Polaroid Vase

Designer Jung Hwa Jin has created a vase that mimics a polaroid. This reminds me of class a few weeks ago when we discussed the idea of old technology becoming art. The perfect example of old technology being used in new ways to make.

Dust Storm

These pictures are of the dust storm in Australia, covering everything in red. The middle picture stuck me because of the stark difference between the interior and exterior.

Tips for Success

Last week, Professor Klinkowstein provided us with a paper detailing the characteristics of a Strategic Designer. It told us we should be zoomers (able to look at the big picture as well as the details), know the design process, be able to do anything and know that we don't have to do everything.
This week, Seth Godin details in his blog entry "The hierarchy of success" about what he believes to be the secret to success. He tells us that the last thing we should be concerned about is execution. Really it's about our attitude and how we handle the problem that allows us to succeed. His list is:
1. Attitude
2. Approach
3. Goals
4. Strategy
5. Tactics
6. Execution
It's definitely true that execution is an important part of creating a project and having it go well. However, this is only the smallest part of the problem. First we need to have the right attitude toward the project. If we think it's too overwhelming and give up, or if we think it is not important to pay attention to the details, we will not be able to create something successful.
This is true of everything in life as well. When we have the right attitude we are able to do anything and learn from everything we do.

Class Notes 9.9

Fonts:

Serifs (like Times New Roman) have "hooks"

Sans Serif (like Arial) are without hooks

Connotative information - suggestive and more philosophical

Denotative information - factual and informational

The bleed on a page goes out as far as you can print.

Books of the Future

The design challenge on Core77.com is all about designing the books of the future. This was of interest to me because I am a publishing major and am very interested to see where everything is going in the publishing world. With the advent of new technology there are different ways of reading, especially with all the handheld devices we have to use.
Really what they say in their research is that reading comes with some experiences that are not replicated in the technology today. Some of these things include that some books are more than just words and are filled with experiences and personal history. It is the challenge of the designer to enhance digital reading and help include these aspects into the new technologies.

Is the book of the future the digital reader or will we always have books?

Craft and Technology

In the New York Times blog Remix, there is a post called "Craft Fare" that discusses a new up-and-coming designer Paul Loebach. His designs use a combination of craft and technology to create something new. I think this is what design should be about - combining the old recognized traditions with new modern looks. Taking something that is tried and true and putting a little spin on it. That to me is something that takes skill.
His works look like something stylish that you can use, rather than something that should just sit there. Although a designer may want to create something that is amazing and makes people stare, it is also about practicality. It's nice when creations don't make you wonder what that designer was thinking.
Here is a picture of some of his work.

Final Copy of Brochure

Philip Johnson: Playing with Power

Page 1

Most well-known for his architectural genius in the creation of the Glass House, Philip Johnson is a designer who will be remembered for his groundbreaking achievements and beliefs in aesthetics over functionality.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1906, Johnson studied at Harvard Graduate School of Design, graduating in 1943. Before practicing architecture, Johnson was the founding Director of the Department of Architecture at the Museum of Modern Art. His first exhibition in 1932 called “The International Style” introduced the American public to Modern Architecture.

Philip Johnson has created numerous architectural landmarks, including the Kline Biology Tower at Yale University; the Seagram Building in New York; the New York State Theater, part of Lincoln center; and the AT&T building in New York.

By far, though, his most famous work is his former residence in New Canaan, Connecticut. It was here that he created his Glass House. He later added several other buildings to the overall design, including the Brick House, Sculpture Gallery, and the Pavilion. The grounds are now open to the public with a mission to preserve modern architecture and help inspire future generations.

Page 2

Johnson believed greatly in the idea that architecture is about art and not about function. He declared, “My attack on functionalism is about ‘business functionalism’ which says, ‘I’ll do whatever the client says, instead of standing up for art.’” He used his designs to make his occupants uncomfortable or what he called “safe danger.” He designed high steps with no railing in his Kirstein Tower, and his steps for his Fort Worth Water Garden design had a chasm with water running through them. Johnson uses his architectural designs to communicate. He concentrates on much more than function, allowing his designs to influence and effect the people who use them.

One building that Johnson made a huge statement with was his AT&T building, now the Sony building in New York, with its modern base and Chippendale top that makes it look like a piece of furniture. This building sparked much controversy because this incorporated design elements that were seen to be old and out of date. This is just one example of the contradictory nature of Johnson’s work.

He was also heavily influenced by the Nazi era and was attracted to the power of Hitler. Johnson was impressed by their powerful display and this fascination with power can be seen through his work. Johnson mourned the fact that Hitler was not a good architect because he could have done much with his buildings instead of implementing such extreme functionality.

Page 3

Philip Johnson has had an important effect on the world of design. Even before he formally studied to become an architect, he was an architectural historian and worked to introduce architecture to the world. When he created his Glass House and further designs on his New Canaan land, Johnson created something that would influence the world. Although not a practical architect, Johnson worked to make statements and influence those around him. He wanted to use the power that came with architecture to create communication. Upon his death in 2005, the world of design marked the end of an influential artist and powerful man. But his legacy will live on in his architectural masterpieces.

Sources:

http://philipjohnsonglasshouse.org/

http://arcscholar.blogspot.com/2009/03/post-modernism-engaging-image-of.html

Cook, J.; Klotz, H. Conversations with Architects. New York: Praeger Publishers, 1973.

What Design Can Do (pt 2)

More news on Emily Pilloton and her Project H Design can be found in the New York Times article, "Designing for Humanity." Her new book, Design Revolution: 100 Products that Empower People is coming out on Thursday.
The above picture is of one of her designs used to teach kids math.
It further details her ideas of making designs that are artsy yet completely functional. They went in to a place where troublesome foster kids are sent to calm down thinking they could use aromatherapy, music, and other designer details. But they were completely unprepared for the instructions by the director who told them they could not use anything that could be used as a missile and had to use a specific material on the walls in case of flying feces. Scary, right?
But really what it's all about is design that can be used in daily life that is nice yet completely functional. Design should not be simply about the statement it makes, but rather something that can be used and enjoyed by many.

Notes From 9/8/09

"God is in the details." ~Mies Van Der Rohe
Details make the difference between passable and excellence.

Pictures on the internet are 72 dpi. Printed matter needs to have 300 dpi to have any quality.

.jpg files are more compressed files and are better for print. .pct and .tif files are better for print.

Marshal Mcluhan said that nothing disappears with new technology but the old becomes art. Things don't replace themselves, they just move to another category. This is in regard to new technologies, such as the ereader that is replacing books.

Photoshop:
To correct angled scans: Image - Image Rotation - Arbitrary. Enter a degree (usu. 3-5)
To check to see if it is straight, use a guide: View - Rulers. Drag down a guide.
To crop: Use the crop tool, then Image - Crop.
To undo the snap to function: View - Snap (uncheck).

Gutter - inside of the book, where the pages come together.
Platin - screen on the scanner.

New "It" Bikes

This picture is from the New York Times article "Whose Bike Are You Wearing" by Alex Williams. It's all about the new fad of bike riding. Fashion designers are creating new lines for bike wear, and what bike you ride is becoming a fashion statement.
The good thing? It will definitely make more people buy bikes and ride them. It will help the environment and creates great modes of transportation.
The bad side? Hopefully it won't deter people with old shoddy bikes from riding them around...
My roommate, who is very environmentally aware and works with Greenpeace and other organizations to help in progressive causes, refused to ride her bike for a short time because she declared it too ugly. I hope this is not the case for many people because it would be disappointing to think that fashion comes before all else. Even the future of the Earth.

What Design Can Do

The video on Core77, "What design can do: Emily Pilloton and Project H," describes the problem of creating designs that will help communities. They used tires and string and a simple design to create a universal "Learning Landscape" that can be used in schools worldwide in teaching math. They also created a way of transporting water in South Africa that helps the people there save time and energy.
This is an exciting program because it takes problems that are found within the community and work to make it better. This is really what design is all about - using it to create things that can teach others and help make life easier. It is not just about look and how we view the art, but how it can serve us too.

Destressing

This year, especially with the economy, people are navigating through more and more stress, according to Tim McKeough in his New York Times article "Creating an Oasis of Calm." This means it is up to designers to appeal to people's senses and help them form a new sense of balance. Comprehensive experience, claims emotional architect Robert D. Henry, comes from appealing to all five senses. And it is up to the artist to do, so we can feel like we are on the beach or in our "happy place" wherever we physically are.

Starting Over

As I'm beginning to think about my first project, it has struck me that I may have to try several times before I am happy with the final product. I may have to go back to square one. This, according to Seth Godin's blog entry entitled "Square one is underrated," can be nicer then people expect. I'm hoping this holds true for me.

Rough Copy for Brochure

Our first project is to create a brochure. For the copy, we needed to research a well-known designer. Using books and blogs we were to write 450-650 words. This is my rough draft:

Philip Johnson: Post-Modernist Architect

Most well-known for his architectural genius in the creation of the Glass House, Philip Johnson is a designer who will be remembered for his groundbreaking achievements and beliefs in aesthetics over functionality.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1906, Johnson studied at Harvard Graduate School of Design, graduating in 1943. Before practicing architecture, Johnson was the founding Director of the Department of Architecture at the Museum of Modern Art. His first exhibition in 1932 called “The International Style” introduced the American public to Modern Architecture.

Philip Johnson has created numerous architectural landmarks, including the Kline Biology Tower at Yale University; the Seagram Building in New York; and the New York State Theater, part of Lincoln center.

By far, though, his most famous work is his former residence in New Canaan, Connecticut. It was here that he created his Glass House. He later added several other buildings to the overall design, including the Brick House, Sculpture Gallery, and the Pavilion. The grounds are now open to the public with a mission to preserve modern architecture and help inspire future generations.

Johnson believed greatly in the idea that architecture is about art and not about function. He declared, “My attack on functionalism is about ‘business functionalism’ which says, ‘I’ll do whatever the client says, instead of standing up for art.’” He used his designs to make his occupants uncomfortable or what he called “safe danger.” He designed high steps with no railing in his Kirstein Tower, and his steps for his Fort Worth Water Garden design had a chasm with water running through them. Johnson uses his architectural designs to communicate. He concentrates on much more than function, allowing his designs to influence and effect the people who use them.

He was also heavily influenced by the Nazi era and was attracted to the power of Hitler (some even question his morals). He was impressed by their powerful display. He mourned the fact that Hitler was not a good architect because he could have done much with his buildings instead of implementing such extreme functionality.

Philip Johnson has had an important effect on the world of design. Even before he formally studied to become an architect, he was an architectural historian and worked to introduce architecture to the world. When he created his Glass House and further designs on his New Canaan land, Johnson created something that would influence the world. Although not a practical architect, Johnson worked to make statements and influence those around him. He wanted to use the power that came with architecture to create communication. Upon his death in 2005, the world of design marked the end of an influential artist and powerful man. But his legacy will live on in his architectural masterpieces.

Sources:

http://philipjohnsonglasshouse.org/

http://arcscholar.blogspot.com/2009/03/post-modernism-engaging-image-of.html

Cook, J.; Klotz, H. Conversations with Architects. New York: Praeger Publishers, 1973.

Design Clubs

Design clubs seem to be gaining prevalence in the US. This can even be seen at Hofstra with the recent creation of the HAGA (Hofstra Association of Graphic Arts). Designers have to stick together and help each other.

Enormity

The problem with enormity, Seth Godin tells us in his blog, is that when people are confronted with huge problems, you will only get averted eyes. Enormity only causes people to become discouraged and not want to deal with the issues. When you have smaller, more community based problems, people will rush to help.
This is relational to design. If you overwhelm people with the enormity of a design they will not want to consider the information you are trying to give them. Giving someone a personal feel will make them want to examine something further and your design will complete its purpose.

The below cartoon exemplifies this idea in a humorous light. Ignoring something (or trying to) will not make it go away.

First Post/Explanation for Blog

As a Hofstra University student I am taking a class on Computer Graphics. Part of the class consists of keeping a blog complete with notes and reviews of other interesting blog posts, as well as steps of our various projects. I'm excited about the blog and I think it will be a good way to keep up-to-date on new design and media happenings and keep track of what I have learned in the course.
I'm hoping this blog will help me to ask questions in my designs and projects - not just the "what" but the "why" as well.