Project #3 Packaging

For this project we were asked to develop a packaging concept for our item-if you'll recall mine was a bird stencil. I researched and observed stencils and their packaging on the internet and at Michaels. Most had nothing really fancy about them: they were either in a plastic sheath or as is with a a piece of cardboard at the top.   So I began thinking about my design and the flaws I saw in current design of stencil packaging.  For my target audience, the average crafter, they are a resourceful bunch. They are all about dual use of items and I wanted my packaging to reflect this. The package needs to be able to contain the stencil and protect it from damage. I wrote these thoughts in my sketch book and started sketching ideas...

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Project # 2: Branding

I read the description for this assignment and inwardly said to myself, "I know NOTHING ABOUT ADVERTISING!!!!!" We were to "develop the optimal graphic strategy for representing the object in a way that highlights its unique qualities, assets, and potential uses." So with K.I.S.S engraved in my brain, I started my brainstorming. I decided I either need to buy an actual stencil or make my own. With the given time constraints, it was best for me to buy a stencil. I went to Michael's and looked at their stencils and picked 2 that I liked. One was a chipboard cut out of a bird and the other was a boarder stencil.  Bird Stencil I was drawn to the bird because it reminded me of the Twitter bird. It was cute, fun, and it just spoke to...

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Project #1: The Postcard

Our first assignment was a bit of a daunting one for me. I found it a challenge to start training my brain to think another way. We were given a very broad topic and instructed to pick an object based on it. The object we choose was to follow us the ENTIRE semester in ALL of our projects. We then needed to make a postcard that would translate the essence of our object to the receiver. Heavy stuff, so I figured I needed to choose my object wisely. My topic was "printed media" and immediately the idea of graffiti popped in my head. I don't know why, but it literally was the first thing- specifically a picture I took while in NYC a few years ago. The photo is a graffiti tribute to the legendary artist Fernando Carlo, tag name "Cope". Harlem,...

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Blog Review

I wasn't all THAT moved by the given blogs so I did a little google searching and found this blog called Loish Blog. It is by a Dutch digital artist and animator named Lois Van Baarle. I am drawn to her vivid use of color (I happen to be a color fiend!) and her juxtaposition of real and carton caricatures. I am also stunned with what she can do on a computer! It looks as if she hand drew most of her work. Ms. Van Baarle also showcases some of her favorite works by other artists. I think she gives a great deal of variety in her blog that I aspire to give in my own. We see how I ...

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