Highspeed Photography

Images Left to Right:
By: Jens Erik Mikkelsen http://www.flickr.com/photos/34463171@N04/4004686255/
By: Chaval Brasil http://www.flickr.com/photos/chavals/2941676828/
By: fotoopa http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotoopa_hs/2347730982/

If I had the right equipment, I would love to give highspeed photography a try. The results are spectacular. The colours, the shapes and even just knowing that you're seeing something frozen in time that your eyes can't see on their own, is just inspiring. I found a whole collection of cool photos at http://www.denzomag.com/2012/11/highspeed-photography-drops/.

Comical and Frustrating Client Requests

Image taken from: http://sharpsuits.net/BabiesEar

I've heard a lot of funny stories over the years about some of the strange requests that designers have received from clients. Everything from the totally ridiculous to the down-right comical. So I was quite entertained to find a whole poster campaign devoted to the crazy stuff that people ask for. The campaign was created by Ireland's creative community "to release a lot of pent up anger and sadness through the medium of the A3 poster, all in aid of Temple Street Children's Hospital. Ad creatives, designers, animators, directors, illustrators and more took time out to dress up their favourite worst feedback from clients, transforming quotes that would normally give you a twitch, into a diverse collection of posters." Take a look at them here.

A Life Saving Design

 

Image taken from http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/inventor-unveils-star-wars-inspired-mine-kafon-a-giant-ball-used-to-safely-detonate-landmines

A couple days ago I was using the website StumbleUpon, and it produced a video for me that I found really neat. It was about a life-saving device called the Mine Kafon. See the blog devoted to it here. The device, which is made of bamboo, steel and plastic, is designed to roll across mine fields, safely detonating mines as it goes. The style of the design makes it possible to blow multiple mines in one go, because a single blast will only destroy 1-2 arms. The designer, Massoud Hassani, grew up in Qasaba, Kabul, and was inspired by some of the wind powered toys that he and his friends used to play with.

How to Effectively Communicate with Clients

A couple weeks ago, I worked on a project with a partner that required us to research and do a write-up about an assigned topic. The topic given to us was about how to avoid and resolve conflicts. We decided to take a slightly different direction with it, and focused on how to effectively communicate with clients, since proper communication is often key to avoiding conflict in the first place. Here is a list of the tips that we gathered during our research.

1) Avoid Industry Jargon: One of the worst things that you can do when communicating with a client is using terminology that they won’t understand. Speak “English,” or make sure to explain any technical terms that you use.
2) Put it in Writing: To avoid conflict at a later time, create a contract with design outcomes, check points and project expectations during your initial meeting with the client. Have them read and sign it to make sure that you are on the same page.
3) Develop Communication Policies: To avoid a number of issues that might arise due to a lack of effective communication, set up contact policies. Eg: Telephone, email or video call? During what hours can calls be made? How long to wait for a response? Are weekends an acceptable time to be in contact?
4) Keep it Simple: Don’t bore/overwhelm your client with every technical aspect of the work that you are going to do. Outline the process and your plans, but leave it at that. Communication needs to be simple, but direct and to the point.
5) Relationships are Key: talking to your client on a more personal level when it is appropriate can lead to a stronger relationship, and increased trust and respect. You need to remain professional, but finding a way to connect will have a lasting impact.

Sources

Bjorkquist, Bruce D. Interpersonal and Group Dynamics: A Practical Guide to Building an Effective Team. 7th ed. Toronto: Emond Montgomery Publications, 2011. Print.

Cubbon, Rob. “Graphic Design Client Communication.” Rob Cubbon | Design and Marketing. N.p., 11 Oct. 2011. Web. 4 Oct. 2012. <http://robcubbon.com/graphic-design-client-communication/>.

Snell, Steven. “5 Communication Tips for Freelancers and Designers.” Vandelay Website Design. N.p., 17 Nov. 2011. Web. 4 Oct. 2012. <http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/business/communication-tips-for-designers/>.

Advice for Design Graduates

David Airey, a brand identity designer, has an extensive blog with a lot of interesting posts. I recently read one where Chris Arnold, founder of Creative Orchestra and former creative director at Saatchi & Saatchi, offers his pearls of wisdom to design graduates. Find it here. It's a helpful list of ten tips for new graduates to keep in mind when looking and applying for jobs, and one that I'll go back to in the future. While a lot of it is just common sense, it's the kind of things that we all need to be reminded of. I think the one tip I will struggle with the most, is finding a way to separate myself from the competition. How is a fairly modest and unremarkable person supposed to stand out and catch the attention of employers?

What if Money was no Object?

I recently came across a thought provoking video, narrated by the late philosopher Alan Watts (1915-1973). The video, which is just over three minutes long, discusses the question of how we would live life if money was no object. Watts says that it is "better to have a short life that is full of what you like doing, than a long life spent in a miserable way." I really like that. We live in a society that is so focused on the workaholic ideal and making money so we can spend more money, that people rarely spend time doing the things that they love. It's a tricky balancing issue though. The things we love and would want to spend our lives doing, aren't necessarily things that will support us and our families. A certain level of income is necessary for survival.

I come from a fine arts background. I loved drawing and painting, and still do, but the term "starving artist" exists for a reason. I knew that pursuing a fine arts education was not going to get me employment. I didn't want to work freelance, with paychecks being a random and undependable occurrence. While money is nice to have, I have no desire to be rich. But I don't want to spend my life stressing about how I'm going to pay the bills either. My goal after school is to find a salaried job. That's why I got into graphic design. It's as close a balance as I can get to living creatively and having an income to support myself.

If money were no object, I would travel across Europe. I would visit castles and villas, and cathedrals and monuments. I would experience life in other cultures and draw inspiration from the natural surroundings that are as common to them as pine forests and squirrels are to me. I would live a slow life, savouring the good times with friends and family. I would restore antiques, renovate my home and have an extensive garden. I would make pottery, try glass-blowing and crochet on cold nights. I would have an extensive library and spend hours in it reading or adding to the shelves. Most of my dreams are far from grand, and are actually fairly attainable, but even if they weren't, I would try to make my life about doing what I love, and finding ways to make my dreams a reality, like Watts suggests we all do.

Video posted by Tragedyand Hope:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=siu6JYqOZ0g#!

Project Glass

Image taken from Google+: https://plus.google.com/+projectglass/posts

Google has a new project under its belt: Project Glass. It's a futuristic idea meant to make wearable computing mainstream. It's such a cool idea, but one fraught with potential complications and safety concerns. My first thought was is this really necessary? I already feel like people are too connected to the digital world. Everywhere I look, people are glued to their phones, their iPod's and tablet screens. This has created a generation of people who can't spell and don't pay attention to the world around them. People who text while driving, despite its now being illegal, is still a huge problem and causes countless accidents and deaths every year. What kind of an impact on society will these glasses make? While you wouldn't have to divert your eyes to see messages, there would be a constant visual distraction. So, while I think it's an incredibly cool idea, I don't know if it's the wisest design for use in society.

There's an interesting article about it on TechRadar. Found here:
http://www.techradar.com/news/video/project-glass-what-you-need-to-know-1078114 

There's also a video that Google made to show what a day with this technology could be like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c6W4CCU9M4

Design for a Purpose

My peers and I at school are often told to think outside of the box, and to look at ordinary things in new and creative ways. We're taught to look not only at the design aspect of our work, but at the cost of a project and the impact that it will have on the environment, as well. We're told to keep up to date on trends and design breakthroughs, to see what other designers are doing and how we might be a part of their mission. So, while looking online at some of the revolutionary designs being created, I came across a website, www.thecoolist.com, with an article titled Design for a Purpose: 10 Revolutionary Designs for a Better World. Found here. It's an inspiring list of products, devices and concepts that can, and hopefully will, make a hugely positive impact on people.

(Left) The Ekso Bionics Mobility System "gives paraplegics the chance to walk upright and leave the wheelchair behind."

Some of the other designs included in the list are the BioLite Clean Burning Kitchen Stove, a Braille Smartphone, and 3D Printed Prosthetic Bones.

Old Homes

Image Sources from left to right:
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/english-cottage-style.html
http://historicindianapolis.com/building-language-tudor-revival/
http://il-rockisland.civicplus.com/index.aspx?NID=1081
http://www.frontdoor.com/buy/tudor-revival-architecture/1046

I absolutely love old, historic houses. Not all of them, obviously, but the ones with character, charm, and owners who are willing to preserve them. I love the gorgeous brickwork, slopped roofs and decorative chimneys. The houses that are masterpieces from all sides and have withstood the test of time. I hate driving through newly built neighborhoods because every house looks exactly the same, the entire front of the house consists of the garage, they have no lawns and because precious farm and woodland had to be destroyed for these monstrosities to exist. I really wish that more builders would draw from historic architecture, (I'd love to see a second Tudor revival), where homes become works of art and work with the natural world around them.

Christmas Fun

Left Image: http://zomoc.com/inspired-snow-globes-tutorial.html  
Middle Image: Created by Darleen Adamo http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1847290?&cat=19756  
Right Image: http://livlifetoo.blogspot.ca/2011/12/candy-cane-marshmallow-pops.html

Christmas is my favourite holiday, in part because it lasts so long. While the endless loop of Christmas music at the mall and the endless bombardment of ads on TV grind relentlessly on the nerves, the essence of the holiday always shines through for me. It's a very commercial time of year, but it doesn't have to be! I like to bake and make crafts. Why buy fancy desserts when you can make them yourself and share them with family and friends? Why buy a shopping cart full of stupid nicknacks when you can make stuff at a fraction of the cost? It's such an easy way to personalize the holiday and make it more fun for everyone. It's also a great way for me to be creative in a funner and lighter way. I love my course and find it fun creating packaging and logos and ads, but there's something different about creating something for yourself just for the heck of it.

The Trouble with Rebranding

Image taken from http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/archives/floating_soap.php

As I was flipping through the flyers in my Saturday morning paper, I came across something rather shocking: Ivory soap had changed their look. I grew up with Ivory, and couldn't help feeling a sense of shock and disappointment. It's a little baffling why I feel this way because I'm a part of the design world and know why they modified their look, but maybe it's because I'm a part of the design world that I'm so confused. I don't understand their design choice. Ivory is a classic brand that has been around since 1879. That's older then Coca-Cola! I admire brands like Coca-Cola, who have stayed true to their heritage designs, with minimal changes despite the changing world. That shows true belief and trust in their brand. While Ivory has undergone changes in their brand before, I feel like this complete overhaul is too drastic. That haven't only changed the packaging, they've changed the logo. I know that they are trying to go for something simple, clean and modern (their slogan is keep it pure, clean & simple) but their choice of a sans-serif typeface is going too far. Serifed typefaces portray a sense of history, class and staying power, things that Ivory has in abundance. They shouldn't have gotten rid of that. Brands that have been around as long as Ivory, in my opinion, really shouldn't be trying to rebrand themselves, because in the process of changing their look, they lose a part of who they are, and where they've come from.

Love of Books

I absolutely love books, and as I've said in a previous post, (What I've Learned), I enjoy binding them. In fact, book binding is something that I can actually see myself doing. It combines work with something I'm passionate about. There is one place in particular that looks like an appealing place to work: Anstey Book Binding in Toronto. They produce everything from books and cases, boxes, portfolios, menus and binders, to more specialized stuff like custom paperwork, letterpress, engraving and foil stamping. How amazing does that sound? Being able to create not only books, but works of art, would be extremely satisfying. I know that e-books save trees, space and money, but they simply do not compare to the experience of holding an actual book in your hands. Feeling the weight, the cover, even just the smell, creates an atmosphere that just can't be matched. It's a historic practice that I would love to take part in.

Microsoft Surface Commercial

Video posted by pixelplanet:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7UlE-o8DQQ

Microsoft has launched a new product, a tablet called Surface. It seems like all major electronic companies are developing their own tablets right now, but I think that Microsoft has marketed theirs very well. The commercial features a keyboard that can snap on and off, and a flip out back so you can stand the tablet up. It's clever advertising that can make such small features seem like revolutionary ideas. I think it would be fun to work in an advertising firm, brainstorming creative ways to market stuff, and I'm sure I could even do it well because I'm the kind of person who isn't easily swayed by sales gimmicks, so I would know how to sway tough customers. At the same time, it's hard to imagine myself using my design skills to persuade people to buy stuff that they don't need. Nevertheless, it's an avenue that I should continue to explore because it's such a big part of the design industry.

Clever Ads

Image taken from http://www.123inspiration.com/clever-ads-billboard/

Advertisements are everywhere. You can't escape them. Since there are so many, it's vital that yours be different and eye-catching. A recent ad campaign to promote science in Vancouver, by Science World Museum in collaboration with Rethink Canada, really entertained me. Each one features an interesting and funny fact. The yellow circles where the text is contained grabs the viewers attention, and the interesting facts hold them. I feel like this is a successful campaign because of its entertainment factor. It has a degree of comedy without being immature, crass or forced. Whenever I design something, I think about how I could make it stand out from its competitors. Designs like this inspire me and make me want to keep pushing myself so that one day I'll be able to create eye-catching work that inspires others.

Fold Factory

Images taken from  http://www.foldfactory.com/ideas.php

In the course of my research for various projects, I have stumbled upon another website that I have found helpful and a great resource. http://www.foldfactory.com/ideas.php has a section titled "ideas" where they have posted videos under various categories, with examples of different types of folds. It seems strange to dedicate an entire website to folds, but folding techniques are a major part of the print industry. Everything from greeting cards, brochures, maps and flyers, to folders, magazine inserts and information giveaways use folds. Creative folds can make a good design, a great one. They can be a means of grabbing attention and separating themselves from the competition.

Paper Art by Yulia Brodskaya

Image taken from touchey.com
Visit Yulia's Website: http://www.artyulia.com/

I recently stumbled across the work of Yulia Brodskaya, who creates beautiful works of art out of paper. She also illustrates, but there is something almost magical about her folded paper projects. This ability to take a simple inanimate object and turn it into something new is inspiring. I can't imagine ever being good enough at something like folding paper to get paid for it. I hope that one day I'll have the freedom to pursue my own passions, creating things that I love and make me happy, rather then just producing works for others so that I can get by.

Food Photography Tips

Images are the property of Caitlin McElroy

I recently finished a dessert photography project for a high-end Italian restaurant menu. I had never done food photography before, but was excited to try it. I spent a lot of time looking at photos to see if I could find some with an ambiance that I could replicate to match the tone of my restaurant, then spent more time looking up tips and watching how-to videos. A lot of the recommendations were very similar, so here's a link to a site that was helpful:

http://digital-photography-school.com/food-photography-an-introduction 

These are the tips that the author, Darren Rowse, gives:

1) Lighting: This is probably the most important tip. I took my photos next to a large, North-West facing window on a bright, but overcast day, and used white card stock as a simple reflector to eliminate harsh shadows.
2) Props: Even simple things like a sprig of mint or a sprinkling of cocoa or icing sugar can make all the difference.
3) Be Quick: This is especially true of foods that are likely to melt, wilt or sag. I found whipped cream especially temperamental.
4) Style It: This takes time and planning. Finding other photos to use as inspiration helped me a lot when I was planning how I wanted my food to look, and prepared me for my trip to the store for supplies.

5) Enhance It: Darren Rowse suggests using vegetable oil to make food glisten. My photography teacher has suggested glycerin as an alternative as well.
6) Get Down Low: Taking photos from a bird's eye view works for some foods, but is not how most things should be shot. Darren Rowse suggests shooting down close to plate level (or slightly above it).
7) Macro: I love macro photography, but unfortunately don't have the proper lens to do this. It can be a great way though to really zoom in on the texture and colour of the food that you're shooting.
8) Steam: This is another thing that I haven't tried, but understand the benefits of. Steam can create that 'just out of the oven' look that makes food look fresh and appetizing. In one of the how-to videos that I watched, the photographer blew cigar smoke into a turkey baster, then squeezed it out onto the food when he was ready to start taking pictures.

Persuading the Public

One of the jobs of a graphic designer is persuading the public to buy products, regardless of their value or use. It's a bit underhanded, but a necessary part of the business. There are two products on the market right now that have seen their share of design and marketing magic. Tide laundry pods are one of them. While the idea of a pod for laundry detergent is new, this is a concept that has been around for years, primarily for dish washers. It's a convenience product, nothing more. There is nothing new or revolutionary about it, and yet it is advertised as being quick, easy, versatile and glamorous. It's the same idea with the new Downy unstoppable laundry scent boosters, if not more so. At least the Tide Pods clean clothes, the Downy scent boosters are completely superfluous. They serve no actual purpose, and yet they are marketed as an attractive product. The commercials for both are lighthearted and entertaining, and regardless of the uselessness of the product, I'm able to see the appeal. I can even see myself buying them - for the right price. I don't like the idea of manipulating people into purchasing stuff, but at the same time, product design is a huge part of the industry, and without it, where would a lot of us be?

Images taken from http://www.tide.com/en-CA/product/tide-laundry-detergent-pacs.jspx and http://www.downy.com/en-CA/product-line/scent-booster.jspx

Louise Fili - An Inspiring Designer

The summer before I started in my graphic design program, I was given a project to complete that would be presented at the beginning of the semester. It involved researching designers that I admired. I took a special interest in female designers because they were a rarity in the industry when it was starting up. There was one in particular whose style I loved and work ethic I admired. Louise Fili. Her style is elegant and romantic. She uses a lot of scripts, intricate designs and muted colours.

I admire Louise Fili because she is one of those rare individuals who was able to combinework with pleasure. Her design company, Louise Fili Ltd, has allowed her to pursue her love of type, food and Italy. This gives me hope that maybe one day I'll find a way to earn a living off of my own interests.

Images taken from http://www.louisefili.com/

What I've Learned

I've learned a lot in the short year an a half that I've been in my graphic design program. Here's a list of some of the things that come to mind:

1) I enjoy the laborious task of binding a book.
2) Doing things by hand seems like a waste of time when everything is done digitally in today's world, but it forces you to focus on the details and to appreciate the process of design work.
3) Learning photography is easy - being a good photographer is difficult.
4) Time management and discipline is essential to staying on-top of your work.
5) It's important to take time to relax and unwind, even if you can't afford to. Pushing yourself too hard for too long leads to burnout, and not respecting your body's need for sleep makes you more prone to sickness.
6) Getting feedback from your peers and faculty is the best way to improve your work.
7) Working with type is NOT something that I want to do for a living.
8) I still need to learn how to balance quantity and quality.
9) Books can be a great source of inspiration.
10) It's possible to enjoy going to school.

Inspiring Package Design

The website thedieline.com has become a great source of inspiration for me. It was started in 2007 by Andrew Gibbs and is dedicated to the progress of the package design industry. Its purpose is to "define and promote the world's best packaging design, and provide a place where the package design community can review, critique and stay informed of the latest industry trends and design projects being created in the field." They feature award winning designs, before & after projects, student work, concept work, and more! This makes it not only a great place to find package inspiration, but it's also great for typography and layout ideas as well. You can even search by industry (beverages, books & media, food & gourmet, etc,) or substrate (aluminum, plastic bottle, wood, etc,).

My favourite designs on their site at the moment are:

Jarcakes, designed by Benji Peck of Peck and Co. 
Go to site

I have no idea what these would taste like...and frankly, they remind me more of canned bread then something freshly baked, but their tiny glass jars and paper wrapping are absolutely adorable, and incredibly persuasive.

Chocolate Bar Wrapping, designed by Construct for the Berkeley luxury hotel.
Go to site

Though this packaging is plain and simple, it's clever and entertaining. I love how they've named each piece the way a lot of people try to rationalize eating chocolate. It starts with "a small treat" then leads to "one piece is never enough," to "I really shouldn't," then "oh go on then," and ends with "if you insist" and "might as well finish it."

Concept: Limited Edition Tea Packaging for The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, designed by Beth Would.
Go to site

Tea canisters are a classic, and these unusual modern flavours are a wonderful, playful contrast.

Rethinking Creativity

 

http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_changing_education_paradigms.html

This is a great (and entertaining) TED talk from Sir Ken Robinson about how our education system is killing creativity. Children are naturally creative, and he claims that they do not simply grow out of that state of mind, but are instead, educated out of it. In every school system in the world there is a hierarchy of subjects, with math and languages at the top, the humanities below that, and the arts at the bottom. When educational systems were developed in the 19th century, it was to meet the needs of industrialism. Children were taught things that were going to get them jobs. This same ideology exists today, and has resulted in a rigid way of thinking. Creativity has become undervalued and even stigmatized.

Creativity is a very important skill to have, not just in terms of the arts, but as a general way of thinking. Throughout school, kids are taught in a very specific manner how to solve problems. An essay is written this way, math problems must be solved that way, it has drained us of the ability to do things for ourselves. I'm starting to see this more and more with university students. University is far different from elementary and secondary school because there is no more hand-holding. You get told to do something, and are expected to do it without your professors listing off every step of the process. It's a huge shock because all of a sudden, you're expected to do things for yourself. I find it almost comical that so many "smart" people are neglecting this part of themselves. Creativity is like a workout for the mind. It helps you become a better problem-solver and a more flexible thinker over-all. If people don't start to realize how important creativity is and start to give the arts the credit that they are due, then society as a whole will suffer for it.

The Question of Minimalism

I read an article this week that questions whether minimalist design is a legitimate trend or just pure laziness. I consider it a mix of both. Truly creative and effective minimalism, whether it be in advertising or brand identity, takes a very skilled designer. But all too often, minimalist designs fall flat. They fail to capture interest, communicate an idea or service, or simply are not executed successfully. I do believe that there are designers who prefer minimalism because it is an excuse to do less work, but there is something else to this new trend, a certain allure that even I've fallen victim too. Successful minimalism is something that all designers dream about - creating that one perfect design that can be summed up in a single icon, a single word or phrase or scribble. Think of the Nike swoosh. You can't get any simpler than that. The desire to create something so successful out of nothing is powerful, but dangerous. There are so many products and services that simply can't be done justice with a minimalist approach. Regardless of whether or not it's a trend, minimalism, in terms of clean and uncluttered design, should be, perhaps, an ideal, but minimalism for the sake of minimalism is more often than not, an excuse for lazy design.

Package Design

Nothing inspires me quite like creative packaging does. The combination of layout, typography, clever slogans, eye-catching graphics and the added dimension of tactility just can't be rivaled. It's also something that I enjoy designing in school. So, here are some package designs that made me smile this week. (Products and images can be found at http://www.packagingoftheworld.com/)

Wine bottle designs by Stranger&Stranger:
 http://www.packagingoftheworld.com/2012/09/stranger-stranger-launches-new-range-of.html

Each bottle has been given a patented sleeve, designed specifically for different niche markets. I just love the personality of each one, and how I can tell immediately what occasion they would be suited for, whether that's a picnic in the park, an elegant dinner party or a casual get-together.

Harriet's Jolly Nice Ice Cream designed by Taxi Studio: http://www.packagingoftheworld.com/2012/09/jolly-nice.html

I love the British lingo used on this packaging. It's upbeat and fun, and the imagery is whimsical. The back of each package also features interesting facts about Harriet: Harriet 's been doing... Harriet's immensely proud... Harriet's never been...etc. It's exactly the kind of playfully-grown-up design that I would be tempted to buy.

Pasta La Vista Concept by Andrew Gorkovenko:
http://www.packagingoftheworld.com/2012/09/pasta-la-vista-concept.html

Using the pasta as chef's hair is such a neat idea and makes a relatively boring staple a must-have addition to the pantry. It has the same quirky, playful feel as the ice cream packaging that I love.

Advice for GD Students

I recently read an article from the designer/illustrator Frank Chimero about his advice for GD students. The full document can be found at http://frankchimero.com/writing/2010/advice/. It was entertaining to read, and even though most of it was the same advice that I've been hearing since starting in my program, it was still good to read through. It summed up some of my own experiences and provided some good reminders that I can take away with me. Here are some points that I liked:

"The things your teachers tell you in class are not gospel. You will get conflicting information. It means that both are wrong. Or both are true. This never stops. Most decisions are gray, and everything lives on a spectrum of correctness and suitability."

This lesson is learned very quickly in my program. It is an especially frustrating one to learn too. I might design a logo that, to me and one teacher, is pure perfection, but to other faculty is boring or uninspired. They'll give me different advice because they have different backgrounds and like different things. As maddening as it is, I've learned to do what it is that I love (while keeping their suggestions in mind), and being ready to defend any creative decisions that I make.

"Libraries are a good place. The books are free there, and it smells great."

I've always loved libraries, but since I've used them primarily for fiction over the years, I often don't think to go there to look for research materials. You could say that I've gotten lazy. So much of my time is spent on the computer that the internet is my automatic go-to resource, whether it has the best information or not. This is definitely something I need to keep in mind.

"Success is generating an emotion."

This is something we're told really often. Consumers buy products because of the emotional response they have to the package design. A successful painting is the one that stirs up emotions in the viewer. Even negative reactions can be a source of success if the goal was merely to gain attention.

And finally...

"If you say “retro” too much you will get hives and maybe die."

Just because it made me laugh.

Graphic Design in KW

In an effort to learn more about the options available to me once I graduate, I have searched for graphic design firms in the KW area. I knew that I had options here, but didn't know of any specific places. I was pleasantly surprised to find that there are more than a few studios with more than a decade of experience and some big name clients. So, here are the top five graphic design studios that I came across in the KW area.

Eyelight Creative Marketing Services

http://www.eyelight.com/

Eyelight has been operating in the KW area and beyond for 25 years now. Their services include brand development, advertising/campaigns, logo and corporate identity design, packaging design, brochure and catalogue design, as well as website design and maintenance. They have designed for such notable companies as Piller's and the Perimeter Institute. This is a company that is also always on the lookout for creative individuals, and encourages design students or others with experience to contact them.

Scribblers' Club Borderless Media Strategies

http://pub.scribblersclub.com/scribblersclub/

Scribblers' Club was established in 1990 and is home to a mix of designers, photographers, business strategists and programmers. Their services include branding, campaigns, illustration, industrial design, new media, photography, print design and the client process. Some of their clients include the Ontario Crown Attorney's Association, The Walper Hotel, and Cafka.

[b]wired Studios

http://www.bwired.ca/mobile-apps

[b]wired is a small agency, but has worked for big names like Bell, Sun Microsystems and Grand Marnier. Their mantra is:

• Focus on your customer needs to truly understand what makes them buy
• Think creatively – about the solution and what it looks like
• Plan pragmatically and strategically for the long term
• Get payback – measurable results to make you the most profit

Laf Design

http://pagenet.laf-design.com/?page_id=0

Laf Design has been offering design solutions to Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and surrounding areas for 10 years. They offer graphic design (logos, catalogues, brochures, and other print materials), web design and hosting, email marketing and surveys, and copywriting, among other services. They've designed corporate branding for the Culinary Studio, Hockeyfest, one50 King Waterloo and Paula White Diamond Gallery Marketing.

Bonzai Design

http://bonzaidesign.com/index.php

Bonzai is actually located in Elmira, but their proximity to Waterloo has allowed them to service clients all over Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and surrounding areas. They also have national and international clients. They've been operating for 12 years and some of their clients include Drayton Entertainment, Coreculture and Schaaf Foods.

To Be, or Not to Be

To be, or not to be...a graphic designer. As a graphic design student, this is a question I ask myself more and more often. I love design, but wonder if this is an industry that I actually want to enter. It's competitive, hectic, even cut-throat. It requires long hours, sleepless nights and a constant flow of creative juices. Surely there are areas of the industry not plagued by so much exhaustion and chaos. Is finding a stable 9-5 job in the creative sector just a pipe dream? I want a job with work that can be left at the office. Is that too much to ask for in our modern, workaholic society? I sincerely hope not. I want to work to live, not live to work. The term graphic design is very broad and encompasses many different areas, so hopefully over the course of this blog, I will be able to learn more about this industry, and where I might fit within it.