Industrial Design

I was recently searching online about industrial design and I came across a really interesting site. The site is called Industrial Design and it has a gallery of leading creative professionals that are in this industry. Here is the link to the website http://www.industrialdesignserved.com.

As I was browsing through the site I came across a bunch of chair designs that I thought were very interesting.

This chair is called the "Tipsy Star". This is a concept of a chair that transforms into different positions, that suites the user. It allows comfortable combinations with various hight of seat and incline of the back. This chair is capable of holding these forms due to the high-tech hinges used to produce the chair. The titanium frame, hinges and poliurethane foam body is covered by durable and stretch upholstery.

I found this chair very interesting how it is capable of transforming to a position that is useful and comfortable to the user. This is a very modern piece of artwork that can also be used as a chair. I think it is so interesting how people are capable of designing such a unique concept that can be used in every day life.

The next chair that I came across is made out of cardboard and able to hold the weight of an adult. This chair was created after studying origami folding methods and 3-dimensional truss systems. This led to the development of the pyramidical structure which was iteratively prototyped to create the optimal design for the seat.

I found this cardboard chair very interesting and am amazed that it will hold an adult. It is truly astonishing that cardboard can hold the weight of an adult. Even though the chair is capable of holding a person, I don't think that many people would want to furnish their place with cardboard furniture. Although if you are a student and do not have the cash to buy furniture you could always use cardboard.

The stool below is made out of a unique series of triangles generated by an algorithm. The stool is made out of wood that is cut using a laser and then the triangles are joined together with cable-ties. Since the chairs are created using an algorithm, not one chair looks alike.

This chair is truly amazing and I would love to have one in my house. I am so amazed how little pieces of wood in the shape of triangles can create such a sturdy piece of furniture that is truly beautiful.

If you are interested in these fabulous and innovative designs visit the website i posted at the beginning of the post. You will truly be amazed.

Classroom in a Book: The Official Training Workbook from Adobe Systems

Classroom in a Book: The Official Training Workbook from Adobe Systems
(Left to Right): Photoshop CS5, Illustrator CS5, Indesign CS5 and Dreamweaver CS5

When I started my second year of graphic design, I really did not know much about the computer programs. I knew that I was going to be using Photoshop CS5, Illustrator CS5, Indesign CS5 and Dreamweaver CS5. Let's just say I had opened the programs and knew how to use the basic tools like the pen tool. Other than that I really did not know what the programs were capable of.

When I started my first day I was so scared because I knew that I would be able to come up with great ideas but I had no idea how to exicute them on the computer. Since I had no idea how to use the programs to the best of their ability, I decided to perchase books to help me out.

One of the books that I had to buy for the course was "Classroom in a Book: Adobe Indesign CS5". I found this book very helpful. It was dry at some points but I was able to read the chapters and figure out how to use the program. Since I found the Indesign book so helpful, I decided to purchase the Photoshop, Illustrator and Dreamweaver as well.

The reason I like this series of books is that they are easy to follow and you are able to learn the programs. Each book comes with a CD, which includes tutorials to learn the program. The book consists of step by step instructions on how to complete the tutorials. So you put the CD in and choose the lesson that you would like to learn and then you follow that chapter in the book. It is smart to follow the chapters in order since they build on each other and use content that you have previously learned. The chapters start off with basics of the program and then continues deeper into the program. The chapters are also broken down well that if you only wanted to learn about a certain thing, you can look in the table of contents and find what you are looking for. The books also show pictures of the tutorials so that it is easier to follow along. Tips are also included that are helpful when you are working in the program.

I have gone through most of the Indesign book and I have found it useful to reference when I forgot how to do something.

If you are interested in buying the books you can go to the nearest Chapters or visit their website: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca. The books online are usually cheaper than in the store. You can also search http://www.amazon.ca.

Sleep is for the Weak

Many people do not realize the amount of work that a graphic design student does. Most people just think that art students draw all day and don't get any homework. Are they ever WRONG! Graphic Design is probably one of the most intense programs that you could ever be in. Lets just say that, "Sleep is for the weak!" 

Since people that are not in Graphic Design do not know what it is all about, I thought I would give you a little taste of the Graphic Design world. 

When I first started this program I had no idea what I was getting into. Since I have been in the program for 2 years now, I have learned to expect the unexpected. You definitely have to learn how to multi-task and have your time well managed. There is really no time for you to slack off. Even when I do manage my time wisely I do have to stay up late just to get work finished. My body has definitely adjusted to staying up late  and waking up early. 

You may be thinking that there is no possible way that I can have that much work but are you ever wrong. It takes time to come up with concepts and once that is completed I have to finish my final artwork, which is no easy task. I have to pay attention to every little detail....what font, placement, colour, imagery, target market, etc. I have no time to waste, when I take a break I am constantly thinking of new ideas. Even when I sleep I think of ideas. It's CRAZY!!!!

Just so you have a better understanding of my work load here is a summary of what I am working on now. I have a packaging project that needs to be completely done in two weeks. This includes the branding of the product (logo/name) and a well designed package. I am also branding my own beer. In two weeks I have to have the name of my beer and a logo created. While doing this I have to be thinking about how I am going to create a package for the beer and a poster. I have to make sure that I have a theme that will be good for advertising. The logo is due in two weeks as well. On top of that I am creating a children's book that has to be a minimum of 20 pages. I am to create a story as well as illustrate the entire book. It is a very open project so I have to make sure I write a good story and illustrate in a style that works for me. The roughs are due in three weeks and then I have a month to complete the final book. That really isn't a lot of time, since it is very time consuming when doing artwork. I just want to spend all of my time on one piece to make it perfect, but I can't. These are the main projects that I have but I also have photography assignments, print tech, and client relation assignments. There is just so much and I know there is more coming. I get a project pretty much every day.

Most people are probably shocked about the amount of work that I have to do but I have learned to be  good delegator. When I don't have work I feel lost and like I should be working on things. Even though the work load is heavy I would not have it any other way because I am learning so much and am doing what I love.