Semester Graphic Design Reflection

Fall Racoon & Postcard

The project was to create a raccoon using the tools in Illustrator. It took about two to three weeks to finish the entire raccoon and its background. Certain tools in Illustrator were often challenging and difficult to work with, being the hardest part of the project. I learned about new tools and how to create certain shapes and I was given feed back on my postcard. I ended up changing the text in the snowman postcard to say, "And a Happy New Year!". I was really pleased with this project; especially the postcard aspect of it. 

Chiefs Infographic

The project was to create an infographic on a certain topic, using the tools in Adobe Illustrator. I chose to compare to Chiefs players. It took about two to three weeks to make the whole design as well. I had to update the stats every week, so you could say that might be challenging. The hardest part, in my opinion, was cutting the players out in Adobe Photoshop. I learned more about Photoshop, though, and also got more familiar with the tools in Illustrator and what an impact a non-computer based font has on the overall design. I was given feedback on my arrange of the player's names and positions, so I switched them around, making it look better. I really enjoyed this project and I feel like my design is simple, yet informative and right to the point.

Vector Portrait

And finally, for this project we were to create a vector of ourselves using the pen tool in Adobe Illustrator.  It took about three weeks to complete. Some of the challenges I faced were in making the hair (especially) and making the shadows (around my neck). I learned more about the pen tool and also learned that making a vector is not an easy task. I wasn't given much feedback, but I did add a gray background to make the design pop out. I liked this design because it looks clean. The process was a long one, but the final result was what I wanted.

Time Management

I feel like I have used my time in class effectively, as I usually finish the project somewhat early. I used the extra time to create each Behance cover photo and mockup to make my profile look great. I stayed after school at least three days to finish my vector design, so I feel like that built my skills and helped me to finish on the deadline. 

Strength

I am definitely better at some tools than I am others in Illustrator. I am also more familiar with Illustrator than Photoshop, so that has definitely helped my designs. I like to be simplistic, so I feel like that is a good strength to have when it comes to design. I maximize these strengths by carefully creating my Behance portfolio to look clean and simple.

Weakness

Some of the areas needing improvement would definitely be the use of Photoshop. I'm not very familiar with it (although we completed tutorials at the beginning of the year). To improve this weakness, I used Photoshop in my infographic project to create pngs of the players.

Summary

The best thing about this semester was easily the infographic. We got to choose our topic, so that made it more enjoyable. I also liked trying to create a design similar to what you see on ESPN or SportsCenter. One thing I would change is the raccoon postcard. I would work to make the tree look more realistic. Also, the original raccoon background could stand some work. I could have created a tree or something to place next to the raccoon. The number one thing I learned this semester would be the use of outside fonts to create your design. I mean, I can TELL if someone using a computer generated font for their design. I made sure to use unique fonts in all of my projects. One goal for next semester would be to get more familiar with Photoshop, integrating the photos I get from it into my design. I enjoyed the projects we did this semester, and can't wait to see what's next.

ONW Now Sophomore Edition

 

Overview

For this project, we were to create an ONW Now news segment as a sophomore journalism class. We were split into two teams and were assigned roles. I was a part of the production team, which was in charge of the lower thirds, graphics, intro, and outro. 

Process

For our intro, I decided on the theme of "The Office", a popular sitcom. We were assigned characters and filmed almost all of the intro in class. The next day, I went outside in cold, cold weather and filmed the opening shots of the school. In editing, I modeled of "The Office"'s intro and made it somewhat similar. I used graphics at the end to show that it was a sophomore edition. 

What I Learned

I learned about creating an effective intro and became more familiar with Adobe Premiere regarding graphics. I also worked with others to create each shot, modeling of "The Office" intro. Finally, I had a different experience using handheld for the camera, as that was the style in "The Office". 

Improvement and Next Time

I could have used a better font or color corrected some of the shots better. I also could have included shots of everyone (even though I listed them at the end). For next time, I will spend more time color correcting and on fonts/graphics. 

Overall

I think we did quite well in creating an effective and fun intro. I think it really captured what video class is all about: learning and having fun. I will continue to build on my Premiere skills throughout the year as well!