GRA217 has taught me so many valuable skills. Even though I am not a graphics major, knowing how to use the Adobe programs is a skill that I think I will use in school and also in my job. In one of the classes Professor Taylor said we will never look at type the same and she was right. Whenever I see a logo, poster, anything design oriented I now actually stop and critique it in my head. I am really grateful for this class because I feel like I learned skills that will be very valuable in my career.

One thing I learned from this project was how to make something interactive on InDesign. When I was first learning how to make a hyperlink and button I thought it was complicated, but now I feel like I could easily do it on another project.

Before taking this course, I knew a little about InDesign and Photoshop but nothing about Illustrator. Now I feel pretty confidant about using all three programs. I learned that creating a visually appealing design isn’t easy; designers have to think about color, typefaces, visuals, making sure the page is navigable and not overly crowded, etc. I never realized the importance of white space before, and I used to fill almost every inch of the pages I designed with content. Now I know that simpler is always better. Also, I learned how about all of the different typefaces available, and which ones are suitable for different occasions. For example, I know now that modern serif typefaces are used for fashion publications, and script typefaces are not effective for headlines. I will use what I learned in GRA217 through the rest of my school and professional careers.

The biggest thing I learned this semester was to take advantage of white space. I didn’t realize how much impact a simple, minimal design could have. Going into this class my thoughts were to add and embellish and use effects and colors and repeat images. While yes, these effects might really add to a piece, they’re only going to add to something if they’re used in moderation. Under-designing can in fact be better than over-designing. Before, I may have thought that once I finished a design that I should look it over and think, what else can I add? Now, when making this evaluation, my thought will definitely be, what can I take out?

Last semester when I scheduled for GRA 216, I was definitely a little nervous. The only program that I really had any sort of grasp on was InDesign and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to dedicate the time that was necessary to finish the projects. Now that the course is done and all of the projects are turned in, I feel much more comfortable using the different Adobe Suite programs. There were so many details about graphic design that I learned. Terminology, color associations, typeface uses and plenty more. The most valuable tool that I learned that I’ll be leaving the semester with is definitely learning the interactivity for the iPad design. That’s a huge plus when it comes to resume building and impressing future bosses. It was also helpful to have my work critiqued by someone who really knew graphic design, and not just a friend telling me if it looked good or not. I have definitely learned a lot and I am sure I’ll be able to use the lessons I learned when I’m making posters in the future.

1. Old Style Serif type in signage

 2. Modern serif type in signage

 3. Script or cursive type in signage

4. Slab serif type in signage

5. Pictographic logo

6. An effective logo

7. Silhouette in logo form

8. An analogous use of color

9. Complementary color use

10. Color repetition from visual to type

11. Isomorphic correspondence in visual use

12. Path or continuation in visual use

13. Word emphasized in type size in a headline display

14. Word emphasized in color in a type display

15. Good poster design

16. Picture using rule of thirds (top picture)

17. Use of a picture showing a leading line

18. Use of a picture showing stopped action

19. Environmental portrait

20. Something in nature that looks like a letter

6. Effective Logo

10. Color repitition from visual to type

2. Modern serif type in signage

16. Use of a picture showing rule of thirds

19. Environmental portrait

12. Path or continuation in visual use

14. Word emphasized in color in a type display

4. Slab serif type in signage

15. Good poster design

18. Picture showing stopped action

13. Word emphasized in type size in a headline display

8. Analogous colors

5. Pictographic logo

7. Silhouette logo

11. Isomorphic correspondence

3. Script or cursive type in signage

20. Something in nature that looks like a letter

17. Use of a picture showing a leading line

9. Complementary colors

1. Old style serif type in signage

Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit the Shaffer Art Gallery and spend some time looking at the history of printmaking. It was very interesting to see the styles and sophistication evolve throughout the years. The images began with mono-color wood engravings. These images were very detail-oriented and the talent that was involved in creating those pieces was very clear. After the mono-color era of printmaking, there were two-color linocuts and lithograms. These images were more involved and it was clear that the artists began to experiment with the color and where to place the color in the image so it’d be most effective. Eventually, printmaking developed into tri-color and more detailed images. These images were more advanced. It was also clearer from these images to see the progression from the tri-color lithographs to today’s design principles.