And just like that, our year had come to a close again.
As always, I hope you have a fantastic season, whatever you celebrate, and look forward to you reading these next year. As for me, I'm going to keep designing, and keep up at finding the right position for me. I'm not sure what the future will hold, but I believe it will be good. Until then, as always, stay tuned!
It is time for me to go into a topic I really should have already. Plagiarism, as defined by Wikipedia, is the expression of another's thoughts, ideas, and expressions, presented as one's own work. It is also a very, very, disliked practice; not just in graphic design, but also in business, literature, research, basically anything that requires a thought to be put out. Now, I try to credit what I can, when I can; I add the name of the website where I find the image, and describe where I get my inspiration from. Even then however, I need to be extra careful not to steal anything.
It is going to look obvious that I'm making this post to mostly keep my name clean. While I haven't been accused of anything (that I know of), I want to make my statement here and now. I under no circumstances intend to copy the words or works of other creators. The statements I make on this blog are of my opinion, based on the information I have received, mixed into my own viewpoint. Should I ever take an image from another source, I'll do my best to credit the original host or creator. Should I ever unintentionally plagiarize someone, or steal content, I am sorry, and I hope you call me out.
As it stands, even that is not enough sometimes. There will be people who want to know the exact article you get the information from; there will be times when your idea is also just similar enough to someone else's without trying. The key factor here is to make sure you properly site your sources as well, so people know you're not making stuff up. That makes it easier to record information for the audience, and keeps a tab on where you did your research.
Ladies and gentlemen, for as far as I know, plagiarism is always going to be a problem in this business. There as just as many people struggling to be creative out there as there are people who are creative. On the flipside, there are many hurdles when it comes to referencing your inspiration, and accidental overlap. So as it stand, make sure you properly credit your sources, and don't steal ideas. As always, thank you for reading, and stay tuned!
It's that time of year again! As always, herre are the pictures I take on this holiday. As an added bonus however, I have some extra pictures from the week to add, just to spice things up!
As usual, thanks for joining me in this tradition, and stay tuned!
So in the past, I've gone over redoing an original product. However, that was more about remaking something, and the choices you could make doing so. Today, I want to explore the idea of tweaking ideas for a sequel. What features do you leave in, is it the same writer, etc. So, let's get started on this!
Now, a good way to observe this type of change is, I find, in older video games. At the time, you were able to put them out faster, but still have limited resources to use. In this case, let's look at the changes between Pikmin 1 and Pikmin 2.
No matter what, you'll never be the best at everything. Whether it be to lack of practice, or outside circumstances, mastering every craft is nogh impossible. That is not a bad thing however, so long as you continue to practice the skills that you're good at. With that in mind, there's always going to be one obstacle everyone will face. Be it wanting to try something new, or something they have to do, it would be their field of struggle.
A good example of a field of struggle could be time management; you can make something amazing, but you can never make set times to do it. If anything, you make little adjustments sporadically, and spend more time getting everything set up. In cases like this, it's more a matter of discipline, and needing to practice better routine. Perhaps schedule times where you exclusively design a project, or sketch things out before you commit to doing so? Anything to get organized and into the groove of graphics.
However, maybe your struggle is less personal, and more to do with a specific talent. I for one have trouble with web design, as I find the process a bit tedious; does this mean I shouldn't try to apply it? No, but it does mean that it might not result in my best work, or be something I do often. For many in graphic design, you'll find they tend to focus their skills in one area, and build around that. This could be a lack of training in other areas, A lack of enjoyment when using it in the process, or just finding it not helping them.
The best compromise here is to find a talent you feel best with, and honing it while also not being afraid to try something new. Everyone in this field is going to have trouble with a certain aspect of creativit; each varying significantly. Be that as it may, it's no reason you can't find a way to make a great product, it'll just take some working around. As always, than you for reading, and stay tuned!
As some of you may know, I've been using Adobe Illustrator since I began my graphic design journey. However, I feel it is time I moved on, and went to something else.
That's right ladies and gentlemen, from now on, I shall be using Affinity Designer for all of my graphic design needs! Now, I know there will be a bit of a relearning; I can accept that, as there is no way to move up in design unless you continue to learn. As of right now, I'm beginning a small art project anyways, so I like to think I'm learning fast.
Now, this isn't me trying to persuade you to pick different tools over another; I simply picked Affinity due to what I felt was a better payment plan. This blog is mainly here to let you know about my change of tools, but not to fret, since they're mostly similar tools. With that in mind, thank you once again for reading another quick blog. As always, I hope you stay tuned!
Never underestimate the power of dreams. Whether it be one's passion to follow through with one, or the inspiration they can give; dreams are a very powerful tool. In this post, I want to discuss a bit more about dreams, and how they can fuel you to create. While I will, of course be sticking to graphic design, there might be other ways to look at it of course. So if you are in the art business or not, I hope you read on, and enjoy!
Now, we all have a dream for what we want out of life. Some of us want to be rich, others famous, etc. For some of us though, we wish to see a certain plot, or idea be given in a way we desire. In a sense, dreams can be like goals; so long as you follow them through, you can and will see progress. To achieve these goals however, it takes practice, hard work, and for you to keep the vision in your head. With all of this in mind, you will be able to bring your idea to life, for all of the world to see.
The other type of dreams I want to talk about are actual dreams; the kinds you have when asleep, or during a fever. The kind where you get asked by your fifth grade teacher if you've had your ovaltine yet, meanwhile a horse man is attacking you with an axe. Where new types of colors and sounds come to life, and all it takes is for you to remember them. Once you do, then you can put your pen to paper, draw from these dreams, and share a new experience.
Whether your dreams are goals, or visions, use them as fuel for your creative endeavors. Do not be afraid to share them with the world, because it always needs dreamers to make it a brighter place. With all of that said, thank you for reading, and stay tuned!
Well, seeing how it is that time again, I wanted to give you the update that Holiday cards for this year are done. Granted, you might have already known that had you seen my portfolio, but I figure now would be a good time to make the post dedicated to them. Hope you enjoy!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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
So, I keep thinking about how I get the weird inspiration for these blogs, and thought I should share it with all of you. This is going to be another quick blog, so don't expect anything to deep. That being said, let's dive right on in.
The best way I can describe this is with an example. So, to start the story of where I got influenced to do the blog Social Media management. I was scrolling on the internet one day, mostly looking at wrestling-related news. During this time, I read an article about how Roman Reigns, current Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, only used social media for show purposes. Essentially, he doesn't post anything to personal, or break character with it. This then got me thinking about how one could use social media in a similar way.
So, usually what happens is I see something, let it sit in my head a bit, and then make the connection. After which, I relate it to graphic design in some way, and write things down. A random process sure, but I wanted to share it with you. Sometimes randomness is a good way to spark creativity. Anyways, rambling aside, thank you for reading, and stay tuned!
Edit: Apologirs for the late upload everyone, my life was just a blur at the moment. I intend to return to a more steady schedule on Sunday the 25th.
