TOOLS OF THE TRADE / MYTHS + TIPS / VOCABULARY / THE MENTORS
MEANT /OR 1
Meaningful insights + misconceptions into the KCAI graphic design department.
TOOLS OF THE TRADE Computer + charger, usb, post-it notes, notebook, writing utensil, xacto, cork backed ruler, Marty tape, binder clips, & paper clips.
Not Pictured: Anything Herschel.
MYTHS + TIPS Graphic design has a reputation of being stressful, dull and restricting. At some point all of us question our place and purpose. In the end, design “restricts” you so that you can apply yourself to so much more. Here are some common (mis)conceptions about design and how to overcome it:
DESIGN ISN’T ART.
I HAVE TO WORK DIGITALLY.
You’ll hear it all the time—complaints that
You’ll become very close to your Ado-
you can’t make work about yourself, you
be programs, you’ll learn about motion
don’t want to work under restrictions...blah
graphics, user experience, web design, and
blah blah. In design, you learn how to make
speculate on the future of technology. Just
meaningful connections through making
because we’re continually progressing,
and thinking about form. Isn’t that art?
doesn’t mean the past is no longer relevant. There’s always a place for print lovers. Find
I CAN’T BLANK IN DESIGN. We’re learning how we perceive the world around us as individuals and all the different
the value of the ephemeral and tangible and explore how technology can enhance that. THERE’S NO FUN IN DESIGN.
design problems will help you find that. If
If you continually think close-mindedly,
you want to paint, draw, or sculpt some-
you won’t be able to enjoy what design has
thing, then try it out. Design isn’t intended
to offer. It’s important to be truly passion-
to limit you, rather it forces you to look for
ate and involved in your classes, studio
all of the possible answers for the right one.
culture, and extracurriculars like AIGA.
BE DESIGNERLY.
CRAFT IS CRUCIAL.
Keep your internal and external space in
Always use a cork backed ruler and xacto
order. A clean desk and working area means
knife with a fresh blade for trimming work;
a clean mind; there’s a direct connection
check for spelling and grammar errors; and
between clutter and frustration. Keep your
make sure text is legible, etc. Mistakes are
focus where it needs to be, on your work
ok, but make sure nothing is an eyesore.
and not everything else that is going on.
Craft becomes an conceptual issue when it becomes the focus of attention.
STAY MOTIVATED. Keep yourself fueled with food, sleep, and
DON’T TRUST THE KONICA.
relaxation. Yes, it’s fine to put pressure on
The printer works just like a person,
yourself (we often are our worst enemy) but
sometimes he is just having an off day or
don’t put so much that it keeps you away
few days. The only person you should
from getting near your own goals. As much
ever fully rely on is yourself, not even
as we want to push through a project and
your MacBook (remember to back
think that sleep isn’t as important, it’s ok to
everything up). Don’t wait until minutes
take a break so you’re thinking clearly and
before class, or the night before a project
to the highest levels that you can. Create a
to print.
balance between work, play and rest.
CRITIQUE SHOULD BE CONSTRUCTIVE.
IT’S GOING TO BE OK.
The point of critique is to aide in making
We all have our insecurities, mistakes,
our work and studio environment better.
and setbacks. Our minds all work and
Often it may feel like the work and designer
grow at a different pace; don’t compare
are one so make sure you use the comment
yourself, your growth, and your work on
sandwich: positive mark, part to work on,
what those around you are or aren’t do-
and positive mark. Remember to take in
ing. You need to experiment, iterate, test
feedback, but that it is not always the final
and keep working until you turn in the
solution. Participating in critique will help
final…and even then when you turn it in,
and challenge all of us—don’t be afraid to
realize that our work is never truly done,
speak, but attacking a person will create a
so don’t get frustrated if you didn’t end
negative studio culture.
up where you thought you would. The first part of design education, is figuring
BLACKLIST BEHAVIOR.
out how you best work and continuing to
Do not blame the Konica for anything—or
refine that process throughout your life
any printer for that matter.
until one day all steps of that process has become a natural reaction.
Feel free to explain why you completed the assignment as you did, but do not make excuses for why you didn’t do the required work.
Buy cherry coke in the vending machine and get two yellow mellows ;)
VOCABULARY Now that we mentioned some misconceptions about us, we should probably tell you some slightly false but appropriate definitions.
BRAND STANDARD
DESIGNER BLACK
Used to describe who we are as a person
C70 M50 Y30 K100—The deepest black
and what we like.
you can get for print. This can also be used
DESIGNERLY.
to describe all the black we tend to wear.
Characteristic of a designer.
BUDDY A good friend or partner. Also known as a
ATTRIBUTES
studiomate. Or student friend to Kidwell.
Those 3–5 keywords that Kidwell will always look for.
MARTY TAPE White, medical tape used to mock up a multi-page document or spread.
ANDRA KHODER 21 / Rye, NY GRADUATION YEAR 2014.
FAVORITE MUSIC Doo-Wop, Alternative, Punk.
FAVORITE TYPEFACE Garamond.
FAVORITE AREA OF DESIGN All, duh.
FAVORITE WAY TO GET CAFFEINATED Redbull.
FAVORITE PLACE TO WORK The Nelson-Atkins.
ADVICE YOU WISH YOU GOT SOPHOMORE YEAR If you work hard, you gotta play hard.
YOU CAN ASK ME ABOUT... Letterpress, screenprinting, paper, software, any tools.
ANNA DE SANDO 25 / Lake Zurich, IL GRADUATION YEAR 2014.
FAVORITE MUSIC Most. Rap/hip-hop, R&B, Pop, Acoustic, Indie, Rock, Piano/ Symphony, Melodic. Got some suggestions, then get at me!
FAVORITE TYPEFACE Baskerville, the type of truth. Helvetica will always have a place in my heart though.
FAVORITE AREA OF DESIGN Uh, the concepts. Old school, super structured book layout.
FAVORITE WAY TO GET CAFFEINATED Black coffee, Rothko (at the Nerm), Redbull, Monster, NOS.
FAVORITE PLACE TO WORK Sitting at a desk or on the floor, library, outside.
ADVICE YOU WISH YOU GOT SOPHOMORE YEAR ...along the lines of “Ask and you shall receive”...if you ask(professors + upperclassmen) for help, you will receive the tools you need to get you to your goal with your own hands + mind.
YOU CAN ASK ME ABOUT...
Concepting(the thoughts behind your work), copywriting/ grammar, transferring to KCAI, deep thoughts, music, movies, pop culture.
BRI DALLAS 21 / Blue Springs, MO GRADUATION YEAR 2015.
FAVORITE MUSIC Indie Alternative.
FAVORITE TYPEFACE Neutraface bold.
FAVORITE AREA OF DESIGN I can’t call it.
FAVORITE WAY TO GET CAFFEINATED Green tea frappuccino—no whip. Running.
FAVORITE PLACE TO WORK I work in my bed. With sunshine.
ADVICE YOU WISH YOU GOT SOPHOMORE YEAR Don’t be that person/Make your own mark.
YOU CAN ASK ME ABOUT... Building shit. Barkley internship.
EDWING MENDEZ 23 / Miami, FL GRADUATION YEAR 2014ish.
FAVORITE MUSIC Hip-hop, Ska, Reggae.
FAVORITE TYPEFACE Sauna.
FAVORITE AREA OF DESIGN Web and Motion Graphics.
FAVORITE WAY TO GET CAFFEINATED Cuban Coffee.
FAVORITE PLACE TO WORK Ummm it’s kinda weird, but I get inspired when I’m driving along an empty road on a late night.
ADVICE YOU WISH YOU GOT SOPHOMORE YEAR Develop the ability to take micro naps.
YOU CAN ASK ME ABOUT... HTML, Software issues, AfterEffects/Premiere Pro, basically the technical stuff.
MORGAN STOCKTON 19 / Lansing, KS GRADUATION YEAR 2015.
FAVORITE MUSIC A little bit of everything, but mostly alternative or metal.
FAVORITE TYPEFACE Univers.
FAVORITE AREA OF DESIGN Print, mostly magazine/book layouts and stuff.
FAVORITE WAY TO GET CAFFEINATED Some really food “Get pumped” music. If that doesn’t work then a Full Throttle energy drink usually does the trick.
FAVORITE PLACE TO WORK Well I like working outside on a park bench or something if I can, fresh air usually makes my brain work better but I also am more easily distracted. I find that sitting next to someone I look up to as a designer helps too. Feeding off their creative juices inspires me to work just that much harder as my own stuff.
ADVICE YOU WISH YOU GOT SOPHOMORE YEAR Sleep. I know you think you need to stay up all night to do whatever it is you’re doing but I promise that you will function better with sleep and that way you’ll actually get everything done on time and not NEED to be awake all night.
YOU CAN ASK ME ABOUT...
Color use. Craft. I also give pretty honest, and I hope helpful, critique.
NICK HOWLAND 23 / Godfrey, IL GRADUATION YEAR 2015.
FAVORITE MUSIC Oh this is just too hard...I guess fold and electronic pop music.
FAVORITE TYPEFACE I’ve been loving on some archer as of late.
FAVORITE AREA OF DESIGN Interactive.
FAVORITE WAY TO GET CAFFEINATED Music.
FAVORITE PLACE TO WORK Anywhere with my headphones on / mudpie / out on the lawn.
ADVICE YOU WISH YOU GOT SOPHOMORE YEAR Do not rely on the konica/all of your hard work WILL pay off.
YOU CAN ASK ME ABOUT...
Crit, illustration/image making, iteration, concepting, batman, aesthetics.
TESSA CANON 21 / Kansas City, MO GRADUATION YEAR 2015 hopefully.
FAVORITE MUSIC Alternative indie rock, rap/hip hop, electronic sounding music.
FAVORITE TYPEFACE Baskerville or Orator.
FAVORITE AREA OF DESIGN Print forever.
FAVORITE WAY TO GET CAFFEINATED I work at Latte Land. Anything espresso based.
FAVORITE PLACE TO WORK Broadway Cafe, Nelson-Atkins, Outdoors.
ADVICE YOU WISH YOU GOT SOPHOMORE YEAR Don’t be intimidated.
YOU CAN ASK ME ABOUT...
Questions about being a transfer student, Kansas City, life advice/anything.
WENDY VONG 21 / Springfield, MO GRADUATION YEAR 2014.
FAVORITE MUSIC I just love good music. I don’t really want to confine myself to any one genre, but you can find me playing the same punk music over and over and over and over...
FAVORITE TYPEFACE Just about anything sans serif, geometric, and lightweight.
FAVORITE AREA OF DESIGN Print, Handmade, + DIY for life.
FAVORITE WAY TO GET CAFFEINATED Redbull. Blueberry Redbull. And caramel lattes.
FAVORITE PLACE TO WORK Quay, Filling Station, Roasterie.
ADVICE YOU WISH YOU GOT SOPHOMORE YEAR
The more you know yourself, the more personal and self-expressive design can be to you.
YOU CAN ASK ME ABOUT...
See above—I wholeheartedly believe that design is art. You can talk to me about anything or if you just want to be friends, we can do that too.
1 Rad, this totally sounds like Mentor and references Søren Kierkegaard’s Either/Or.
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