Things are changing. I made a lot of huge changes this year and it’s hard to adjust myself to many of them. You need to know that from here on out, now that Photoshop ACA testing is out of the way (those of you that haven’t passed need to work on it on your own time now), we are starting the truly new creative efforts. So you have much freedom, and wiht that comes much responsibility. You must document your time in here. Daily document in your journal what you’re doing and what you’re learning. The journal will be key to your success in here.

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the elements and principles and the Synectic Triggers. These really are the secrets. The E&P will help you figure out what’s ugly in your work when it doesn’t look right. The Synectic triggers will help you think of different approaches and ideas for your project.

CT1 and CT2 students are both starting a logo design project this week. Use the triggers. Pay attention to the principles. Look at examples for inspiration.  Go to your student pages and get to work. I expect some amazing and creative work!!!

12/1- CT2′s have new projects up with deadlines. Real contests with cash prizes. Don’t forget to use the synectic triggers if you’re stuck! They are the secret!

Design is not the narrow application of formal skills, it is a way of thinking.
-Chris Pullman

All right gang! Testing week!! (YAY!!) I know your brains are frazzled- so relax. Easy projects this week. Doodle out a logo design. When you do, start thinking about letters as elements of design. We often need to work with letters as designers for logo design, or for some sort of text-based project. We need to start thinking about letterforms (and number forms) as an extra element of art that as designers, we need to be aware of. CT1 students are working on this new project. Make sure you’ve completed line and shape before working on this. Those projects will help you get into that creative mode. Start exploring the ways to trigger a new idea for yourself when working.

CT2 students- it wouldn’t hurt to look back on these projects and to keep thinking about the elements and principles- ESPECIALLY when working on the cover design for the Technology Conference. I’d love a win out of the lab this year.

And while you’re at it… why not start thinking about what great artists have said? Now way to think about it unless you read about it first…

And speaking about the synectic triggers- this guy (Zach Bush) is AMAZING at using the whole twist and shout and tell a story aspects of the synectic triggers (click this last link for “twist and shout” and “Tell a story” to make sense.)

Tech 1′s are prepping for the test. Most of you are done with Digital You and are working on the review videos. Many are already testing and we have over 20 people certified already this year. Keep it up. Remember that as we spoke earlier, things will soon change and your commitment to working and being creative in this class will need to be demonstrated. We’re going to be exploring the Elements and Principles here soon in class and that will help you understand what ugly is.

Tech 2′s have been doing better since the turn of the quarter. Typographic portraits are starting to happen and looking good. I’ll post more next week on all of this. I’d love to see more people demonstrating the excellence shown by Brian Ms in this incredible self-portrait!!