Eileen is in the Sky

if you hire me

2010-04-20T02:30:00.003-04:00

i will please you

Done

2010-04-05T00:49:00.002-04:00

I am.

My eyes feel like hard boiled eggs covered in salt

2010-03-30T19:37:00.001-04:00

That is the best description I can think of. I have officially been staring at the computer screen for 5 hours straight. xdeathx

So, its crunch time for everyone. Everyone's scrambling to get their IP finished. I'm close to being done. Kind of. Composition 1, VertMelancholia is ready to be printed. My 100ft roll of luster paper came in a couple days ago. Composition 2, HorizMelancholia is... coming along.

My biggest obstacle now is working this thing until it cannot be worked anymore and balancing everything. There is some blending and fine tuning that needs to be done as well. I think in a couple more days this piece will be finished and ready to print!

In other news... school... -____- bleh.
Also, I'm pretty sure I'm getting carpel tunnel... no joke.

Almost there

2010-03-22T18:30:00.000-04:00

Click for the larger view. I've only got 20 more inches to go. :)

Survival

2010-03-21T03:27:00.000-04:00

I've survived New York. I have more interviews. I now have options.

I am so stressed I could pull my hair out and rip my scalp off with it.

I have so much to finish... so much to refine... people to please... deadlines to make... places to fly to.

I dunno what to do. I don't know if I'm handling things right. I need to not wait for someone to tell me "good job." I've learned that will never really happen.

Tomorrow I'm working a lot... like a lot a lot. My IP project cannot be a flop. I don't want it to be.

Work all day, worry all night

2010-03-10T16:49:00.000-05:00

Today I spent a few hours working on expanding my piece horizontally. So, here are the new additions I've made to this horizontal composition.

Hopefully the overall feel of this composition will remain as ethereal as the last.

EXHAUSTED :(

2010-03-09T20:52:00.001-05:00

This month has been and will continue to be so crazy busy. I'm super stressed out. I have midterms this week, essays due, and then I have to get a hard copy of my portfolio printed. Next Thursday I am leaving for New York City for two interviews and studio visit. My portfolio has to be OUT OF CONTROL SWEET. AHHHHHH, I'm super nervous.

Also, I will have to look for apartments while I'm in New York. I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO LIVE!!! Then, later this month I have to take a trip to Chicago for an interview with a firm there.

AND, I have to get design work sent out to Grooveshark so that I can hopefully be embraced by praise?! I just want them to like meeeeee. I love Grooveshark and I use it everyday. I would love to be able to represent them with my artwork.

As for IP and art school... that is also kicking my ass. I have worked on my horizontal piece a bit. I have refined the background, took out some parts that felt too heavy and awkward, and added some more textural elements and shapes. It will hopefully begin to balance itself out as a I continue working on it and expand horizontally more.

First Project

2010-02-23T21:21:00.000-05:00

Yay! I'm starting my first project with Grooveshark. I'm excited and have big ideas. :)
Also, I got another interview in New York for a graphic design position. I'll be heading out to NYC in March. Three interviews on the 19th. :| Geez. It'll be a scary and busy day.

For IP, I'm finishing up my postcard image. I'm going to continue working on my horizontal composition. I talked to Mark about the feasibility of my final display ideas. He seems to find no issues with it but has asked me to explore a more dynamic or evocative positioning of the two pieces. He thinks they would be interesting if they intersected or were connected. He questioned what a break between the two pieces would mean. I think that to understand each piece, they must be separate.

The progress I'm making at home...

2010-02-17T16:44:00.000-05:00

So, as all my professors already know, I have pneumonia and an ear infection. T_T I feel like shit.

My last meeting was with Danielle and Michael. They both gave me a lot of great feedback. We decided that I didn't need to try and make some gimmicky contraption to house my compositions. They can hang freely on their own on a gallery wall. The second thing we came up with was that my two compositions hanging right next to each other would be very awkward as one is very tall and skinny and the other very long. So, I think my solution would be to get a corner spot in one of the galleries where my piece could stretch up and down on one wall and go horizontally on the second. This way they would be separated but together. Hopefully, they won't compete with each other and the formats won't contrast too hard.

Danielle enjoyed the look of my vellum print but I explained how I disliked it because there were no absolute blacks in the print. She suggested I try to fill in the black with a black pen or marker on the reverse side of the print.

I thought that was a good suggestion so I tried it.

But, I don't think this would work. At first I was like "yea this totally makes it super black!" but then I realized yes it was making it so black that it was eliminating the gradients. So, I can't use this method. Also, my hand is so shaky I couldn't make an accurate line.

Progress Report

2010-02-15T20:40:00.000-05:00

Here is the progress I've made today on my horizontal composition. I spent about 3 hrs on it.

Danielle and Michael came to talk to me today and they really helped me out a lot. So, I intend to hang my compositions freely, as in no weird set up or kitschy, and they will reside on two separate walls. This is a great idea because then these two very long pieces won't be clashing as much. Hopefully, I can snag a corner spot so my two pieces can be near each other.

I have a lot of experimenting left to do with my vellum print out. I'll put pictures up when I get the chance.

I made a Behance

2010-02-13T22:19:00.000-05:00

http://www.behance.net/EileenTjan

I've been super sick lately and work has just slowed down. I am on so much medication that I barely feel like myself. :(

I have been productive though! I started a Behance portfolio to try and get some of my stuff out there on the interwebs.

I'm resuming hardcore work productivity tomorrow. I have to. I'm determined.

Everything I do counts. Everything I make needs to be perfect. I feel so much pressure to impress people... I just want to succeed!

Oh also...

2010-02-11T22:27:00.000-05:00

I made this tonight in attempts to overcome feeling sick and drugged up. I thought I was being productive. I like it... too bad I can't turn this in for extra credit. :p

Also, I'm pretty sure today I told John from Grooveshark that, "I like to design space, you know like outer space." T_T omg... medicine is making me loopy.

Infamous

2010-02-11T22:23:00.001-05:00

Found this while googling Mickey Mouse for some reason.

I'm going to be designing for Grooveshark!! :D I'm very excited.

I rode into the sunset

2010-02-08T16:26:00.001-05:00

Here's my first post on my horizontal composition. Today I've spent almost 6 hours messing around with this thing in and out of illustrator and photoshop.

I'm happy with how its progressing. Its no where near complete. I would say maybe... 20% of it has been illustrated. It has much more of a spatial quality than my other piece and it feels very much like a painting. Its introducing a lot more colors than the other piece, although color is still a minimal element.

Comments welcome!! :O And as usual, click for a larger view.

Paper Problems

2010-02-04T23:06:00.000-05:00

I did a test print on vellum.

There is a problem...

When I print on a paper like vellum that is semi-translucent and also plastic-y I cannot print a true black. So, much of the contrast is washed out.

... :(

beautiful

2010-02-02T23:25:00.000-05:00

Printing

2010-02-01T12:15:00.000-05:00

I've finished edits to my piece and I am spending today doing test prints to make sure the blacks aren't too black. I intend to work on my horizontal exploration as well.

I have yet to call Hiromi about the papers. They're so expensive that I'm shying away from the idea of buying them... but I really love the quality of the washi paper.

I am also starting sketches of how I want to construct my final piece.

Along with work for IP, I am working on my online portfolio. I have an interview Wednesday and career fair Thursday!

Paul Rand

2010-01-31T17:03:00.000-05:00

does what you can't.

Another 1

2010-01-29T00:09:00.001-05:00

I got an interview with MD70 in NYC as well. :) I really love their work. I hope they like me. I really do...

IP Update! I've got a great idea for final format presentation :D Hooray! Endi showed me an amazing artist who's presentation is really amazing.

This format would be perfect for presenting my project. I still need to contact Hiromi for paper prices. :/

D face all Day

2010-01-27T15:28:00.002-05:00

:D

Roanne Adams accepted me as an intern!

Also, Grooveshark wants to interview me next week!

Happiness.

Test Print

2010-01-26T12:14:00.000-05:00

I finished my second test print. I have a lot of corrections to make. Mostly, areas are too dark. There is a weird pink... tint going on in my print. I'm not sure if its the plot printer or my file...

In other news.

I ordered an otamatone!! :D

FINALLY

2010-01-22T18:24:00.002-05:00

Finally in 300dpi, my finished composition. :) Time for another test print

Update

2010-01-22T11:53:00.000-05:00

So, for those of you who don't know. My original version of my composition that I completed was... completed at 72dpi. Not adequate for printing at all! So, I have been redoing the composition at a higher resolution, but it has and is taking longer than expected. My original textures are not large enough for the higher resolution so I've been having to dig and make do with other textures.

I hope to be done in one more sitting at the Duderstadt.

Double Crossy Fingies

2010-01-19T19:51:00.000-05:00

I got an interview for an internship in NYC! I NEED to do well and make a great impression. :| I'm nervous. I want it so bad.

SOOOOOO BADDDDDUH! :p

I'm careless

2010-01-12T21:56:00.000-05:00

This composition has progressed a lot since my last post. I think its almost done. I've left the breaking through the river area blank because I can't seem to do something that I'm happy with. Tomorrow I want to test print this composition on the plotter printers, for size and resolution test. Hopefully, it'll turn out perfect and I won't have to make too many changes... but I doubt it.

I also have no idea where my student show piece is. Floating around the art school? Who knows.

Here it is, be gentle. I've spent a long time on it. Please, click for the larger image.

Well, it's Sunday

2010-01-10T20:58:00.000-05:00

I have pretty much finished the vector illustration and have started integrating textures. I think there is more depth now with the addition of texture and slight color. The image is a work in progress. I hope to finish soon.

I have also started re-working the horizontal piece.

Tonight's Work

2010-01-07T00:45:00.000-05:00

*Click for larger view!!

So, I'm really happy so far. I've been enjoying working on the irrational stage. I plan to add more detail and equal refinement to the other stages. Then, hopefully, this vertical piece will be complete. I see it being done by Sunday. :/

I'm playing around with a hand cranked "conveyor belt" to show this vertical composition. I like the idea of having to work by cranking the belt to view the piece (working through the process). AND I love the idea of printing on a more organic feeling paper than mylar but still keeping a translucent quality.

For the horizontal composition, I am thinking of making a surprising shift. :)

ANYWAYS, work work work... think think think. repeat.

Slight Progress

2010-01-06T19:20:00.000-05:00

I had a very crazy winter break. My father came home after 3 years of family absence. So, a little uncomfortable but overall break was nice.

Here is what I've completed since last time. I am going to try and finish illustrating this composition, refine lines, and then bring it into photoshop for some raster image layering. Sorry again for that horizontal line, this is a screen shot.

I'm also continuing the horizontal composition.

I'm running into a problem with vertical format. I really love the amount of detail in the linework, but if it is hanging from say the ceiling, a lot of that will be lost because people won't be able to see that high (particularly the first illustration). That's a problem...

I am going to have to figure out final format technicalities. :/
Also, I'm starting to consider the idea of the horizontal composition being a "on medication and doing therapy" timeline. Maybe, for a little compare and contrast action?!

Crosses Fingers

2010-01-03T23:52:00.000-05:00

I applied for some grown up jobs over the weekend...
= is hopeful

Also, check out my awesome Christmas present :)

Rap music doesn't have to make sense...

2009-12-17T19:18:00.000-05:00

I've decided this.

I've set two realistic goals for winter break:
1) Complete the two most recent compositions I started.
2) Update my portfolio!!! << DO IT!

Here's what I did today. (That's right, I worked today. High-five to myself) It's a continuation of the last composition. It's leading into irrationality. Sorry for the random black lines, these images are screen shots. :/

Review & Plan

2009-12-17T13:45:00.000-05:00

Review went well. I got some great ideas/feedback.
Today, I'm going to the Duderstadt to work.
I am also going to UHS to get a prescription refill.

Video Unrelated. *but super badass

UT Twente - Identity from The QBF on Vimeo.

I'm so stressed...

2009-12-12T18:19:00.000-05:00

I'm going to like... throw up or something.

Heavier

2009-12-10T01:37:00.000-05:00

I tried to make this shape have more weight and seem even MORE precariously hung. I moved the fluffy cloud-like texture so it doesn't seem like its floating. I've made one of the string's snap and also fray... does it look heavier? I hope so...

First semesters pretty much over.
I've been feeling really weird lately. Not myself...
Hopefully, winter break will let me unwind a little bit and regain some stability.

Gorman Grant

2009-12-08T20:25:00.000-05:00

Thank you to the Gorman family for their generosity towards the IP students!

I will put my grant money to good use!

Vertical Melancholia

2009-12-07T21:28:00.000-05:00

I've reintroduced an "actor." The last piece seemed... unfocused. I still think it reads as a landscape though. :/
Anywayssss....
I'm ecstatic about this illustration. This is a work in progress. The further down it goes the less detailed it is because, obviously, I have spent less time working on it. I intend to bring this into photoshop when the Illustrator file is more complete.

Comments, impressions, and reactions are appreciated.
Please click for larger view.

A Work in Progress

2009-12-05T18:43:00.001-05:00

I think things are moving in a good direction. Since talking to Hannah, I've decided to try to work on a canvas size outside of a normal poster frame. These are becoming more like "emotional landscapes." I've removed the actors or characters I had before. I want these strips to be longer I think. I want it to feel like there's a long time being portrayed.

This image below is a combination of sadness and the beginnings of irrationality. Again, it's a work in progress and is no where near done. In fact, I would still consider this an experiment and may never be a complete piece.

Anyways, here's my wip. I suggest clicking to see a larger version. :)

Yea, Hannah!

2009-12-03T20:22:00.000-05:00

I spoke with Hannah Smotrich today. She was so helpful. As usual she was direct and to the point. She brought up problems she found in my project and then suggested ways to fix these issues. Best of all she set me on a forward facing direction. :)

We talked it out.
She understood my project.
I'm thankful for our meeting.

I'm in the midst of applying to graduate schools. Omg, I'm drowning...

A memoir of madness

2009-12-01T22:32:00.002-05:00

no more designing

2009-11-30T19:06:00.000-05:00

I talked with Doug.

He agrees.
I agree.
We agreed on a lot of things.

But what I agreed with the most was: No more designing until I develop a good metaphor for this project!
It is so obvious now that I need one.

Attempt

2009-11-30T12:49:00.001-05:00

to integrate some kind of text to support the graphic narrative.

But apparently it still adds nothing?

Change

2009-11-24T18:41:00.007-05:00

is good?

I'm glad that I decided to ignore the 3D form for now and experiment without that certain triangle. It's really let me try some really different things.

Here is are some versions of a composition I've made for sadness. I really need feedback...
(pixelation is on purpose. i just wanted to play around with that censored out, low quality, web... look. anyways, i'm not super in love with it)

Yep that's right... there's text in there. :/ I just wanted to see if I was losing anything if I didn't have text. And, I still feel the same. I don't think I need it.

Then, I started to feel like... I don't even need that drippy blood shit. Why do people like that so much? It's so distracting :|

Last version, and also my favorite:

Assignment

2009-11-24T11:18:00.002-05:00

Create four posters. Each describing/expressing the four stages of depression.
Initial Impact, Sadness, Irrational, and Numb.
Be able to create a kind of viewing order. Keep in mind each poster should be strong enough to stand alone.

Audience
The viewer should not feel connected nor fully understand the piece. They're role in viewing the piece is similar to their role if they actually were seeing someone going through depression. They feel confused, don't know how the other person feels, are trying to figure it out, but are unable to truly understand. To them the abstractions of these posters feel right because a person who is depressed, truly is an abstraction that's hard to perceive.

Elements
Colors are optional, but very important as colors are tied very closely to human emotions.

Style should be expressive yet controlled. Use what you know as a graphic designer to create an expressive piece, which is the challenge. Try not to always run to paint splatters to be expressive. It is like an artist's emotional crutch.

You are still communicating some information. You must communicate a small narrative, emotions, and transitions. There must be different feels to each poster, therefore you must choose a style(s) that can accurately represent the difference of each stage.

Use of photos or literal images are up to you. Remember however, that the use of literal images means literal definitions. That is unavoidable. Keeping these things to an abstractive quality may help diminish these assumed meanings.

Size 24 x 36.
Printed.
Due for Critique: January 1, 2010 (well also Dec 15 for review I guess)

Books I'm buried in them...

2009-11-23T23:01:00.001-05:00

I've been looking at Alan Fletcher's work for some expressive design inspiration.

I'm reading Jose Muller-Brockmann Pioneer of Swiss Graphic Design.
I'm studying the Designer's Color Manual and Josef Alber's works and writings.
I'm looking at Dada art.

I am committing to my project.
I have the ability to see this through.
I'm researching... I'm trying.

Who's out there to help me? ... anyone?
thought so...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anyways, in an effort to push myself farther and get some more variety in designs. I have decided to ignore the 3D element for now (aka the receeding triangles) and design compositions free of that form's constrictions.
That form is what's holding me back a lot design wise (like the organic, geometric contrast).
I will just keep in mind that I want parts of the composition to end up 3D.

This should help me push forward...
and in the end, I'll just reintegrate that 3D surprise.

I also am thinking of writing out my "proposal" as an "assignment." Maybe that will help me think of this project in a new, yet comfortably familiar light.

Therapy

2009-11-23T20:29:00.000-05:00

Is designing things for myself without the pressure of a boss, a professor, or a client.
Without needing to explain to you a meaning or concept.
This is what makes me happy.

Anyways... these compositions are explorations of the negative shapes left from the triangles I lasercut. I used that lightbox I built. :)

origami

2009-11-23T17:58:00.001-05:00

is fucking hard

Puttin' out dat fiya!

2009-11-23T00:30:00.001-05:00

Ignore lame title.

So, I'm still into the idea of a flat black triangle on a black background, but I thought I'd play around with smoke. I was thinking about how smoke signifies the end of a fire, but also the beginning. The white lines extend from the previous poster in an attempt to create a distinct viewing order. Also, they create a foreground, which pushes the matte triangle even further into the background.

PS - I'm not attached to the idea of a vector illustration of smoke... just tried to get a sketch out there.

Sadness

2009-11-21T20:30:00.002-05:00

A lot of people were really drawn to the paint splatter version of sadness. They were interested in the movement and the contrast levels. They thought it was very expressive.

When I talked to Seth Ellis last week, he also liked the mystery of that composition, but we both decided that the organic paint splatters and trails were too disparate from the geometric form of the triangle. So, in this iteration I tried to make the composition feel and look the same as the other but use only geometric shapes. I really want it to be possible to create all the same feelings as the splattery version with these seemingly "less expressive" shapes.

I like the noise that the small squares (liquid splatters) are creating. That is all for now. Comments appreciated.

Explode

2009-11-19T10:41:00.000-05:00

Exploration of Irrational

One more

2009-11-18T00:50:00.002-05:00

before I ass out...

Feelin' pooped, but...

2009-11-17T18:31:00.003-05:00

I played around with a few compositions today. I think a couple are the same as before, but most have been edited in some way.

*Disclaimer: These are in no way a set yet. So, the styles are different. I just am experimenting with different ways to portray each stage. When I do end up with a style I really like I will continue it to make the rest of the set.

Initial Impact:

Sadness:

Irrational:

Numb:

I've only really had time today to do a couple for initial impact and sadness. I was looking a lot at shattered glass, dripping water/paint, and craters for inspiration. If anyone was wondering.
I'm going to be working on these compositions for the next few weeks.

I really hate the way blogger uploads images... and the way you place them in a blog entry. It's so frustrating and not logical.

COMMENTS APPRECIATED :)

3D Models

2009-11-16T00:45:00.002-05:00

BEAUTIFUL 3D renders from Victor :)

This is it, this is what I'm envisioning for the show. Simplistic, minimalistic, solid, clean, and bold.

I just hope no one thinks that this project looks easy. I have never struggled so hard to try and communicate information with so few graphical elements and no text! Not to mention, construction of anything and me almost always spells disaster...

Anyways, this weekend has been super frustrating. I attempted to make a small-scale model and ran into a lot of problems with materials. What I thought was going to work definitely did not... I'm having problems cutting steep angles. I bought an amazing mat cutter, BUT the blade sticks out so far that I can't use a ruler to make a straight cut. :/

Long story short, I am knee-deep in material studies. I need to find the right paints as well. I'm looking at spray paints for colors now. I think I can get a more even coating.

My future plans? I need to buy more materials to test out.

The 3D model will allow me to take measurements off of it. I am going to make this small scale model, even if it kills me and destroys the order in my studio! So, that's where I'm at... continue refining compositions and complete a small scale model.

As soon as I get this material problem down, I can really move forward with construction.

MATERIALSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS AGHHHHHHHHHHH... definitely my biggest speed bump >_<

I really did it this time

2009-11-12T14:48:00.000-05:00

I may have sliced my finger open in an attempt to cut angled edges on my foamcore. I may also have laid limp and faint on a futon for like 30 minutes afterward. Xacto blade, you have never been my friend.

So, Plan A for assembling a pyramid was a failure.
Plan B, I am waiting for a dexter mat cutter. It says it has an adjustable blade for any angle or depth, but I am afraid the foamcore is too fat for the blade. We'll see tomorrow... I had it rushed delivered. :/ stupid expensive.

Oops

2009-11-12T00:35:00.001-05:00

Man, IP has obviously influenced my work outside of school... haha

oh. thank. god.

2009-11-11T00:11:00.000-05:00

I finished my grant application.

I got a great comment from Kristen reminding me to make sure the stages between sadness and irrationality are distinctly different. This will help reinforce the craziness in irrational.

I want Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 so bad...
I have to finish Borderlands.
I have to continue Aion.

Too many new video games + IP = disaster haha

Iterations

2009-11-10T02:11:00.003-05:00

Here are a few of many more to come.

I tried experimenting with landscapes and textures to create a surrounding, an environment that describes each of these stages. I was inspired by the cover of a book on my desk, Data Flow.

The floating spheres are so interesting in how unnatural they are. This type of perfect geometric shape doesn’t exist often in natural landscapes yet here it is in a natural plane. So, I wanted to see if I could bring some interests to my compositions by including a background element.

Sadness was tough because it so strongly communicates a bleeding wound. Skin was an obvious first choice. I then tried to use textures and materials that were like skin in their properties (color,
texture...) I tried using the skin from other animals and plants as well. I even used the texture of a real heart, which I like a lot. For irrational, I experimented with photos of space and things like head xrays and mri scans.

I also noticed that the second “set” has become all images of the body... not sure if I like that or not. Hmmmmm... maybe... maybe.

Sexy Shapes

2009-11-09T23:37:00.001-05:00

So, I'm currently doing color tests on the foamcore. People are suggesting that I find a way to cover up the edges of the foamcore. I've been trying to glue paper on the edges, but that takes such meticulous care. I need to research other materials that can be laser cut or at least talk to someone who knows of one that is both light and smooth. :\ hrm...

I'm a little bummed, no one came to talk to me today...

Until then, here are two compositions I did today. I was just playing around. :) Enjoy.

New Photos

2009-11-08T21:23:00.000-05:00

Here are some better photos of my two tests. The second test, I'm going to turn into the All Student Show.

Monolith

4Walls

2009-11-08T12:30:00.005-05:00

I wouldn't say that my chosen content is a direct result from suggestions of others, but it was heavily influenced by the train of thought that resulted from those suggestions.

When I am asked these questions about my family or having a split identity between cultures, it can be narrowed down to asking me what it feels like to be depressed or to have depression. Depression is something that plagues my family, including myself. Especially, when it comes to the topic of my family. We are very strange people. We don't talk about our situation. We try to save face for our father. We live separately in order to support the others. All these things puts so much of a strain on each of us. So, the topic of my family and identity is interesting, but also depressing.

So, that is how I arrived at my current place. I have made 4 compositions. Each one relating to a wall that it will rest on. For sake of conversation, I have titled each piece. These titles are not necessarily important to the project. However, a project title will prove to be very critical in the understanding of my project and will have to be picked carefully.

* Worth the click to enlarge

This topic is so personal to me and it's so revealing. At first I wasn't sure if I could push myself to go that far, but it's allowed me to create compositions with very strong content that I am intrigued and will pursue it.

The explanations:

Initial Impact: This is the feeling when some negative event or a series of negative events just becomes lodged in your mind and heart. It is inescapable in that it consumes your thoughts. It may not even be a significant problem, but it is to you. For you, it is the "last straw."

The black triangle obviously represents the negative event(s) and the cracks signify this problem spreading everywhere and branching off into more problems. The position of the triangle signifies a violent action (to get it lodged in there).

The yellow line (or circle) hints towards where the viewer should stand. It should be far enough where they really feel like an outsider to the project. The crack then leads to the next wall, in attempts to create a kind of path and order in viewing.

Sadness: This poster represents the feeling of sadness you feel when you start to analyze all the negative events. Even when the negative events are removed or that initial impact has faded, its impossible to stop your eyes from dripping with tears. It's impossible to not feel an ache in your heart like your mind and heart are melting/bleeding. You are in a hole of feeling very sad and you're not sure how to get out of it.

The pyramid on the ground is to reaffirm the idea that this initial impact has been "removed."
The red blood/path leads into a yellow ribbon into the next triangle, feeding the irrationality.

Irrational: I call this the response stage. This stage is, like I said, fueled/fed from the previous stage. You have an explosion of emotions and thoughts. Many times you think you make sense, you believe your thoughts are rational. But, in fact, they are very irrational and unlike yourself. You feel sadness, hopeless, and disparity. These feelings just "drip" into your mind like a poison.

The triangle should be black, but it was hard to make the effect so it looks gray. The black triangle represents this kind of black hole that is constantly being fed by the last stage. It is chaotic and, honestly, a horrible place to be. In the background, there is a rectangle whose lines should be straight. They're crooked and uneven to represent something that you think you know what it should be, but its not quite right. This is similar to your thought process and possibly even actions. It seems right, you know what its suppose to be, but it's all wrong and messed up. The black drip signifies the dripping of these thoughts and actions back into your mind.

Numb: And in the end, when all this has burnt itself out... you feel nothing. You go about your everyday business. You've forced yourself to forget what's happened. You just feel numb.

For this composition, I intend for the black triangle to be painted with matte black paint, and the poster to be painting in a high gloss paint. It symbolizes that kind of dullness, numbness and emptiness you feel you've become. The high gloss is a kind of a nice touch in the sense that it can represent a kind of nice quality, nice touch to the surroundings and the matte triangle is still just... matte. It's flat, 2D and great to describe this stage.

The best part, is that the very next wall is the beginning of this process, because that's how it works. Depression is a constant cycle of this process, and all that differs is the amount of time you go from numb to initial impact.

I am still exploring new ways to portray these four stages.
In fact here is my current to do list:
- Explore painting on the material
- Explore gluing printed color sheets to material
- Expand on compositions
- Create laser cutting files for pyramid
- Re-photograph tests
- Buy stuff
- Grant Proposal
- Model a 3D version of the final structure. So, I will kind of know what I'm doing.

COMMENTS?!

Form Tests 1 and 2

2009-11-06T20:25:00.003-05:00

So, yesterday and today I spent laser cutting and assembling these test forms. They are currently pasted to foamcore, but that was obviously a mistake since the foamcore is warping and pulling itself from the form. The forms themselves, however, are doing just fine!

I'm really happy with how they turned out. I have two big problems right now. I am trying to figure out how to continue to build "height" on the pyramid, therefore building "depth." Also, I have a half sized model that I am trying to figure out how to put color on. Tomorrow, I plan to finish off my second test and do color tests on my half scale model.

Below is a picture of my first test, which was far too shallow and I was a little messy with the glue.

Here are pictures of my second test which was much more successful.

For some reason these pictures got really compressed... I'll try and post better ones when I get my tripod back.

A New Structure

2009-11-04T17:12:00.001-05:00

I am thinking about changing from a wall installation to creating a structure to house the posters. This rectangle (or triangle, or pentagon the sides determine how many posters are displayed) will allow for the depth of the elements to go deeper than a wall would allow. It also could help visual a point that all the elements recede to.

I think the biggest reason I am interested in this form is because it would force a viewer around the structure to view all the posters. This movement around makes them look at the posters from various different angles that they might not be inclined to do if these posters were on a wall.

Here's a sketch if what I'm saying makes no sense...

I'm also looking at Jen Stark for inspiration. She truly is a master of perception and color.

I'm pretty sure I love

2009-11-03T20:18:00.000-05:00

Eva Funderburgh's work. CUTE!

What I did today

2009-11-03T15:50:00.001-05:00

I tried to figure out what materials I would need, what facilities I would use, and the size of the poster I would want to work with.

This will be a pricey project, but totally worth it.

Here is an image of the poster dimensions I drew up. (24x36, which I guess is a fairly regular sized poster) It looks bigger in real life... but I kind of want to go bigger...

I'm still trying to decide how many posters I'd like to do. The more I do, the more holes I need cut into a wall. :/ Hrm...

Sketch Up

2009-11-03T11:10:00.000-05:00

Please ignore the horrible colors... I wasn't paying attention to the markers I was choosing. So, yes they're all clashing and gross.

But, here is the highly detailed render of what I envision... the installation to be like.

Po Stur Inshtaulashion

2009-11-03T00:05:00.001-05:00

Poster Installation.

Posters and installation projects are both temporary forms of display. My interest is in combining these two disparate disciplines in an effort to explore alternative means of displaying graphical elements. The compositions that I have been working on have begun to converge in style and focus, and by continuing to advance and discover the patterns behind these daily compositions I hope to come to a conclusion which will be fitting of this hybrid presentation.

The designs I choose to use for the pieces will focus on space, depth, and balance. By incorporating the 3rd dimension into these typically flat works, one can accentuate the aforementioned elements while also adding another layer of interest as the viewers perception of these pieces changes as they view the piece and discover the physical depth hidden in the wall.

I would be moving graphic design out of the realm of media typically associated with its practice.

Today's been a weird day

2009-11-02T14:05:00.000-05:00

and that leads to this weird illustration I made... :/

A Lightbox

2009-11-02T00:41:00.002-05:00

I decided that I wanted to experiment with handmade geometric elements. So, this weekend I made a diy lightbox to photograph the pieces in. :)

Here are some pictures of the box.

And here are some test shots.

Jpg a Day

2009-11-01T22:37:00.005-05:00

This project is similar to what I'm currently doing. "Similar."

Experiment

2009-10-29T19:08:00.000-04:00

Doppelganger?

I don't know where to go with this, thought the idea was cool...

Kittens inspired by Kittens

2009-10-29T10:58:00.003-04:00

Eileen inspired by Kasimir.
* I'm not sure about the font choice... kraken seems fine for BALANCE, but for the red text it bothers me. Text suggestions anyone? Maybe... gill sans condensed? apogee rounded sans? :/

Minimalism

2009-10-28T21:46:00.001-04:00

To many people the principal idea of Minimalism is to reduce things to its essential elements. It is also regarded as a reaction against the forms created by Abstract Expressionism. Minimalism was a contrast to prior ideas of form and content; It rejected the need to express one's self, to make a social commentary, or allude to history, politics, or religion. Works of Minimalism were to be viewed in its literal presence.

A lot of my work is influenced by the principles and works produced during the Minimalist movement, but my work also reflects the style developed in this neoplasticism movement.

Neoplasticism was a Dutch movement that arose before the era of Minimalism.

"It [De Stijl] was posited on the fundamental principle of the geometry of the straight line, the square, and the rectangle, combined with a strong asymmetricality; the predominant use of pure primary colors with black and white; and the relationship between positive and negative elements in an arrangement of non-objective forms and lines." Guggenheim Glossary: De Stijl

The expression of neoplasticism relies on the abstraction of form and color. The works avoided symmetry and attained aesthetic balance by the use of opposition. This element of the movement embodies the second meaning of stijl: “a post, jamb or support”; this is best exemplified by the construction of crossing joints, most commonly seen in carpentry.

De Stijl Artist, Theo Van Doesburg

Minimalist Work by Frank Stella

I also stumbled across a movement known as Suprematism. This art movement focused on geometric forms that represented the feeling of nonobjectivity. I'm very interested in this movement and will continue to read the writings of Kasimir Malevich.

Here is a link to a more detailed explaination of suprematism. Malevich

Kasimir Malevich's Black Square and Red Square

Already a pattern?

2009-10-28T11:48:00.005-04:00

Well, just for this week...

I've already noticed that I've been personifying these geometric shapes and I've been playing a lot with space (space... as in outer space? sure that too)

We'll see how long this interest lasts...

Time for pictures.
It's hard to heal triangular wounds.

Thank you Isidore Lucien Ducasse for your words.

My last image upload is a failure that I turned into an obnoxious animated gif with Blingee.com

Stupid really, but entertaining.

What I don't know about space

2009-10-28T00:03:00.000-04:00

Esther Stocker - installations

Pfft, I wish...

2009-10-27T23:22:00.001-04:00

I was the most baller-est designer...

I love
Mondrian Tableau 2

Random LOLz

2009-10-27T16:40:00.000-04:00

Triangle god. Hail. Playing around with making a simple geometric shape appear "holy" or "god-like."
Forest pic unrelated... (besides the awesome sun beam gleaming down on the triangle's godliness)

Another WIP

2009-10-27T16:09:00.002-04:00

Work in Progress? I guess? I'm not really sure where I'm going with this, but I like it...
Triangles, Triangles, Triangles... I can't get them out of my mind.

Two Things

2009-10-27T11:29:00.000-04:00

It's Time To

2009-10-26T16:27:00.003-04:00

This is a quick composition I threw together for this specific blog post. It is time for me to work forward and move forward.

I've been dwelling on the form of my final project. I've been frustrated by the subject of my last few ideas. I've been stressed by having nothing. I've felt backed into corners by lots of different people...

It's time for me to allow pieces of myself come out of my work. I have been so detached from my work, as in the subject and content were never reflections of my own feelings.

This project, is the time to explore myself as a designer and as a person. It is ok to expose myself. I won't be able to do this again in the "industry."

The time is now!! SO...
I will work. I will try to pump out compositions fairly often that reflect what I am thinking, how my day has been, what I'm interested in, what I'm listening to... whatever! various things! I'm going to make lists and from those lists I will create interesting compositions from seemingly less important subjects. Hopefully the viewer will see a different view on that subject, of that day, and learn a little bit about me.

Graphic designers are often times detached from their work because they are constantly satisfying clients.

From here on out, I'm satisfying myself. :p
In a few months a pattern should arise (I am a very predictable person). From this pattern, a series can be created and certain compositions can be chosen.

I will try to post more compositions and keep text minimal. Pictures make blogs more interesting right?

WIP

2009-10-24T18:53:00.000-04:00

Here is a work in progress.

Vicodin and alcohol increases the effect of alcohol, nausea, and dizziness.

I'm working on... the color scheme.

Posters

2009-10-22T15:43:00.004-04:00

I want to make posters. Same basic concept, same subject, different angle.

I'm still dealing with Commonly Used/Abused drugs, the same ones I listed before for the same reasons. I am exploring compositions with simple shapes that reflect my interpretation of these drug interactions.

Here is a close up detail of the mushroom and Vicodin poster.

I'm officially super lame

2009-10-20T01:23:00.000-04:00

because I lol'ed

Mock Up

2009-10-19T23:47:00.000-04:00

Just like it says... mock up v 2.0 :/
Any comments? probably not...

Medication

2009-10-19T23:38:00.002-04:00

Here is my current list of drugs I will be looking at. I came to this list by looking at a few things; I looked at the top 300 list of most commonly prescribed drugs, drugs by their schedule ranking (as determined by the US Drug Enforcement Administration), by what the US Department of Health and Human Services and SAMHA's National Clearing House for Alcohol and Drug Information found to be highly used, and by what the National Institute on Drug Abuse found to be commonly abused.

Prescribed Drugs:
Vicodin, Oxycontin, Valium, Xanax, Prozac, Adderall, Ritalin, Duragesic (fentanyl), Amytal, and Nardil
Possibly Cymbalta and Ambien as well.

OTC Drugs:
A Cough and Cold Syrup/Pill with dextromethorphan ( DXM), Coriciden (also contains DXM), Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Grape Fruit Juice, Alcohol, and Tobacco
Possibly diet pills. Those can be abused for a "speed like" feeling.

Street Drugs:
Ketamine, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana, Methamphetamine, Ecstasy, LSD, Mushrooms - Psilocybin, Angel Dust/PCP, Opium

I think I might need to reduce the number of drugs I am looking at. Twenty seven is quite a few, but I think each one is definitely worth the time to include. We'll see...

I've limited the information I'm looking at to:
What is this drug? - Basic and general information about what this drug is

How commonly is this drug used/abused? - This explains why I'm looking at this drug (out of all the thousands of drugs out there). I might add how it is abused, the process of abuse... something along these lines.

What are known side effects? - Stating known effects of these drugs alone. I think it might be interesting to show what effects can happen just by the drug itself.

What are known interactions? - Besides what I am comparing in my chart.

Dosage/Pill Strength or what you can buy on the "streets" - I think its important to have a constant amount to base usage off of. Its hard to calculate dosage of street drugs, so I'm going by the amount you can buy. That is the most constant measurement I can go buy.

I'm not looking at any other information because I only want information that is related and helpful to understanding my chart. This helps weed out a lot of text and content as information about each of these drugs are endless.

Mock Up

2009-10-15T13:10:00.002-04:00

Is what it is...

I'm trying to set up the information I'll be looking at and a basic layout for each page of the booklet. I think this simple and abstract visualization of the medication is desired for this project because it feels fairly neutral. I don't want there to seem like there is any personal bias in this booklet. It should feel formal and neutral because its main purpose is to provide information.

I need to be kind of removed from this booklet because I will be referencing sources like UHS and I do not want to reflect any of my personal opinion on what they say. My voice and feelings about this situation is heard through the fact that I am even doing a project about it and my attempts to educate people about their choices.

I also feel that when addressing something as sensitive as drugs, that the tone should be strictly informative because no one wants to be told by a person what to do or how to feel about something.

I'm happy with my project so far. The kind woman at UHS, Gwendolyn A Chivers, applauded me in my attempt to create something that will help people outside of myself. Although this is a concept project, I really want this to be a helpful reference for people.

Examples of Drug Interaction Sites

2009-10-08T15:18:00.000-04:00

http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html
- Results are confusing to read and dense

http://www.medscape.com/druginfo/druginterchecker
- Clean design, but illegal drugs are not an option for comparison

http://www.healthline.com/druginteractions
- Only shows known interactions of the drug you pick, no custom comparison available

www.erowid.org
- Amazing website full of great information and experiences, but extremely large and hard to navigate

New Directions for IP

2009-10-08T15:11:00.001-04:00

What am I doing?
Educated people about the consequences of mixing over the counter drugs, prescription drugs, and illegal street drugs.

How am I doing this?
Creating a series of posters that will inform people about the effects of combining certain drugs. I will make these posters available by putting them on the web as well as printing them in a pamphlet form. The web is a great way to make information attainable, print can be a way to distribute information to those without internet, and the posters are both educational and promotional for the website.

Drugs I will be looking at, The Most Common:
- Over the counter drugs
- Prescription drugs
- Illegal street drugs

Why would you want to know this information?
Combining certain drugs together can cause fatal reactions.
Combining certain drugs together can cause euphoric feelings.

Why am I interested in this?
I am currently taking prescribed medications and I think it is important to know what drugs I can and cannot take with this medication. So, I personally need this information. But, I've also had friends who have lost a lot from combining drugs. I had a friend who went into a coma because he mixed too many opiates together. Many of my friends have been hospitalized or gotten sick from mixing drugs together. If I could distribute something to them that was easy to read and informative, then maybe I can educate them about the consequences and protect them from making a harmful combination. I can't stop them from taking drugs. I won't question them either. I just want to educate them about the dangers that they are unaware of.

What is the current problem with drug interaction information?
Websites and pamphlets I have seen are too specific on a certain drug (a pamphlet on zoloft says what drugs you can't take with it, but then if you take another drug you need another pamphlet to see what drugs you can't take with that... etc). Online drug interaction applications do not include illegal drugs as a selection option.

This information is out there, but it isn't consolidated or it is hard to read/decipher. I want to make this information visually appealing but also easily readable and usable.

I am going to use a lot of information graphics, of different types and styles. In this way, I can use the information I've already gathered for this project.

I love the idea of this project. I'm personally connected to it. I think it has a great purpose and will be extremely informational.

Examples

2009-10-07T23:24:00.001-04:00

I've written my project proposal.

I need to add specific examples.

Dear Gretchen <3 Inspiration

Major Chinese Languages and Dialects

2009-10-06T21:02:00.001-04:00

This is the first diagram I have completed. It fits under the category flow chart. It is simple, clean and utilitarian in style, no unnecessary decorations or embellishments. I still need to double check those percentages. I don't think they're right?

After I do that, I can begin my next graph which will be a second iteration of this in a more complex style. BUT it will still be a flow chart...

Processing

2009-10-06T20:27:00.003-04:00

http://processing.org/

Amazing...

I just bought this book. I'm going to learn how to code things in this program, because everything that comes out of it is beautiful.

Head first...

2009-10-05T10:14:00.001-04:00

I've decided that dwindling on my writings is making me lose my footing on my project. I mean, all it is is writing and staring at it doesn't help me create anything... So, I'm jumping right into creating information graphics in hopes to help bring my project in context.

I think that I will try to make 3 (or 5? depending on time) posters per category of information graphic:
- Comparative Statistical Diagrams
- Flow Diagrams
- Tabulations/Timetables
- Maps/Decorative maps
- Diagrams Used as Design Elements
(list taken from the content list of Graphis Diagrams)

I've started working on a flow diagram about the major dialects in China. I'll post images when I complete them.

Define design.

2009-09-29T11:01:00.005-04:00

In my second meeting with Dwayne, we talked a lot about defining the words I am using to propose my project. The meaning of these words are assumed by me and you, the Art Prof, the GSI, the Student, but to viewers outside of our profession these words may not hold the same meaning. By defining the words by using two highly accepted and trusted dictionaries, the Oxford English Dictionary and Webster's English Dictionary, I am calling higher powers into play. I like this idea for many obvious reasons, but also because people will not be arguing with me about definitions. They will be arguing with the dictionary.

In order to re-frame and refine my project abstract, I must first define the words I am using. Without them I can't identify and categorize anything.

The use of the word spectrum to describe this scale I am using is incorrect and should be changed to continuum. A continuum is a continuous sequence in which adjacent elements are not perceptibly different from each other, but the extremes are quite distinct. This more accurately portrays how I think about utilitarian focused design and aesthetic focused design.

I also need to clearly define the two opposite notions, utilitarian functionality and aesthetic beauty. I must also realize that beauty is not always disconnected from function. However, this type of design that does incorporate aesthetic elements and functionality does not belong on any extreme side of the continuum.

What is the point when a beautiful information graphic loses its functionality completely? The purpose of the design has to be stated. When a graphic that loses function then it becomes bad design if the purpose is to display graphic information. Which raises the comparison between Ugly/Beauty and Good Design/Bad Design.

To help solve this categorization problem, examples need to be given to help identify and define the aspects of the continuum. Instructive images must be saved to show how I view these categories. I also need to keep in mind that when I look at images on the web or in books I am viewing them out of context. This changes a lot of factors and needs to be acknowledged.

Form and content are usually viewed as two different things for discussion sake, but there is a dichotomy here. Both form and content play significant roles in what the other is.

I have a different goal from a lot of people. When I design something I am successful if the viewer accurately reads what I am trying to communicate. There really is no ambiguity in that statement. In this way my focus and goals are different from say a painter, mixed media artist, or even a sculptor. The subject matter of my posters is important because the subject can dictate the form the graphic takes. There is a reason why pie charts and bar graphs are used to portray information. Sometimes it is because people find there are no other options, but sometimes it is out of necessity. However, there is always room to ask if it is the best way to portray information. Michael made a point to me by saying a stop sign is visualized the way it is because of the subject, and because of our cultural influences it is shaped and color cues to STOP! I realized this and will be making a range of subjects that interest me and pick from those. But, in the way that I am basing my project the subject matter of my posters is secondary, as in it is subject to change and can be changed while the overall "subject" and exploration of my project will remain the same. It is not unimportant. I hope there is no confusion by what I am saying.

Objects of design have the primary function of communicating. I need to remember this... it will influence heavily how I word my categorizations.

Doug also commented on my quick write up. Michael and Doug both hinted to the same thing. I will repeat the question I asked at the end of my write up:

If I fluctuated the importance of utilitarian functionality or beauty in my posters yet keeping information design the main purpose, how does it effect a viewer's perception of my poster and the amount of information they absorb from it?

Doug commented back to me saying that this had an obvious answer. Michael also said that I needed to pursue harder questions. I would ask Doug to remember a time where this wasn't an obvious question. How long did it take to realize that this had an obvious answer? Dwayne and I talked about how to an average person, who had no education in art, this question could stump them. This question is essentially the basis of my project. I agree though, there are harder and more detailed questions I can ask. Doug listed a few questions that I think are absolutely interesting and worth answering in the process of my project:
Does decoration (or nonfunctional additions to the design) add clarity or obscure it? If it obscures it, then what value does it bring? How do you know what it brings and to what degree?
For right now, I would like to add that an ugly design does not invite a viewer and the clever use of decoration or embellishments can please a viewer's aesthetics and invite them to read the information. Then again, poorly crafted designs that over uses decorations can do the opposite and repel a viewer.

Doug also suggested I go about my research in a quasi scientific manner. He suggested I contact a B-School professor to learn more about focus groups. Dwayne and I talked and agree that this is also a very interesting path my project could and should take, but that with time restraints seems unattainable I need to focus on the central information in a realistic time span. To backup the things I am saying, instead of using surveys, I should use trusted references and examples of my ideas. This is a more time efficient method.

Almost done, promise. I think I can't ask too many questions that result in a subject answer. Or answer questions if they only lead to more questions. Those questions are impossible to answer, especially for little undergraduate me.

I have a lot to think about, and a lot to do. This has really helped me focus even more of my thoughts. My second iteration of my project idea/abstract/proposal will hopefully be even more specific.

Last but not least, my to do list:
REFRAME
IDENTIFY

Remember the last post?

2009-09-27T18:27:00.001-04:00

Here is my third iteration of this "lecture series" assignment.

Personally...

2009-09-25T20:42:00.001-04:00

Here are two examples of my work...
Here are two examples of my comfort zone...
Here are two examples of looking back and thinking, I could've done better...

I started with this

and moved to this

Abstract/Concept

2009-09-25T19:47:00.001-04:00

My project is an exploration of how the weight of functionality or beauty control a viewer's perception of information. Information design is hard to define as all successful graphic design communicates some sort of information, but to try and narrow it down, I tend to define information design as translating complex information graphically so people can clearly and efficiently understand that information.

There are popularized and familiar forms of information graphics. We have all learned how to create pie charts and simple bar graphs in elementary school math classes, and now we can easily make them on our computers. Are the graphs and charts yielded from these methods considered information design? To me, these kind of graphics create one end of the information design spectrum, a very practical and utilitarian rendering style where the weight of the design focuses on functionality and practicality.

Then, there are designers who push the boundaries of readability and functionality in attempts to establish information design as a true art form. They focus their weight on the overall aesthetic quality of a design. This forms the other end of the spectrum.

In between these two is the design that balances functionality and aesthetic beauty. When these two marry together harmoniously, how does the reader perceive it? Do they consider it to be a well designed graphic? I feel here is where information can be absorbed the greatest.

A viewer may read these two different kinds of designs differently. A utilitarian and functional design would serve its informational purpose and will be easily read as a graph. A design that focuses on beauty could invoke a different read. Maybe, the designer is successful and the graphic loses its function as an information graphic and becomes more of an artist composition.

I want to create informational graphics and design posters to explore both ends of the design rendering spectrum, differing the weight of function and beauty, and the point at which they are balanced. I want to also study how this spectrum changes a viewer's perception of the information and how they read the overall design.

For my project, subject matter becomes secondary. Although subject matter can directly effect how something is visualized, it isn't relevant in regards to how successful a design is in communicating information and it is this communication that is more important.

Now, when I look at the books I have, I can view them on this "spectrum." I, as the viewer, am perceiving each design differently. This is what really interests me.

One question that I would like to explore:
Can the same information portrayed these three different ways change how the viewer reads the design and absorbs the information?

Sourcing Inspiration: Introduction

2009-09-24T10:23:00.001-04:00

5 things that inspire me, and why. It is 9:32AM... go!

Social conditions inspire me over my own personal situations. I've always been more interested in what people as a society are doing. Focusing on my own personal situations tend to depress, stress, and worry me... so I often try to avoid what is happening to me. People make up social conditions, culture, and trends. I love studying why something is a trend or how it became that way. Even watching a trend emerge is fun for me. I want to relate this back to web design so bad, so I'm going to. There are a lot of website galleries out there. One in particular that I follow religiously is called CssMania. This website archives CSS based designs. Not only does this become a source of inspiration to me but it also catalogs the trends that arise in web design. You can literally watch as more and more entries consist of the same elements and structure! Even the content of the page is influenced by trends. These trends are created from the social conditions that people as a group make! That's why social conditions, society, is more inspiring than lingering on my own personal situations.

Rest inspires me more than fatigue. This seemed like a ridiculous choice, well for me, because I can't even function if I am fatigued. Nothing is going to happen. Once I tried to stay up for 24hrs and I crashed 23hrs into it. I fell asleep at 10:00AM and did not wake up until 6:00PM, only to eat dinner and fall back asleep. Some people are inspired by the state of delirium or lucidity depending on their body's capability to generate a second "wind" of energy. I also hear that losing 3 days of sleep is... something like being on a drug. Don't quote me, I can't remember... ANYWAYS, yes rest allows my mind to focus and concentrate. It allows my mind to be influenced positively and to take those influences, critically analyze them, and then create my own work.

I like facts. I like facts by definition. Feelings are important to me, but I have a history of letting feelings make me irrational. That sense of not being in control of what I'm saying or doing is really negative... I don't like that... Facts keep me grounded, emotions do not.

Anger doesn't necessarily inspire me, but I have strong feelings against pity. What is pity? To pity someone... to take pity on someone. Anger is strong, anger is truth. You can pity someone and say I feel sorry for them and then not do anything about it, but anger causes a huge reaction. You can try to fight it, but it always effects you. Pity is so much faker. I consider it to be a weak feeling.

I am inspired for others rather than myself for the same reasons as stated before. I find that other people are always more inspiring than myself. I mean, I look at books and websites for inspiration. I let myself be influenced by people I admire. I never read books about myself, or stare at my own website for inspiration. I don't like to feel selfish and for some reason to say I am strongly inspired by myself seems... selfish. :/

Books I am waiting for...

2009-09-24T00:29:00.000-04:00

I'm doin' it!

2009-09-24T00:06:00.000-04:00

Concept, Technical Skill, Formality

2009-09-23T20:42:00.001-04:00

"The great fun of information visualization," he said, "is that it gives you answers to questions you didn't know you had."

I thought this quote was interesting, it is from NYTimes.com: Lines and bubbles and bars, oh my! New ways to sift data.
If anyone is reading this, and you have the time, check out:
http://manyeyes.alphaworks.ibm.com/manyeyes/
This interactive site allows people to create and comment on information visualizations.

Anyways, today I checked out Graphis Diagrams.

If I were to open up this book and use one word to describe how I felt about that page, it would be intimidated. Each designer in this book is just at such a high level of intelligence, I feel I could only mimic their designs for my project...

Anyways... it looks interesting and I am going to enjoy reading it. Also, every Tufte book is checked out from the library. This is a great disappointment.

Alright, down to the real reason I'm posting. Here is a list of questions, thoughts, ideas, and suggestions Doug and I discussed today.

What is the problem that I am trying to fix? Why hasn't it been fixed yet? How can I fix it?

My concept, whatever it is, should not start out too broad or too ambitious. It is always easier to expand on an idea than it is to try and funnel something big into something specific. My concept should be like a mission statement and explain a core idea. This should be explained in such a way that it doesn't leave any questions like, "Know what I'm saying?" I should know what I'm saying and be able to articulate it.

I have a different agenda then some other people and that's ok. The premise of information design is to communicate data that is complex in a way that is easily readable, accessible, and functional.

There is nothing wrong with simplicity.

How much emphasis am I putting on each of these three things: concept, technicality, and formality?

This weekend I have to write an abstract as well as a more specific description of my IP project. I hope that I can commit to something in time to write this. That's my big problem for IP. What can I commit a year of my time to and not get bored with? :/ How can I state my concept, my mission in such a way that it allows me to be flexible?

So many questions that need to be answered. So many books to be read, blogs to be seen... So much brainstorming that needs to happen.

I'm always so grateful to have the ability to meet with Dwayne and Doug. I hope that I can earn their respect by creating an IP project that proves how their time has helped transform me into a better, more educated designer.

IP... it's like I'm ready, but not. haha.
MUST GRIND BRAIN UNTIL SOME KIND OF "CONCEPT" IS POOPED OUT.

Function vs Beauty?

2009-09-22T10:15:00.000-04:00

Project: Create an Infographic about CEO Compensation

2009-09-22T10:05:00.001-04:00

Information design contest from Good Magazine!
http://www.good.is/post/project-create-an-infographic-about-ceo-compensation/

oh yes Good is good.

Ah yes, design

2009-09-22T09:17:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I met with Dwayne Overmyer. Good thing too, my ip section hasn't come down on us to have any solid ideas yet (which is really doing good things for other people), but for me I feel as though I'm just floating along lost in the mouth of a giant river. It is nearing the end of September and I needed to feel like I had some footing.

Early last week??, my GSI Charlie said to me, "Make sure the topic you are designing about is interesting."
Dwayne helped me verbalize what I was thinking... Why does it have to be interesting? Many times information design is visualizing and communicating an idea that is not interesting to some people. What is interesting? Interesting is subjective and differs from each and every person. What I find truly interesting, you may find absolutely boring. As a designer, it is my job to create interest in the design. To seduce the viewer into reading into it more. In my project subject matter is not as high of a priority as execution.

I believe that in my field I need to be able to flawlessly execute designs and codes to satisfy my customer. I need to know that after this year I will have the confidence to do so. My concentration is on my technical skills and ability to communicate complex information into an understandable visual.

Don't get me wrong, concept is very important to me. I need to answer questions. When does visual communication break down? Why does it do so? Great designs can be yielded from boring and dense information, if it causes you to read it, isn't that a success?

My project is an exploration of information and functional ways to portray it. I also am curious about the designs that are aesthetically beautiful yet less readable. I feel like they are exposing the beauty of information design that the art world is ready to accept. (Pictures coming soon)

Anyways...
List of things to do from Dwayne:
Get all of Tufte's books. (of course)
Read Information Design Journal which might actually be named Document Design
Talk to Franc Nunoo-Quarcoo
Write an abstract and then also a more specific description.
Think of questions, try to answer them.

yep.

Hopefully my next post will cover how
there is a beauty in process.