No class on Thursday, April 18

I just wanted to post a reminder that we are not meeting on Thursday. You have the time to work on your final spread for Connect Magazine.

I have posted the instruction sheet for the final assignment in the assignment list on this blog: Major Project 3.

50 ways to become a better designer

This is an article from Computer Arts Magazine, a UK publication.

What is design? Design is both the process and the final product of an endeavour to fulfil a personal or professional brief. Whether you are creating a piece of graphic work, a website, or a design for a new product, the underlying principal is the same – the creative process is everything.

Bad design results from faults with this process – poor planning, ignoring the conventions of the media, poor technical skills or poor communication. So how can you streamline your working methods? How do you go from haphazard doodler to a well-oiled design machine? Listen to the experts.

7 habits of successful designers

I found this post in the online magazine boxes and arrows.

Talent Isn’t Everything
by Chanpory Rith on 2007/04/09 | [12 Comments]

Here’s a common myth: To be a successful creative professional, all you need is talent. It’s a nice myth to believe in. “Talent” suggests a divine or evolutionary genetic gift, so if you’re blessed with the talent gene, you’re special and can be a cool creative person. If not, you’re destined to be an accountant.

”... this myth of talent has very little to do with the success of a junior designer.”

After working three years at MetaDesign and since starting my new position at Dubberly Design Office, I’ve noticed this myth of talent has very little to do with the success of a junior designer. Instead, I have found that those who survive and last more than six months practice these seven habits:


1. Work quickly. Produce a lot.

2. Attend to details.

3. Be versatile.

4. Make an effort to learn.

5. Anticipate problems.

6. Set goals.

7. Display a positive attitude.

Design Meltdown

I just found this interesting reference site for designers. Check it out.

A planning resource

Graphic designer Ron Reason's package planner might give you some useful ideas as you continue to think about the components of the final assignment -- the page(s) you are planning for the story you chose that will be published in CONNECT magazine. Take a look at the items on the left side of the form; they should spark some ideas for you.

http://www.ronreason.com/images/PackagePlannerRonReason.pdf