1
Or rather, change of concept sketches.
 |
| Killa Cupcakes!!! Ah! |
 |
| Off the Wall Organics. aka hippie organics. |
 |
| Sassy Sweets. (snaps fingers in z-motion) |
0
 |
| Working on the "Off the Wall Organics" poster for package design |
 |
| Just playing around with the stencils |
 |
| "Killer" Cupcakes, anyone? |
0
I have this habit of biting off more than I can chew. Speaking of which, I'm posting a test background image here for a Composting website I'm working on. Blergh, HTML is hard. (I haven't taken any classes yet.)
0
Just a little sampling of what I've been up to these past few weeks. My mom and I are doing a few craft shows in the coming month. I planned on finishing these at the end of Summer, but school started and time got away from me. I came to this moment a week or so ago where I was thinking "oh shit, I have to make how many books in the next 2 weeks?!" But with some awesome help from my girlfriend, I was able to get these few finished. I'm spending this weekend making a bunch more.
0
I will be updating this again within the next week with finished pieces. I am also starting an After Effects project for the Ballet company and the packaging for the bakery. The packaging will include little cookie bags, cake boxes and tart boxes. I am almost finished the anthropomorphic piece- I just have to finish up some colored pencil (on top of the ink and oil washes that are already there).
On another note, I am in the process of exploring various companies and studios to intern for. My initial plan was to stay close to Philadelphia/NYC, but lately I've been toying with the idea of traveling over-seas. Though this will depend on whether or not I get a fellowship, as I cannot afford the travel/living costs and most of the internships are unpaid. I am feeling very anxious about internships but also extremely excited about what opportunities will arise in the near future.
 |
| Illustration Concepts and Practices Anthropomorphic Illustration Graphite on drawing paper I have already painted this, just haven't scanned it yet. Updated photos will be up soon. |
 |
| Screen Typography Fictional Ballet Company "Grace" Website Design Adobe InDesign & Photoshop |
 |
| Graphic Design III Environmental Campaign "Compost Revolution" Adobe InDesign & Illustrator |
 |
| Package Design Fictional Bakery "Pastry Punks" Logo Adobe Illustrator |
I will be updating this again within the next week with finished pieces. I am also starting an After Effects project for the Ballet company and the packaging for the bakery. The packaging will include little cookie bags, cake boxes and tart boxes. I am almost finished the anthropomorphic piece- I just have to finish up some colored pencil (on top of the ink and oil washes that are already there).
On another note, I am in the process of exploring various companies and studios to intern for. My initial plan was to stay close to Philadelphia/NYC, but lately I've been toying with the idea of traveling over-seas. Though this will depend on whether or not I get a fellowship, as I cannot afford the travel/living costs and most of the internships are unpaid. I am feeling very anxious about internships but also extremely excited about what opportunities will arise in the near future.
0
I was hoping to do a little more with it, especially towards the end but I think it's alright for now.
No audio, yet. We're getting to that in a couple weeks. Though that will be for the long-term project I'm working on. This was just an exercise.
0
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain." -Maya Angelou
I felt a sort of
change over the Summer in terms of my maturity and general mental attitude
towards pretty much everything. (Maybe it's the whole turning 20 deal... no
longer a teenager.) I have been going through some emotional issues (more like
roller coasters), though I'm slowly but surely learning how to handle them.
I'm taking on more this semester than ever before. Last year I was working almost 30 hours/week, taking 18 credits and living on my own, which was pretty insane. This led to a complete emotional/mental breakdown in the Spring which resulted in leaving my job despite the rent/bills/loans that needed to be paid. I then realized that while I loved living in the city, it just wasn't possible financially. When I first thought about moving out of my parents' house I didn't care what type of financial consequences there were. No matter how many loans I needed to take out or how many hours I needed to work outside of school I was going to live in the city. Granted, I had spent almost 10 years living in two different houses and during my freshman year I was essentially living between four (sometimes five) different places. That's pretty crazy when you think about it. I didn't have one place to keep my art supplies or work or sleep or anything like that. That was the hardest part of commuting was not having one place. So after thinking of all the possibilities of making city-living cheaper, I decided the best bet was to move back home. Using my security deposit, I invested in a studio desk, a new TV and a few other things that would make my commuting life a little easier. I also cleaned out EVERYTHING--closet, clothing, books and junk I hadn't seen in years. I essentially made a completely new start for me at home. After quite a few discussions with my parents and many trips to Home Depot and Goodwill, I finished my Summer classes at CCP, packed my things and moved back.
I had decided not to get a job over the Summer because by the time this all finished it was already the end of July and I was still recovering from the craziness. (Moving is hard work, you know?) I also wanted to see my girlfriend as much as possible since she also moved back with her parents and we wouldn't get to see each other much once my semester started.
So that brings me to the general purpose of this. I realized that this semester I'm taking on more responsibility and surprisingly it's not phasing me. I still have 18 credits (5 studios and a liberal arts class), I'm doing work study 8 hrs/week, tutoring when people need it and I'm a department representative (essentially a liaison between the GD department and the chairs/Student Government). To be a department rep you had to be recommended by teachers in your department so it still blows my mind that they recommended me. I have my reasons for that, but that's an entirely different story. Anyway, I'm learning how to handle all of the responsibility and while I am still struggling with a few personal issues, I feel myself becoming stronger. I'm becoming proud of the work that I'm doing and I'm becoming more confident in my skills as a designer. I'm also taking illustration classes and while it's a little unnerving to be in sophomore classes out of my department, I keep reminding myself that I was at this level in GD last year too and that my skills/knowledge will improve with time.
I keep thinking about my internship and what that will do for my career and I just get really excited. There are so many possibilities out there. I just need to focus on making my portfolio as bad-ass as it can get so that I can intern where ever my little heart desires.
I didn't really think about how I wanted to finish this post, it was more just a way for me to organize my thoughts about the changes I've been experiencing and just in general how excited I am for life even though it can be extremely stressful and emotional at times.
I'm taking on more this semester than ever before. Last year I was working almost 30 hours/week, taking 18 credits and living on my own, which was pretty insane. This led to a complete emotional/mental breakdown in the Spring which resulted in leaving my job despite the rent/bills/loans that needed to be paid. I then realized that while I loved living in the city, it just wasn't possible financially. When I first thought about moving out of my parents' house I didn't care what type of financial consequences there were. No matter how many loans I needed to take out or how many hours I needed to work outside of school I was going to live in the city. Granted, I had spent almost 10 years living in two different houses and during my freshman year I was essentially living between four (sometimes five) different places. That's pretty crazy when you think about it. I didn't have one place to keep my art supplies or work or sleep or anything like that. That was the hardest part of commuting was not having one place. So after thinking of all the possibilities of making city-living cheaper, I decided the best bet was to move back home. Using my security deposit, I invested in a studio desk, a new TV and a few other things that would make my commuting life a little easier. I also cleaned out EVERYTHING--closet, clothing, books and junk I hadn't seen in years. I essentially made a completely new start for me at home. After quite a few discussions with my parents and many trips to Home Depot and Goodwill, I finished my Summer classes at CCP, packed my things and moved back.
I had decided not to get a job over the Summer because by the time this all finished it was already the end of July and I was still recovering from the craziness. (Moving is hard work, you know?) I also wanted to see my girlfriend as much as possible since she also moved back with her parents and we wouldn't get to see each other much once my semester started.
So that brings me to the general purpose of this. I realized that this semester I'm taking on more responsibility and surprisingly it's not phasing me. I still have 18 credits (5 studios and a liberal arts class), I'm doing work study 8 hrs/week, tutoring when people need it and I'm a department representative (essentially a liaison between the GD department and the chairs/Student Government). To be a department rep you had to be recommended by teachers in your department so it still blows my mind that they recommended me. I have my reasons for that, but that's an entirely different story. Anyway, I'm learning how to handle all of the responsibility and while I am still struggling with a few personal issues, I feel myself becoming stronger. I'm becoming proud of the work that I'm doing and I'm becoming more confident in my skills as a designer. I'm also taking illustration classes and while it's a little unnerving to be in sophomore classes out of my department, I keep reminding myself that I was at this level in GD last year too and that my skills/knowledge will improve with time.
I keep thinking about my internship and what that will do for my career and I just get really excited. There are so many possibilities out there. I just need to focus on making my portfolio as bad-ass as it can get so that I can intern where ever my little heart desires.
I didn't really think about how I wanted to finish this post, it was more just a way for me to organize my thoughts about the changes I've been experiencing and just in general how excited I am for life even though it can be extremely stressful and emotional at times.
2
It's hard for me to work in such an unorganized area. I also want to get a new iMac, but I don't even have the space for it. I also need new software... Unfortunately the only income I have right now is work study and Etsy/Ebay (which have been really slow as of late). I'm thinking I'll save up my work study checks for the computer/software. My plan is to buy any new hardware and software before I graduate so I can get the discounts.
This was sort of a random update, but hopefully soon I can post some finished work.
I am so excited to finally have some Fall weather. Cool breezes, the smell of fires burning, warm cobblers and stews, sweaters and fuzzy boots. It makes my heart flutter.
The past few weeks have been crazy to say the least. School has just started and it already feels like finals are just around the corner. I haven't had much time to actually make books which is disappointing. The only thing I can do is prepare book blocks and covers, but I don't have time to assemble them. We have two craft shows coming up in November... and I need at least 10 books for each. This should be interesting.
My work space has expanded, but it's not necessarily easier to work in. It'd be nice to have a studio space separate from my sleeping space, but beggars can't be choosers.
 |
| Some book blocks and covers |
 |
| Rather chaotic work space |
This was sort of a random update, but hopefully soon I can post some finished work.
0
I just made my first big bookbinding sale on Etsy. I'm super excited. Now to just work my arse off for the next two weeks to complete this order.
In other news, I finally ordered the PC laptop I've been saving up for. And thanks to the new Windows 7 deal- I'm getting a free Xbox too. Gotta love new tech.
0
I've been busy with my summer class and packing up my apartment. Though my girlfriend stayed with me for the past two weeks, and while I was teaching her bookbinding I was creating a few more books.
This was a book I made for my friend Becky. Caterpillar stitch with Yuzen Gold papers from Paper Source.
This was a cute little 3.5 in X 4 in book I made yesterday. I really love this teal, gold and black marbled paper. You can buy it from my Etsy here for just $10.
This book is probably one of my favorites. You can buy it from my Etsy here for $15.
0
I made a listing on my Etsy for a custom band-bound book.
You can pick from any of the papers listed, but if you're looking for more variety, check out the decorative paper section of Paper Source or Blick Art Materials, and just let me know which one you'd like!
0
I am thinking about expanding on the fictional film festival project I did last fall. So far I want to do two posters for the show Dexter- one design based and one typography based. I was also thinking about playing around with a poster for Rocky Horror.
We'll see what happens. I'll post sketches as I produce them.
1
The coloring is a bit off from scanning the papers in, but you get the general idea. This was a really fun process and I plan on making a whole ton more this summer.
0
 |
| "The Printed Word" Bookbinding Final India papers, Caterpillar stitching and the inlay papers are hand painted by me. |
 |
| "The Printed Word" Bookbinding Final Details |
 |
| "The Printed Word" Bookbinding Casebound book |
 |
| "The Printed Word" Bookbinding Casebound book Details |
 |
| "The Printed Word" Bookbinding Band Book |
 |
| "The Printed Word" Bookbinding Band Book Details |
 |
| "The Printed Word" Bookbinding Caterpillar stitch experiment |
 |
| "The Printed Word" Bookbinding Caterpillar stitch experiment Detailed Spread |
 |
| Projects in Ferrous Metals Welding Final- Multiples Inflated steel |
 |
| Projects in Ferrous Metals Welding Final- Multiples Details |
 |
| Projects in Ferrous Metals Welding Project- Steel Relief Leaf |
 |
| Graphic Design II Identity System "Dead Sea Spa" Logo |
 |
| Graphic Design II Identity System "Dead Sea Spa" Sample Applications |
 |
| Graphic Design II Identity System "Dead Sea Spa" Sample Applications- Website |
 |
| Typography II Publication Design "The Design Diaries" |
 |
| Typography II Publication Design "The Design Diaries" Example Spreads |
2
 |
| Digital Image Making Fictitious Film Festival Poster Adobe Illustrator The Runaways |
 |
| Typography I History of "Bembo" Poster Final |
 |
| Typography I History of "Bembo" Poster Studies |
 |
| Graphic Design I Expressive Hand Painted Circle Studies |
 |
| Graphic Design I Expressive Hand Painted Line Studies |
 |
| Graphic Design I Weekly Sketches |
 |
| Photography I "Secrets" |
 |
| Photography I "Lie" |
 |
| Photography I "Perform" |
 |
| Photography I Final |
