I watched this video for the first time a couple of months ago and I was shocked. I feel as though I have two very different emotions towards the information that is being portrayed. While part of me is proud of this country and a lot of the advances we have made, the other part is dusgusted by what we have become. We are supposed to be the most advanced and priveledged area in the world, and our children are getting the lowest test scores, and very far behind in school. Although we at one time might have been progressing fast enough to be more successful than the rest of the world, things have changed now and if we are not careful we could be completely destroyed by countries like China. This information really resonated with me, mainly because of the graphics and in the simple was that it was illustrated. It let the words, facts, and statistics speak for themselves but also gave the viewer visual information that helped them to understand the importance of the information being displayed. This is a great example of how a visual representation like this, can be much more powerful than a newspaper. It gives the viewer a more personal and meaningful interpretation.

Still working on getting my final movie on my blog...

Larry Lessig Video

Larry Lessig is "the Net's most celebrated lawyer," and in this talk he discusses John Phillip Sousa's, celestial copyrights and the "ASCAP cartel," in conjunction with the argument for reviving our creative culture. This video talks about the a world with harsh copyright laws, and a world without it, and how we need to meet somewhere in the middle. There must be some fair way to allow people to re-create or use the work of others in order to create something better, or to work from it in order to learn. It could also be used as a form of entertainment and humor, and crediting their material to the creator, than it doesn't seem as though there should be a problem. Just like in most situations where there is a unequal balance of power and judgement, companies and creators need to learn to become more relaxed about their laws. They should realized that the use of their products and ideas for entertainments sake, will only bring them more publicity, and help them market themselves. I understand that they want their creations to fall under the same copyright laws that have protected them in the past, but in changing time you must learn to evolve. This evolution can only help. This video was very interesting, it really made me consider another side to the copyright issue, and that letting someone use your work could be a positive move.

Here is my movie, i am still working on the timing, and the ending. So let me know what you think!

All of the type in the sky images were very interesting, I really liked this one, it is just such a unique way to look at typography. It completely changes my thoughts on what typography is, and makes me want to explore more unconventional ways of creating type.
The site entitled "Lettering Grows in Brooklyn was also very interesting, because it shows that type can be found all around us. It is all over old buildings and signs, and we have to look closely for powerful typographic images in our everyday lives. The most exciting type can be found in residential areas, walk-ups and tenement buildings. This site goes on to show specific buildings that have great examples of type on them. I loved the Syrup of Figs, signs because although very worn down and almost illegible, it has so much character and really shows the vibrancy that is hidden in this city. I also really liked the sign for 400 Clinton Ave., the most interesting thing is that at the time that it was made it did not fit it, it was unique and different which makes it beautiful, and worth still observing today.
This is a great site because it really made me consider the type that can be found everywhere on campus, and especially in downtown Lawrence. The type really helps to show the historical background of a building, and give it a lot of character.

Design Matters

I really just toured the entire sterling brands site, and found a lot of really cool information, and tips. They talk a lot about process and that you have to start out by understanding the trends and expectations of todays markets, then have to try to predict the future by creating something that can easily withstand the changing times. Then I went on to watch the design matters program. This a show hosted by Debbie Millman, and it is a truly opinionated and provocative internet talk radio show. She conveys her views about graphic design, branding and cultural anthropology. In the second episode she talks about her experience in Graduate School, she learned a lot but still remained a blonde. This episode talks about appearances the symbolism blonde-ness. She goes on to talk about symbols and how they relate to design.
The reason why I enjoyed listening to Debbie Millman, is because she gives a different approach to teaching about design. She relates to them to real life situations, her real life situations, she is not just lecturing on what is wrong and what is right in the world of design, which makes it much easier to follow and apply to my own designs.

YouTube Videos

First Video
Second Video
Third Video
Fourth Video
Fifth Video

The Laws of Simplicity

The easiest way to simplify something from it, is to remove things.

Organization makes a system of many appear fewer

Savings Time feel like Simplicity

Knowledge makes everything simpler

Simplicity and Complexity need each other

What lies in the periphery of simplicity is definitely not peripheral.

More emotions are better than less

In simplicity we trust

Some things can never be made simple.

Reading from the laws of simplicity really made me question design a lot. Sometimes it is hard to know when to stop in a design, when to step back and realize that every inch does not need to be filled. But it's also important to find a balance between filled and simple. That is why designing is tough because sometimes you have to consider the audience and the tone of the project. There are so many things to consider when creating something for a project. Reading this really gave me some new perspective on design.

When looking at the Good.is website, I found one video, that I really thought was amazing. About America: Love it or Fix it. This video was able to say so much with only using text and a few images. They used the timing, color, and font to show mood and emotion. I watched it a couple times, just to see how they put everything together. It was so easy to read and follow because it went at a speed that wasn't too fast, and wasn't too slow. I really found a lot of inspiration for our next project from looking at this video. I watched other videos that also did a great job of conveying information, including "Transparency" but I found that "About America" was the strongest on their website.

Stop Stealing Sheep and find out how type works chapter summaries.
Chapter 1. Type is Everywhere- Type exists. It is a fundamental part of our lives. These simply facts are essential to understanding how to communicate more effectively. I don't think that many people understand how important type is to our existance. It controls where we shop, which exit we take on a high way, and how we make it through daily activities.
Chapter 2. What is type?- Between types' past and its future, our present understanding of type is rooted in who we are and how we communicate. Type is a living entity integrated into society's moods and trends. Type is something that people have always considered, we use Times New Roman for all formal papers because it is serif and very easy to read. People choose different fonts for different purposes and different audiences.
Chapter 3. Looking at type- Training the eye to recognize type begins with familiar elements on the page. Looking at both a typeface's basic shape and its finest details is the first step toward understanding how type works.
Chapter 4. Type with a purpose-- Choosing typefaces for a particular purpose need not be more intimidating than planning your wardrobe. Matching an appropriate typeface with the right task is easy. In most cases you simply need to think about your audience and the readability. Also, certain typefaces convey certain moods and emotions which is important to consider.
Chapter 5. Type builds character- Understanding the tone, or feeling, of text is essential in determining what typefaces to use, and how it might be arranged on a page.
Chapter 6. Types of type- Basic characteristics of typefaces, once understood, can eliminate difficulty with typeface identifications. Simple distinctions among typefaces are best understood by analogy to human counterparts.
Chapter 7. How it works- Legible, readable type depends on a few basic principles space between individual letters and around words. Choosing the right typeface for the right text also means using the right spacing. Its all about kerning, every typeface works differently and you must make adjustments accordingly.
Chapter 8. Putting it to work. Considering where type is going to live and work will determine its effectiveness. Simple rules of placement create practical page layouts. Different types work better in certain situations that others.
Chapter 9. There is no bad type. Type is a basic element of communication. As the means of communicating changes, type evolves and unique and lively ways. Type has evolved over time, and it really just depends on peoples personal opinions, and what context they are being used in.

Animated Type

Typography is the cornerstone of great design, and coupled with motion graphics, it can really be taken to new levels. Watching the videos of the animated type was very interesting, because it really helped to bring the type to life. Although we have been trying to convey mood and emotion with our font choices, there is something about these videos that really make it more concrete. The only problem I see with this, is that it could be overdone, and then really start to take away from the simplicity and elegance that a simple typographic design can have. While looking through the videos, I found that some were really over the top, and didn't help get across any message, but instead made it more complicated and confusing.

Rethinking Modernism, Revising Functionalism really discussed the trends and styles that the world has turned to. It was great to see the kind of layout that designers are excited about, included more expression, and fun ideas. We are getting out of the stiff gridlocked designs that seemed to be so boring. Lately I have been trying to be more expressive, and let more of my personality and emotions play into my design, and as a result, I have really enjoyed both the process and the results much more. This style is something that the public will be more receptive to and therefore, it will become the forerunner of design as we know it.

It was nice to read this after Cult of the Ugly, because it seemed as though he was denouncing the use of creativity and expression in work, it seemed as though he wanted things to be more clear and concise, and while that may be easy for someone to make their way through, it isn't going to keep anyone's attention for a long period of time.


Overcoming Modernism: In this reading, they discussed issues with communication, and how younger designers are having a hard time communicating to their audience. Although they may been able to come up with a great concept, they have a difficult time conveying it to a large group of people. Talking about my designs, is probably my least favorite part of the design process, because sometimes it seems as though things can get "lost in translation."

The reading for this weeks blog talks discusses how much writing can affect and improve your work as a designer. When we enter in the art school, we don't always assume that we will be writing research papers, but in the end, it is understood that they will benefit our work. In order to become successful and innovative designers, we need to become aware of the work around us, and the great designers that preceded us. Writing can also help us to understand our process and why we made the decisions that we did. Overall this reading basically inspired me to write the paper that is due on Tuesday, and it helps me to understand why we are writing this paper.

Grunge Design

Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Typeface-

The Thirteen Reasons to use a certain typeface that really rang true for me:
1. Because it works-some typefaces just work perfectly for some projects.
2. Because you like it's history.
3. Because you like it's name- sad but so true.
4. Because of who designed it- just like a purse.
5. Because it was there- convenience isn't always a good thing.
6. Because they made you- doesn't only happen in school.
7. Because it reminds you of something- good old nostalgia.
8. Because its beautiful.
9. Because its ugly.
10. Because its boring.
11. Because you believe in it.
12. Because it's special.
13. Because you can't not.

The 10 Commandments & How to Break Them

10 Commandments:
I. Thou shalt not apply more than three typefaces in a document.
II. Thou shalt lay headlines large and at the top of a page.
III. Thou shalt employ no other type size than 8pt to 10pt for body copy.
IV. Remember that a typeface that is not legible is not truly a typeface.
V. Honour thy kerning, so that white space becomes visually equalized between characters.
VI. Thou shalt lay stress discreetly upon elements within text.
VII. Thou shalt not use only capitals when setting vast body copy.
VIII. Thou shalt always align letters and words on a baseline.
IV. Thou shalt use flush-left, ragged-right alignment.
X. Thou shalt not make lines too short or too long.

How to break them:
1. Break the letters imposed by the use of only three typefaces.
2. Let thine eyes be seduced by the hierarchy of type.
3. Do not forsake smaller or bigger sizes.
4. Be seduced into trying new and expressive typefaces.
5. Treat kerning and tracking with total irreverence.
6. Entice the reader to sample the delights of your text.
7. Do not forgo the liberal use of capitals within your text.
8. The Lord designed letterforms to stand side by side, but there is no harm in their being lured away from one another.
9. Yield to the temptation to align text in unusual ways.
10. Lure the reader down unfamiliar paths.

The Stefan Sagmeister video talks about making and viewing design that makes you happy. Sometimes it seems as though everything is so serious, and created in order to have some important function, and it is no longer created to simply make someone happy. We are always drawn to things that are more upbeat and dealing with happiness, but it is a complicated subject matter. While reading the article of bad and good design, I learned a lot. People don't always realize how much design affects our daily lives, and if someone was to be poorly designed, it could have disastrous affects, like in the case of the Florida ballot. They are not necessarily talking about the artistic qualities of a design, but more about how it is changing the world. I also really enjoyed looking at the work on the work on the Sagmeister, Inc website, it was very innovative and interesting.

These videos really spoke a lot about communication, and how you can work to really reach out to your audience, and find strong ways to get your specific point across. He also spoke about how important it is to pay attention to how your work will be understood across many different spectrums and areas of the design world. It was a new a refreshing way to look at designing, and all of the videos gave me some great pointers and suggestions!

So, my copy of 1000 Type Treatments finally came in the mail, and I was amazed. I had a great time looking through every page, and I feel so inspired and excited for the semester now!

Bruce Mau- An Incomplete Manifesto For Growth
My Mantra for the week is to Keep Moving; The market and its operations have a tendency to reinforce success. Resist it. Allow failure and migration to be part of your practice. This mantra will really help me to get through the stressfullness of this semester. When I am frusterated I really need to just focus on what I need to do next, and not harp on what I am struggling with.

Who is Bruce Mau?
Bruce Mau Design uses the power and promise of design to create an ethical sustainable future for our studio, our employees, our clients, our community and the world in which we live; for us, it is not about the world of design, but the design of the world. He was born in 1959 in Ontario, where he studied at the Ontario College of Art and Design, he left this school before graduating in order to join the Fifty Fingers design group. From there he worked for a couple of different design studios before establishing Bruce Mau Design, and well as working for other design companies. In the ninties, he became a Professor at Rice University, and studeid at numerous prestigious schools in the US. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Ontario School of Art and Design and was awarded the Chrysler Award for Design Innovation in 1998. Recently, Mau is in residence at the School of the Art Institure of Chicago. He is an influential designer who likes to take what he has learned in the industry, and use it towards helping others. They help organizations design their future.

Chip Kidd Movie

I really enjoyed watching the Chip Kidd movie in class on Thursday. He made designing look so simple. He had such a great personality and great insight into the project we are about to start. It made me realize how much design includes pleasing the customer and the company. It really gave me some great inspiration for the project we just started!

Chip Kidd is an author, editor, and graphic designer who is best known for his unique book covers. He started as a design student at Penn State. There he was given an assignment to design a book cover for a book by John Updike, which inspired him. He later received more assignments to create book covers for Updike. He now works as an art director for Random House. His books jackets have been described as "creepy, striking, sly, smart, and unpredictable. He designs an average of 75 book jackets a year, and also does freelance work for many different publishing companies. He is a very important artist to be familiar with as we begin our book jacket project. His work can be used as inspiration for our own designs.
John Gall is currently the Vice President and Art Director for Vintage and Anchor Books, which is a publishing group within Random House Inc. This company publishes over 400 books a year. He had little background in and art and design as a child, but he went on to study Art and Design at Rutgers University. He became interested in the world of book cover design, when he was looking for work in NYC. While there he replied to an ad in the times looking for a cover designer. After that job, he went on to work for Landor Associates. Now, at Vintage/Anchor, he does designed packaged looks for authors, and creates book covers. Because of his extreme involvement in the world of book cover design, he is also a great artist to look at, when starting this project, because he has created so many different covers across the book spectrum.

"GOOD" BOOK COVER EXAMPLES:











These book covers use indices in many different ways. They try to show what the book will be about in an abstract way, through the use of powerful symbols, colors, and images. The book cover for the book, "A Worthy Legacy," displays a small plant growing in dirt, which is an index for hope. it leads you to believe that the book will be uplifting and inspiring. The book cover for the book entitled "Ready For Revolution,' shows a man screaming and the colors of fire. This is an index that this book will be very intense and powerful, and about the difficult and painful story of war. The book jacket for "Memoirs of a Geisha" shows the powerful color of red, and it shows the style of make-up that the Japanese Geishas wore. The colors on the cover are an index for the culture of the Japanese.



Definitions:
Series-A series is reference to books is a sequence of books with certain characteristics in common that are identified together as a group. This can describe genres, publishers, or authors.
Sequence-describes an ordered list of objects or events. Book series will often be arranged in a sequence of time or importance.

Sign- a sign is a stimulus pattern that has a meanin, the difference is in how the meaning happens to be attracted to or associated with the pattern. The three kinds of signs include, the icon, the index, and the symbol. For example thunder is a sign of a storm.

When we see police sirens we know to slow down.
Index: Is defined by a sensory feature that correlates with something of interest. For example dark clouds in the west are an index of impending rain.

A black cat is a sign that something bad is about to happen.
Symbol: These are words that are easily removable from their context, and closely associate with large sets of other words. For example, the word kitty also causes one to think of cat, fur, purr, catfood, milk, mouse, saucer, etc.

The image of a dove represents the word hope, peace, and spirituality.