Sketching

As I am sure that you are aware, design is a process. Rarely will you be able to come up with the best, and most appropriate, solution in the first try. Typically there is communication between client and designer to reach a solution.

As I am also sure that you are aware, the computer is just a tool. It is a tool that needs software, and more importantly–electricity to run properly. So what do you do if you do not have access to a computer? Use a pencil and a piece of paper! Read this article to learn more about sketching–also take note of some of the comments at the bottom of the article. Don't forget to respond and comment here.

Final Project

What will you build for your final project? Comment on this post to share your site. Please be as specific as possible. Feel free to comment on each other's comments, too.

Work Environment

It is never too late to think about your future, and where you see yourself working. There are several general types of design environments - freelance, agency/design firm, or in-house. Undoubtedly, some of you see yourselves working solo as a freelancer. All of these types of work environments have their own challenges, and not everyone can work in all of these settings.

Read this article [here]

Where do you see yourself working the best? Are you the type of person who can take a laptop anywhere and work? Do you think that you would have enough will-power and self-control to work from your home? Are you the type of person who needs socialization and the face-to-face that a studio would provide? Comment on this post with your thoughts.

Take a moment to really think about the type of work environment would best suit your style. Be honest with your post, there is no right or wrong here.

Privacy

How do you know if someone is monitoring your online activity? It's one thing to forget to log out of, say your email, when you leave campus, but as you get ready to enter the workforce, you need to consider your online presence. Just for kicks, google yourself...what comes up? Anything that you don't want a potential employer (or even your date, or worse your mother) to see?

In the past week, Facebook has drawn discussion about their privacy settings. Many of you are regular Facebook users - in some cases spending waaaay too much time on the site - so what do you think about how Facebook is handling this issue?

The last thing you want is to exclude yourself from a potential job by having non-work-appropriate content viewable by anyone. Follow this link to take other precautions to protect your identity online. What do you think – does privacy matter to you?

You need to know more than just HTML/CSS??!?!?

Visit this link...[here].

Whether you believe it or not, both web and print design go beyond creating artifacts. This podcast discusses some atypical skills that a web designer might need to know.

Is it better to know a little about everything (generalist), or do you think it would be better for you to specialize in one particular area?

Back to design, here is an article on how to become a great designer (not without some work!): [here]

Your task for the next week is to find a design (web, print, etc.) blog and share it with the rest of the class. Just comment on this post and share your findings - give us the URL and why you think this is worth our time.

Creative Thinking

Designers are continuously faced with the challenge of coming up with a design solution that is unique and original. However, sometimes coming up with that idea can be difficult. Read through this article on what contributes to designer's block and how to overcome it. You might be surprised to find that some of the suggested solutions for overcoming creative block are quite simple! Respond and react to this reading for your participation for week 2.

Web Advantages/Disadvantages

What are some advantages and disadvantages of the web?

Welcome to Art 292!

Good morning! We will study and learn about web design and Dreamweaver today and throughout this term.