Paul Rand

does what you can't.

Therapy

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. :)

Oops

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

Iterations

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.

arts on earth

I got accepted for a new freelance job! I'm just absolutely excited about it. The Arts on Earth people are starting a new project and need a logo and website designed. Not only does the pay make me smile for miles, but they will give me recognition for the designs. They are the first to offer me this opportunity. :)

live

Well, I've made my online portfolio live so that I could apply for some freelance jobs. Its not quite done. The flash section is still under construction and I am not satisfied with the cardboard background. there are some very minor things I want to reconsider as well. Hopefully, with some minor tweaking I will really refine this website into something really nice.

I've also been looking at other websites and they have so many flashy web 2.0 buttons and text everywhere... makes me wonder if my website needs to be that way. I never know how to feel about design trends, but I always seem to fall into them. I like my simple design, but who knows tomorrow maybe I won't be so satisfied.

Overall I'm really happy with it. :) Check it:


www.umich.edu/~tjanec

(I submitted my website to CSS Mania, but I don't think they will like my website :/)

Loved this, btw:



and this...

swine flu

Is just the scariest thing ever. I can't help but constantly read about it in the news. I'm a little bit obsessive compulsive and worry just a little too much. But, I am trying to not let myself get ridiculous about it.

So, in between reading about electronic synthesizers and amplifiers, I found this loooooovely packaging for Helvetica the film.



I still haven't seen it. I am guilty.

My job at the University Technology Services Office is going well. I currently have two projects: redesigning the Student Affairs logo and designing a landing page for the SAL website.
I've been playing around with a word bubble, but haven't really landed on anything solid. It doesn't help that the office has a very limited and unimpressive font library.









I'm planning to learn how to do some 3D modeling this summer. Hopefully, I can play around with some geometric shapes and patterned textures to create some nice compositions.

I'm also thinking of buying a new desktop computer. It might just have to run Windows. I can't help missing being able to play games on my computer. My lil Mac laptop just can't do it! Victor's helped me picked out all the parts I need and I've picked a great case. :) Demi-god is calling my name.

swiss swiss swees

Every blog I read has covered Network Osaka's new portfolio. They're modernizing Swiss design and bringing it back (ow owww).



Check it out! Network Osaka

late night

Or maybe its early in the night...
Anyways, If I had to put a percentage on how far along I am with my website I would say... 30%? I've re-aligned the text on the front page which got rid of the giant text block. I'm currently in the process of editing my portfolio pieces and reading through piles of codes to figure out some of this javascript.

I watched the new Futurama movie tonight. Eh. Ehhh. Entire movies that are parodies of other movies don't impress me very much. But, I still have love for Futurama so I'll continue to be a fan. :)

I want to subscribe to Idea Mag, but I can't. Damn you Japanese and your awesome design magazines!!!



At least I can buy them from online vendors or check them out at the school's library. :/

I have at least ordered my two Emil Ruder books. I'm so excited. They should be arriving in 5-9 days (says Amazon's shipping).

Me being a big fan of intricate line work... http://www.jasonthielke.com/ Just really, some gorgeous contours and amazing textures.

Last thing before I stop blogging for the night, I finished my flash mixer. I'm very happy with it. The loops Victor made are really fantastic. Hopefully, my presentation will go smoothly tomorrow (crosses fingers).

on your mark, get set, portfolio!

I've started re-designing my online portfolio. I'm very excited. :) I'm trying new things... I hope I don't drive myself crazy.

to be swiss or not to be

Helvetica + Minimal = Graphic Design at the University of Michigan
I don't know how I feel about my math. I may do some recalculating later.

Also, this melts my heart: