Self Branding Progress

As required for my Communication Arts Workshop course—Portfolio, I am working on branding myself as a graphic designer. The reason behind the tree and moon mark is culture. I grew up in what we call "the sticks" on Moonlight Rd, from which the moon symbol stems. I like working with a very neutral color palette, but did not want it to be muted. I am working with shades of brown for a more natural appeal and the teal—my favorite color, for contrast. As you can see in the above images scale, placement, and type are still being considered. Hoping to finalize on the logo very soon.

Happy 1 Year!

A year ago the stress of life, school and work began to weigh heavily on my mind and well-being. It was at that time that I realized I had to release these emotions. Knowing that my sister Melody had been blogging for some time, I began reflecting on the idea of writing. I was familiar with diaries and journals, and had done it all before. It just seemed to be such a task, almost like work.
The difference is this time the writing would not only help me, but others in my situation. Thus, Katographx was born. The idea of this online journal of my quest for a degree in Graphic Design, emotional stability and stress management was to expose myself to the world in a way I had never before. Katographx has had some positive feedback within the first year. It has been greatly appreciated. Here's to the first and another year of Katographx. Thank you all who have read, supported, and even responded. It is my promise to make sure you have more reading to do in the coming year.
Happy 1 year, Katographx!

Article on Design Thinking

340 is...

 
This semester is going to be very eventful for me. I am anticipating graduation following Spring semester, and I have the privilege of being a part of a unique school project. 340is ... a group of creative students, from all sectors of the art genre, to create 340 High Street Student Art Magazine. Works of art from within the walls of the Tidewater Community College Visual Arts Center in Portsmouth, Virginia will be unveiled in a new light upon completing the 340is campaign.
The magazine has yet to go digital. However, with this group of innovators, followers can expect to watch the magazine develop via social media.  Check out the progress and join the dialog @340is on Twitter and Facebook.com/340is. It's a process you will want to follow. Watch how the thought process of a class full of individuals, becomes the idea of one unit. 
I am extremely excited to be a part of the process of this publication. It  is an honor to work with such inspirational people.

A Web of thoughts

Aargh! Yes, that's meant to sound somewhat like a pirate. This  whole web thing is driving me bonkers. html, < > or whatever language this thing speaks. This is strictly a rant blog, which I try not to do too often. I want so badly to be able to create websites, but I am definitely not a natural. This is only 3 days in, so hopefully it will get easier. After making very clear that web was a weakness for me as a designer, my teacher immediately rebuked my comment with "you just started." Here's for my teacher, I will try.

Counseled Out

"Those who understand the least make the most noise."
Jeffrey Zeldman (http:http://www.alistapart.com/articles/understandingwebdesign)

Upon attending the wrong Portfolio class last night I was very concerned with some words from the professor:
"We as Photographers should learn how to create websites, business cards, and learn how to do the Graphic Design thing."
"Wait just a second there, buddy. " I did not say this aloud, but was definitely thinking it. I'm a little disturbed that our instructors, the very ones qualified to train art students, ones whom students see everyday are encouraging one department to do another department's job. Why is this such a crime?
 Well, let me put this into perspective. If I, as a Graphic Designer, declared myself to be a Photographer as well, then I would have some pretty big shoes to fill. Not to mention, I would be a package deal. However, I'd be a lie. I may have learned some Photography, but did not delve to deeply into the subject. That is not why I enrolled in school. I am here to be a graphic designer. So, yes I wish to acquire all the skills necessary to create my own designs and advertisements without depending on another party. 
Of course it is important to be versatile as an artist. My issue is in the fact that while instructors are advising students to become distinguished and submerged in their field, behind the very same walls advising them not to become dependent on another colleagues learned skills.  In summary, cancellation. Now I'm quite biased.
As Graphic Design majors we do explore basics of Photography, but only Fine Arts by election. I find it unfair, contradictory, complex and many other adjectives. In lamer terms, he basically said "Oh, you don't need those Graphic Designers. You could do their job." That's how it felt to be the only Graphic Design major in the room, like a slap in the face. I was discouraged.
I want to teach my readers a lesson.
I understand that it is necessary to explore other facets in your field, but you should never try to excommunicate the ones who know those other areas best. We need each other and should support one another. No one artist is better than another, nor is one art form better than another. No idea is yours alone.

Back to school, back to school...

It is official. My final semester before graduating with my associates degree in Graphic Design. It will more than likely be the longest semester ever. I have very mixed feelings. I'm not sure whether to be excited or scared or which one I even am at this point. It's the home stretch. My main goal is to not screw up my GPA in the final semester. I have managed to stay on the Dean's List for the past two years and plan to keep it that way. Unfortunately, I still have no idea what I'm getting myself into this semester.
The most important thing is to stay focused, remain calm, and have confidence. When people complimented me I used to say things like "this is nothing compared to what the other students can do." What I have learned just within the past couple of months is that, we are still learning, and I too have something that they don't.
Here's to taking it one stride at a time...
Back to school, back to school.