I Just Want To Play Hockey By: Natalie Hogan Introduction to Design, ART 130, Fall 2023, St. Norbert College
This process book project allows for a final compilation of this semester’s work. It is a view and snapshot of the processes behind my artwork, achievements and failures. It showcases a little bit about me, my interests as well as my artistic style.
Crash course This crash course project was an intro assignment for us to start thinking about design as well as a way for us to collaborate with peers as if we were in a professional client and designer setting. We were first assigned a partner. We then got to know each other and had to brainstorm an invention that we could design that would benefit our partners lifestyle in college. After a series of brainstorming, sketching and feedback, we had 10 minutes to build a model of our invention with limited material provided, such as paper, cardboard, and wire.
We were first assigned partners. We interviewed eachother and got to know eachother by asking very general and or more specific questions.
We then were able to capture our findings. I was able to take a step back and narrow in on possible ideas for an invention that would be useful for my partner.
The next step was to design and sketch prototypes. After a few minutes of sketching, we were able to reconvene with our partner and get their feedback.
Engaging and talking to my partner was great because I was able to learn a lot about him and find a lot of commonalities between us. I was able to relate to him by being a student athlete here at SNC, as well as also sharing the experience of having to balance athletics and academics. My partner is on the track team and also strives to succeed in school. I am also an athlete and a runner myself. I found that we both have similar issues and I had fun designing something that would interest and help him as well as myself.
Then I was able to reflect on all of the information and feedback I recieved from my partner. I sketched my final design.
In 10 minutes I was able to create a rough small scale prototype of a running vest that had a monitor connected as a way to complete work while running. I was proud to show my prototype to my partner, I felt that although I only had 10 minutes to create the prototype, it encompassed exactly what I had envisioned. While I could have added more features and reinforced my design, I didn’t necessarily feel that it was “unfinished”, so I felt confident showing him and gaining his approval on the prototype. The pace was quick, however, I felt that it was the perfect amount of time for each cycle. I typically have a fast work pace when it comes to art especially, so it really wasn’t an issue. However, it really forced me to think on the spot which isn’t something I am used to when I create art. I normally spend a lot of time brainstorming and planning each project I do, so this activity challenged me. Design thinking is an iterative, self-directed process. Based on what I learned and created. I would go back and refine the design and create a new and improved prototype, as well as allow myself to spend more time on it. As much as I enjoyed the fast paced process of inventing and creating the product, I would love to go back and spend more time and brainstorm how I can improve it. Specifically, I would add a keyboard to the monitor. I would also make sure that the vest and monitor is weather proof, stable, light and comfortable.
Dot line This dot line project was a way for us to start thinking about design in terms of value, scale, line and visual hierarchy in order to create pieces that portray a certain word with only a limited amount of dots and lines. The process includes choosing three words we would further explore. We then produced many thumbnails for each word. The end product featured three refined 4” x 4” compositions mounted on 6” x 6” pieces of black foam core.
I started this project by roughly sketching ideas for different words. I created small thumbnails for the words abundance, exhaustion, terror, and freedom.
I narrowed in on the three words abundance, exhaustion and freedom. I started to think and create possible designs for these words.
It is very difficult for me to make a “well crafted object”. I spend a lot of time not only brainstorming and planning each project, but I also take pride in my craftsmanship. I would rather spend more time working on the extra details and appreciate the end product rather rush through and be disappointed and have regret. Gestalt is the concept of looking at the bigger picture. Many small pieces are able to unite and work together to form something larger than the piece itself. Gestalt relates to this project because in order to create a word only using a certain amount of dots and lines one must strategically plan and place dots and lines in a way where they work together to be more than just dots and lines. A dot and or line in itself does not have much importance, rather it’s when they are laid down in a certain order in correlation to each other one is able to contemplate the significance of the greater whole.
Exhaustion
Freedom
Abundance
I personally have a lot of experience and really enjoy working with abstract art. I really enjoyed this project because it challenged me to really think about having a meaning behind the abstraction. Typically when I create my own abstract art there really isn’t a deeper, more complex message. It is just a collage and or piece that is purely made for the eye catching and visual pleasure. Therefore, having to create an accurate depiction of a word using abstract art made me think outside the box and expanded my knowledge on abstract art. I did not have a hard time representing ideas without illustrating them. I have a lot of experience with working in abstract art and I really enjoyed the process of really analyzing the certain word chosen and visualizing what and how the word could be abstractly represented. I also found it helpful experimenting with thumbnails and configuring the dots and lines. When I think of the ideas of gestalt, I relate it to something significant in my life. I am on a hockey team. While one player is not a team. However, 25 players make a team. It takes everyone on the team to be a reckoning force. As a teammate I must acknowledge the fact that I am a part of something larger than myself and I must comply with the team rules and build off of my teammates in order to strengthen the team as a whole. In addition, it only takes one noncompliant teammate to throw off the bond and vibe of the group. Similarly in this project, when you are representing ideas without illustrating, you are strategically placing dots and lines. They all must work together. It only takes one slight adjustment and or repositioning of a dot or line to completely change the whole composition and word you are meaning to represent.
Letterform This letterform project was a way for us to start thinking about design with text. Typography is a big part of graphic design. This project was designed for us to gain experience in handling text as well as gaining a better understanding of negative space, kerning, and leading. We started the project by choosing a 4-5 letter word of our choice and further exploring the ins and outs of the association of that word. We then had the opportunity to carve and print letters. The end product featured four refined typographic samples of the same word printed on 8.5” x 11” paper.
I first started this project by choosing a four letter word (team) and creating a mind-map for it. This was an easy exercize for me, being a part of the hockey team here, I was able to come up with many words that I associate with the word “team”.
I began to learn more about typography and fonts.
I began to experiment with different techniques, fonts, and materials while creating my typography. I tried writing with a hockey puck. I found that the puck marks showed up better when I applied wax to the paper first. I also used hockey tape and clear tape. This was a tideous process cutting the tape.
I thought that it would be sentimental and fitting for me to create a typograghy piece using every one of my teammates stick tape. So I ripped tape off of each of my teammates sticks to use for my art. That also meant that I had to retape 25 sticks.
I really enjoyed incorporating found materials and material that related to hockey. It was fun to experiment with things such as tape, wax and pucks. I use that material on the daily for practice, and to be able to use it in my art was fun for me. I am passionate about hockey, so I found it very interesting to be able to work with hockey material in this project. I would love to do more similar compositions and continue to use hockey to guide my art.
My intention was for the letters to appear to be sliding together.
This was my first draft of the team typography using the tape. I recieved feedback that the background was too dark.
This was one of my first takes. My intention was for the letters to be close, touching and leaning on eachother, as a team does.
This was a straight print final. The letters are composed of my teammates hockey tape. I printed it on darker paper.
This was a special variation I made using ink. My intention was to capture a team huddle.
This was my straight print final.
This was my final print. The letters are comprised of small text of my teammates names.
I learned that it is possible for letterforms and words in simple fonts to be visually intriguing and display a deeper meaning. It is essential to think outside of the box and to experiment with the different endless possibilities of creating letterforms. I chose the word “team”, and while the assignment parameters were to use the same simple font for all iterations, for me, numerous ideas came to mind. I brainstormed different variations incorporating materials that were relevant to my hockey team such as tape, pucks, wax and laces. Then I began to think about the positioning of the letters and thought of huddling the letters or leaning the letters on each other to signify unity and togetherness of a team.
Iterative illustration This iterative illustration project allows us to work with and explore a single object in various ways through a variety of iterations. We first chose an animal or machine as the focus. We then researched and learned more about the chosen animal or machine. We created illustrations of our chosen subject using various mediums. This challenged us to think outside of the box when it came to designing and accurately portraying the subject over and over again. The final product featured a digitally printed 12” x 18” black and white poster featuring at least six refined images of the chosen subject.
I chose a green frog as my animal for this project. I have always loved frogs and grew up catching frogs in the pond behind my house. I am very familiar with frogs’ appearance. I was able to explore and learn different positions of the frog, such as sitting, and jumping. I also learned the specific proportions of the frog anatomy as well as the specific patterning of different green frogs.
I experimented creating many frog compostions using a variety of mediums. I found that my most successful compostions were the ones that I put a lot of time and thought into. Each variation was so different from the last, it required research and dilligence in order to accurately portray a frog as well as the ideas you have envisioned.
This is one of my master artist compostions.
This is one of my collage compostions.
This is a continous line compostion.
I found that my least successful compostions were the ones that I executed with little to no plan. These included the geometric, the blind contour as well as a few of my collage pieces. I found the geometric variation difficult.
My first geometric compostion.
Another one of my geometric compostions.
This is one of my blind contour drawings of a frog.
First draft of final compostion.
This was my compostion I turned in for the critique. I recieved very positive feedback overall. The rendering of frogs is very strong. Many people responded positively to the three leaping frogs. A piece of constructive feedback I recieved was that everything feels a little crowded. It was suggested to remove a couple frog compostions. This was very hard for me to hear, because each piece was very unique and placed on the final for a reason. However, I understood where this feedback was coming from and decided to revise it.
The media that was most challenging for me was drawing with a sharpie for my geometric iteration and my first master artist iteration. I struggled with drawing lines with even thickness. The most enjoyable media was oil pastel for my second master artist iteration. I really enjoyed freehand blending and coloring the frog with the pastels. I do have experience working with pastels, so it was not very challenging for me. I have never used photoshop before this project. I learned a lot about the adobe photoshop software and photoshop in general. I learned how to use different tools, such as adjusting the brightness and contrast, and removing unwanted marks. I also learned how to select objects and rotate them. Those are basic photoshop edits that I already have and will definitely continue to use in the future for personal and work related purposes.
This was my final revised piece that I turned in. I removed a couple frogs and adjusted the hierachy. I am proud of how it came out. I do think that it looks less cluttery and more cohesive as a whole. Personally, this was definitely the most time consuming project of the semester. If I were to continue these iterations, I would love to experiment working and creating a 3D portfolio of frog iterations. 3D media could include clay, wire, wood, etc… I am personally more interested in creating 3D art rather than 2D art and I think it would be interesting to create frog iterations in both 2D and 3D. I would also love to continue to research and mimic master artists. I really enjoyed that process of having to abandon my own artistic style and adhere to another person’s style.
PSA poster This public service announcement poster project was a way for us to gain knowledge in working with digital design, commercial media and informative poster making. The project was set up to mock the professional client and designer setting. We first had to research and create a PSA of our own as well as the contents of what should be included in the poster. Then we were assigned to work with a peer and design their PSA poster gaining feedback along the way. The final product included an 8.5” x 11” poster, all text in black and white, and printed on white or colored paper. I first had to brainstorm my own idea for a PSA poster. I immediately thought of incorporating aspects of hockey or sports. I ultimately came up with the idea of having a PSA poster for SNC athletes. The prompt was that SNC athletes should support eachother and attend one and others sporting events. I was assigned a partner and had to brainstorm and create 20 mini thumbnails of possible poster deisgns. This was a long process. I had many ideas, however, I found myself wanting to repeat designs. I challenged myself to create 20 very different looking posters.
I then had to narrow down my ideas and create 4 larger thumbnail compostions. I really enjoyed the process of choosing the best details and designs from the 20 mini thumbnails. I was able to spend more time creating designs that could poentially be the final product. I knew that I had wanted to include a groovy and fun font. I was also very attentive to the hierachy of each poster. Overall, I was really drawn to the top two designs, but I did choose to move forward with the top right design.
Here was my first draft I turned in for the in-process critique. I recieved great constructive feedback letting me know what I should keep and or alter. It was suggested that the text on the outside of the circle was to tight to the circle. I was also told that my leading could be tightened in the top and bottom sections of text. I valued these responses and agreed with the feedback. I knew that revisions would be neccessary.
I personally did not find the fact that we were only limited to type challenging. I was given enough text to experiment with where I felt that illustration was not necessary. I enjoyed figuring out what layout would be best, the hierarchy of the text, as well as fonts. I am also drawn to the minimalistic style of art and posters, so not being able to use illustrations actually appealed to me. In addition, I feel that it was a great exercise for me to have to portray a message through type, rather than being able to take the easy way out by showing the message through illustration. Scale and size of text was a major factor in creating hierarchy in my poster. The largest text were the key details of my PSA, the name of the social dance, as well as who is hosting the event. The layout and orientation was also important. A couple more important details such as the time, date, and location while in smaller text was higher on the poster in specific and their own individual spots that made them still noticeable and relevant. The less important details such as food and drink information as well as contact information were in smaller text near the bottom. I feel that my poster has a good rhythm, hierarchy as well as an interesting layout.
Final compostion, revised and tured in.
I really enjoyed this project. I learned a lot about PSA posters and poster design in general. I learned about the importance of hierarchy, text, orientation and layout when it comes to designing. I was also able to further experiment using indesign which I enjoyed. I experimented with new features such as typing on a path, bleed prints, and downloading fonts. While I am not entirely sure what I want to do as a career in the future, and am not sure if I will use indesign beyond this class, knowing the features of how to work indesign is useful. I was actually assigned to make a poster in one of my other classes and I was able to design a poster on indesign, so you never know when specific knowledge will come in handy.
I enjoyed this class a lot. It challenged me to think outside of the box and experiment with new mediums. I learned a lot about the world of design and the endless oppourtunity surrounding desgign and grahic design. Each project brought new obstacles and challenges for me. The hardest part personally was brainstorming and moving forward with my ideas as well as excuting them the way I envisioned for each project. I do believe that I am called to creative work. I have always had an interest in art. I always enjoyed my art classes throughout elementary school and middle school. I continued to take art classes in High school as well. Going into college I hadn’t planned on continuing art and went my first semester not taking an art class. My second semester I took an introduction to basic drawing class and from then on out, continued to gravitate back to taking art classes. While I am not sure if I will pursue a career in art, I will always have an enjoyment for art as well as a creative mindset. In my opinion, art and design are very different. To me, art is created for more of a visual aesthetic and or display, while design is created for more of a purpose such as influencing, attracting, and or announcing. I have much more experience in art and creating pieces that appeal to viewers visually, however, carry little significant value. After taking this class, it opened my eyes to a whole new realm of design. I really enjoy the purpose and function of design. I appreciate the experience I have gained in design, however, I am still drawn to art and the freedom of artistic creativity it brings. Fonts used include Impact, and Apple Symbols. It was digitally printed and saddle stapled at the college’s print center.