I have found my purpose...and have turned it in.

I have finally finished my statement of purpose for SCAD and have turned it in. I am so happy its done. Now I'm on to the other things in life that are pressing.

Oh, we have free tickets to the Wolverine opening tonight, so I guess you could say we're celebrating the completion of the application process.

Below is my paper. Read it if you wish.

My decision to pursue an advanced degree in graphic design began while still working on my undergraduate studies. While my professors were helpful, the course offerings were limited, leaving gaps in my education. By pursuing graduate education at SCAD, I hope to enhance my abilities as a designer in order to graphically speak through the artwork I create.

Through my academic experiences, I have learned a great deal about my abilities and myself as an artist. Specifically, I have learned how to be a critical thinker, opportunity taker, and self-motivated individual. One of my classes, Art in Public Spaces, helped me develop these abilities since it simulated what professional artists undergo when vying for a public art contract. This class challenged me to create designs that were low maintenance, long-lasting and practical for the space; it further encouraged me to collaborate with my fellow classmates and combine our individual strengths for our project’s benefit.

Beyond the classroom, I attended special programs and lectures to help in my understanding of design. I was chosen as the layout and design editor for Lipscomb University’s yearbook, later becoming the editor. I gained an intimate knowledge of design programs like PageMaker and InDesign, for which no classroom work could equal. For further inspiration, I looked to public spaces and did everything from investigating signage at the mall to studying billboards. When a piece caught my eye, I tried to reconceptualize it and incorporate it in my work. Such passion has given me the drive to improve the world around me.

These experiences motivated me to find a career where I could refine my skills. At Talstone (a healthcare marketing firm), I realized that by working closely with highly trained professionals, I could broaden and enhance my design abilities. Throughout my time with this company, I have created materials for a variety of industries and also have gained an intimate knowledge of production management, since I have been responsible for quoting, selecting paper, and doing press checks. However, on-the-job training can only lead me so far, and the need for further education became apparent.

By attending SCAD, I can begin to look at art in new ways and can communicate more effectively through the pieces I create. My desire is for my work to be at the forefront of the graphic design world. I will become a designer who works well collaboratively or individually, can think conceptually, and creates pieces that are influential. With the help of the professors at SCAD, I will take my passion for design to the next level and will become one of the best designers in my field.

Starbuck New Campaign

Check out their new campaign to debut this weekend.

More info to come.

Why did they do this? The Tropica Packaging Change

(Old logo was very similar to this. Good update example for a logo.)




As you may have seen in your local grocery stores, Tropicana has changed their packaging. I saw it and was not that upset with the change. That lack of care could be because I thought it was not that big of a deal to go with a more "organic" looking design. Organic seems to be the trend right now anyway. A design site did a great analysis of this packaging change, Brand New.

Read their thoughts for more information.

This is an example of why testing your packaging is important. Moral of the story: always pole the audience when there is a major design change to your product. Yes, that includes the logo.

More ranting to come about the horrible logo that Pepsi has recently gone to. Look for it in an upcoming post.

Enjoy the links.

Lauren

Grad School Portfolio is Out the Door

Tonight I am sending off my portfolio to Savannah College of Art and Design to be considered for admission to the Masters of Fine Arts Program (online). I am so glad to be finally sending it in. Its a relief to finally get it out of my possession. My paper is going to be emailed by April 30, so I have a couple of more days to take a look at it. I have been helped by so many in this process and I now get to wait. Should be fun! I'll keep you posted.

Lauren

Duel Image Logos

The other day I was looking for ideas for a logo that I am doing for work and came across these as I was on my search. Two of these show two different images within one design. The Spork design I thought was just cool. If you want to check out more cool logos go to logopond.com.
Hope you enjoy them.

Paris Pics

Here are 2 images from our trip to Paris in November. I am looking into getting one of them framed. Let me know which one you think would look better in a house. It will be printed in color.

option 1 (base of the Eiffel Tower)

option 2 (second level of the Eiffel Tower with all of the twinkle lights)

Please write me a note to let me know which one you would pick.

Thanks!

Lauren

Really Cool Cake Design

Tonight I've found a really cool cake that someone made that is themed Mickey's Clubhouse. It rocks! Check out the picture below and a link to the cake decorator that made it.

Coach Meyer Video

Check this video out.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4068083&categoryid=3060647

Remy's In Epcot

I finally watched the video with Remy. It is so cute. I really wish he would talk more, but understand that might be hard to understand.

Enjoy!

First 5k Ever at 8:15am

Tomorrow morning Kyle, my mom and I are "wogging" the Purity Challenge at Metro Center in Nashville. We are having to get up at the ungodly hour of 6 on a Saturday (yes, that is ungodly since I DO NOT rise before noon on Saturdays). This is my first official race ever. Yes, I'm 25 years old and I haven't done a race, but you have to start somewhere.

In January, we are planning on doing the Walt Disney World Half Marathon and have started training. We're in the beginning stages right now so, our jogs are pretty short. I am really excited about the half. I have been talking to friends and listening to podcasts about the race, so I feel like I CAN DO IT! If someone that is several years older than me do the race, then I can do it too. I really hope to keep posting about our training.

Going to bed now. Thanks for reading.

Lauren

More Neat Design - Frank Chimero

Here are a couple of sites that focus on one designer's work (Frank Chimero) that should really be looked at. I like the posters that he has made because it really speaks to designers and how they experience life. Click on the images to go to the sites.