Yesterday I went to AIGA KC's annual portfolio workshop. Last year's event was open to juniors and I received a lot of helpful feedback about the portfolio I used to apply for internships. This year, I was happy to be able to attend again and get some insights on my senior portfolio. Not only was this a great opportunity for me to practice speaking about my work, it was helpful to gain some outside perspectives on projects I have looked at so many times. In the next few weeks I will be implementing changes to some projects based on the feedback, and of course this will also mean some updates to my website. Thanks AIGA KC!
Such Great Heights
Having spent a great portion of yesterday doing product research, I stumbled upon the lovely website that is Such Great Heights. These kids products are created to nurture creativity and utilize quality materials and design adults will cherish. I know I would have loved playing in my own Wonder Tent as a child. Take a look!
Senior Problems at Hallmark
Last Thursday I was introduced to the project I will be completing for my Senior Problems class working in Hallmark's packaging department! I will be designing under the direction of Krista Masilionis, Hallmark Creative Studio Director, and Patrick Dooley, Design Professor at the University of Kansas. I am excited to get researching, I know this will end up being a valuable addition to my portfolio. It is going to be an exciting semester!
2013 Moments
While we are already well into January, I decided to take a look back at my travels, creative experiences, and time with friends and family throughout 2013. This past year I had opportunity to experience two different internships with Ampersand Design Studio and Trozzolo Communications Group. With only one semester of college left ahead of me, in 2013 I was able to take studio classes I loved. This allowed me to spend time in the letterpress lab, dive into hand lettering and become a much more experienced book binder. One of my proudest crafting moments was creating my Fraser Hall Halloween costume. Lawrence has truly become my second home over the past few years, and this year I loved continuing to explore my college town and spend time with great friends and inspiring classmates. This was also a great year for traveling: I spent time skiing, went on a cruise and took a senior trip to Las Vegas. I can't wait to see what 2014 will bring!
Paper + Printing 101
Last Friday I attended an AIGA student event all about paper and printing. This even took place at Spangler Graphics and was led by Marie Langdon of Shaugnessy. The day began with a presentation all about how paper is made. We were able to view examples of different printing techniques and learn all about different types of paper and their characteristics. At the end of the day we were able to tour Spangler's printing facilities and take home tons of paper samples. My personal favorite was a bulldog hat, a promotional pice for French Paper, designed by Charles S. Anderson. Overall this was a valuable experience that I know will benefit me in the future.
Emily Martin Carousel Book Workshop
On Friday I had the privilege to attend a workshop led by Emily Martin. The focus of the workshop was to learn the workings of a carousel book. Each participant created a book using templates designed by Emily with each room illustrating different pop-up techniques. Emily Martin earned a MFA degree in painting, from the University of Iowa in 1979, having previously earned a BFA and MA in drawing and painting, respectively. She started the Naughty Dog Press in 1996 to produce her own limited editions of primarily sculptural and movable artist's books. Martin joined the University of Iowa Center for the Book in 1998, to teach a variety of classes exploring artists' books, including Moveable & Sculptural Books, Paper Engineering & Pop Up Books and Artists Books. During her career she has produced over 35 limited edition artist's books using a variety of production techniques including letterpress printing, intaglio printing, silkscreen printing, inkjet printing and photocopies. Martin is very interested in the intersection of the book as an art form with the traditional craft of bookbinding.