Week Fifteen, Stefaniak

In this class I really learned a lot about what you can do with creativity and computer software. I'd heard that graphics 217 is the best Newhouse class to take, and throughout the semester I never doubted that. Even though it's only my second Newhouse class, it has been the most enjoyable class I've taken at SU. The projects were enjoyable despite the long hours of work an the skills I developed through them are priceless. This class has even caused me to consider changing the field in which I plan to work to someone graphics related. Though I'll continue to be a magazine major, I really would like to work in the graphic magazine field rather than my original plan of fashion. Since the class combined many of my interests and taught me how to utilize them to my greatest advantage, I don't think any of the skills I learned are ones I'm willing to give up. I even bonded with who's now my boyfriend over love of typeface; ask Valentina, she knows.

Fish

At the beginning of the course, I can honestly say that I did not know the first thing about graphic design. The first project took a lot of work and frustration, and I was convinced that this was definitely not the class for me. But as I worked on, and through the frustration that came along with learning a new sophomore, I have grown very comfortable using the software. This class has taught me that I am actually interested in graphic design. I know that I will use the skills I gained from the course in my career later on in life. I can now consider this field to be of interest, which would have never seen coming before this course.

Week Fifteen - Igbeare

This class has taught me a lot about necessary tools I know I will need for my future. I went through an array of emotions because of how much detail each project entailed. I can say that I took away so much from this class. I look at typefaces and fonts in a different way now. I analyze them in a way I didn't think I would. If someone would have told me I would immerse myself in all things graphics after finishing the class I wouldn't believe it. But I'm glad I had the opportunity to learn Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. I feel my skills have grew enormously because of this class. Even though I wanted to yell and scream because of how tedious the projects were, I learned more than what I expected and for that I am grateful.

Stanislaus - Wrap Up (Week 15)

Before entering GRA 217, I had heard how difficult the course was. A lot of people would say it is a very time consuming course and they were right. This class is extremely time confusing however, I attained skills that have benefited me. I was able to learn how to use Adobe Suite which is something I have always wanted to do. There were a lot of times when I could not stand the course and was just so annoyed, I'm not going to lie and there were also plenty of times I questioned why I was taking the course, especially during the Magazine project. That project was definitely the hardest project. Although this is how I felt, I can understand why this class would be a requirement for most majors, it is always good to see and respect how people of other fields work. I also appreciate the skills I have attained from taking this course, I know I will definitely use them in my lifetime. Overall, this course was honestly not my favorite however, I can appreciate the skills I did attain from it.

Stanislaus - Week 14 (Part 2)

Design Strategy and choice of event:

For the web design project we were to pick an event being hosted by a not-for-profit organization. The organization I chose is called Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). It is a major performing arts site in Brooklyn, New York. It is a venue for film, performance, art, literature and events. The event I chose was DanceAfrica 2010. This is an annual event that takes place at BAM. Each annual DanceAfrica consists of dance performances by numerous dance companies, an outside DanceAfrica Bazaar, an art display, a series of films and a dance party with live music. The reason why I chose this organization was because it was a local event in my hometown of Brooklyn, NY. I chose the event because I felt that it was extremely cultural and it seemed like a very lively event for all, from young to old. When designing the website, I felt that it should be very bright and festive just like the event. Therefore I incorporated a lot of bright colors into it. I also wanted the website to explain a lot yet be simple which I think I accomplished.

Choice of Typeface

For the whole website I chose the font, Helvetica Neue. The reason why I chose this font is because it is an easily read text and it has numerous different types of font styles and I was able to work with the font in different ways. It’s a very versatile font.

Color

For the website I chose vibrant, bright colors. I chose red (R 214, G 35, B 41) for the top layer, yellow (R 255, G 233, B 95) for the body and black (R 10, G 0, B 0) for the bottom and the background for the navigation bar. I feel these colors meshed well together for the website. For the titles of each page I chose to take the red from the top layer for the color of the font to keep it consistent. I feel overall the website looks simple and clean yet informative.

Stanislaus - Week 14 (Part 1)

Stanislaus - Week 13 (Hierarchy)

Perezhilton.com is a great example of hierarchy. He has numerous navigation bars to get where you need to go on the site. Also, the colors are very appealing and are in unison. The visitors of this site are able to view the latest celebrity gossip with ease.

Week Fifteen | Palladino

I think a lot of people who had previously told me about GRA 217 were trying to scare me. Many of them demonized the class in a way, telling me it would take over my life and sucking away all my free time. GRA 217 is definitely a time-consuming class, but by no means is it terrible if you know how to time manage. I feel that every project we did was relevant to real-world situations and all were very practical. I was especially fond of the resume project, because I have now used that resume I create in class to apply for internships. It must have worked because I was accepted by two of the internships I applied for. I believe I owe a portion of that to my resume and its design.

Recently I ran into a classmate of mine who is a TRF major. He has been thinking about taking GRA 217, even though it's not required for his major, and he was asking me about my experience in the class. I immediately recommended that he take the class, because I feel I've learned so much about graphics and how important basic graphic skills and knowledge are in the workforce. While, like I said before, the class is time consuming and challenging (and sometimes frustratingly meticulous), it's a great class to have under your belt. I'm very happy I took this class, and I'm contemplating taking another, higher-level graphics class in the future. My favorite project was the magazine design project and I'd love to take a class that would allow me to do more projects such as that.

Schwartz - Week Fifteen

Initially, I was confused as to why I would be required to take a course in graphic design. I was very nervous for this class, because I am not an artistic person and do not respond well to visual cues. I never considered myself to be someone that would have any need nor interest for graphic design in my life, and I thought that the class would be essentially pointless for my future. I am a public relations major, so I thought-- when would the application of graphic design ever come into play in my potential career paths?

Well, I was immediately mistaken as our first project was the resume design. This was the most practical project as well for my field, so right from the start I was proven wrong. This beginning just reenforces the continuation of lessons I have taken from GRA 217 throughout the entirety of the semester. As we embarked upon each new lesson and project, I found myself learning a bit of new information as we went along. I was shocked at how interested I became in a class I originally resented enrolling in. I found lectures to be informational, because I knew absolutely nothing about graphic design before this class. To take this to a new level, I was actually interested in the new knowledge I was absorbing. I have found graphics to be both interesting and important to me, as I feel a lot more confident about my knowledge of graphic design but also see the ways that it can help me both on a professional and personal level. I am leaving graphics as my favorite class of the semester.

I am a new Newhouse transfer so I hope that my other classes continue to impress me as much as this one did. By no means did I find this class to be easier than I expected, as I struggled through every project we did. I found myself spending more than half of my free time each week in the lab. Every second not spent doing other work or tending to personal needs, I was in the lab. I have put my heart & soul into every project we have completed, and although the grades may not always reflect it I have put the most effort possible into each project. My favorite, and also the most challenging, was the magazine project. I found that once I came across a topic I really liked, I was engrossed and interested in the making of the magazine. I hope that someday in the future I am able to take my graphic knowledge to the next level, but if not I know that I have learned so much as it is.

Week 15 - Rinder

Before beginning this class, I heard that it was challenging, yet a fun and creative class. I would have to completely agree. It was challenging in the respect that I had never used any Adobe design program before. However I did find this a very enjoyable class. As a journalism major, the most creative I usually get is with sentence structure or story ideas. I really liked the design aspect of this class, it was something a little different for me.

I also feel that this class taught me a lot about reading, interpreting, and designing graphics, advertisements, and logos. I found the gestalt principles and color information especially interesting. Although I may not have a future in advertising or graphic design, I think this class gives important background for anyone person going into print or web media.

Week Fifteen | LaSorsa

As a PR major, I was initially curious about why I was required to take a graphic design class. However, I am so glad that I did get to learn the basics of graphic design. A lot of PR firms are looking for well-rounded students and having a basic knowledge of InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator definitely puts you at an advantage. With these skills, I am now able to use these programs in order to update my resume or make posters for events I am apart of. Though I would not say I am an expert in graphic design, I learned a lot of basics that I will always remember. For example, the fact that the color blue is the most well-liked color. I know that PR tends to overlap with graphic design. So, I am glad I took the course because what I have learned will allow me to communicate with graphic designers, if I ever work with them in the future. Overall, I think the hardest project was the magazine project because of how much detail was involved. My favorite project was the resume project because it was the most helpful and I was able to use this as my real resume. I really enjoyed the class, overall, and found it very helpful for the future.

Annie Liebovitz

Going into Hendricks Chapel on thursday night, I knew little to nothing about Annie Leibovitz. All I knew was that she took a series of baby photos and some of them featured Celine Dion. I feel like seeing her in person allowed me to learn more than I could from reading about her on the internet. She is such a laid back and easy going person. It was comfortable and enjoyable to sit there and listen to her and I really liked how she commented on the group feeling like a family with her niece there. My favorite part of the presentation was right at the beginning when she told us the story about her trip to Niagara falls. She put herself under the utmost scrutiny discussing her financial troubles, but I feel like it made people respect her that much more. It is interesting to see such a famous and well-known person struggle so much financially. Too me, it made her seem like a real person and it made her seem grounded. She appeared as your every day person who just happened to be fantastic at taking photographs.

Annie Leibovitz - Schwartz

I feel like a took a lot out of watching Annie Leibovitz speak. This was such an unusual opportunity because she is a world renowned photographer, and I was able to watch her in person. She was such a good presenter, providing a broad spectrum of ideas. She did not focus solely on her photos which was also interesting, because she spent a great deal of time addressing her other interests and pasttimes. She read a part of her book, expressing the details behind her interest. I also really like seeing her photos just because of the vastness of her talent. Its such an experience to be able to see a woman speak whose work is presented in Rolling Stone and other famous magazines. She photographs celebrities, but also takes more personal photos as well. This is a unique aspect of her work and personality. She brings a lot to the table, and she is able to really articulate her experiences in an understandable and effective way.

Annie Leibovitz

Syracuse was extremely lucky this year to have Annie Leibovitz as a guest speaker. Before Thursday, Annie Leibovitz was a surreal person who I only recognized through amazing portraits and magazine covers. As she spoke about her children and told personal stories from her career, I began to see her as an ordinary person. She is very low key and down to earth considering she has photographed the Queen and John Lennon. Leibovitz's talent has led her to not only meeting a huge amount of famous people, but traveling the world. Conde Nast traveler allowed Leibovitz to basically chose the places she would go to shoot pictures. However, Leibovitz explained how found more success in her portraits. Though she may say she doesn't have a favorite photo, she did show a portrait of her mother which she loves. I found it very meaningful when she explained how her mother was the only person she ever photographed who was looking at her, not the lens. Annie Leibovitz spoke greatly of her family and you could tell she has a very close relationship with them. She did focus on her niece, who we can also thank for having Leibovitz come. Attending this event allowed me to finally see Annie Leibovitz as a person, not through the photos of either the pregnant Demi Moore or the barely clothed Miley Cyrus.

Week Fourteen | LaSorsa

Danielle LaSorsa

Rationale: Interface Design

4/25/10

Design Strategy

When first thinking about my design for this web project, I immediately thought of one of the examples from class of a student whom did a web design for her sorority’s (Delta Gamma) Anchor Splash philanthropy event. Since I was doing a web design for an event for my sorority, I wanted to use similar design ideas. I started with a base that had a header container, navigation bar container and a container for specific information pertaining to that page. My header remained the same throughout each of my pages to keep everything consistent. It had the name of the webpage event, a brief sub-header and a picture representing the sorority. To represent that the sorority works with Prevent Child Abuse America, I placed the logo on the bottom right of each page. The viewers eyes exit a page on the bottom right and so I thought putting it there would make viewers recognize the image as they left the website. It also made the website more official because it was a distinct logo that many are familiar with. The toolbar also remained consistent throughout each page of my web design so that the viewer did not get confused when navigating throughout the website. However, to highlight what specific page one was on, I changed the color of the category. My main (biggest) container would hold the information pertaining to each page. I tried to remain consistent by using a feathered picture, a header and then smaller text explanations. However, on the Donate and Directions page where I found it necessary to use two pictures, I formatted it with two diagonal pictures and diagonal textboxes. I tried to use typographic hierarchy for each page by using a bigger size font for the header and got progressively smaller as I placed each textbox beneath. I tried to keep my design very simple and clean because I find that these characteristics lend to easy accessibility and navigation. My main concern was consistency because I knew if each page looked similar, then a person would become familiar with the ways of the website. They then would be able to find the information they need easily, which is most beneficial to the success of a website.

Typeface Information

I had previously made a poster for this event. In order to remain consistent to the event’s previous design, I chose to use the same font, Aachen Std Bold. I liked the font for this event because it represented the idea of building. It was also a fun (not so serious) font and this event was supposed to be playful and enjoyable. This font, however, had low readability as a body text. I had just watched the documentary about the font Helvetica and was truly inspired by the simple but powerful characteristics of the font. I chose to use it for my body text because it fulfilled my want of a simple sans serif. I didn’t think it was necessary to use more than two fonts because it would be too much of a distraction. I think the boldness of the Aachen Std and the simplicity of the Helvetica complimented each other while providing a balance.

Images and Color

Throughout my whole web design, I stuck to four main colors (teal, navy, yellow, white). The use of only four main colors made the web design extremely consistent, which I was aiming for. I chose to use blue and yellow because those are the colors of the sorority. I focused on the color blue because that is the universal color of Prevent Child Abuse America. I used the yellow for the text because as a lighter color, it would be more easily read over the background blue color. My background is a gradient because I thought it added some texture to my web design.

Most of the images I used were my personal images from throughout my past two years in the sorority. It was hard for me to find specific images from the event but I tried to correlate the images I had to the event’s purpose as much as I could. The Donate and Directions pages are the only ones where I used outside images. I cropped and feathered almost all of my images in Photoshop before I placed them into my website. For the mapquest image and the donation form, I took snapshots from the website and placed them into Photoshop.