so long time no talk....

It's been awhile since I last posted but life has been buzzing along at an incredible pace. I've finished work and I am trying to get into a routine of school work and life.
My last entry was a beginning of my happiness project inspired by the book. Well, the happiness project came to a halt when my boss passed away, the owner of the restaurant I worked at during the last three summers. Life changed and the happiness project got put on hold.
It's been over two months now and life is seeming good again. Actually it's better because if this has taught me anything, it's to appreciate what we have and be thankful for the people, pets and things that we love. I've finally realized that it's not the stuff I own, how much it costs, the size or shape it is that matters...it's the relationships with others and with myself that really matter and that's it.
But enough about life...I've been working steadily on a new program...indesign and I love it. It's for creating magazines, books, newspapers, posters and  the like. I've created a fake tourist guide of my home town and I really enjoyed creating it. And if I knew how to share it I would but I don't think you can add pdf files, oh well.

Until next time, I remain inspired and excited to be a part of the design community and Happy Holidays! (I know it's still November, but I was Christmas shopping today and I'm feeling festive :)

the happiness project

I've recently read the book "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin and I have begun my own happiness project. I think it's a great idea. I have been trying to find the secret to happiness and peacefulness for the last year and I have definitely made improvements in my life but I am still on the road to success. I believe that projects like this will help inspire my creativity for my graphic design. Although I don't have a lot of time in the summer, I am trying to make time for myself.
My first month in my 12 month Happiness Project was 'Boost Energy'. This is for the month of August. I had been lacking in energy and the will to be active. I vowed that I would sleep less (I was sleeping more than I needed to), exercise more, eat better and get outside more. I get up most days at six thirty and exercise before I go to work. You would think I would be exhausted exercising before an eleven hour shift but it actually helps keep energy up.
So far, the project is successful. Next month (september) is 'Don't Be So Serious'. Life has become stressful and worrisome and I need to revisit the fun in life. My goal is to laugh at something at least five times a day whether it's forced or not...laughter breeds lightness.

I've also begun to list my resolutions:
1) Be yourself.
2) Sleep Less.
3) Exercise more.
4) Let it go!
5) Quit nagging.
6) Have more fun.
7) Don't complain out loud. (this one is really really hard)
8) Be more understanding.
9) Be more enthusiastic.
10) Get inspired!

These are just the beginning. I would recommend that everyone read this book, if not to begin your own happiness project but to get inspired to appreciate life more.
Please visit: http://www.happiness-project.com/

Two-Dimensional Design

I am now into studying two dimensional design and the components of it, like...visual components, alignment, contrast, literal and abstract presentations, etc. There is a lot to think about when making a cohesive design. I never thought about my involvement in the viewing of design but I choose, we all choose, whether to be passive or active audience members. The designer controls this and the viewer decides to spend time on the design or just pass it by.

I've also been required to look at other people's designs online and I just found this woman's website tonight and she is amazing...if you have time, check out: www.nicollemarie.com. Her designs are amazing. Also, www.strangedesign.ca is worth a look. Some are very entertaining, more abstract in nature.
The world of design is becoming more interesting. My education in photoshop is over as I finished my final this morning in which I gave a turtle the skin of a giraffe and put him on a beach background. I found it difficult and frustrating using the clone tool for such a large area. It's hard to get it perfect. I suspect when I have more time in the fall and winter that I will have more time to dedicate to practice. I cannot wait to be done my seasonal work! 

Well, I am almost through my photoshop portion of the course. I have learned the very basics and I intend to become more familiar with its inner workings on my own. I haven't much time this summer though for much exploration with the demands and stresses of work. I am currently wondering about finding another job since my boss decided to call me brain dead the other night. Last time I checked this was not okay. So, if anyone knows of any job openings that pay decently, I'm open to them.
Anyway, I made my first home page of a website I made up and it went fairly well. I really enjoyed creating it and I liked the results. There are probably a few things I would improve upon but I will get better with time. The next step is to learn the impact of two-dimensional design and the elements needed to be taken into consideration when creating designs. I begun the readings and assignments and I am learning a lot. It's not only a matter of your own preferences but others also...audience, symbolism, culture, place, etc. This will be what's in store for me for the next few weeks and then I will begin Adobe Illustrator which I can't wait for.

Beginnings

So begins my journey into graphic design. I have always been a creative person; drawing, poetry, painting, etc, since I was a teenager. I love the arts and I am now delving into technological arts at the ripe age of twenty-nine. Let's hope that I can keep on the up and up of what's new and trendy. Being a substitute teacher helps...I can check out the popularity of my designs with the teenagers! 

I decided to add a new career to what is already a long list...cashier, teacher, cook, and now graphic designer. 

I wonder is a distance course is the best education decision for learning graphic design but then I believe that it is the best decision for me. I enjoy self-teaching and I really think that learning the basics of the computer programs and supplementing my learning with books and websites like Lynda.com, I believe that I will receive an education on equal footing with the graphic design programs offered within Cape Breton. 

I have begun lessons in Photoshop and Bridge and so far it is fairly easy. 

I have been paying more attention to the graphic design that surrounds us and we are bombarded with it. There is so much creativity and imagination that surrounds us and we don't even stop and appreciate it. Next time you pick up a magazine, admire the colors and the pictures and the logos...someone's hard work, energy and passion went into it. The next time you pick up a new shampoo and conditioner, take a moment and wonder what attracted you to that particular brand. Was it the shape of the bottle? The color? The type? A combination of all? We are constantly, visually, being stimulated by design and I hope to be a creative and successful part of this community. I hope to be branding your next shampoo bottle, your next website designer, your magazine layout artist, part of the reason your business has become more successful!