Div by Div

Since I first opened Dreamweaver in my freshman year of college, web design has always been a challenge to me. However, with the challenge, I find it extremely intriguing. The process requires technical skills as well as critical thinking, two skills that are crucial in design development.

My new challenge: laurenmelillo.com. I began the process with research, which soon developed into multiple sketches. I then transformed the sketches into digital mockups in Illustrator. This stage allowed me to envision the final website and explore my options. Information architecture soon came into play when I was developing the strategy of my links and relationships of the parent and child pages. Clearly, the design process is crucial. By beginning with research, I can explore what is expected in graphic design portfolio websites as well as gather inspiration and grow as a designer.

Not only am I gaining experience in design, I am also learning more about Dreamweaver and how websites come about. Rather than using the site manager in the program, I chose to manually upload my files to my server through File Transfer Protocol. By doing this, I know exactly what is being uploaded to my site.

I am looking forward to taking on this puzzle and putting it together piece by piece. (Or should I say div by div)

54 Days

Throughout the past few weeks, there have been constant reminders of graduation. At the dentist, “this may be the last time you are on your parents insurance.” At a senior event on campus, “there are only 54 days until graduation!” Also, the ever-exciting commencement invitation arrived in the mail. Although I am anticipating graduation, it also means crunch time.

I would like to have imagined myself relaxing on a warm beach over spring break. Instead, my thrill was the new purchase of my Pina Zingaro portfolio and proud ownership of laurenmelillo.com. I learned more about DNS and IP addresses and have an overall better understanding of the language of websites.

Luckily, I now feel caught up and ready to move forward with my website design. With the help of Lynda and various articles online, I have developed three different comps of my potential website. I am ready to take on the challenge and enhance my web skills as well as showcase my portfolio to potential employers.

The reality of applying to jobs and presenting at our portfolio review are becoming clearer every day. What seemed scary before seems more exciting now. I feel confident as a designer and anticipate the future ahead of me.

4 Years. Ever-Changing Technology

When my first Interactive Digital Design class at Quinnipiac University began in 2008, I opened Photoshop for the first time. I was thrilled to have recently purchased the Adobe Creative Suite 3 and determined to create and discover. Since then, I have learned over eight different programs throughout the span of three versions of the Creative Suite. Now at 5.5, I still find myself excited to delve deeper as well as teach myself new programs.

Throughout my college career, my design professors have always pushed the importance of research and self-teaching. There will always be new versions of software to be unveiled and new challenges that will be faced.

My new challenge: Wordpress. Although I have experience with Dreamweaver, I want to try a different route for my portfolio website. I have one girl to thank for assisting me in this new course. Lynda. Since I opened Photoshop for the first time, Lynda has always been there to guide me along the way. Whether it comes to After Effects or how to create your own version of Avatar in Photoshop, Lynda’s tutorials are both endless and unlimited. Rather than playing around on my computer to try and learn the program, I can watch specified tutorials that share and illustrate the ins and outs of software.

Technology is constantly changing. Luckily, there are various amounts of resources so we as designers can stay ahead.

Let the Website Building Begin

As a graphic designer with an interest in print design, I have found myself determined to learn the art of websites. With familiarity in HTML and CSS, I feel confident that I can build a substantial website to house my online portfolio.

However, there are many aspects that go into making an online portfolio. Personally, I want my website to most importantly be “usable.” Steve Krug’s book, Don’t Make Me Think, has taught me how crucial navigation and usability is within a website. The audience will see you for how your website is designed. I am definitely going to stay clear of background noise, cluttered and overwhelming visuals, as well as too much content. I do not want my website to take away from my portfolio, rather to parent and support my work.

Throughout my research, an online portfolio needs to include a logo, slogan, blog, about me, and a portfolio. Also, each piece needs to be supported by a short description to further form an interaction with a client or potential employer. My website will also feature an about me section to include my personality as well.

With ideas and thoughts about the look and feel of my website, I now have to narrow down how I will implicate them. I am leaning towards a content management system such as Wordpress or Drupal. I enjoy the challenge of taking a template and recreating it to be my own. Let the website building begin!

My Future Held in a 3.5"x2" Card

In such a creative field, one needs to be unique to create a standing first impression. Throughout my readings and constant visits to graphic design websites, I have learned the powerful impact of a business card. This small dimensional card is used to capture your personality and character as both a human and a designer. A potential employer may take a quick glance and then make the first impression. It is crucial to stand out and emphasize your strengths as a designer.

The hardest part of the process behind me, my branding is now chosen. My logo concept is a chameleon. While researching the animal totem, I found the chameleon represents quickness and adaptability to change. Embodying strong intuition and independence, the chameleon changes colors rapidly and easily. Thinking of the possibilities to execute this idea was immediately flooding my mind.

Throughout my research, I came across an article in Smashing Magazine about the process and technique used to create business cards. The article provided information about working with your printer as well as how to prepare the files. As a student, this was very helpful because this will be my first experience. However, I was intrigued with the different ways I can execute my ideas for my chameleon.

With excitement also comes a little anxiety. I was reminded recently that we as seniors only have 9 weeks left of school. When told, the first thing that came to mind was gathering and creating my portfolio. Will it be enough time?

Countless Resources

In a way, graphic designers have an advantage. When going into a potential job market, we can prepare our portfolios to meet the needs of our future clients. How do we do that? Research. And lots of it!

Throughout my college experience, I have always fantasized where I am going to work after I graduate. Where will I live? California? New York City? I may have been dreaming, but now I need to solidify my options realistically to prepare my portfolio. During these first few weeks of the spring semester, I have been visiting graphic designer websites as well as making the frequent trip to Barnes and Noble. I am so determined to be proud of my portfolio and my presentation that it is almost all I think about. (I am also guilty of checking the AIGA job postings everyday…)

This may sound cliché, but reality is quickly approaching and it is picking up speed. I have been gathering my design pieces and wondering which ones will make the cut. It is crucial that my decisions illustrate what field I wish to go in as well as please the audience. My work ranges from Photoshop to Aftereffects. How do I want them to see me? What am I most proud of?

Luckily, my research has enabled to me to feel optimistic and grounded throughout this process. I have been reading two portfolio books, Designing a Digital Portfolio by Cynthia Baron and Building Design Portfolios by Sara Eisenman, that have been increasing my knowledge of what is expected of me. I look forward to reading what is next.

Logo Comps

Researching

First Impressions

I have always been taught that first impressions are crucial. Whether presenting a design portfolio or meeting new friends, personal presentation tells a great deal about your character.

First impressions are vital in the design world. As a senior design student, I need to present my portfolio as well as my personal branding in a way that makes me unique and memorable. To jumpstart this process, I have been sketching and rattling the right side of my brain to create a logo that embodies myself as a designer as well as a human being. I began this process by mind mapping how I see myself and asked others to write down how they see me. By researching, I was able to record my process as well as avoid “mucking” around on my computer. This approach was extremely helpful because I am now able to intelligently explain my design choices.

Not only are logos and design pieces important, presentation is very significant. A young designer needs to hold confidence in his or her work as well as in his or herself. Researching the proper way to design and deliver my portfolio has made me study myself and evaluate my goals. I have never tried to design for myself and now understand how difficult the process truly is. Logos are challenging because I want others to see me in a certain way. It needs to capture who I am as an individual and set me apart from the rest of the world.

Now, what will it be…?

Who am I? I need more research...

Throughout my experience as a student, I have collected many works that I am proud of and eager to share. To this day, I have learned from my respected professors the importance of research, organization, and individuality in my designs. My goal of my last semester of my senior year is to design a portfolio that showcases my personality, my best pieces, and my hard work.

In order to do this, I need to research and analyze who I am as a designer. This is the ultimate design that will aid me in taking the next step in my life: my future career. What are my strengths? Where am I applying? What are my values? These questions will help me tackle the first stage of the portfolio process.

When thinking about graduation, I have my doubts and worries about the future like many of my peers. However, throughout this semester, I am committed to improving my self-confidence not only as a designer, but also as a human being. I struggle with the questions of what I want my audience to think about when they look at my work in my portfolio. What do I want them to see? I certainly have ambition and motivation, but how do I display it?

To get all of my ideas in order, I have created a mind map that has organized all of my thoughts and practically everything about me into one organized diagram. Also, to stay informed with job openings and the design world, I have recently joined the AIGA. I am now connected with other professionals and am able to use this creative resource.

Through this blog, I will be able to find these answers and track the process of my portfolio.