visual references

As far as visuals are concerned, the standard black white and red seems to be a winner. I'd like to have more information about the event to go off of, but here are some general visual directions.

insight into Alcatraz

After viewing the Alcatraz Reunion trailer I felt conflicted. Some of these inmates didn't want to go and were even scared to set foot on the island again. I can't say I blame them either. Perhaps it was healing for some and perhaps it opened up a chapter in their lives they'd rather forget. It was interesting to hear about their rehabilitation or lack thereof. I'd like to hear more about what the guards have to say as well. It all seems a bit odd for the inmates and guards to come together again when in the past the guards held all the power. I be intimidated. Doing time on Alcatraz doesn't' seem like something one easily forgets about. I was surprised to read about the 70th year reunion in a few newspaper articles. SF Chronicle and Oakland Tribune

So part of the draw is tourism, but I don't think the reunions in the past have been well advertised. I wondering if it's something that should be advertised to the public or if this event is more for the families that actually lived the history of Alcatraz. I'm wondering if this event really needs help being promoted? Tours are usually booked 2 or more months in advance. My doubts continue as I haven't heard back from either of my contacts even after several attempts this week. Alcatraz seems like a busy place!

class reaction week 3

It was exciting to get to meet George Su from the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and hear more about what projects we would be working on for the remainder of the semester. We received a Project Brief that is helpful as a road map for the direction of this project. It was good to hear from George what some of the standards and accessibility issues are for a GGNPC web site. It makes sense that a mouseover on an image should have a description of what is being shown because it not only helps a visually impaired person, but it also helps to communicate a better understanding of what is being presented.

cool new websites

http://unscrewamerica.org/

I came across this campaign and I absolutely love it! It's fun and engaging, and it also delivers important info. This could have been presented in such a dry manner. I don't think this is the right aesthetic for my Alcatraz Reunion site, but I had to share.

75th Alcatraz Alumni Anniversary

After much hemming and hawing, I've chosen to promote the 75th Alcatraz
Alumni Anniversary by developing a mini web site in conjunction with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. www.parksconservancy.org

I've found some general info about Alcatraz:
Visit Alcatraz
Alcatraz: Making San Francisco History for Generations
Alcatraz Reunion Film
The poster above was done for the film. I couldn't find the film for rent anywhere, so I bought it and it's on it's way!

class reaction week 2

I liked having a dialog in class that went back and forth, and perhaps on a tangent or two. It makes it interesting. Besides, who wants to be lectured at without hearing a different opinion or two? Last class we talked about a designer having a voice. Part of why I'm in grad school is to help me as a designer to establish a voice. However, I'm interested in so many things and have experiences working with different materials I find myself overwhelmed just thinking about choosing a way. What would my voice be? I have a diverse background so that I can communicate diversely. So, in some ways I think a jack of all trades is beneficial, but I also think that establishing a strong voice is a good way to get the world to recognize my work. Perhaps it's just a matter of establishing certain elements or ways or processes that help create a voice instead of one strong visual style.

working on the web

I find myself getting frustrated with my computer. I realize that it's an inanimate object, but somehow it just makes me feel better to curse at it. I love working with my hands and just picking up a pencil to create something. I've found that over the years I've sort of lost my "artistic" touch the more I use the computer to communicate. I guess drawing is like riding a bike... I just have to start doing it more. I like using my computer and the internet to create something as well, but in a different way. Well, this is why I'm here. I'm excited to use technology to create and design. It's a new way to communicate and interact with a wide audience and a new community.

latest work: Lego Pet Toys Poster Set

I had a list of brands and matched them to a list of products. The end result? Lego pet toys! The idea behind these posters is to be able to come up with a solid concept for anything. I mean, what if Lego really wanted to make "pet toys?" Lego reps, if you're out there, I'm waiting for your phone call...

expectations

I'm interested in learning how communication can be translated to the web effectively. I'm interested in learning about what makes a certain website popular and what elements people are drawn to. It seems the web and digital tools changes so often that it's a bit overwhelming to dive in. I've had minimal experience with html (and just looking through the html on this blog gave me a headache. I did, however manage to change my fonts from serif to sans serif! I'm hoping this will get easier through my experience in this class). I'd love to get a grasp on flash and dreamweaver and the possibilities they offer to communicate to a broader audience. I think to be relevant in graphic design today, I have to be up to date on technology to use these tools to push the possibilities of what interactive design can do and be.

cool websites

Method has a pretty cool site and good green products to boot.


http://cmart.design.ru/

I love this site that showcases the artwork of Oleg Paschenko. It's not always
clear what is going on and it requires the user to interact with the site. Sound, image, animation, and the resident poltergeist combine to create a site appropriate to the type of work that Paschenko does. From a design standpoint,this site complements the content and enriches the user experience.

http://www.20x200.com/

I like this simple site because it's easy to browse the artwork and even us students can afford to buy something. Each week one new photo and one new work on paper is introduced. It's great to be able to see what other people are doing from all over.

living in san francisco

I've dabbled in a variety of different creative avenues. I started doing traditional art and concentrated on drawing and photography at UCSC. I switched schools and started taking classes in Comprehensive Design at UCD. Basically this meant I could take any classes I wanted related to design. I concentrated in interior design, and supplemented with a few graphic design and textile/sculpture classes. I love working with my hands, but I find that I now end up creating mostly with the computer. I'ved live in San Francisco for the past 4 years, but it seems like I've barely explored all the city has to offer.