Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Feedback

I started commenting, then figured I'd just do one post.

Layla:
So Cute! This turned out really nice. Do you think it would be too much to include a greeting (in small type) somewhere? I feel like it needs some context maybe since we can't include anything on the inside?

Shannon -- This turned out so nice. It might be a little top heavy, but I'm also not sure how I would change it with the swashes bc I like them a lot. Can you reduce the weight of the pine cones, maybe?

Jim:
I agree with Mo -- maybe reducing the size so it only bleeds off the bottom of the card. Really came together!

Mo:
Looks SO much better!! I really like that you added a logo element and I think the orange is really working - feels friendly. My only critique is the detail might get lost when it is small? Layout is strong. Check some alignment issues in the footer (I'd left justify that parapgraph text) and I'd give all of your text some breathing room in general. Capitalization on billboard. Nice work!

Monday, October 5, 2015

Keeping It Fresh - Design Resources/Staying in the Know (and holiday card)

Alas, it isn't easy keeping up with the the newest graphic design trends but I have found that their are a handful of ways that we can, even if we don't have all the resources to constantly keep up.

I have found that surrounding myself with a handful of knowledgeable work associates (or even better, college classmates), who take an interest in graphic arts, are good resources to tap for knowledge of program experience, ideas and design processes. Now unless these associates keep on finding new jobs and leaving your company... I have found this to be a great way to discuss these items and keep up with the items I mentioned. And in the long run this is a great way of networking, even if networking isn't your specialty.
Building relationships through people who share common is always a positive thing for your career.

Also in regards to blogs and Podcasts, about 7 months ago, I stumbled onto a podcast that is somewhat interesting as it tackles all kinds of topics for designers, called The Deeply Graphic Design Cast (interesting title). The POD cast talks about all types of items that relate to designers, anything from Motivation, Running Your Own Design Business, Balancing Work and Life (Bazinga!) New Trends... etc.
My work can place me in a corporate rut sometimes and this particular podcast has helped to keep my mindset within the Design world, helping me to not lose sight of it.

You also mentioned AIGA, and although I have yet to become a member (soon, very soon), I hear that membership can be such a rewarding benefit for those that are members - if used correctly. It will only help you to grow your professional network, build your resources and provide you with a variety of reliable sources.

Thank You!

Also, here is my progress with the Holiday card, taking bits and pieces from everyone.






Project 1, Critiques are welcomed.

Holiday Card




Feedback:

Layla, this is so cute! I almost want to see a more obvious transition from the hive to the circle, just to compare. It might be too much, though.

Erin, I think all three look good, but I'm leaning more towards the first one. I kept going back and forth between that and the second, but I think the first is easier to read, even though it's overlapping the plants. Might be because the text is straight.

Holiday Card


Thursday, October 1, 2015

Holiday Cards

Three revisions for review....the last I went totally minimal...perhaps more "deanly" ha. Thanks!
















Social Media Templates

Hey Guys,

Here's a link to download a zipped file from my dropbox. It's got a FB, Twitter and Instagram template -- I think two are PDFs and the other is a .eps - everything is vector based for Illustrator. I had to move some stuff around to make it look a little more current, but it was pretty easy to do without a lot of hassle.

Enjoy! Social Media Templates