind of the consumer (aka the main people this product/problem is going to or is affecting…ex, How can I make whatever solution personalized to them or user-friendly?), the mind of an engineer (How am I going to put this thing together logically?), and a designer (How am I going to create something aesthetically pleasing with all of the above and change people’s impressions about this product/issue?). Designers have to CONSTANTLY be thinking of all of these aspects…if not, then there might always be something missing in the final creation or idea. They bring whole-rounded thinking to the table, with many perspectives in mind at once.

On the other hand, Designers realize that there’s not always a complete solutions to a problem. Instead, Designers bring the task of “finding the actual problem” to the table. Sure, with hindsight bias, everyone thinks they could’ve come up with a lot of products that designers have created before: but it’s not always that simple. Designers, with EXTREME research, get to the bottom of the issue and try their best to pin point the real problem for the situation…summed up in class by Keon as a “problem-finding” execution. Once the real problem is found, designers can once again use all of those previously mentioned perspectives to brainstorm newer ideas.

Graphic designers also take on the huge task of creating something tangible from the intangible.. Every day, graphic designers have to dig deeper into concepts that are completely abstract and brainstorm ideas for its creation for the real world. It’s almost like representing the entirety of “math” with just one graphic. Doesn’t seem so easy, right? With detailed research, design thinking, many perspectives, brainstorming, thumbnails, and aesthetic ideas…graphic designers are able to get a lot closer than any other brainiac around.

I could keep going on and on…but as mentioned, graphic designers are responsible for a lot more behind the scenes than we’re given credit for. We’re constantly at work…”the brain of a designer never turns off.” We essentially use OUR time to solve problems and create solutions for the needy…therefore our time is thoroughly precious.

So, in fact, we DO bring a lot to the table. Take that, nonbelievers.

Let’s Talk Package Design…

YouTheDesigner | 30 Bizarre and Creative Packaging Design Examples

I had so much fun looking through these collections! It was really refreshing to see packaging that wasn’t so expected for certain products. As a growing graphic designer, it was interesting to have these kinds of reactions and then wonder WHY I had those reactions in the first place? After all, I want my designs to be seen as new inventions…along with everyone else. Ha, but still…it’s great to have that mindset for creating.

Okay, back to the website.

My favorite from this list was definitely the Kleenex packaging. It’s interesting how packaging can change your view of the actual product: I’ve always been a Kleenex user anyways, but this packaging (because the colors are so vibrant and fresh) make the product seem that much cleaner and fresher. These designers took advantage of a newer shape and used an idea of fruit (somewhat unrelated to Kleenex) to help, actually, IMPROVE the product.

The Salt and Pepper Cell? C’mon, that was a cool idea! The only downside would be getting people to recognize that these were indeed salt and pepper shakers and not just oversize batteries. Is that as important today as just getting the “ooo” or “aaaah” out of possible customers? Then again, they’d most likely be sitting in other baking items…so maybe people would be intrigued since they’d look so different than the other products? They would definitely stand out…but maybe just as batteries. All in all, however, I think it was definitely a cool idea.

My least favorite packaging would have to be the Re:Charge Beverage Packaging. I totally understand…I get it. But looking at the beverage, I think it just makes too awkward of a shape. As a customer, I’d feel so awkward on how to hold it and its heavy-bottom build. It sounds like a vague personal opinion, but just the shape would turn me off…not necessarily beg for me to buy it. I might give a, “Oooh that’s interesting” but then I’d continue with a “But nahh, no thanks.” Plus, in a way, it makes the amount of drink offered way less than other packaging. It looks like a tiny amount of drink for (what I would assume as a customer) much more of my money. I think it was an interesting idea to try, but not the best success…at least for me.

I love package design. It’s so interesting to realize how something is wrapped or displayed ultimately plays a role in if it is bought or not. People are much more willing to spend top dollar on pretty packaging than a cardboard box…even if its the exact same product, $20 apart. Value is automatically added to that which is designed impeccably. Designers should get more credit…we’ve been controlling and persuading minds of all people since day 1. Beat that.

Week In Design, Group #2

VIDEO

INTERVIEW

For this week in design, we were instructed as a class to watch a video and read an interview. Both were involved with IDEO’s “Design Thinking” approach to solving problems as designers and, quite simply, human beings. It’s an approach that offers you the chance to see the issues eye-to-eye and present solutions that don’t just ask to eliminate something we’re doing…instead, it makes you think of things we can ADD to what we are currently doing. Design Thinking designates that there is always something we can do for an issue; not just stop doing. In IDEO’s video, they focused on “Living Climate Change” and how we can start helping our environment by IMAGINING our future…and not just reading abstract statistics. IDEO made some really interesting concepts that we, as a race, should continue to think about. Group #2 wanted us to approach these thoughts by making us pick a different issue that we’re really passionate about and that is happening in society. They wanted us to use Design Thinking to come up with possible solutions that are not about what you have to give up, but what you have to create.

My issue that I chose to focus on for this discussion was bullying in schools. It’s a huge issue and it happens everyday. I think kids are just mean these days and its not enough to tell them to “stop”: so what can we add as actions to better HELP them stop? Because in a way…even the bullies need help with something they’re struggling with.

My initial thought when I first challenged myself to this topic was about pep rallies and group work activities that promoted positive behaviors toward each other by getting kids to work outside of their cliques.

Then, while further thinking about the topic, I got inspired by Dove’s Campaigns for Beauty…why not make more campaigns targeted toward “defeating what the bullies have to say”? I think its powerful in itself to show kids who are being picked on that there is nothing to be afraid of. Why not get a few celebrities (they’re into helping the kids, right?) to just factually state some of their flaws followed by a truthful, “who cares?” For everything everyone has ever been picked on for…people need to realize that bullies really don’t have ANY ammo whatsoever. When I was little, I was picked on for having brown hair on my arms…I wore long sleeves, sometimes, even when it was hot side and jackets too. But now that I’m older, I’ve come to the realization: “WHO CARES?” I was born with brown hair. I am German and Italian…some of the people with the thickest hair alive! So seriously…who cares. How can someone criticize me for a gene I was born with? Sorry, I missed out on “self-picking” my genes before I was born. But see, that’s the thing…I wish I could have heard those words when I was being picked on. Kids who are being picked on,  I think, NEED to hear the words: WHO CARES. Once they realize that what bullies are saying really don’t make any sense, anyways, I think it would be really empowering.

By CREATING self-empowerment amongst little kids, we can ELIMINATE bullying.

Now THAT’S killing two birds with one, big, “who-cares” stone.

Walmart’s Fresh Food Makeover

Walmart’s Fresh Food Makeover | Click here to read the article!

Food deserts are a big problem.

They might even sound surreal to a neighborhood filled with supermarkets close by.

But they’re real. They exist…and many people are undoubtedly suffering.

This article talks about new plan that is set in place to help these people in these situations: “In July Michelle Obama announced a joint plan by Walmart, Walgreens and SuperValu, along with three regional chains, to open 1,500 new stores in food deserts across the country. Walmart, the nation’s largest grocery retailer, plans to open more than 275 new stores by 2016 in neighborhoods it claims are underserved. At least a dozen will be in Chicago, where the giant was one of a handful of chains invited to the mayor’s food desert summit. There, the city touted various spots, including one on the fringes of Englewood’s food desert, as ripe for development. Simmons is in talks with the chains and working to put together packages of financial incentives, zoning amendments and other accommodations to seal the deals.”

I was so excited to see that a person of such a higher position took the initiative to face these problems head on. With all of my previous research, I knew something like this had to be set in place: neighborhoods and communities are lacking grocery stores…so what do we do? ADD GROCERY STORES. It’s an issue that businesses need to take the initiative with and provide for these areas who need it the most. Although this can’t be “one-second-problem-solver,” I am glad this project is underway. I think they are many people in those desperate areas WANTING fresh foods and healthier choices, but just can’t afford what is around them…and no one should blame them or hold them accountable for that. No blame, just help. I have come across many food projects who are definitely striving to make a difference and I think this plan set by Michelle Obama and Walmart will be the ultimate plan that all those food projects had hoped for and are working for: providing these areas with a solution and a choice…and together, they will all get that much closer to eliminating these food distribution issues. Unfortunately, the supermarkets won’t be giving out free food, so it is possible that low income households would still have obstacles, but with Walmart’s lower prices as a whole, I think it lessens that burden a little more.

Any help is beneficial…and in my opinion, this plan WILL be beneficial in the sense that it will provide healthier options…and those options will be there ultimately for people to choose. Although it doesn’t automatically change people’s habits, it does have the possibility of influencing new behaviors.

“Jennifer Stapleton, assistant director of the United Food and Commercial Workers’ Making Change at Walmart campaign, says Walmart as a solution to food deserts is a shortsighted solution to a long-term problem. “Why are there food deserts? Because people are poor,” she says. “Having Walmart come in isn’t creating careers that will lift people out of poverty.”

From the beginning of this project I have had the mindset that this problem may be much larger than just a problem-solution situation. Yes, there is a problem…but is there a solution? Like I said before, I think Walmart’s plan will be beneficial to those who USE its benefits. Habits are hard to break and are sometimes passed down to many generations without a simple thought…but we can’t just assume nothing will change. We have to influence new behaviors and by supplying new options, I think we could do just that.

I also think the economy plays a huge part in this problem. Unfortunately some of the healthier options ARE more expensive…why buy a bag of grapes for 5 dollars when I could buy a fried chicken sandwich, french fries, a soda, and some ice cream for the same 5 dollars? The ways to get more out of your dollar fall on the greasy side of the food choices. But how can we change that? Personally? I really don’t know. The economy is a total bust…or at least that’s how my older friends and family describe it. I’m still in college and haven’t been kicked on my butt into the real world…but nonetheless, maybe the economy and low-income, poor neighborhoods are the major components of why food deserts exist, not just the lack of actual supermarkets. I’m not entirely sure there even is a correct answer to that…but even so, we have to help one step at a time. Food deserts have a lot of factors that link themselves to every problem every American has ever complained about somehow. BUT WE HAVE TO HELP. That’s why I still hold my position that the Walmart plan is a beneficial one. It’s taking a step to help…it may not completely eliminate the problem, but any help is completely worth it.

And maybe one day…we’ll find our solution.

Group Work: Reaching Out!

My group focused today on contacting as many people as possible about their food distribution projects/organizations. As of right now, we are asking somewhat broad questions in order to start a discussion with these groups and then narrow down our questions with whatever responses we receive back. We’re hoping these programs are willing to share some of their knowledge about their challenges, successes, and future plans.  Below is a basic email structure that I sent out to a few organizations:

“Hello! My name is Kayleigh Schnackel and I am a graphic design student at East Carolina University. In my current class, we were given the opportunity to research health disparities with a concentration more on food deserts and food distribution issues. My group came across your website in hopes to further our research and pick your brains about your project and organization. We had just a few questions…First, we wanted to know your definition of a food desert (since we have found many differing variables) and how you feel your organization is making a great step in helping these issues. We also wanted to know if there have been any major challenges throughout your experience and how you plan to overcome them. And lastly, we would like to know how you have gotten people (and kept people) motivated to participate. Thank you so much for your time and any response would be greatly beneficial!”

Roots of Change

Food Day | Eat Real

SHARE Food Program

Sow Much Good

Now…we wait!

 

/edit

As a group, we came up with a few standard questions to ask people once they respond:

1. What is your specific area of study?
2. What is your definition of a food desert according to the area you live in?
3. What does your program focus on with relation to food deserts?
4. What are the challenges you face in your program?
5. How do you plan on overcoming these challenges.
6. In your opinion, do you think that the issues with food deserts can be solved.