The end...

This class has finally reached an end! Normally I'd just finish up my projects take my tests and be done with a class forever, but this reflection blog really made me think about what I learned this semester in Graphics. Even though it was a lot of work and I spent WAY too many hours in the Newhouse Computer labs, I really did enjoy this class. The creative aspect made it fun and different from my other classes, it was cool to learn the new computer programs (something I'll be able to use forever), and I learned so much about font, color schemes, layout, and basic design which was actually really interesting. I really enjoyed the class and can already tell that the things I learned will stick with me. Even while I was driving home from Syracuse, instead of noting different license plates or some other game to pass the time, I found myself analyzing the road signs and symbols on tractor trailers wondering why they chose their certain fonts or thinking, hmm whoever designed their logo sucks, something I would probably have never noticed or cared about before I took graphics.

IT'S OVER

I  can't believe I made it through this class. I knew absolutely nothing about design before taking graphics. I had no clue how intricate graphic designing would be and how much work it would take to complete one assignment.  By far, I put the most effort and time into this class out of all my Newhouse and Whitman classes this semester. Although the projects were tedious, I am so proud of all my final designs and can't wait to go home and show my family. 

Learning how to use the Adobe programs was also not an easy task. However, I am confident enough to say I know the basics, which will be beneficial in the future. I learned so much in this class and have an entirely new perspective on design and typography. I am so much more attentive and appreciative towards designs and type. I actually will look at a design and say, that design is or is not communicating the brand's message. 

I am very glad I took this class. Although it was a roller-coaster ride, I am happy to have made it through.  I know I wouldn't of  survived, along with my peers, If Greg hadn't dedicated so much time to help us. So thanks Greg on behalf of everyone! 

Wrap up post

I must say that when I first began this class,I was extremely nervous about it. I always considered myself not artistic nor creative, so the idea of a graphics class was a bit intimidating. I remember Hedges saying the first day of class, "I love when students say they are not creative, because I want to show them they are!" I honestly did not really believe it. Well, now having finished the class, I can say that he definitely had some truth to this statement. I am really impressed with the types of projects we were able to create in my first ever graphics class. I also really enjoyed every part of this class. The work we had to do was unlike anything else I have ever done before with programs I had never even heard of. It is so crazy to me to see some of the things I have created in this class. Yes, it was a lot of work and involved a lot of effort and time, but in the end, it was an exciting accomplishment to see what I have done in this class.
I have also never realized how graphics is incorporated into everything around us. Designs, typefaces, colors, sizes, logos are everywhere. Now when I see all of this things around me, I can think about how much thought and planning went into them to make sure they portray the correct message to the viewer. I never really thought something like a typeface would matter, but now I see that they are each specifically designed. I really think that I have learned some great skills and new programs that will be able to help me in my future courses and hopefully in my public relations work some day.

Final Post

In the last 15 weeks I learned how intricate details of a matter of picas can turn a sloppy design or use of type into a professional looking layout. The course, for better or worse, has made me extra sensitive to logos, designs, and typefaces in everyday life.

My favorite project was the logo project because it required designing something that was symbolic of myself. I got the idea of a thinker statue just from flipping through an art history book. It was really interesting to turn something abstract into something that represented me by adding color and tweaking the design.

I also really liked working with the interface project because it was for WAER.org, a website I spend a lot of time on because I work there. Every time I'm on the real website I get annoyed by something that was poorly laid out. It was both a stress reliever and a fun project, when I was able to rearrange the site so that it looked more professional and was more user friendly.

Finally, at WAER my boss gives me a lot of odd jobs. One of them was to design press tags for a Jazz concert they were hosting. If I hadn't learned the programs along with all the knowledge about good design and typeface layout, I wouldn't have been able to do this assignment. It was amazing to see how three months ago I wouldn't have even been able to do the project, while now I could take full advantage of the Adobe programs to make Press tags consistent with the ticket design. My boss loved it and it was really gratifying to see the things I learned in Graphics help me in the real world almost immediately.

IT'S OVER

I loved this class, and I love designing things. I’m so glad Newhouse requires so many people to take this class because after taking a graphics class, you see things in completely new and different ways. Each lecture taught us something different, yet necessary about design, from color to hierarchy to perception. I really liked that there were always opportunities to get help when we were stuck or needed advice. Even though my labs were early in the morning, they definitely helped and I know we all learned a lot from them. The projects were stressful but definitely encouraged me to brainstorm and think in different ways that made me stretch my imagination in ways I didn’t know possible. By the way, I tried to make this post in Helvetica. It didn't work.

The Final Post

This class far exceeded my expectations. I can say with absolute confidence that I learnt more in this course than in any other course I've taken thus far. Also all the lessons I learned are ones that can be applied to SO  many different courses, subjects, and careers. Taking this course really does make you look at everything in a new light. Whether it be advertisements, billboards, magazine covers, movie posters, suddenly I see everything differently. You feel like you know a little bit more about why certain things are placed in certain spots or why a type face was used. Although I'm FAR FAR from a graphic genius I feel I have a MUCH better understanding of the logic behind designs. Professor Hedges and Danya were both extremely helpful with all of the assignment. You never had to think twice about approaching either of them for help. I have never had a Professor or TA who were as committed to the students as they were -so to have them both be for the same course made it that much better. 

There really was no such thing as a pointless assignment in this course. All of the projects taught us something new. I came into the class having never opening InDesign or Illustrator and now feel very comfortable using both. I do think I'm still pretty shaky on Photoshop, but I improved a lot over the last couple of weeks. I think the greatest part about this course is that the skills we learn are ones we can carry with us always. We now realize we all have the potential to make a really cool poster or an impressive looking resume. I think everyone impressed themselves as the course went on with the ability to think of creative ideas to present material. Personally, I also noticed that as the course went on my way of presenting the ideas became simpler and simpler. I realized how you don't need to overdue it with special typefaces or really complex pictures. Instead a simple message should be conveyed with a clean and simple design. I think that my work definitely improved over the semester since Danya and Professor Hedges made themselves so available for guidance. 

My only criticism of the course is the labs. I think they should be optional rather than mandatory, because I really did not learn very much in them. Although all the of GRA 217 students had the same projects, different teachers had slightly different requirements and criteria so it was hard to have an instructor teach to all of those people at once. It did however, make you pace you work on projects so you weren't overwhelmed toward the end ( or at least not OVERLY overwhelmed.) 

I really enjoyed this class and have highly recommended it to many of my friends. I think it benefits you regardless of your major! 

GRA 217 Wrap Up

This course changed both my perspective on graphic art and how I view myself as a designer. I never thought I’d be able to create anything I was proud of, let alone figure out how to use the design programs. I didn’t think I was creative enough, and in all honesty I was a little intimidated by the course.

Having survived the stress and frustration, I feel truly accomplished and can appreciate the work put into the designs I see in everyday life. The projects taught me that design is not just about making things looks pretty, but about functionality and communicating a message to an audience.

It was a pleasure working with Greg and Danya to realize my visions as a designer. I definitely learned more from lecture and office hours than I did in lab, and I’m sure I will be able to use what I learned in my future career in PR.

Thank you all for a great class. I enjoyed looking at your designs on this blog. You guys have so much talent!

P.S. Does this remind anyone of a certain professor?



Just kidding, Greg!