The one with all the
a r t
A short look at the causes for my mental breakdowns and momentary insanisty this semester
dedication
To Friends, the TV show that got me through it all.
ta b l e o f c o n t e n t s D-School ..........................1 Dot-Line ..........................2 Typography .....................4 Object Iterations ................7 Data Visualization ...........9 Conclusion ........................11
This book shows the work of Morgan Pennings during Intro to Graphic Design in the Fall of 2016.
dschool • Interview a peer to determine their favorite and least favorite gift they have received • Determine what would be a prototype for that person to receive
It was hard for me not to expect where the prototype would go because I know Zach very well. I knew that he is not the most careful person and is prone to breaking things and I also know that he enjoys coffee and has his own signature. I thought it was fun to only have so much time to work on a prototype and it helped to laugh about because we both knew that our prototypes would not exactly resemble the real thing. I liked that it was quick paced because you had to go off instinct of what that person had revealed to you in such a short interview. However, it would have been much harder had I not known Zach as well. I don’t normally work as quickly as I did in this exercise, but it was relief to know that everyone else had the same time constraint so whatever I made would be comparable to theirs. If I were to revisit this project, I would go back and spend more time making a more realistic porotype with better materials. If I were to have an actual client, I would go through a very similar process, but I would spend more time learning the specifics of what they want from me. I would use better materials rather than paper and bottle tops to create a prototype like this. 1
dot line • Create abstract compositions using only dots and/or lines • Design multiple iterations of a variety of compositions • Show an understanding of value, scale, line, and visual hierarchy, as well as the concepts of Gestalt • Use a specific and strong craft in final compositions
2
My understanding of Gestalt is that it uses the positive and negative space in a piece to create forms and figures sometimes inside one another. It was difficult for me to work in Gestalt because I like realism and Gestalt is very abstract. Even when I work based on my own terms I am too critical of my work to call it “well crafted.” I always end up spending more time on a piece of artwork than I had planned. I focus on the little details and when I don’t have enough time to get everything perfect, I get very frustrated with myself.
It was hard in general to get excited about this project because I dislike doing abstract art. But I did discover that by having multiple examples of my own to choose from for the final product, I can use this practice of drawing thumbnails in the future with other artwork.
3
I did appreciate seeing other people’s work because they seemed to understand how to manipulate the objects better than I could. So, I am still in a similar place as I was at the introduction of this project: I do not feel that it is one of my strengths as an artist, but I still enjoy seeing others’ interpretations of abstract art. I was difficult to be confined to such strict parameters with only being able to use dots and lines, as well as only using up to two of each or only dots/lines. I found myself wishing that I could make figures of my own design.
• To practice hand lettering techniques • To show an understanding of the way the letters are formed (typography) change how the word is perceived • To create multiple iterations • To make things uniquely and excellently for the final iterations • To focus on composition of piece
typography 4
I thought that my cutting was a success because it was very hard to make the cuts curve and look flow-y. Orignially I wanted to add more of the curved lines, however I decided that it was taking away from the simplicity of the word.
5
Hand-lettering taught me that the words I write can tell a story more than in the meaning of the word itself, but also in the way the letters are displayed and constructed. I found it difficult to vary from my normal handwritting, so I decided to experiment more with other variables such as ink with water dripping on it so that it would bleed, which can be seen above. I would like to work on more 3-D hand-lettering because the one I did in the sink was a lot of fun to make and see changes as the water continued to spread the ink. Going further, I would like to use more of my photography skills to create more abstract images of words. I believe my strongest piece is the 3-D one because the ink made its own font type.
6
object iterations
• To experiment with different mediums and media • To display a variety of experimentation • To create unique, original work that still stays true to the subject • To show discovery and understanding through process • To create by experimentation that challenges you • To understand that clichés can both benefit and take away from the work • To edit and revisit work so that it fits within the set parameters
7
I learned that compared to some other animals where they have defined beaks or facial markings, elephants need a little more detail to know that it is an elephant. I thought that the collage was the most difficult because it was hard to find objects that could represent pieces of an elephant. I ended up liking the collages where I used more patterns rather than objects to portray the elephant. I was happy to learn some new things on Photoshop like different ways to patch something or duplicate a pattern to cover a part or expand the image. It will also be very useful to know the key commands. I would do silhouettes or using other objects incorporated into the object.
8
data
viz
• To implement principles of design to clearly represent chosen data • Use text and image to depict the story of the data • Use limited color to support visual hierarchy • Work with accurate data from credible sources • Create a “single revealing graphic” based on the data • Revise design if needed
9
Places I’ve been based on PHOTOS alaska
The most important information I was conveying with my data visualization was where I had all taken pictures. It was also important to me to show the variety of photo types including the landscape and iconic landmarks, which I accomplished by using my own photos from those locations. The visual hierarchy was simply where photos were placed on the map and where they were not placed. It was really interesting learning the different things I could do with InDesign. I taught myself different things more outside of class than we went over in class. For example, I was able to make my own outline in order to place every photo which I had never done before and only learned by playing with the different tools. I struggled with using color in this project especially when it came to the background. I wasn’t sure what to do with the empty space and I think it turned out more cluttered than anything.
england
france
minnesota south dakota
colorado new mexico
wisconsin illinois
italy
michigan
PLACE S I’VE TRAVE LED TO SINCE 2010
indiana georgia
alabama
ALL PH OTO MORGA S TAKEN BY N PENN INGS
florida
st. lucia
10
reflection I feel that I am called to creative work because ever since I was young, art was my favorite thing in school. I have always enjoyed creating new work and this class challenged me to practice with new mediums and styles. If money were not an issue, I would travel the US and abroad to poverty stricken areas and use my photography and art to raise awareness about social injustices around the globe.
11
It hasn’t been my
d a y my
m o n t h or even my
y e a r
12