I am at the halfway mark (week six of twelve) for my second class (Concepts & Narratives), this is my journey so far.
Concepts and Narratives is my second class at University towards my degree in Communication Design. This class has a major focus on using traditional ‘hand’ methods. As someone who has relied heavily on a computer/digital design this has been both a challenge and a rewarding experience. So far we have made sketches with varying mediums such as; pencil, charcoal, watercolour and markers. Traced and rendered from detailed references. Made a model of a chair with foam board. Used photography to capture objects. Explored cropping and framing and in week six created a personal mark (much like a logo).
We have developed our understanding of key design principles such as; scale, tension, dynamics and experimented with design elements used to enrich perspective by using; colour, texture, contrast and more. I certainly don’t feel that I approach design the same way compared to the early weeks. It gives me a great deal of inspiration for the future, both in professional and personal contexts.
Layout design is another part of the class that we are marked on. In the first few weeks I had been using Adobe Illustrator to create the layouts for my work. I decided to try using InDesign and I am so glad that I made the switch because it allows for so much more control in the management of a document. I can notice the difference between my early layouts and my most recent.
This class has so far validated my decision to do this degree, knowing that I am entering a field that I have a great passion and love for.
Here are some examples of my work so far.
Week 1: Sketching
Week 2: Tracing & Rendering
Week 3: Model Making
This was probably my most challenging week. I didn’t have the right board and I the blade I had was not sharp enough for great precision.
Week 4: Collage
Week 5: Cropping & Framing
Week 6: Personal Mark
In other news, I started watching season 6 of Game of Thrones. So many emotions…… 😄😲😶
- Have you ever discovered something you really loved to do?
- Have you ever used InDesign for layouts or documents?
- In your past/current studies are there things you learned that altered your perspective?
- Are you watching Game of Thrones?
8 Responses
1. I recently discovered video and video editing and I absolutely love it. I’ve been talking photos before, but I’ve always loved watching movies, and when I do film, I realised that I could quite easily piece videos together to tell a story.
2. It depends. Illustrator is good for more freedom, whereas I was trained to use InDesign as i am ultimately a magazine/book designer.
3. I used to design things without a reason (I still do), but I have learnt that what I was taught in uni does not necessary apply to the real world.
4. I’ve only watched season 1…so definitely a lot to catch up!
You’ve been KERNING so much at uni Kya! Please keep us updated! It’s really interesting 🙂
Nice sketches!! I’m curious about Adobe Illustrator, what does it do that Indesign doesn’t? Or is it just for designing things like those you posted? I use Indesign a lot for layouting magazines and brochures for my church. It’s a bit too CPU heavy but it’s the most flexible software I’ve used so far. I’d think Illustrator takes just as much resources though since it’s still Adobe. I’d love to not use Adobe but they simply have the best software.
I’ve been learning PHP lately and really loved it, but then got stuck and right now I’m taking a break from it until I can find better documentation about it. I’m trying to learn how to use different frameworks or what they are called; Bootstrap, FontAwesome, jQuery, Instafeed, etc. They are too poorly documented also, unless you already know everything, but I’ll take a closer look at them during the spring now when the layout jobs are finished.
For your question nr 3 I can only say that I’ve been using WordPress for years but after learning about how hackers scan for WP sites and do all they can to break in, I’ve stopped using it because it’s too much work. The funny thing is that I’m now creating websites for others with WordPress, that likely I’ll need to maintain as well. Haha… but I guess in the website world there is no way to avoid WordPress anyway. My own blogs are built with Ghost instead.
Question 4 oh now, definitely not. When I now read about it I suppose it’s ok but it’s never caught my interest.
That sounds like an awesome class! Even though I do so much digital stuff now, I still love traditional methods like drawing with pencil and painting. I find them more relaxing and satisfying.
I liked seeing the different things and techniques you had to do! I especially like your personal mark 🙂
About 5 or 6 years ago, I discovered how much I love photography! That’s when I started using a DSLR. Studying composition definitely changed how I view my photos and how I approach it now. I haven’t used InDesign, but I think some of the designers at my company use it.
I’m watching Game of Thrones! So excited it’s back!
I think your collages are brilliant, especially the white feather piece. I’m very impressed with the chair you made! I have to work with foamboard and mountboard a lot, and I find them really difficult to work with. As soon as your blade is even slightly dulled it becomes impossible! I’m glad you are enjoying your class, and you should be proud of everything you have achieved in it!
1) Have you ever discovered something you really loved to do? – I loved playing rugby, it was one of my favourite things ever. Sadly I can’t play it anymore due to time, and injury but I still enjoy watching it.
2) Have you ever used InDesign for layouts or documents? – I haven’t but I would like to one day.
3) In your past/current studies are there things you learned that altered your perspective? – We had a lecture once, that made me realise that you can’t just enjoy things because of what they are. You don’t have to analyse a book, or piece of music or art, or show to find a justification for liking it. You can just like it, and that’s fine.
4) Are you watching Game of Thrones? – No! I read four of the books but I found I couldn’t remember who was who! I will start to watch it!
That’s awesome that you found something you really enjoy and love! You made some pretty cool looking stuff too! Keep up the great work!
I had no idea that your studies were so diverse! Thanks so much for sharing them! I really love your personal marks too. <3
I love to do many things, and sometimes it can feel distracting. Still, I like to tie them all in together, and my blog has really helped with that!
I don't think I've ever heard of InDesign before?
In college, the only thing that really changed in me, was my perception of myself. I felt accomplished.
I don't have any of the extra cable channels, so I don't watch Game of Thrones. I am tempted to read the books though.
WOW your design work is amazing! I didn’t know you were getting a degree in communication design – that’s actually my undergrad! with a focus in advertising in the last two years. I remember in freshman foundation we did all of these things too – photography, color studies, models, etc. Of course, we took all those classes all at once which took a lot more time than we had because we had to work on multiple projects at once. Then in sophomore foundation we used InDesign to make layouts – huge improvement from Illustrator! 🙂