Design methodologies process book

DESIGN METHODOLOGY
Amanda Kern | GRDS-705-OL1 Design Methodology || Professor John De Vylder
Savannah College of Art & Design || February 7, 2010

GRAPHIC DESIGN IS...
Though the dictionary may define graphic design as a noun, referring to it
as an “art or profession of using design elements”, it’s very apparent that
the meaning of graphic design is quite diverse. Graphic design is a way of
creating for a variety of mediums in order to visually communicate a message.

AT THE BEGINNING OF THE Quarter I DEFINED GRAPHIC DESIGN

It’s quite intriguing to hear opinions on what other’s determine to be graphic design. One key theme that was echoed in all the responses is that graphic design involved
Ultimately it involves creating projects using a variety of design elements such as visually communicating a message in order to reach an audience. It’s important to
photos, illustrations, and typography to convey a message visually. In December recognize that graphic design isn’t just about making pretty pictures or designs but
2007, Veerle Pieters posted on her design blog the article, “What is graphic that communicating the message is essentially one of the most influential aspects
design?” In this article we’re able to get a great perspective of the multitude of of design. Designers must refrain from thinking about what they “like” when
views on the definition of graphic design. In this article Veerle Pieters requested designing and take into consideration the client’s needs and the target audience.
that her readers define graphic design, without referring to a dictionary. There were Successful graphic design visually stimulates the audience in a way which often
nearly 200 responses and it’s interesting hearing the honest and straight forward results in the audience taking part in a call to action. Whether the action by the
opinions such as: audience be purchasing something, attending an event, or getting involved in an
organization, most design visually communicates a message that does evoke a
“I think Graphic Design is art used to entice.” response with the audience to do something.

“To me, it’s a combination of shape, color and typography, serving a Designers have a variety of ways to achieve their designs. The designs may be
specific goal, meeting the need of my customers.” created by hand, as in traditional art, computer generated, or a convergence of
both. The most successful graphic design generally follow principles of graphic

PRACTICAL EXERCISE 1
“Graphic design is using copy, color, and imagery to communicate an design such as hierarchy, balance, and appropriate use of grid systems, however,
idea.” designers are encouraged to understand that with all rules come exceptions to the
rules. Ultimately, the way in which designers design must ensure that the client’s
“Graphic design is visual communication. The movement and styling of message is visually communicated successfully to the target audience. D E F I N I N G G R A P H I C D E S I G N V I S U A L LY
graphics and types to communicate a message to an audience.” For the first practical exercise we were presented with a visual challenge to be
solved using hand processes. In this exercise we were to create an image that was
“Translating any kind of communication into a clear visual experience” a visual representation of our definition of graphic design. This was a timed exercise
that we had only three hours to develop a solution.
“Graphic design is orgasms for the eye.”

Pieters, Veerle. “What is Graphic Design?” http://veerle.duoh.com/blog/comments/what_is_graphic_design/
Introduction: Graphic Design and Methodology. Course Unit 1. SCAD E-learning curriculum.

Amanda Kern || GRDS-705-OL1 Design Methodology || Professor John De Vylder || Savannah College of Art & Design || February 7, 2010

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I WAS TO FOLLOW THESE Objectives PRACTICAL EXERCISE 1

The following instructions were provided at the beginning of our practical exercise.

1. You may use any non-computer technique(s) to create your visual solution.

2. There are no specific requirements regarding the format of your solution (2-D
or 3-D, single or multiple-panel, etcetera). These decisions should evolve
naturally from your concept.

3. You may use ONLY images (photographs, illustrations, found images or
objects, et cetera) to create your visual solution. Typographic elements may
be used only as images or textures. No words are to be included.

4. You have three hours to complete and post your final solution. Work
GETTING Inspired
not posted during the three-hour time limit will be accepted for critique In the beginning I found myself searching for visual inspiration.
purposes but will receive a grade of “0.” I found a lot of interesting ways others visually communicated
what they felt graphic design was. Finding inspiration helped
Initially, this was a major challenge because coming into this assignment we had me get a broader idea of how others defined graphic design.
no idea what we’d be challenged to design in three hours. Instinctively my mind Most concepts all related back to communicating ideas.
raced through many ideas but remembered that despite the time constraints,
my design process must be followed as well as I could to ensure I ended with a
strong solution in the end. So I stepped back and followed my process that I will
now share to help you understand my definition of graphic design and my design
process a little more clearly.

Amanda Kern || GRDS-705-OL1 Design Methodology || Professor John De Vylder || Savannah College of Art & Design || February 7, 2010 Amanda Kern || GRDS-705-OL1 Design Methodology || Professor John De Vylder || Savannah College of Art & Design || February 7, 2010

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I FOUND MYSELF Brainstorming
I find with most projects I either identify key words or mind map through my process
to help me identify things I need to focus on. Sometimes this helps me in finding
my theme. For the first exercise I reread my essay and pulled key words that I felt
were relevant and jotted down a few others that came to mind in the initial phases
of this assignment. Here are words brainstormed during exercise 1:

visual communication
entice
goal
idea
message
visual “orgasm”
client’s needs
ROUGH Concepts
target audience After getting inspired I began developing rough drafts to help
creativity me conceptualize ideas for this exercise. I found this to be a
challenge as the time constraints meant I could only spend CONCEPT 1 CONCEPT 2 CONCEPT 3
create
minimal time conceptualizing to ensure I left enough time for The first concept I thought of a light bulb The light bulb idea continued through The megaphone was also something
action
execution of my final idea. with the light lines coming from it. The light concept 2, however, I was very influenced that came to mind as I thought of ways
evoke
bulb would communicate the “idea” or by my own process and realizing I only had to visually communicate the topic of
response
“concept” that I discussed in my definition 3 hours to complete this assignment I was “communication”. Again, the streams from
light bulb
of graphic design. The lines would consist reminded of the importance of deadlines it would consist of text, not necessarily
deadline = clock/timer
of type, not necessarily legible, but there and how much that impacts projects. I don’t legible but really to help communicate the
megaphone
to communicate “communication” visually. necessarily think it defines graphic design concept of communciation.
but I do feel it influences it.


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TIME TO Create
I Found the most interesting idea to be using a lightbulb to help visualize the
concept of how graphic design must communicate ideas effectively. In order to pull
off this concept I felt the paper mache process combined with watercolor would be
the best method of execution. I used ripped pieces of paper from an old book and
painted a variety of yellow shades to represent the background. And build layers up
until I had an adequate textured surface to work with.

I suppose for me the most challenging aspect was that I used a wet media to
execute this assignment. I constantly found myself drying the surface and rebuilding
layers. This became more of a challenge because I had only three hours total for
this exercise.
DESIGN Process
I began by ripping pages from an old book and painting with
watercolor paint onto the ripped pages. I used a flour/water
mixture to create a paper mache onto the watercolor paper.
The paper was paper mached after it was watercolor painted. The process involved layering the paper The final solution used about 8 layers of I was only able to squeeze this project in
mache using 2 shades of yellow and 2 paper mache as I layered the variation in just before my kids bedtime so they were
shades of brown. colors to create a seamless blending in the dancing and having fun as I worked, though
paper mache. my son climbed on me a number of times
as I worked away trying my hardest to beat
the deadline to finish this assignment.


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THE FINAL DESIGNS Complete
As I completed the final exercise I found myself reflecting on the entire process.
After the timed exercise we were to create the concept digitally.

I found myself challenged initially with how I would make my first practical exercise
more interesting. I personally enjoyed the “hand rendered” and original end result
of the first practical exercise. So though more about the purpose and for me the
original idea that came to mind was that the light bulb represented an “idea” that
in graphic design must be communicated. I felt as though the type was a great way
to express the communication visually.

For my final digital solution I used the original as a “template” so that they seemed
somewhat similar. I used the original to test colors and help emulate the illustrative
qualities in digital form. It was tough to replicate the overlaying of colors the same
FINAL Solutions
as paper mache and realized that the digital solution might look similar but would I began by ripping pages from an old book and painting with
be different enough to convey my idea digitally just as successfully, I used a variety watercolor paint onto the ripped pages. I used a flour/water
of photoshop brushes in varying colors and opacity to create a similar artistic mixture to create a paper mache onto the watercolor paper.
appearance. Unfortunately I felt the brushes in photoshop were so much more The paper was paper mached after it was watercolor painted.
limiting and constrainting than actually painting onto paper in a traditional form as
I did for the first practical timed exercise.

I used the type from my original paper that defined graphic design. I used a
photoshop brushe to help me create a more unique “torn” selection area before
carrying over the type. I intentionally created a more haphazard style to emulate
the style digitally similar to paper mache.


DESIGN METHODOLOGY
LET ME EXPLAIN MY DESIGN PROCESS
In graphic design, all designers develop their own individual design
methodologies during the creation of projects. Rather than jumping right onto
the computer and creating a project, it’s important that designers follow a
healthy design process which involves research, inspiration, conceptualization
and brainstorming, sketching ideas, and designing. Throughout the process it’s
wise that designers share ideas with co-workers or clients in order to receive
adequate feedback to ensure their project is taking the appropriate direction.

AT THE BEGINNING OF THE Quarter I EXPLAINED MY DESIGN METHODOLOGY

For me, I always begin a project with the design brief or project description. Many “Sketching is an excellent way to quickly explore concepts. You can After reading Kathy Sierra’s article, “Creativity on speed” it all now makes sense to brainstorm creative projects. The project, titled “The Map to My Mind” involved
times this may involve meeting directly or online with a client in order to get a sketch for one or two hours and work out multiple possible solutions why I work best under tight deadlines. a photo of my head surrounded by hundreds of words hand rendered that were
good understanding of the project requirements. Once the constraints are defined to the design problem at hand. This is an essential step in the design my own thoughts that pass through my mind on a daily basis. Though this was a
I spend time researching the competition and the company to get a better idea of process. It will save you time to work through concepts on paper before Kathy Sierra explains the reason why so many designers work well under deadline personal project, I did follow my own process, some of which I shared publicly on
the market I am designing for. I also take time to get inspired in terms of design. For going to the computer.” constraints in her article: my blog. The night of the faculty show I was asked by so many “how” I executed
example, if I know I am designing a page layout that will rely heavily on creative use the project so I find sharing this helps others see a sneak peak of my approach to
of typography I will refer to inspiring typography design. I often reference creative Once on the computer I usually refine out my top two to three designs before sharing “One of the best ways to be truly creative--breakthrough creative--is to be a design project.
projects that have nothing to do with the project I am working with, for example, my work with the client or boss. I find the review process also an imperative part forced to go fast. Really, really, really fast. From the brain’s perspective,
if I am designing a brochure I don’t just get inspired by looking at other brochures I of my methodology. Critique helps me learn how I can improve and how I am able it makes sense that extreme speed can unlock creativity. When forced Ultimately a designer’s design methodology is what impacts their approach to
also look at posters, web sites, and other media that might help spark my creativity. to meet the clients needs. As Kevin Cornell states in his article “Taking Critique”: to come up with something under extreme time constraints, we’re designing. In order to solve creative problems one must take a project through
forced to rely on the more intuitive, subconscious parts of our brain. a design evolution of conceptualization and understand that the first idea that
I find the brainstorming process one of the most important in my methodology. “If you’re creating emotional, introspective art with intellectual insight The time pressure can help suppress the logical/rational/critical parts crosses their mind may not be their best.
Brainstorming for me often happens in conjunction of doing research and getting into expressionist statements, don’t expect your next-door neighbor of your brain. It helps you EQ up subconscious creativity (so-called “right
inspired. At times it begins with jotting down notes but I often create word lists, who came over to borrow your plunger to have criticism as valuable brain”) and EQ down conscious thought (“left brain”).”
mind maps, and sketches to help me work out ideas that come to mind. I also try to as your former teacher, or your fellow artists. Find people you trust to
veer from the norm and think of ideas not necessarily related so I may take myself give you criticism; and remember that any critique is only an opinion I recently shared my creative process for a project I completed for our faculty art
out of my normal working environment or go do something that may make me think — meaning some people just won’t have the background to pick up exhibition. The constraints for our faculty show was to create a self portrait that
differently. Some of my best ideas come at the oddest of times - sometimes in the what you’re putting down, because they don’t have the same experiences must be square. I elected to use a mind map format because I use them so much
middle of the night I wake up with an idea other times it’s in the shower. Sometimes as yourself.”
my best idea come when I go somewhere I’ve never been. I find it intriguing how
just going to a new environment can trigger fresh ideas. After I sketch initial idea I For me, I also find that the deadline does impact my creativity. In fact, as much as
usually refine these sketches. I try not to just jump right onto the computer because I’d love to workforever on a project, I find I often times more effective and creative
I find the sketching process to because as Sean Hodge states in his article about when put under a tight deadline. Deadlines sometimes do inhibit how much I am
the role of sketching in the design process: able to follow the design methodology to a perfect process, however, this makes
me no less creative but instead more capable to adapt to the needs of a project. Hodge, Sean. “The Role of Sketching in the Design process” http://psd.tutsplus.com/drawing/the-role-of-sketching-in-the-design-process/
Cornell, Kevin. “Taking Critique” http://www.bearskinrug.co.uk/_articles/2007/01/24/taking_critique/
Sierra, Kathy. “Creativity on Speed” http://headrush.typepad.com/creating_passionate_users/2005/12/creativity_on_s.html
Kern, Amanda. “The Map to My Mind” http://amandakern.wordpress.com/2009/08/08/the-map-to-my-mind/


VISUALIZING MY DESIGN METHODOLOGY
For the second practical exercise we were expected to use our essay about our
personal design methodology to help us create a visual representation of the content.
We were only permitted to use one word for each stage of our methodology. Images
and textual content were permitted but were expected to share an equal role in
communication. We again were timed and had just three hours to complete this
practical exercise.

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or 3-D, single- or multiple-panel, etcetera). These decisions should evolve

3. Images and textual content should share an equal role in communication.

not posted during the three-hour time limit will be accepted for critique
purposes but will receive a grade of “0.”
GETTING Inspired
In the beginning I found myself searching for visual inspiration. I
I was again challenged with the time constraint which caused my mind to race found myself searching for examples that would help inspire me
through many ideas. I again stepped back and followed my process that I will now in visually communicating my design process. Examples found
share to help you understand my design methodology a little more clearly. illustrate strong ideas that help visualize planning, organization
and inspiring styles for this assignment.


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I again listed key words to help me conceptualize initial ideas for this assignment.
This is often times known to help me in finding my theme. For the second exercise
I reread my essay and pulled key words that I felt were relevant and jotted down
a few others that came to mind in the initial phases of this assignment. Here are
words brainstormed during exercise 1:

process direction refine
research competition share
inspiration variety review
conceptualization wordlist opinion

Concepts
brainstorming mind map deadline
sketching trigger creative ROUGH
ideas explore speed
feedback concept In the beginning stages I found myself using a mind map to help
me categorize my process a little more clearly. Finding myself
I refined my process down to these main sections and brainstormed a few words running out of time I contemplated a few ideas but in the end
along the way. found icons would best represent the stages of my design
process visually.
GOALS - communication
RESEARCH - paper, books, data
INSPIRATION - excite me!
BRAINSTORMING - conceptualization, ideas
CREATE = DESIGN
REVIEW - approve/disapprove
REVISE - iterative process before/after review
COMPLETE - implement/target


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TIME TO Create
Each graphical representation of my process was then redrawn and painted with
watercolor. I began trying to paint the shapes freehand realizing that I was running
out of time. As a part of my “review” and “revise” process I found after a few
attempts I came closer to what I wanted when I first sketched my ideas and then
painted. I found the graphical elements to be intriguing in an almost iconic format
where the things that came to mind for each category were enclosed in an almost
“button” shape.

I love the spontaniety that the watercolor brought to the icons, however, they
seemed a little rough still. So again as a part of my “review” and “revise” process I
refined the logos further by building more detail with pen & ink and then overlaying
the watercolor in some places with a watercolor pencil to give depth to the icons. I
found the iconic buttons also gained depth by creating an ink shadow. I then hand
DESIGN Process
rendered type to go in conjunction with each icon created. Given the time constraints, I found it especially challenging to
be “perfect” with these icons. I enjoyed seeing the original end
result, however, I was disappointed not to have more time to
perfect the shape and consistency in sizing and appearance of
the icons created.


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Originally I was excited to be able to take my second practical exercise to the
computer. It posed potential for some interesting possibilities. Once I got started I
was quickly reminded of how tedious of a process icon development was. I found
myself feeling as though I was creating 8 exercises, instead of just one and my ideas
I had visualized digitally were more time consuming than I felt was realistically
possible with the time I had remaining to complete the course.

I used a combination of illustrator and photoshop to execute the icons to give them
a more sketchy appearance. For the digital form I also included the type within the
icon and it made this addition much more seamless than the varied sizes sketched
out in the practical exercise.

I found myself especially challenged with this exercise for both the practical and
FINAL Solutions
digital execution and after completion of both it’s a perfect example of one exercise I liked how the computer allowed me to be able to make the
where I am confident with more time, review, and feedback I’d have likely been shapes of the icons in a more consistent manner, however,
more successful. keeping the sketchy look proved to be less than what I had
hoped for. I had hoped to still give them a “painted” look but
with a digital feel. Some sketchy qualities are present but they
didnt’ quite turn out how I had envisioned.


TYPOGRAPHIC REPRESENTATION OF THE WEATHER
For our third exercise we were expected to put our design methodology to practice by
using the information provided in our local daily newspaper to visually, dynamically,
and creatively represent the 36-hour weather forecast. We were permitted to use
text or letter forms only for this assignment. Again we had just three hours to
complete this assignment.

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3. You may use text or letterforms only (no images).

not posted during the three-hour time limit will be accepted for critique
purposes but will receive a grade of “0.”
GETTING Inspired
I again searched for visual inspiration. The following are a
It’s easy to feel challenged in timed assignments, however, by the third timed few examples that I reviewed while researching inspiration.
exercise I found myself to be in more of a rhythm with following my process when Examples found illustrate strong ideas that help typography
challenged by time. I found myself more excited about exercise three because it communicate an image or message visually. I also found
was a little more focused on a topic and involved typography. examples of weather icons useful in getting inspired.


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Once again I found myself identifying key words that helped me get started with
this practical exercise.

weather 3-day latest events
rain forecast changing
cloudy Florida weather watch
sunny movement report
thunderstorms freeflowing new
lightening cold front update
news seasonal

I created rough drafts for this exercise as part of the brainstroming process. Some
of the ideas I came up with involved a visual representation of the forecast with
ROUGH Concepts
type which included type hand rendered in a way that created the iconic visual for I used the local newspaper to help me identify the three day
the forecast. One idea I had was to use words related to the weather to make up weather forecast. It became a huge inspiration for me working
the visual. I also considered using the news headlines as the type. I considered on this assignment. In the end I found myself using many of
using watercolor first and then the type on top of the watercolor. I felt this process the headlines and type from within the newspaper. A few rough
wouldn’t have been wise due to the time constraints. I thought about also cutting ideas helped me get moving towards my final solution.
out newspaper to form the weather icons. Also torn paper paper mache was another
idea to create the weather icons, however, seeing how that was my approach for
the first exercise I strayed away from it for this exercise.


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Practical exercise 3 I had a lot of fun with. I’ve always enjoyed hand rendering type
so I have to admit that the hands on portion of this exercise was far more exciting
for me. It allowed me to create the letters a little more freely and artistically than
on the computer.

For the first forecast that was “drier, some sun” I used a similar icon to what I found
in the newspaper but the hand rendered type made up the icon. I used headlines
and type found in the newspaper to make the icon. For the second forecast I again
used headlines to create the iconic representation for a thunderstorm. I focused
more heavily on impactful headlines. For the third forecast I found the U.S war
statistics an intriguing representation to represent rain. I focused on statistics and
impactful war related type. FINAL Solutions
As much as I enjoyed the hand rendering of type, I found myself again excited to It was very tedious positioning, resizing, rotating this much type
move to the digital development of this exercise, however, after starting I was digitally on the computer. By the time I finished I found myself
quickly reminded how tedious the process of using typography in a more creative remembering how much MORE fun I had creating these exercises
form could be. I think if I had a lot more time on hand this could have really been by hand than in digital form. This exercise again reminded me
exciting to push the type further to a three dimensional digital form. I found it a that creating something digitally doesn’t necessarily make the
little tougher to fill the spaces as I did by hand because of the rigidness digital type solution better.
can become in layout. It was very tedious positioning, resizing, rotating this much
type. By the time I finished I found myself remembering how much MORE fun I had
creating these exercises by hand than in digital form. I found it a little tougher to
fill the spaces as I did by hand because of the rigidness digital type can become
in layout.


MY VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF A QUOTATION
For our fourth exercise we were expected to visually represent a random quote
that was presented to us when we began the exercise. The quote I was presented
with for this exercise was “More is Less”. I was challenged with how I’d visually
represent this both with text and imagery.

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3. You must integrate text and image(s) to effectively communicate the content
of the text intended by the author. Your typographic and image integration
should be well balanced, completing the narrative together.

4. The quote should be included in the final solution. It should not, however, be
GETTING Inspired
the primary focal point of the final solution. I began by researching a little more about the quote I was
assigned. The following notes were taken to help me as I
5. You have three hours to complete and post your final solution. Work conceptualized my solution. An initial search for the origins
not posted during the three-hour time limit will be accepted for critique of the quote “More is less” instantly brought up a lot of
purposes but will receive a grade of “0.” “minimalist” topics and I learned that the quote was made by
artist, Ad Reinhardt. I began getting inpired by looking at Ad
Reinhardt’s artwork as well as work of abstract expressionists.


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I again identified key words that helped me get started with this practical exercise.

more is less more) confused
ad reinhardt free form disorder
chaos color field disarray
clutter crowd anarchy
paint busy turmoil
abstract traffic confusion
cup (full) geometric
scale (representing noise

This assignment was definitely a challenge when I first began. I often times begin
the brainstroming and getting inspired part of my process at around the same time.
So before I learned that Ad Reinhardt was the originator of this quote I was stumped
ROUGH Concepts
at how I’d visually execute this one. I instantly thought of a cup overflowing or I created a few rough drafts to help me in the conceptualization
crowds. As I learned more about Ad Reinhardt and his efforts in the minimalist process for this assignment. Initially when reading the quote
movement I felt it appropriate to create a visual piece that would emulate his style I thought of how the quote “more is less” made me think of
and also help relate to the quote itself. size and capacity. I thought of a cup overfilling as well as
a scale. Those ideas seemed too typical so after doing my
research further about Ad Reinhardt I felt as though it might be
interesting to experiment with some of the styles of his abstract
work for this assignment.


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Not knowing the expectations beginning this assignment left me unprepared with
supplies I really hoped to paint abstractly onto canvas. Unfortunately I only had
watercolor paper so the application didn’t quite turn out as I expected. But I painted
abtractly and found the contrasts in color to create a sense of “chaos” and “busy”
movements that reminded me of what the quote was really intending to mean
when read. I added in white acrylic paint for the words. I had hoped for the paint to
“drip” to make the text but that too didn’t quite turn out like I expected. It instead
was painted on in thick strokes so it doesn’t quite have the appearance that it was
“dripped” onto the canvas as many abstract painters are remembered for. However,
it does have a bit of a busy feel to it, especially when used against the chaotic
background created.

For my digital version of this exercise I used the original design and the work of
FINAL Solutions
Reinhardt as inspiration. I decided to try to emulate paint strokes more freely in In the end the this exercise proved to be fun. The hands
photoshop using some of the colors from the original exercise. I layered the paint on portion was tougher to control, especially under a time
brushes and attempted to create a chaotic solution that would help me represent constraint and not be prepared with all materials prior to
that “more” is really “less” in art and design. I’m hoping when viewed the painting knowing what to expect for this assignment. The digital portion
in the background gives a sense of disorder and clutter to help you stay reminded of this assignment was defintely less “messy”, however, I found
that adding more to a piece of art or design doesn’t necessarily make it better. it challenging because the process to find, load and use a large
variety of brushes can be more time consuming and tedious.
To finish the piece I used a script type that would remind the viewer of handwriting. Though I gave it a “painted” appearance, it’s very obvious that
By keeping it white it helped add enough contrast to help it stand out against the the paint strokes are digital. They are very clean and perfected
art work. A slight drop shadow helped make it a little more legible against the in comparison to the original.
painted surface.


A FEW FINAL Reflections
Throughout this quarter this course helped me think more in depth to the actual Despite the intense time constraints I was placed under to complete this course,
meaning of graphic design. To me this definition ultimately involves not a “cool” I was again reminded of the quote by Kathy Sierra that in included in my original
design, nor something that we necessarily enjoy creating. instead, graphic design essay about my design methodology:
involves creating something that will communicate an idea and serve a purpose.
In the end all design has some type of goal that must be met and it’s our job as “One of the best ways to be truly creative--breakthrough creative--is to be
designers to ensure the goals are met. forced to go fast. Really, really, really fast. From the brain’s perspective,
it makes sense that extreme speed can unlock creativity. When forced
This course also helped me think about paying closer attention to my own design to come up with something under extreme time constraints, we’re
process. Creating the exercises this semester were definitely great practice to forced to rely on the more intuitive, subconscious parts of our brain.
follow my own methodologies as I created each one. I found I almost always The time pressure can help suppress the logical/rational/critical parts
followed a process that involved understanding the goals of a project, conducting of your brain. It helps you EQ up subconscious creativity (so-called “right
research, conceptualizing and brainstorming, getting inspired, creating, reviewing, brain”) and EQ down conscious thought (“left brain”).”
revising, and completing a process. Often times some of these phases of a project
would overlap with one another, especially as time constraints played a factor in And this quarter I was forced to go really fast to complete this course on time. I
the design of the assignments. have no doubt that the time constraints heavily influenced my work. So as I now
conclude this book defining my design methodology I think the one thing I take
One of the greatest influences on my design process was certainly time. Though away from this, and hope others do also, is that you must find it in yourself to
time may have limited me somewhat, I found that it did not completely deter me follow your own design process as best as you can, regardless of time. Does time
from following my process. I was especially challenged with this course’s time affect the end result of a project? Absolutely. Has time influenced my process this
constraints after missing over 75% of the course due to medical problems. After semester? Absolutely. Could I have improved my process or my course work this
being granted permission to continue the course after the quarter ended, I still quarter? Absolutely. For me, that’s really the one thing that I really leave this course
found myself challenged more than ever before to design under pressure to ensure learning most — that you make the most of the time you have to execute the
i met the goals of the course. I have no doubt if I had been able to invest the same design solutions you’ve conceptualized with the realization that there is ALWAYS
time as a normal quarter that my solutions may have been far different, and likely room for improvement.
improved, from what they are now.

Amanda Kern || GRDS-705-OL1 Design Methodology || Professor John De Vylder || Savannah College of Art & Design || February 7, 2010

Design methodologies process book

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Design methodologies process book