How To Project--Reflection

1) You were required to create a structure/layout, original title/type, and a visual sequence for your "How To" Poster. Select ONE component you feel your poster is strongest in. Explain why you feel your poster is particularly strong in that category describing at least ONE specific part of your poster.

I feel like my poster's strongest component is its layout because it is not only clear, but original. The steps are in four separate boxes and the title is interactive with an image of manga eyes and varying sizes of font. The The layout is structured from right to left, top to bottom--just like a manga are--which really targets audiences that are interested in manga/anime. However, for those that might not understand right away, a key is in the top right corner of the poster pointing in the direction for which to read. The layout is thoroughly thought out.


2) What is ONE thing you would do differently if you had the chance to start this project over from the beginning? Explain what you do differently and how that would strengthen your poster.

I would just create the eyes with Gimp to begin with, instead of drawing them by hand to later scan them onto Gimp. I wasted a lot of time going over the eyes with the Paths tool, when I could have just gotten straight to making the eyes on Gimp. Although having a scanned image helped guide my Paths tool, it wasn't necessary. I would have been done way ahead of time.

Cover Illustrations

I chose this comic book-like style of illustrations in order to attract adolescent readers who enjoy funny light reads. I deliberately chose to never show the entire face of the main character, just to demonstrate the shady tone of the character. My design's main focus in the front cover is the business bag (to show how important of a job he has) with the title; on the back it's the quote "or will he never see her again?" to draw readers in, leave them with unanswered questions. Also, I believe that the colors I chose do compliment my design; I specifically chose a green-ish color for the buildings because to refrain from making them look too realistic (I wanted it like a comic). The red color also gives a POW! to draw readers to the title, and if the reader is really observant he/she might notice that the title is in American colors (he works for the CIA, after all). Finally, Bobby Jones appears both in the front cover and the back cover, never fully revealing his face. I was seeking to make it somewhat playful.

I am pleased with the results!

Book Covers

My favorite Book cover:

This is one of my favorite novels, and what I like about its cover is how its image catches the eye and matches with the "thriller" theme of Stephen King. The title of the novel is very clear and the cover is simple, but it still catches my eye--who is a fan of suspenseful novels.

Other covers:

I love how the focal point is the eye, which communicates the whole "big brother is watching you" idea very well. The font is very interesting also.

The blood and the font really shows how suspenseful the novel is. The font is very active and the blood gives the idea of killing or murder--my type of novel.

The focal point is the image, and they do this effectively by size--except, instead its because its smaller, not bigger (which is usually the case).

I am in love with the illustration. It really communicates the plot of the novel and its being a painting matches with the time period. Very detailed, very creative.

Some common characteristics of all the book covers are that they have large fonts that catch the eye and have images that clearly portray the theme/plot of the books. Some differences are that some have variation in font sizes, and some even incorporate eye-catching reviews that somehow blend well with the themes. Also, some have more detailed imagery (Oscar Wilde) than others (James Patterson). They are very creative with alignment, especially the James Patterson one, which plays with size and proximity of the text and image.

Handbook Design Process

I used Gimp (I know, GASP) to take an image and edit it. I chose a phoenix on fire as my image since the school mascot is the phoenix and fire really catches your eye. I tried to play with the placement of the text so that it's not all in the center. I chose red for the fonts and black for the background since those are the school colors and that would really communicate the purpose of the handbook. I aligned the text in such a way that it wouldn't be covered by fire, also. Creating the design digitally has proven to be much easier and simpler than drawing it all out (I would have taken ages if I had done otherwise.

MHS Handbook

1. How does your Logo design represent the after school club or activity? (Font choice, symbol, colors, layout, etc)

The font, especially the "E" represents the uniqueness and distinctiveness of my dance team. The silhouettes (as the symbols) are doing different types of movement, which symbolizes the diversity of the team and how we do all types of dancing and welcome all styles. The colors are black and red to represent that we are all a part of the Millennium High School community (because black and red are the school colors).

2. Which process was most helpful in creating your design? (research thumbnail sketches, concept board, 2 rough drafts, digital draft on Gimp, etc.)

The process I found most helpful in creating my design was creating thumbnail sketches. It really got my ideas flowing and was a way to get them down on paper. By getting the gist of how my ideas might look on paper, I was able to expand or eliminate the sketches.

3.What was the most challenging aspect about the logo project?

The most challenging aspect about the logo project was working within the limits of Gimp. While in the end it came out looking professional, during the process I felt very limited in how I could draw my idea. I actually had to transform the design a little bit to fit the means of Gimp, especially with the font. I usually prefer to draw, which gives me a lot more leg room to play around with my designs.

4. Are you satisfied with your final design? Why is your logo successful? If you not satisfied with your design, what would you like to change?

I am very satisfied with my logo design. The way it came out is nowhere near what I thought it would be when I first started brainstorming. I feel like throughout the process of experimenting with symbol, font and design, I found the perfect balance to effectively illustrate the mission of my dance team. I am very proud of my product.

2013's 13 Most Memorable Moments

13. Sandy. I couldn't create a "13 most Memorable Moments" list without including Hurricane Sandy somewhere in there. While it isn't anyone's best memory of 2013, I somehow feel that it reserves a role in my memory. Going to an alternate school at an elementary school sort of felt like revisiting what it used to be like to be a young child, drawing and not putting so much pressure on school for that week. Also, I feel like I got to know more people, especially because I was forced to join another advisory. Perhaps it's because I wasn't affected so badly by hurricane Sandy, but my memories of it wasn't too bad.

12.Picnic before the new school year at Central Park. It seems to be turning into a tradition, as for the second time my friends and I arranged a picnic at Central Park to end the summer right before the beginning of a new school year. There was just something so fulfilling about it.

11. Finding out that I got accepted into the FBI Explorers. Applying to become a member of the FBI Explorers is one of the first independent decisions I have made in my life, and I have no regret of it. I wanted this so badly, that when I received the e-mail of my acceptance into the program, I literally screamed.

10. Visiting the Metropolitan Museum for the first time. I never was a huge fan of museums, but my idea of museums being boring was proven wrong when I visited this one over the summer. I took so many photos, and the lunch there is delicious.

9.My sister's graduation from Hunter. It was becoming uncertain exactly just when my sister will finally graduate, but finally, it happened! May 2013, she graduated with a Psychology degree. And we had some great Japanese food to celebrate.

8. Having a dance performance for the Spring Showcase. The Spring Showcase turned out to be much more enjoyable than I expected. Who knew they'd even perform some rock music? Nice!

7.Seeing Breathe Carolina and The Ready Set at Best Buy Theater. I went to that concert just to see them, even though the main performers were supposed to be We The Kings. We The Kings was...okay, I guess. The girl fans were a little melodramatic though. Jeez.

6.Receiving news over the phone that my sister got engaged to her long-term boyfriend. Woot! Woot! I think someone's becoming an aunt ;)

5.Recognition Dinner with the FBI Explorers. This was my first year attending the fancy, annual Recognition Dinner with my team. We danced non-stop and ate great food until midnight! I must remember to eat more of the appetizers, though. They were way better than the main dishes--yuck.

4.Winning silver medal in my first Hostage Negotiation competition. The camp was messy, rainy, and wonderful! And little did I know that it was possible to win on my first competition with other Explorer posts! FBI Explorers FTW!!!

3.Sweet Sixteen celebration. It was with a small group of close friends, at my favorite Japanese restaurant--Benihana's! As small as it was, it was just right. I will forever remember it. Plus it was the day I finally got my ears pierced!

2. My very first concert! Finally, I got to headbang and see some moshpits for myself at a concert!! And with who? ALESANA!!!! I still have the ticket :x

1. Paris! Of course, my number one memory has to go to Paris!!! It's not everyday that an ordinary American just packs up to go attend a wedding in France! This trip has broadened my perspective about the world on so many levels.