Technology... How a Computer works

We are on our final projects for graphic design... we must describe how a computer starts and design the article type instructions in a way that is appealing to the eye.
Requirements:

This project requires you to write a 1000 word essay (Roughly 7-10 pages) on how a desktop computer works. You will trace the entire process from the time the power button is pressed to graphics being interacted with on the screen. This process takes only seconds but hundreds of different systems have to work in sync in order for computers to work properly.
This essay will be graphically laid out. You should include many different pictures showing what piece of hardware is being used.
Processes that should be included (but not necessarily in this order):
- Power Supply, - Motherboard - CPU - BIOS
- Ram - Video Card - HardDrive - Operating System - Monitor (LCD or CRT)
All these main points should be covered but this should not be all the points you include in your essay. Most points should have photos or illustrations demonstrating what they are. This essay should be graphically laid out. That is, do not hand in a typical black and white document with a few pictures inserted. Make a creative title. Choose professional, readable yet interesting fonts. Insert pictures with text wrapped around. Use image captions. Feel free to use illustrations you create in illustrator. You are also free to to use Photoshop or InDesign but no instruction will be provided in those programs for this class. A good example of effective design layout is your Illustrator textbook.
- Total word count should be between 750 – 1200 words. (Roughly 7-10 pages) - Be careful to use plenty of pictures but make sure picture content does not overlap (ie do not use 3 different pictures of RAM). - Also make sure pictures are understandable but not too big so as to take up too much room.
- Feel free to use linework, recessed picture or borders as you see fit.

Yes, this project is very intricate... I do not think I've had an assignment with so many details... definitely gonna get started on this one early!
:)

New Opportunities

A couple of days ago I was on facebook... the most popular website in the world right now, and a friend of mine messaged me... She asked me to do a logo for her husbands business. They are opening up a photography business and I am going to hopefully be designing their logo for them. I have started sketches and have sooooo much creative room for this project, I really feel like this is the perfect first assignment!
I am so happy that this is going on.
Am I nervous... oh yes... but can I do it... OH YES.
I am not sure if she would like it if I were to say names so I will keep that on the DL (aka down low) but I am so very excited.
It is well known... the feeling of the fear of failure... but you know, I really feel like it will all work out.
It is a challenge that I am willing to win! :) hopefully

Create a MONSTERRRRR

The cutest assignment EVER!
Create a monster was the most fun assignment that we have done by far!
We were able to create this cute fuzy little monster that you just want to put in your pocket and be your friend forever yesterday. I named mine alfred.
I am so fasinated with that name for some odd reason.
But anyways, I was able to learn how to make an object look like it has fur on it. It was a lot fun and yet another new thing to add to my list of things to learn in illustrator.
So COOL!
But ok ok, I have to go. But have an amazing day all of my one follower! :D

Stickem Up

The other day in class, we were working with distressed text.
Stressful it was...
We were to create a wood burned look and then create the distressed text to give it a 1800s shop sign look. GREAT idea, but the directions were written for CS3 when if fact we are working with CS4.
Some may not see the problem in this, but indeed, there is a problem, I wrote the text, and when I went to get the wood look for the background all wood chips broke loose and it just would not work. EPIC FAILURE :)
SO, we could not figure out how to fix it, so I went to the next assignment, hoping I could just forget the disappointment, I did and created a 1960s background, the lava lamp returns.
So I finish the project and look over and they figured out how to fix the western project to work with CS4, :(
I was disappointed, because if I had just stuck it out I could have worked with something pretty incredible that would have been amazing, not to say my 60s project was not insanely cool, but I guess that's what ya get when you give up on something, lesson learned that is for sure!
But for now, I am about to finish up the semester so I'm gonna do what I can!

new. Assignment.

Graphic design assignment #1 after spring break:

TODAY in class we started our new assignment.
We have to take two logos most common ones in the 90s and add or change them up a bit to make them updated and more appealing to buyers.
The ones I chose are Godfather's Pizza and Irish Springs.
I'm excited because of the creative liberties in even the names. I am going to research the different companies and get the show on the road because frankly this is going to be an interesting assignment :)
We even used this new program to open the files to view which logo to use more closely. Adobe Bridge.
It is quite interesting to test out the programs one by one. I love graphic design.
:-D

the. next. step.

Today in technology for graphic design we discussed the new that Obama passed on Health care. Do I agree with it...? Absolutely not... But must I love and pray for him... Absolutely.
This isn't going to be a long blog I just wanted to share what I feel because I feel like so many people are going to bed with a nauseated feeling when they put their heads on their pillows at night. Is this bill going to ruin America? What is the next step? What is this country coming to? Will anyone please see what is going on?
All of these questions are running through the minds of not only the graphic design students in my class, but all Americans.
All I can say please DO NOT worry although this bill is one that is not the most beneficial God has got us. Pray for Obama don't speak against him, pray for the senate don't wish horrible things on them, pray for our country don't give a hopeless cry.
Call me ignorant, call me stupid, even call me an optomistic, but I just know everything will be alright.

MONDAY

So it was the monday right after spring break and as you all know I had so much to do with this powerpoint presentation on microchips. Did I finish it? yes to answer the quesiton, but after loooooong hours in the lab. I had worked on the design aspects of the presentation before spring break, but did not finish. As soon as I got back on the monday though I started at 11 am and did not leave the lab until 11 pm. Yes, I stopped to eat, but I spent so much time on the design that I did not realize how much information I needed to get for microchips. I got it all done, but it took FOREVER. I remember that after I finished the last slide I simply looked at the only other person in the lab and said with bloodshot exhausted eyes "I'm done" those were the only words I could find after such a long time in the lab. Needless to say, all of the hard work paid off. I presented in class the next day and whether or not I passed is to remain unknown, but what I do know is I worked extremely hard and what's done is done. :)

Being lazy

Who wants to work over spring break? NO ONE... so I followed the spring break status quo and put off all work. Including the graphic design powerpoint on microchips. I don't know I guess while I should have been focusing and staying ontop. I really just needed a break. But the truth is it worked out. I got to relax from really busy days at school to just embracing the fact that the monday following spring break I would have to marry my computer and chair and stay committed to finishing the powerpoint. So I did!

Spring break was fabulous and everyone did get together to play some sweet video games in the lab, but I still missed being able to work. I know it's like a switch went off, from wanting to be lazy in spring break to wanting to be able to think of new logos and creative ways of symbolizing businesses.

Could be that I was not able to go to the graphic design party that they had so I was missing the people that I work with on a daily basis. That could have been the missing link. All I know is I'm glad to be back, on top of things and ready to take on the rest of the semester... AND I really am appreciative of the break it was definitely needed. :)

Lets get down to the nitty gritty.

So... I am now working on a powerpoint project that talks about the history of microchips of which I keep call microSHIPS, and their affect on computers throughout history...
So far so interesting, learning about the switch between vacuum tubes and transistors to microchips... doing more with less.
Being a graphic designer you'd think I would know everything about a computer... BUT I DON'T, actually I know the minimum, that is why I am so excited about this, to learn some aspects of how a computer even works haha! PRAY FOR ME :)
I used to think a microchip stored memory, NOW I know that they are simply the brains in the operation of a computer!
See already learning and I just started.
So to keep everyone updated I will continue to let you know what I am learning. Believe it or not I find this stuff so incredibly interesting, someone so technologically slow, I am finding my passion to be more and more the more I get to know my stuff!
How computers work
What they are made of
Why its a million times easier to work on one rather than hand drawing everything! :)
It's all beneficial to the final product... which is a happy career!

I love analogies!

Illustrator is to Graphic Design as sugar is to cupcakes

For some reason I have been thinking about cupcakes a lot lately, could be that I just need to make them... mmm red velvet ones sound extra good. Oh ok back on subject... I am working on a couple of logos for two companies one is for a competition which I have mentioned in my other blogs and the other is for a correctional facilities association: SCCA...Actually rather excited about them... I would like to do both. (I say that because we have the choice to do one or the other or both, for my portfolios sake why not do both!)
But to complete them I will use illustrator, I've got a couple of ideas roaming in my head, but I have to get started so I can get this show on the road. I'm kind of interested to see how this turns out and to see the outcome.
I'm gonna have to put the right amount of effort, a teaspoon of stress to keep me on my toes, and 1 million cups of excellence into each of these projects to make these logos work! Wish me luck!
LIKE CUPCAKES I hope these turn out sweet and delicious as ever!

Guess What...

Hey everyone! All my books are in! Finally!
I know the semester is half way over, I know I know, but I had some trouble with financial issues, but everything is done and taken care of!
Yay!
You guys should see my office 2007 plus edition book... it is definitely the plus edition, PLUS size! You guys would not believe how heavy these books are, insane!
But graphic design is technology so books about the technology are essential!
I love it!
SIDE NOTE: He is letting us out early guys! yay!
Anyways, back to reality... books for graphic design are different than books for an english class or a common college class, graphic design books are like a Christmas present! :)
PLUS graphic design books are ONE MILLION TIMES more interesting haha. Something I would love to do is subscribe to a technology/graphic design magazine, but it is so stinking expensive... so if there is anyone out there who would like to buy me a subscription let me know! I promise it will be for a good cause! I have to start somewhere! :)

New Logos

Logo competition!
SACS is the word
The assignment consists of a making a new logo for Southern Association of Colleges and Schools!
It has gotten down to the nitty gritty. The first place winner gets $500! Can you believe it! I feel it in my bones that I'm gonna win! I'm gonna work EXTREMELY HARD ON THIS!
Not that I do not work hard on all of them! :)
I'm a natural what can I say.
Actually for all who are interested in Graphic Design anyone can be a natural.
But this competition is going to be fun. It's like a makeover story, from an okay simple logo to a crazy-exciting-gonna-make-it-like-the-apple-logo-for-mac logo! Yep I'm gonna make this a good one!
The prizes consist of first place $500
second place $300
third place $200
So even if I do get third place I think I'll live :) On my way to be a millionaire graphic designer.
So in the words of Michael Jackson "Just beat it" all you who challenge me... I'm ready for anything.

P.S. I'm a little hyper because I just got done running adrenalin going crazy :) I'll come back down to earth in a few

After eating thoughts

I was thinking about my last entry and I wanted to clarify that I do not skip steps in my tutorials I do them alllllll! Just wanted to clear my name. :)
I know my professor looks at these and I didn't want him to think that I am skipping on work :)
ALSO it will show that there is no way Hosea that I could do that because my work is close to perfection... I love the fact that we have these tutorial it just gets a little overwhelming, but what isn't now-a-days... school is... family is... love is... heck my head is!
I know I go to a christian college and I am supposed to respond perfectly by saying I give it to God when it comes to overwhelming things, but lets face it people I'm human and life is stressful!
I know these thoughts are random and somewhat overwhelming, but that is my point.
LIFE CAN BE OVERWHELMING

About to eat

I'm about to head out to lunch... Just finished my tutorials and feeling good! I have completed the excel tutorial and now the powerpoint tutorial! They were pretty easy, but I am just a very impatient person! I like to skip steps and get through the tutorials in good time!
That being said I also love the experience of being able to learn all of the aspects of powerpoint.
It is good experience!
Anyways, sometimes going back to the basics is the beginning of a new and profound idea. Using powerpoint could inspire me to levels in advertising.... Maybe I'm thinking too much into this, but the fact is... you gotta do whatcha gotta do!

Real Life

Today we are... well I am starting my logo project for a company that wants a logo...
Requirements:

Real World Logo Project
This is a real world project making a logo for a new startup company. This logo will appear on their website and advertising material for the years to come. This is taken directly from the email sent.
This project is a good experience in dealing with the type of (or lack of) details that a typical business owner provides that has little design experience.
________________________________________________
The company name is Mr. Sparkle Glass Restoration Corporation.
Notes: I don't want the Corp name in the logo. I would prefer the verbiage to be on two lines with "Mr. Sparkle" standing out
more than Glass Restoration. I want a character that represents the company (or a symbol) as part of the logo that will remain recognizable.

See... it's so general... bring it... I'm so excited for this challenge, my first real life experience starting as we speak!

Tutorials

In Technology for Graphic Design we are having to learn the basics of excel in mac... Something that I am realizing though is the fact that it seems that not everything is compatible with mac. That is super inconvenient. For instance, if I write a paper and try to send it to a professor it doesn't send because mac has the latest updates and many professors use the old school Microsoft 2003 Word.
Not that it is a bad thing, but it can be a little inconvenient that's all.
Oh, so anyways, back to the tutorials... They are fun because I am learning a whole lot I just wonder if we are wasting time... then again the more I type the more snobby I'm sounding, I need these tutorials because frankly I am no computer geek, that is for sure. Hopefully these will transform me in the technological world from an ugly duckling to a graceful swan!

What if my eye balls fell out of their socket?

ALLLL DOOONNNNEEEE with the color replication project... Slowly but surely!

My eyes feel like they are about to fall out of my head!
Something I was thinking about while doing my picture was what if my eye balls fall out of my head? Well first of all my career would be over, I would never be able to visually see my family or friends, and that would just really stink.
Yes, it is a random and significant thought, which was brought on by the completion of the project, but it's done and over with and I can now breath and not have to worry about anything any more... until Thursday that is.
Here we go!
:)

I've Made It.

So... The weekend seemed longer than I expected due to the anticipation of having to wait to get into the lab! So much work so little time... Gotta get this brochure in a pray that there are no complications. So, here I go!
It's Monday... Have a busy week... But am now in my haven. Some may find that weird because of the frustration I experience with the assignments, but when I get focused, yes some of the requirements may be frustrating, but this room, this technological world is becoming apart of me more and more everyday.

Relationship Status: Glad to be back! :)

Waiting.

Here I am waiting... Until I can get into that lab tomorrow! It's Sunday, a beautiful, cold Sunday, one of those ones where once you walk outside you can't help but smile because the sun is bright, you can see your breath, AND there is frost on the cars (well maybe you could do without that :)) But nothing compares to being able to work on your work and get it done... Illustrator is calling my name... To finish up my brochure and hope that everything works out! The anticipation is killing me!

But here I am waiting... Do I have other things I need to do... of course! But nothing will feel as good as being able to sit in front of my 27in imac working on my creativity!

Relationship Status: So it's irritating, but I miss it... guess it's love!

I need a break

I need a break College can get pretty crazy! Work that is overwhelming. I am realizing that Graphic Design is becoming my haven more and more everyday. Although I could not make it to the lab and work on my projects we have going on... Brochure in mac word and my color replication project, it brings an appreciation for the time I do have to work on my projects.The work that college provides can get somewhat overwhelming, however, my Graphic Design classes provide a get away!While yes the projects can get insane, the end result is always worth it!

Assignment # 2

Today marks assignment number 2.

Portraying accurate color reproduction when basing an illustration on a photograph is an important skill. Search for a high resolution picture online that is a mechanical device ie, a car, kitchen tool, children's toy, aircraft etc. Try to find an object that has a variety of colors rather then just one solid color and stay away from objects with fuzzy edges or fur. Then, using Illustrator do an outline of the picture with modest details. Be sure to use the techniques described in class when drawing the various sections of your photograph. Be sure to label your layers properly and use proper groups. Then when all the major components of the object are properly traced, start filling in each of the components with the correct color. You may attempt to use gradients if you feel ambitious. You may also break down shadow areas into different shapes to provide different colors. This work will be displayed on screen in class, no printing or mounting necessary.

OOOOkkkkk... Although this just our second project I feel as though there is pattern slowly, but surely forming...

Stages

1. Day one: hate it because it's so confusing
2. Day two: start to like it because I realize one thing an instant revelation and begin to like it
3. Day three: Liking it even more, learning more
4. Day 4: Hate it a little because something went wrong
5. Day 5: Start to love again because it's coming to a close and I figured out what I did wrong
6. Day 6: LOVE IT because it's over and it looks insanely awesome! Funny how when you're done you almost want to say... now that was easy!
   

I notice the pattern but also realize the love for project I'm just waiting for day 3ish, but definitely day 6!


Relationship Status: Day one: a little irritated

All Done!

So, yesterday I officially finished my Less is More project in graphic design... it turned out GREAT! It is so crazy how something so impossible turns out to work for the best.For my project I did an outline of a bicycle, as most of you know from my previous blogs, this project was rather frustrating. However, finishing has made it worth it!I am definitely becoming more acclimated to the idea using Illustrator, maneuvering the lines ect. makes the program more interesting to me, almost like a mystery.Ok, maybe I am being a little too dramatic, but really! figuring out how to use the program is so fun, it pushes you to want to learn more! So fun!

Graphic Design=Salsa

Yesterday was my one year anniversary with my boyfriend... He surprised me with a private lesson on Salsa dancing. During the lesson we practiced different steps and techniques to improve the dance skills neither one of us possessed...
Having the salsa experience made me realize something... the correlation between salsa dancing and Graphic Design.
In Salsa there are very distinctive moves that characterize the dance.
In Graphic Design, there are distinctive characteristics that characterize the degree, versus computer science for example.
Using Illustrator for the Less is More project for example, there are certain steps to take and it is important to realize that those steps are all part of a graphic designers characteristics, as far as their job requirements.
Another step in Salsa is the idea of putting your personality in the moves...
If there is anything that sets graphic designers apart it is there ability to allow their creativity to flow! Personality is key in the graphic design world, that is what sets you apart from the designer next to you...
SO, while most would not connect graphic design with salsa, it's true!
Step one: learn the moves
Step two: Personality

Relationship status: Loving it more everyday!

Love Hate Relationship

Assignment 1: Less is More...

Find a picture online that allows you to zoom in for more detail a second and a third time. Be sure the picture dimensions are at least 1000x1000 pixels so that you can zoom in close enough to see useful detail. Then, using, Illustrator do an outline of the picture with modest details, then a second zoomed in with more details, and a final zoomed in at least 10x closer then the first. Color is not necessary but is allowed. Try to include more details as you get closer each time. The final frame should be recognized as part of the first but should be able to stand on its own. This work will be displayed on screen next class...

Yes, it sounds simple in so many ways, easy language, directions given in an understandable way, and overall a simple project. But try mixing this project with a non-technological human named Kara. Yes, it was hard! I couldn't comprehend the use of the tool which maneuvers the lines to create the image. It was all very overwhelming, but at the same time extremely interesting! I am challenged, but it's exciting because even from this one project I am learning so much and loving it, soon I will be writing the programs for Graphic Designers! All that being said, the project is a perfect mixture of a pinch of frustration and a pinch of luring learning opportunities.

Things that I learned and scratched the surface of the Adobe Illustrator world:

-Pointer
-Use of the canvas
-Artboards
-Layering (of course we only used 3 layers and it is possible for on a regular occasion in a graphic designers world for there to be 2000 layers, so I do not even think I could say scratched the surface :).
-Zooming in and out
-And other basics in Illustrator

Relationship status:
Love, hate relationship

It's a new day

2010, new opportunities, new ways to look at things. Not to mention a step towards success. The beginning of a new semester allows for the excitement of progressing in graphic design so real. It is very exciting because the idea of learning the technology, the different aspects of graphic design, and the limitless opportunities the field presents give me a sense of security which challenges me to push myself to higher creative levels. I plan to go into this next semester with an open mind to learning the software, but also to learning how to work with others who share the same passion. I am going into these classes with an empty cup expecting every ounce to be full with graphic knowledge by the end of this semester! Visual Communications and Techonology for Graphic Design HERE I COME!