PACKAGING, LOGOS, MENUS....OH MY!

     Within this one month, we have learned so many different forms of design/advertisement. I will admit there were many challenges, outside of the fact everything moved in a fast pace. I was not expecting what was asked of me, but i'm thankful for it none the less. It was was a wonderful and growing opportunity. Sure, i may not have been comfortable at first but that's what it takes; being put in a position that tests you. 

     When you're in a new situation, it's going to be scary in a way. I was so afraid and stressed myself out, worrying about every little thing. I let doubt take over my mind and security/confidence. I learned in class, that was a very bid mistake. When making logos or anything for a client, strong confidence needs to be there when presenting the idea. You can't focus so much of your energy on the fact you possibly have never made a package design or menu before. It's self promotion which means you should have your self together no matter what. Yes, maybe you didn't have time to fit a certain thing into the design but i now know that's only half of it. Attitude, professionalism and how you present the product as well as yourself is just as important.  

     I truly enjoyed the projects and the shock i gave myself. I don't think they were the best but for my first time i was pretty impressed. I took everything in a good light, especially the constructive criticism. I appreciated every comment , good and bad, it really helped me learn what i need to pay attention to as i move forth in my education. Packaging, logos and menus may seem like a load, but each one taught me something great and helped prepared me for the others. I loved this self promotion class to the fullest and i plan to keep it's concepts as i step into my next class. 

- A.Williams

                                           

Future in Graphic Arts

Graphics Arts and Design is a trade with many different routes. I have always known that but that one great fact is also what scares me the most. There’s so many different things to get into, so many opportunities for success and failure. It can be a very scary situation, especially with me being new to adulthood. Nobody can predict the future and that brings in fears.

I’ve thought about different jobs that I could possibly do. I’ve ran across the idea of being a tattoo artist, a logo developer, a web designer, a video editor, an illustrator etc. I see the potential in all these jobs out there, I’ve done the research. They make decent income and the jobs can be very flexible and unique, giving you room to play as a designer. I just question myself as an artist/designer, I wonder if I’m as good as I think I am and to what extent.

I know I can draw well, I know I have that potential in me but what about the other areas? What about color schemes and the graphic part of it all? The use to different programs such as Photoshop and Illustrator? I know that this career field is the field I want to be a part of, but the unknown is slowly taking control. I can pick some jobs from that list that I’d love to do but I question if I’d be good enough for it. I’m a creative and unique soul, it’s easy for me to use my imagination above and beyond, I just wonder if  my style would fit in a professional setting. I like being laid back and being relaxed, weird and myself. I’ve never been one to be all sophisticated. My future is just very blurred at the moment but I l know art is meant to be part of it, because it’s a part of me. And I know to never forget:

“If you never try, you will never know.”

Few Months In The World Of Keiser University

FEW MONTHS IN THE WORLD OF KEISER UNIVERSITY

     College has always been apart of my plan, no matter what. I was never one to those who were willing to exclude their education due to poor reasoning. I wanted the whole package and i thought i had everything thought out. I was going to attend Polk State near my area just like most did, probably get a business degree, see the same group of individuals i grew up with and hopefully start working. At the time, i didn't know there was something greater out there for me.

     As i stated, i thought i had every detail set and ready to go. If i'm being honest, though, my so called "perfect"  plan wasn't perfect to me at all. I didn't want to have a career in business, i felt i had more to offer than that and so did everyone around me. So many wanted me to go somewhere different, be someone different. I have to say i'm very glad that i did. 

     Keiser University has been a great adventure for me and a challenge to embrace. I've been put in uncomfortable situations as well as exciting ones that have mold me into a new person. I never thought i'd be able to do some of the things i have done at Keiser. I was never one to get up and present a project in front of others, or do it with such confidence. I was never one to love coming to school, i would come up with any reason to be absent. I was never one to do well with computers besides the basics. Keiser has changed "I'd never" to "I can." 

     It's a new level of emotion when you're apart of this big new experience and can see the amazing things happening to you as well as the growth in yourself. Keiser has given me a new perspective, friends, confidence and appreciation for a lot. I would recommend anyone to come here and see learning in a brighter light. I can't wait for the many other great things to come because...

I've never been more ready. 

A.Williams

       What is art? Google says its the various branches of creative activity, such as painting, music, literature, and dance. The definition sounds correct, but couldn't there be more to it than that? It feels like it, when you drag that pencil as your imagination trails behind or those paint strokes that tell your hidden stories. It's almost magical, something that gives a whole new purpose.
     
         I view art as many things. A window into a house, giving ones a sneak peak of what's inside. A story without words but filled with emotions and meaning. A way to express ourselves in ways more deep than the ocean's floor. Art has been opening up new worlds since forever. It's not just a hobby, or someone's job, it's a journey...a trip to escape reality and dive into our own.

          Growing up i knew art had a spell on me, i just didn't understand it yet. I never took art classes but art was being taught all around me. My mom was an artist with little belief. She was a great creator, i learned many things through her. I remember all the paint and brushes and pencils that would be left around the house. Her unfinished expressions on the wall that let me know how she was feeling. She was an artist with little dreams. She had this great power dripping from her hands, but she decided to let it drip on patients at a hospital instead. I still see her doing it from time to time, but i also see the difference. She made the choice to see it as a fun pass time, but she helped me see art as so much more. It's a tool for the soul and outside world.

               I know art can be a struggle and break us down, but in that it teaches us a whole new level of knowledge. Art is a teacher, there is so many factors and deep levels within it. Art can show you how to create something while also helping you recreate yourself. That's exactly what it did for me. I never thought i was anything special or had anything inside worth opening up...but now i do. I have seen my own creations real things to me i wasn't  even thinking of before. It's a soul finder, a new key to an old door, it'll change your life.

                                                             
                                                           Do art. Be art. Live art. 
                                                                                A. Williams