Day 15

We furthered our discussion on the importance of research while grasping the concept of going through creative briefs. In the workplace, team members collaborate to develop unique deliverables that result from a series of simple questions generated to carry out the best execution for a project. In general, creative briefs usually involve project background, objectives and strategies to target a specific audience as they figure out what needs to be avoided and what should be done. Other measures to be considered in projects are location, budgets, and time frames. Although all these things are important, what was emphasized most to us was to develop a single message that the client would like to communicate and one the public will remember.
I gained a lot of insight from this class session and am glad to have been a part of it as I learned an abundant amount of vital information. I am beginning to realize the significance of this course and am gradually learning to appreciate it more and more.

Adjectives:

-Caricature
-Atrophy
-Benign

Day 14

The class was asked seat themselves alphabetically by their first names to gain a different visual perspective, more so to allow us to step out of our comfort zone. We were asked to give our thoughts about the GAUGE-sponsored presentation of Kim Baer when she had visited our campus the previous week. One by one, each student stated what she or he got out of it - the most important thing learned. I spoke about her willingness to give those with curiosity the chance to learn about the field of graphic design from her perspective. I also enjoyed her statements about her advocacy for research. She always looks new things up to expand her knowledge. We then began learning about the importance that research brings to graphics. It is very necessary to learn everything we need to know to about something when carrying out a project. In addition to our research, we need to develop key concepts and figure out how to execute our ideas sharply.


Adjectives:

-Coarse
-Vernacular
-Despondent

Kim Baer

To the delight of aspiring graphic designers here at California State University of Los Angeles (CSULA), Kim Baer was brought to our school on behalf of GAUGE, the AIGA student group at CSULA, to share with us her knowledge and experience of the field. Baer is a well heralded graphic designer who has succeeded in the field of design for her dedication to her eye for work and now has an established design studio in the city of Pasadena, "KBDA". The event was free and open to the public as it was hosted at the Music Hall on campus. By the end of the presentation, I was able to say I was honestly proud to have been in her presence.
Bear's presentation was titled "A Life of Graphic Design: 30 Years of Fantastic Fourth-Grade Field Trips." Baer provided me an insightful and inspiring point of view. To learn of her success was greatly appreciated. Her most notable statement that compelled me was that it's important to renew my job once I have engaged in a career that I plan on staying in. Innovation is most definitely key if I am to withstand the demands of such a rigorous field. I am an immediate admirer of hers because she sponsors inquisitiveness. I have always made it my business to satisfy my curiosity, but I must admit that I have not always taken that initial step further to my benefit. Perhaps I need to pursue deeper insight from others on similar levels as Mrs. Baer.

Adjectives:

-Prudence
-Conspicuous
-Agog

Day 12

The class was asked to voice our opinions on the progress of Art 220: Concept Development. We were asked how the course outline could be improved, what needs to be changed, and about anything else that needs to be implemented to clarify any vague or broad requests that are asked upon the students work. Many students stated that they were often confused when given the instructions of particular assignments.

One by one, we gave a progress report that included what we valued highest and what we pretty much wish was ommitted from the course entirely. Several students mentioned that they were highly disinterested in carrying out the apple-drawing assignment, mostly due to the high quantity demanded from us. Others mentioned certain activites the class got to do such as bringing in games or watching different films. The rest of us expressed our digustedness in what we felt were flaws in the course. And since this is the very first time this course is being taught, we were told that there is little-to-nothing substantial that can be done to address our concerns regarding the disparity between the units to be earned and the length of class. However, future students may be fortunate to take advantage of such improvements of the course. Regardless, I'm glad this discussion was brought upon us and it is nice to know that our opinions are valued from time to time.

Adjectives:
-Asseverate
-Solemnly
-Berate

Day 11

Each student was to bring in twenty rough sketches depicting concepts of a game or of different types of games. Most of my classmates did this very well and some even received some high praise for their creativity. This activity was to further prepare us in event that we do find work in the field of graphic design where we will have to develop concepts through our sketches for almost everything we design. I thought the assignment was a good test of creativity. However, it was a lot to take in listening to the concepts of each and every idea from every student, especially the ones who decided to come up with twenty different games. That has a lot more to do with our huge class size though.

Adjectives: 

-Forfend

-Delectable

-Ulterior

Day 10

For the game that we brought in to play, we were asked to bring in our interpretation of what the game developers' thought process was pertaining to the objective and strategies of their game. Since I played Scrabble, I had to lay out my mind-mapping idea on a piece of paper that included my interpretation of the successful board game. All of our mind-maps were posted on the wall for everyone else to see. There were lots of creative interpretations of many different games. It was interesting to see what everyone else came up with.
Afterwards, we viewed a few interesting speakers in action including Tony Robbins and Elizabeth Gilbert, two prominent individuals known to inspire their audiences. We went a little in depth about "briefs" and other aspects of the graphic design field, like the workplace and some noteable graphic designers who have or will be speaking at our campus. I felt that this was the most informative class session and gained some insightful knowledge of things I look to experience in the near future.


Adjectives:

Sterile

Blatant

Extravagant

Day 9

For today, we were all asked to bring in some sort of game we could all share with the class. We were to all split up into small groups to share a game-playing experience with. I brought the game Scrabble to share with my classmates as three others decided to join me. I personally haven't played the game since I was very young. I thought it was fun to experience this crossword adventure once again. I actually enjoyed it as I also found it challenging, competing against some very formidable players. I loved doing crossword puzzles during grade school and am really surprised that I don't play this game much more often. Although I ended up losing, I'm glad we got to engage in game-playing activities on this particular class day. Afterwards, we were asked to identify possible motives to inventing this game as well as recognize the key aspects of the game on a mind-mapping activity.

Adjectives:
Demure - shy and modest

Barren  - sterile/ dull

Apotheosis - the ideal example