drawings everywhere

Tonight I am trying to get caught up on all of the drawings we've gone over in class thus far.  I did that math - we're supposed to have 220 drawings by tomorrow. That's a lot...  So far, I've enjoyed working on the geometric, single line and index drawings the most.  I think that is because I like more abstract things and I am constantly doodling.  Hopefully all of these drawing exercises will help improve my skills overall, right now I am a little tired of looking at this hair dryer though.

Here are some painterly interpretations of my hairdryer laying out all over my bed.

This isn't even a good representation of my room.  You can't step anywhere without dodging paper.

**Update:

This is what happens when you decide to finger (or in my case, hand) paint.

life is getting crazy busy.

So today in class we worked more on sketching an object for our new project — mine is a hair dryer by the way.  I really liked the geometric drawings.  I think it's probably because I spend half my life doodling everywhere so drawing basic shapes is always fun for me.  I also like the texture/collage depictions.  It is fun to cut out and piece them together — however, I've only done one so far and I'm sure it will get tiring to do 20+.

But like the title of this blog states: Life is getting crazy busy.  I've got to study for my Community Leadership test tomorrow (that class is a nightmare fyi).  And then I've got my first test in art history on Monday.  I'm a little worried because I haven't been keeping up with the readings like I should have.  Plus I need to stay caught up on all these drawings/sketches we've got to do for design.  Annnnnnnddd, I am going out of town this weekend so I'm trying to get everything done tonight and tomorrow.  Today I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed, but I'm going to take it one task at a time!

Wish me luck.

why graphic design?

Some might ask, Stephanie, why did you choose graphic design as a major to pursue?  To them I would say:

In high school I was a part of our newspaper, The Tiger Print.  This was my main focus for three years and I love being a part of this group.  I worked extremely hard and during my senior year, was editor-in-chief.  However, writing was not my favorite part of the experience — layouts were.  I loved creating packages for the pages.  It was like working on a puzzle, getting the pieces to fit just right.  During my senior year, I also started working on the covers of our paper and that exposed me to even more of the graphic design world.  My process for coming up with new ideas often led me to searching through magazines like Communication Arts and Before and After.  I will always be grateful to my years on the high school paper for helping me find something I truly enjoy doing.

Our cover from March last year that I designed.

The layout for our center spread on communication I designed.

Our cover from September about communication that I designed.

Through this class and similar classes, I hope to learn more about the graphic design world in general.  I'm not sure what area of graphics I want to get into.  There are so many choices, I hope these classes will help me narrow it down.

best. group. (picture). ever.

Taylor, Caleb, Me, and Caitlyn

brainstorming

Our brainstorming session on the paintbrush and how it can be improved.

interviews on the hairbrush

Just in case you want to know why people use a hairbrush, here you go:

Saundra Roche, female age 48

Q: Why do you use a hairbrush?

A: Mainly for when I get out of the shower to comb out any tangles and also when I am blow-drying my hair to help control the curl.

Q: What is most important when picking out a hairbrush?

A: I look at the shape of the head of the brush; I need something a little larger to help control my hair.

Q: Where is it most convenient for you to store your brush (i.e. In a drawer on hanging on the wall)?

A: I just put it in a drawer with all my other hair stuff.

Q: What is your least favorite part of the hairbrush right now?

A: On my hairbrush, the handle is very hard to grip in a comfortable position.

Christina Hurley, female age 34

Q: Why do you use a hairbrush?

A: I use my brush all the time, whenever my hair starts to get tangly or while I’m flat ironing it to help.

Q: What is most important when picking out a hairbrush?

A: I like one that is easy to clean — I’ve got so much hair that it sheds a lot in my brush and I need to find one that I can clean easily.

Q: Where is it most convenient for you to store your brush (i.e. In a drawer on hanging on the wall)?

A: Probably just in a drawer.

Q: What is your least favorite part of the hairbrush right now?

A: I don’t have one that is easy to clean right now so like I said earlier I need something that is easier to clean.

Melissa Illies, female age 18

Q: Why do you use a hairbrush?

A: My hair is pretty straight so I just usually use it when I get out of the shower.

Q: What is most important when picking out a hairbrush?

A: I need something that I won’t drop because I’m so clumsy.

Q: Where is it most convenient for you to store your brush (i.e. In a drawer on hanging on the wall)?

A: Right now I keep it in a drawer but I guess if it was easy to put on a hook that would be cool.

Q: What is your least favorite part of the hairbrush right now?

A: Um, probably the handle.  It is just hard and uncomfortable.

Chris Roche, male age 16

Q: Why do you use a hairbrush?

A: I don’t really use a brush, just a comb.

Q: What is most important when picking out a hairbrush?

A: Mom buys me it, so whatever she likes.

Q: Where is it most convenient for you to store your brush (i.e. In a drawer on hanging on the wall)?

A: It’s just on my sink right now.

Q: What is your least favorite part of the hairbrush right now?

A: I guess that it would be cool if the brush and comb were in one.

Sara Hurley, female age 61

Q: Why do you use a hairbrush?

A: I brush out my hair every morning and at night before bed; otherwise it’s a big bird’s nest.

Q: What is most important when picking out a hairbrush?

A: I’m starting to get arthritis so I need something I can hold onto easily without dropping or cramping up my hand.

Q: Where is it most convenient for you to store your brush (i.e. In a drawer on hanging on the wall)?

A: You know, I never really thought about it.  I guess I would like to hang it up along my bathroom wall where I’ve got my hairdryer.

Q: What is your least favorite part of the hairbrush right now?

A: I wish I could change the shape of the head of my brush — it’s too narrow and yanks out my hair.

IDEO video / visual writing handout

After watching the IDEO video in class, I was very excited by the prospect of one day working in an environment like that.  Creativity and new ideas seem to flourish there.


The practice we did with the visual writing was also helpful because often I will think of one thing that leads to another to another and then they have nothing to do with what I originally wanted.  It is constructive to get it down on paper and maybe those far out ideas will become the basis for a goal.

the hairbrush

On my search for a poorly designed object, I settled on the hairbrush.  There is nothing exceptionally horrible about it, however, there is nothing great either.  The handle could use a lot of work and the head of my hairbrush could be a bit larger.

Giant hairbrush! (not mine. I wish.)