Visuals
Project Statement
The goal of this project was to create a sketchbook that embraces the way we approach designing but also implements ways that we as designers have found are beneficial to our brainstorming process. I really wanted this book to be a resemblance of who I am as a person. I’ve always been told I have an old soul so I wanted to implement that into this book with the natural looking cover and the vintage vibe the book gives off. I feel like the elements I included very much speak to my aesthetic. I always need to be organized so I added the post it notes and pocket knowing that I will definitely use them quite often. My hidden element is my family’s motivational quotes. I talk to them every day and they are a big reason why I work so hard. They have been my biggest cheerleader in this dream of mine and having their handwritten words in my sketchbook means a lot to me because when I am feeling unmotivated or ready to give up I always have these pictures and notes to remind myself of why I am here. Just feeling their love and support come through those words and pictures gives me all the drive to keep going.
Process
View detailed project process at Sketchbook: Process
Reflection
This was a huge learning curve for me! I have never used a laser cutter before and had no idea what I could even use it for. I took a lot of chances in this project which isn’t normally how I like to do things. Every day it felt like I had no idea what I was doing but at the same time I did. I learned that having confidence in yourself during the design process is really important and will ultimately help yourself in making your designs. Due to not having much experience with the laser cutter, it was difficult to find a comfortable spot with it. Looking at my final product, I’m not completely disappointed because I know it was a learning process but I definitely think I should’ve spent more time testing with the laser as the final design on my book cover looks blurry and hard to see due to the affects of the laser…I now know what it looks like to fill the lettering! Another aspect of this project that was a learning curve was the time management and how to adjust when things don’t go as planned. We had a snow storm during production week which caused us to not be in class for a couple days. This forced me to make back up plans due to not being able to get to the laser but also to realize that panicking in the moment will not help but instead cause rushed work that doesn’t look as good as it could be.