Identity

       Each of us has something that makes us distinct. In the world of graphic design, that might boil down to your ideas, visual style, or even just your personality when working with others. An identity is valuable in this business, as you'll want potential clients to know who you are and what you do. Without one, you may find it a challenge getting future work, or creating anything unique or special. Without further ado, let's get to discussing this topic!

        To start us off, think of your favorite artist; visual or otherwise. Each of them usually adds in their own flair to their work, intentional or not. Maybe it's a signature, their tone of voice, how they organize their projects, whatever it is they do, that you recognize them for. This 'flare', can sometimes be a bit obstructive though; and not everyone will care for it. However, there will certainly be fans of these details, who might even try to emulate it into their own work. If you do that however just make sure you do your own thing as well.

       Of course, then we have a more personal identity.  How do people recognize you aside from the little flourishes? What name do you chose to go by? Do you prefer to use your real name, or do you want to go by something related to what you draw? That is a conundrum you also have to figure out, as you'll want to make sure people know who to go to, but you might also want to retain a bit of privacy.

       At the end of the day, whatever identity you want to use is up to you. As it stands however, you need to make sure said identity serves its purpose. Whether that be effectively adding your own flavor to a product, or marketing yourself; identity is the key to getting found in graphic design. If not just for other customers, but for you yourself. With all of that said, thank you for reading, and stay tuned!

Close Association

      Even the most original of designs and works get compared to something else. It might not even draw similarities because of the premise, but because of the writers behind it, or the time it came out. Association between products, people, and design can be a strange concept, with some good implications, and some bad. I intend to go over this topic, today, and express what it could mean for design. Without further ado, let's begin!

      Now, to start us off, association with a certain product could affect your work going forward. Say you've been primarily know to draw space-ships; you may find yourself being employed to make pieces by sci-fi writers, but not to design monsters for horror writers. This isn't necessarily a bad thing mind you, just something to keep in mind when plotting out future projects. It isn't just your type of work however, but the quality of said work. Should your name had been attached to an excellent movie, be prepared for employers to expect that kind of quality; even if you weren't involved that much.

         This of course isn't the only type of association to look out for in graphic design. There's also topics such as political association, social circles, business partners, etc. While I know this is a touchy subject, it unfortunately does relate to how customers view you. Say, for example, you find yourself as the face a voter fraud conspiracy; there is a chance of you being blacklisted because of your involvement, or losing a good portion of clients. On the flipside, should you find yourself getting praise from the actual people behind the voter fraud, you may feel discontent towards them, and try to distance yourself.

         Close association with anything, be it a product, person, or idea can help or hinder your experience in design. This is why it's best to try and maintain what jobs you wish to pick out, and be careful about your social life. At the end of the day though, it is up to you to decide who you associate with. With that said, thank you for reading, and stay tuned!

Regional Differences

       What might work for you, doesn't always work for someone else. A fact extra prevalent to people from different areas where you live. The area, or areas, you grow up in can affect how you see things in many different ways, dependent on culture, the scenery, and laws. As such, today's blog, we'll be going over regional differences, what some people of different countries like, regulations from them, and other intricacies. Let's get started right now!

Image courtesy of Geology.com

      Now, one interesting detail when it comes to design across the world is how people read. Obviously, different languages need to be taken into account; we also need to look at their reading layout. The Japanese for example read from right to left, instead of left to right. As such, you'll find their art will usually reflect that. Common English slang and expressions don't exist across seas either, so their dialogue may be more direct.

      Something to keep note of however that is less part of the creative process however is legality. Not every country has the same views on copyright laws, it's why bootleg products exist in certain areas. As such, it's best you know these laws beforehand when creating the look and feel of the product. This also applies to how you advertise the product, as there's certain restrictions you may have. Copyright of other countries can be a hassle, sure, but it's best to see it as another hurdle to challenge your creativity.

         Given all of this information, it's still only a glimmer of what I could explain. I still have more to learn about it really, as is the case in this business. However, I hope that we can all learn about regional differences, and add them to designs in meaningful ways! Once again, thank you for reading, and stay tuned!

The Strike

      Well, I had to talk about it at some point. Recently in Hollywood, writers and actors have been going on strike for a multitude of reasons. Some of those reasons are better pay, some are for better treatment, some not to get replaced by an AI, some to just get more credit for their work etc. Now, I'm not going to try and list all of the demands, but I feel the ones I have listed are pretty reasonable. The only people not saying this are, of course, the top executives.

 

Needless to say, I'm on the side of the writers and actors.

      Now, this isn't the first big writer's strike to happen; and if things keep going the way they are, it won't be the last. As it stands, there are very talented and creative people in Hollywood right now struggling to pay rent, or even to feed themselves. Now, I know there's going to be the argument of 'they need a real job, I don't need them'. Well, to counter that, entertainment,  in ant form you find, usually has someone behind it. We as people have always needed entertainment, like it or not. To blow off this needed talent, and refusing to give them any compensation, is just downright deplorable.

       I apologize if this blog is a bit more impassioned than usual. However, I feel it stands that what these writers and actors, big or small, are asking for isn't some outrageous demand. This is stems from their need to live, from their need to maintain creative freedom. At the end of the day, it shouldn't have to be said, but pay your writers, actors, and anyone else on the staff. Otherwise, you'll find your movies and TV won't be as fun.

       Again, apologies for the somewhat more personal and disorganized blog; I just wanted to put my thoughts out. Hope you enjoyed, and stay tuned.

Update:

https://h8l0v.blogspot.com/2024/01/a-quick-look-back-on-strike.html