This is a class project where we were to pick a song and create a music video. Of course, we were to shoot and edit the video ourselves. Enjoy!!
Class: "Intro to Multimedia"
Project: Music Video
Software: Final Cut Pro
Project Title: "Party in The Park"
Music: "Yeah 3X" by Chris Brown
Visit my You Tube Channel SaFire98 to view more video projects.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Reflection of Learning...
In my Web Site Design class, we are to write a "Reflecion of Learning" paper. It is supposed to "Reflect upon your past learning and implementation of projects. Include your aquired expertise, experience, and qualifications."
Back in 2004, I was attending Elgin Community College to earn a Computerized Graphic Design Associate degree. I was in Illustrator II and QuarkXPress II classes (I didn’t take Photoshop I and ll until spring and fall of 2005). Also, I was seeking a graphic design job. Of course, if you have never done the kind of work (in the real world) that you’re seeking, they will not give you a chance. But, I got lucky! I got hired in the marketing department of a company as a Marketing Assistant. I was happy and scared at the same time.
That company used older versions of Photoshop and Illustrator and for page layout they used QuarkXPress 5. At school, we were using QuarkXPress 6 and Adobe CS. Then, the after the next two or so semesters, the ECC graphic design department upgraded to Adobe CS2 (but still used QuarkXPress).
A majority of my job was as the Graphic Designer. I would work on projects such as brochures, ads that went into trade publications, post cards, fliers, handouts, PowerPoint presentations, etc. Many times, for some projects, I would try to utilize the knowledge I was learning in my design classes at ECC.
After that job, in 2006, I got hired at a different company (more money). It was also in the marketing department as a Marketing Assistant (which a majority of my job was as the Graphic Designer). The job was almost basically some of the same tasks as the previous job, but one thing I got to do at the new job were e-mail blasts using Microsoft FrontPage. I had never really used Microsoft FrontPage before. Great thing was they already had templates for the e-mail blasts, for notices, and so on. That was exciting for me because I got to utilize my basic HTML knowledge (through FrontPage) as well as my ImageReady knowledge (for GIF animation) and by then; I had already had the Photoshop classes.
Times have changed in the graphic and web design field these days. Not only do they want you to be a graphic designer (print) but they also want you to have web design skills too. It could be having knowledge in either front-end web design and/or back-end web design. So, I sent myself back to school the fall semester of 2010 to earn that Web Design Associate degree (which I will receive May 2011).
Just a few years ago, every now and then, people would ask me if I did web design and I’d say “No, I don’t know how to do web design.” Now, I can say “YES! I’m just starting out, but I know how to do some web design.”
It’s nice to have gotten some experience with Dreamweaver through my Web Site Design class and Flash through my Computer Animation class. Dreamweaver and Flash are something I have wanted to learn for the last few years. The thing I need to do now is to start looking into and start learning HTML5 and CSS3. Just a few more years and HTML5 and CSS3 will then be the norm.
While I have learned a lot at school, I know that in order to stay on top of things, I will have to keep learning on my own. Whether in between classes and/or once I no longer attend classes, I will need to take classes here and there for refresher and updates.
I don’t think print will ever die out. Web is, of course, a tad bigger than print these days. The other thing that is almost a tad bigger than web is Apps. I’d like to learn how to design and create apps for cell phones, pads and so on. But, there’s just not enough time to do and learn what I would like to do/learn. Maybe in my next lifetime!
On top of all the graphic design and web design bookmarks I save to look through and e-mail newsletters I scan through here and there, one way I learn about what’s new with graphic design, web design, packaging design, software, etc., is that I subscribe to publications (which come through snail mail) such as PC World, Website Magazine, GD USA, Deliver, Brand Packaging, Food and Beverage Packaging, CRM (Customer Relationship Management), etc. Nice thing is, most of the publications I mentioned are free. So, I take advantage and sign up to receive them. I prefer actual hard copy publications then having to be stuck to my PC almost 24/7.
I also, at times, get information through snail mail such as samples, posters, idea books, etc., from Sappi (a paper company), USPS and other companies (also free). It’s great stuff to look at and get ideas from.
Going to school part-time while working full-time has been tough and there have been sacrifices made. In the long run, I’ve learned a lot and I hope to keep on learning.
Back in 2004, I was attending Elgin Community College to earn a Computerized Graphic Design Associate degree. I was in Illustrator II and QuarkXPress II classes (I didn’t take Photoshop I and ll until spring and fall of 2005). Also, I was seeking a graphic design job. Of course, if you have never done the kind of work (in the real world) that you’re seeking, they will not give you a chance. But, I got lucky! I got hired in the marketing department of a company as a Marketing Assistant. I was happy and scared at the same time.
That company used older versions of Photoshop and Illustrator and for page layout they used QuarkXPress 5. At school, we were using QuarkXPress 6 and Adobe CS. Then, the after the next two or so semesters, the ECC graphic design department upgraded to Adobe CS2 (but still used QuarkXPress).
A majority of my job was as the Graphic Designer. I would work on projects such as brochures, ads that went into trade publications, post cards, fliers, handouts, PowerPoint presentations, etc. Many times, for some projects, I would try to utilize the knowledge I was learning in my design classes at ECC.
After that job, in 2006, I got hired at a different company (more money). It was also in the marketing department as a Marketing Assistant (which a majority of my job was as the Graphic Designer). The job was almost basically some of the same tasks as the previous job, but one thing I got to do at the new job were e-mail blasts using Microsoft FrontPage. I had never really used Microsoft FrontPage before. Great thing was they already had templates for the e-mail blasts, for notices, and so on. That was exciting for me because I got to utilize my basic HTML knowledge (through FrontPage) as well as my ImageReady knowledge (for GIF animation) and by then; I had already had the Photoshop classes.
Times have changed in the graphic and web design field these days. Not only do they want you to be a graphic designer (print) but they also want you to have web design skills too. It could be having knowledge in either front-end web design and/or back-end web design. So, I sent myself back to school the fall semester of 2010 to earn that Web Design Associate degree (which I will receive May 2011).
Just a few years ago, every now and then, people would ask me if I did web design and I’d say “No, I don’t know how to do web design.” Now, I can say “YES! I’m just starting out, but I know how to do some web design.”
It’s nice to have gotten some experience with Dreamweaver through my Web Site Design class and Flash through my Computer Animation class. Dreamweaver and Flash are something I have wanted to learn for the last few years. The thing I need to do now is to start looking into and start learning HTML5 and CSS3. Just a few more years and HTML5 and CSS3 will then be the norm.
While I have learned a lot at school, I know that in order to stay on top of things, I will have to keep learning on my own. Whether in between classes and/or once I no longer attend classes, I will need to take classes here and there for refresher and updates.
I don’t think print will ever die out. Web is, of course, a tad bigger than print these days. The other thing that is almost a tad bigger than web is Apps. I’d like to learn how to design and create apps for cell phones, pads and so on. But, there’s just not enough time to do and learn what I would like to do/learn. Maybe in my next lifetime!
On top of all the graphic design and web design bookmarks I save to look through and e-mail newsletters I scan through here and there, one way I learn about what’s new with graphic design, web design, packaging design, software, etc., is that I subscribe to publications (which come through snail mail) such as PC World, Website Magazine, GD USA, Deliver, Brand Packaging, Food and Beverage Packaging, CRM (Customer Relationship Management), etc. Nice thing is, most of the publications I mentioned are free. So, I take advantage and sign up to receive them. I prefer actual hard copy publications then having to be stuck to my PC almost 24/7.
I also, at times, get information through snail mail such as samples, posters, idea books, etc., from Sappi (a paper company), USPS and other companies (also free). It’s great stuff to look at and get ideas from.
Going to school part-time while working full-time has been tough and there have been sacrifices made. In the long run, I’ve learned a lot and I hope to keep on learning.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Interview with Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley
This is a class project where we were to conduct an interview. We could interview anyone we wanted. I chose Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley.
Class: Intro to Multimedia
Project: Interview
Software: Final Cut Pro
Project Title: "Interview with Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley"
Due to the limited amount of time and having to set-up interviews, work with my assistants schedules, time to work on the project in class, etc., there was not really much time to edit, work on color correction, etc.
Visit my You Tube Channel SaFire98 to view more video projects.
Class: Intro to Multimedia
Project: Interview
Software: Final Cut Pro
Project Title: "Interview with Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley"
Due to the limited amount of time and having to set-up interviews, work with my assistants schedules, time to work on the project in class, etc., there was not really much time to edit, work on color correction, etc.
Visit my You Tube Channel SaFire98 to view more video projects.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
E-Portfolio... In The Design World, You Need to Have One!
The following is a Web Design Class assignment. We were to answer questions regarding E-Portfolios and list a few references.
WHAT IS AN E-PORTFOLIO?
An E-Portfolio (electronic portfolio) is a web-based site, which showcases design work as well as a resume, blogs and anything else you’d like to add. These portfolios are also known as an Online Portfolio or a Digital Portfolio.
This type of portfolio is used a lot by creative people such as graphic designers, web designers or freelancers to show their design work and achievements to colleagues, employers, clients, family, friends, etc. on the internet. Many Photographers, Writers, Actors, Animators, Interior Designers, etc. also use E-Portfolios. Depending on your field, it is good to have one.
Some people might sign-up for an account that hosts online portfolios through sites such as Coroflot, Behance, Carbonmade, DevianArt, etc. With these sites all you have to do is basically fill-in the blanks and upload samples of your design work, resume, etc. A good thing to having an account with one of these sites listed is you can join their forums and communities and make connections really fast.
Others, if they’re able to, will design their own E-Portfolio site. This process can take anywhere from about a month to a few months depending on how simple or how elaborate you want your online portfolio to look.
If you design your own online portfolio, that in itself is one example of your web design work. Your online portfolio can be one page or multiple pages. But of course, you must keep in mind that less is more and you don’t want to overdo it.
An E-Portfolio is also good for creative people who just want to network and to build business type relationships. In most fields it is necessary these days to have an online presence. For example, you never know when an excellent job lead might come up (even though you’re not looking for one) from one of your network connections. You can then e-mail your online portfolio to whoever it needs to be sent to or if you’re face-to-face give that person your portfolio address, preferably your business card which has the link on it. Sure you can write out your information on whatever piece of paper you happen to find at the time but, it is best to look and be professional.
No matter what, just like your resume, you should form a habit to always keep up your online portfolio. It is an ongoing process. Visual communication is very important these days. It’s your digital identity.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AN E-PORTFOLIO?
An E-Portfolio is designed to show your web site design work and/or your print work. And, if you have any, you can also show your animation work. Animation is not something you can show to its fullest extent such as with a book portfolio.
One way some creatives use their E-Portfolio is to find employment and/or freelance work. Besides samples of your work, an E-Portfolio can contain your resume which names/lists companies that you have worked for.
Depending on the purpose of your E-Portfolio and whatever it is you plan on using it for, in the end, you want to put just enough information on it where they will then want to speak with you further to find out more information about your design skills and goals. You want to get them to call you! It is all about promoting yourself… branding and identity!
Also, if you’re seeking employment and/or freelance work, it is good to have a separate e-mail account just for that purpose. It is also good to utilize your online portfolio link as part of your e-mail signature. That way, you don’t always have to type it in.
Once you have your site designed, hosted and ready to go, all you have to do is to add (copy and paste) your URL address (link) to an e-mail. Of course, the link should be posted on your business card too.
E-PORTFOLIO BEST PRACTICES
Should contain
• Full name
• Office/Business Address
• E-mail Address
• Phone Number (with proper voice mail message)
• Fax Number
• Site Name
Depending on how you are using your E-Portfolio, the following is
optional or should be listed
• Social Media Site Links: LinkedIn, Blogs, etc.
• Home Address (for freelancers if they don’t have a business address)
• Resume (if you’re searching for employment)
• Client or Industry List
• Services Offered (if you’re a freelancer seeking employment)
Page Layout
• Appealing
• Consistent
• Not Cluttered
• Good Navigation
• Organized Content
• Easy to Read Text
• Fast Download
• Common Header and Footer
Color and Graphics
• Consistent Color (throughout site)
• Subtle Color
• No More Than 3 Different Font Types
• Optimized Graphics
• Image Alt Tags
E-PORTFOLIO SITE INFORMATION
Web designer wall – Visited March 31,2011
Web Designer Wall: Single Page E-Portfolio Sites
Freelance Folder – Visited March 31, 2011
Freelance Folder: 20 Inspiring Personal Portfolio Sites You Should Explore
DesignM.ag – Visited March 31, 2011
DesignM.ag 50 Excellent Designer Portfolio Sites
DesignM.ag – Visited March 31, 2011
DesignM.ag: Inspiration, 101 Awesome E-Portfolio Sites
WHAT IS AN E-PORTFOLIO?
An E-Portfolio (electronic portfolio) is a web-based site, which showcases design work as well as a resume, blogs and anything else you’d like to add. These portfolios are also known as an Online Portfolio or a Digital Portfolio.
This type of portfolio is used a lot by creative people such as graphic designers, web designers or freelancers to show their design work and achievements to colleagues, employers, clients, family, friends, etc. on the internet. Many Photographers, Writers, Actors, Animators, Interior Designers, etc. also use E-Portfolios. Depending on your field, it is good to have one.
Some people might sign-up for an account that hosts online portfolios through sites such as Coroflot, Behance, Carbonmade, DevianArt, etc. With these sites all you have to do is basically fill-in the blanks and upload samples of your design work, resume, etc. A good thing to having an account with one of these sites listed is you can join their forums and communities and make connections really fast.
Others, if they’re able to, will design their own E-Portfolio site. This process can take anywhere from about a month to a few months depending on how simple or how elaborate you want your online portfolio to look.
If you design your own online portfolio, that in itself is one example of your web design work. Your online portfolio can be one page or multiple pages. But of course, you must keep in mind that less is more and you don’t want to overdo it.
An E-Portfolio is also good for creative people who just want to network and to build business type relationships. In most fields it is necessary these days to have an online presence. For example, you never know when an excellent job lead might come up (even though you’re not looking for one) from one of your network connections. You can then e-mail your online portfolio to whoever it needs to be sent to or if you’re face-to-face give that person your portfolio address, preferably your business card which has the link on it. Sure you can write out your information on whatever piece of paper you happen to find at the time but, it is best to look and be professional.
No matter what, just like your resume, you should form a habit to always keep up your online portfolio. It is an ongoing process. Visual communication is very important these days. It’s your digital identity.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AN E-PORTFOLIO?
An E-Portfolio is designed to show your web site design work and/or your print work. And, if you have any, you can also show your animation work. Animation is not something you can show to its fullest extent such as with a book portfolio.
One way some creatives use their E-Portfolio is to find employment and/or freelance work. Besides samples of your work, an E-Portfolio can contain your resume which names/lists companies that you have worked for.
Depending on the purpose of your E-Portfolio and whatever it is you plan on using it for, in the end, you want to put just enough information on it where they will then want to speak with you further to find out more information about your design skills and goals. You want to get them to call you! It is all about promoting yourself… branding and identity!
Also, if you’re seeking employment and/or freelance work, it is good to have a separate e-mail account just for that purpose. It is also good to utilize your online portfolio link as part of your e-mail signature. That way, you don’t always have to type it in.
Once you have your site designed, hosted and ready to go, all you have to do is to add (copy and paste) your URL address (link) to an e-mail. Of course, the link should be posted on your business card too.
E-PORTFOLIO BEST PRACTICES
Should contain
• Full name
• Office/Business Address
• E-mail Address
• Phone Number (with proper voice mail message)
• Fax Number
• Site Name
Depending on how you are using your E-Portfolio, the following is
optional or should be listed
• Social Media Site Links: LinkedIn, Blogs, etc.
• Home Address (for freelancers if they don’t have a business address)
• Resume (if you’re searching for employment)
• Client or Industry List
• Services Offered (if you’re a freelancer seeking employment)
Page Layout
• Appealing
• Consistent
• Not Cluttered
• Good Navigation
• Organized Content
• Easy to Read Text
• Fast Download
• Common Header and Footer
Color and Graphics
• Consistent Color (throughout site)
• Subtle Color
• No More Than 3 Different Font Types
• Optimized Graphics
• Image Alt Tags
E-PORTFOLIO SITE INFORMATION
Web designer wall – Visited March 31,2011
Web Designer Wall: Single Page E-Portfolio Sites
Freelance Folder – Visited March 31, 2011
Freelance Folder: 20 Inspiring Personal Portfolio Sites You Should Explore
DesignM.ag – Visited March 31, 2011
DesignM.ag 50 Excellent Designer Portfolio Sites
DesignM.ag – Visited March 31, 2011
DesignM.ag: Inspiration, 101 Awesome E-Portfolio Sites
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Multimedia Class Project...
Class: "Intro to Multimedia"
Project: To tell a story with images and music
Software: Final Cut Express on a MAC
Project Title: "Mealtime... with Family & Friends"
Music: "Raise Your Glass" by Pink and "We Speak No Americano" by Yolanda Be Cool and D Cup
I'm taking three classes this spring (2011) sememster. One of them is "Intro to Multimedia".
Our first project was to "Tell A Story..." with images and music. So, I thought, what should I tell a story about? I was thinking, "A Day in the Life of a Four Year Old" or, maybe "Mealtime with Family & Friends". I finally decided on the meal.
The actors of my mini-movie are my family and friends. Besides those who are in the movie, there were other family and friends behind the scenes. In order to eat up all the food afterwards so it would not go to waste, I needed extra people...LOL
THE STORY
For the story, I wanted to have lots of food and show family and friends enjoying a meal together.
On the day of the shoot, Friday, February 4, 2011, I cooked spaghetti, biscuits, baked a cake, brownies and muffins. Plus, I bought salad and we had either three or four pizza's and other stuff. When my son got home from work, he cooked a couple of beer can chicken's which turned out most excellent. It was great!
WORKING IN CLASS
Our next two class days, we had the whole class period to work on putting together the movie. It was fun editing the music and images.
Now I know some basics on how to use Final Cut Express.
LEARNING ADOBE PREMIERE
At home, I have the Adobe CS5 Master Collection on a PC (I want to get a MAC someday so that I can have both the PC and a MAC). When I get a chance, I need to try and make another mini-movie utilizing Adobe Premiere.
Adobe Premiere looks similar and somewhat works the same as Final Cut Express. Of course, PC's and MAC's are somewhat similar, yet they are still somewhat different... it's good to know how to work on both. It will be good to have some knowledge in both programs.
FINAL PROJECT
Below is my final project. Enjoy!
Visit my You Tube Channel SaFire98 to view more video projects.
Project: To tell a story with images and music
Software: Final Cut Express on a MAC
Project Title: "Mealtime... with Family & Friends"
Music: "Raise Your Glass" by Pink and "We Speak No Americano" by Yolanda Be Cool and D Cup
I'm taking three classes this spring (2011) sememster. One of them is "Intro to Multimedia".
Our first project was to "Tell A Story..." with images and music. So, I thought, what should I tell a story about? I was thinking, "A Day in the Life of a Four Year Old" or, maybe "Mealtime with Family & Friends". I finally decided on the meal.
The actors of my mini-movie are my family and friends. Besides those who are in the movie, there were other family and friends behind the scenes. In order to eat up all the food afterwards so it would not go to waste, I needed extra people...LOL
THE STORY
For the story, I wanted to have lots of food and show family and friends enjoying a meal together.
On the day of the shoot, Friday, February 4, 2011, I cooked spaghetti, biscuits, baked a cake, brownies and muffins. Plus, I bought salad and we had either three or four pizza's and other stuff. When my son got home from work, he cooked a couple of beer can chicken's which turned out most excellent. It was great!
WORKING IN CLASS
Our next two class days, we had the whole class period to work on putting together the movie. It was fun editing the music and images.
Now I know some basics on how to use Final Cut Express.
LEARNING ADOBE PREMIERE
At home, I have the Adobe CS5 Master Collection on a PC (I want to get a MAC someday so that I can have both the PC and a MAC). When I get a chance, I need to try and make another mini-movie utilizing Adobe Premiere.
Adobe Premiere looks similar and somewhat works the same as Final Cut Express. Of course, PC's and MAC's are somewhat similar, yet they are still somewhat different... it's good to know how to work on both. It will be good to have some knowledge in both programs.
FINAL PROJECT
Below is my final project. Enjoy!
Visit my You Tube Channel SaFire98 to view more video projects.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
The HOLIDAY'S Never End.....
The holidays will soon be over right? Well, the holidays never end...LOL.
Ok, a birthday is not a holiday but, it is or will be someone's birthday. And, just give it a few more weeks and you'll see stores already starting to sell Valentine's Day candy and cards; along with Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Graduation, and so on, all following close behind...LOL
Maybe someone you know got promoted, will graduate or have a new addition to the family. Whatever the occasion...
Celebrate! Have fun and enjoy!
Ok, a birthday is not a holiday but, it is or will be someone's birthday. And, just give it a few more weeks and you'll see stores already starting to sell Valentine's Day candy and cards; along with Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Graduation, and so on, all following close behind...LOL
Maybe someone you know got promoted, will graduate or have a new addition to the family. Whatever the occasion...
Celebrate! Have fun and enjoy!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Are You Ready For The HOLIDAYS?.....
Half the year is OVER and the holidays are just around the corner...LOL Can you believe it? Where did the first half of the year go? Man, I need to get the snowblower fixed...LOL
I was thinking, have you thought about your Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve party invites as well as your Christmas cards and any other parties and gatherings you'll have going on the second half of this year? Most likely not. Well, if you haven't, it's time to RESERVE YOUR DATES before someone else takes them.
I know e-mail and e-vites are a whole lot easier and faster, but receiving an actual card and/or invitation through snail mail makes it so much more special. Really! It does.
Also, I think lots of people save their cards and invitations and end up finding them years later and remember the good time they had at your party. So why not get going, get those cards designed, printed and ready to drop into the mailbox two to two and a half weeks before your gathering.
A TIP:
You don't have to have an actual date, etc., printed on your invitations just yet. Get all the other wording printed on the cards but, leave blank spaces and by hand, write in the date, time, location and phone number in their appropriate spaces when the time comes. Just an idea. What do you think?
Contact me and I'll assist you with creating and designing your 2010 greeting cards, fliers, post cards, promotional kits, etc. I'll also assist you with finding a printer to print your item(s).
Happy Halloween, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and everything else inbetween...LOL
I look forward to working with you this year and in the coming years.
VISIT MY WEBSITE:
Visual Xplosion.....Creating Design Solutions for Your Industry
Monday, January 18, 2010
Classes Canceled and.....
I had planned on going to classes to learn web design but, that will now have to wait until the 2010 fall semester. With my mother in the hospital and my trying to find a job, no 2010 spring semester for me. Once you're in school, you need to put lots of your attention on your classes and your class work. Things right now are not the greatest.
What I should do, in the meantime, is read up on web design myself and see if I can find any mock web design projects to work on. I know, maybe I should try and redesign my blog page. I have thought about that in the past. Thing is, where do I begin?...LOL Nah, I know where to start. I just have to take the time to "DO IT".
Another thing I could do is to go to some of the meet-up groups I've joined on Meetup.com such as Chicago Advertising Professionals Meetup, Chicago Media-Marketing & Advertising Meetup Group, Chicago Stompers, Chicagoland Webmasters: Elmhurst & Western Suburbs, Digital Media; Marketing & Web Professionals in DuPage, Fox Valley Computing Professionals, The Chicago Dreamweaver Meetup Group, The Chicago Graphic Design Meetup Group, The Chicago Photoshop Meetup Group and B 2 B Business Networking Group to learn new and exciting things and to network. Networking is always good.
Only thing is, most of those groups are a bit of a ways out. Right now, I don't have the extra money for (travel) gas and food and/or to go downtown or any other suburbs, it's a little tough. If some of those meet-ups were in my town or no more than some 20/30 minutes, that would be great!
GRAPHIC DESIGNER vs WEB DESIGNER
I've always read that it's easier going from Graphic Desginer to Web Designer than the other way around. I think I agree with that. Anyways...
There is a great difference between a Graphic Designer and a Web Designer. A graphic designer designs for print such as magazines, catalogs, brochures, postcards, fliers, etc. A web designer has to know HTML & CSS, designs banner ads, flash websites, creates e-mail blasts, etc.
LET'S EDUCATE!!
So many company's out there need to be educated on the differences and how they're two different jobs. Even though they both have to know the elements of design and they both have to design good, effective layouts, again, they're both different types of design jobs.
It would be so nice to find a job where I can use my graphic design knowledge along with learning web design on the job. I do have basic HTML knowledge so, that kind of gives me a bit of a head start. Also, I'm a quick learner, and enjoy design. It wouldn't be like web design was foreign to me...LOL
What I should do, in the meantime, is read up on web design myself and see if I can find any mock web design projects to work on. I know, maybe I should try and redesign my blog page. I have thought about that in the past. Thing is, where do I begin?...LOL Nah, I know where to start. I just have to take the time to "DO IT".
Another thing I could do is to go to some of the meet-up groups I've joined on Meetup.com such as Chicago Advertising Professionals Meetup, Chicago Media-Marketing & Advertising Meetup Group, Chicago Stompers, Chicagoland Webmasters: Elmhurst & Western Suburbs, Digital Media; Marketing & Web Professionals in DuPage, Fox Valley Computing Professionals, The Chicago Dreamweaver Meetup Group, The Chicago Graphic Design Meetup Group, The Chicago Photoshop Meetup Group and B 2 B Business Networking Group to learn new and exciting things and to network. Networking is always good.
Only thing is, most of those groups are a bit of a ways out. Right now, I don't have the extra money for (travel) gas and food and/or to go downtown or any other suburbs, it's a little tough. If some of those meet-ups were in my town or no more than some 20/30 minutes, that would be great!
GRAPHIC DESIGNER vs WEB DESIGNER
I've always read that it's easier going from Graphic Desginer to Web Designer than the other way around. I think I agree with that. Anyways...
There is a great difference between a Graphic Designer and a Web Designer. A graphic designer designs for print such as magazines, catalogs, brochures, postcards, fliers, etc. A web designer has to know HTML & CSS, designs banner ads, flash websites, creates e-mail blasts, etc.
LET'S EDUCATE!!
So many company's out there need to be educated on the differences and how they're two different jobs. Even though they both have to know the elements of design and they both have to design good, effective layouts, again, they're both different types of design jobs.
It would be so nice to find a job where I can use my graphic design knowledge along with learning web design on the job. I do have basic HTML knowledge so, that kind of gives me a bit of a head start. Also, I'm a quick learner, and enjoy design. It wouldn't be like web design was foreign to me...LOL
Friday, December 18, 2009
Back to School.....
I've been trying to find a job as a Graphic Designer (Print) and it seems that these days, employers want employees with a combination of Graphic Design (Print) AND Web Design knowledge. So, in order to keep up with the times, I'm hoping to accomplish what employers want and I'm going BACK TO SCHOOL!! I'm also doing this for myself!!
I'm excited, yet scared. Excited because I'm going to learn some new things and I'll be updating my skills and knowledge, and scared because with a mortgage to pay, I have to find a job (NOW) that will allow me to work AND go to my classes.
DOES YOUR COMPANY VALUE EDUCATION?
Do any companies out there send their employee's to classes anymore? And/or, do employee's have to pay for udating their own education? I guess it all depends on the company, the supervisor and the job.
To me, it seems like there are some companies out there that don't value education. It's like, they're not going to hire someone who is taking classes during working hours/days. And, that's partly because they don't want to pay someone what they're worth. Even though they want someone with all the skills and knowledge in the world they are only willing to pay low wages. They just want to get by with an employee who has barely the real experience that they would like an employee to have. Do you now what I mean?
As a current job seeker, I've seen tons of job advertisements that want it all, but don't want to pay the wages deserved (for someone who has the skills and knowledge). It's like, they want you to have the most awesome Adobe CS skills, PowerPoint skills along with some Administrative skills and you'll have to do this and that, etc., and you need to have a Bachelor's degree but they're only paying that?...Hahaha, that's funny!!
Then, there are those companies who will work with you and let you attend classes AND pay you what you're worth. That's what I want to find, a company who will work with me while I'm working towards updating my education. In the long run, it will not only help me out, but it's good for the company that I end up working for. I've seen some job ads with great pay for the job posted (of course, you do have to have the skills and knowledge for the job).
GRADUATION IN THE YEAR 2012?
Currently, I have two Associate degrees and if everything goes as planned, I will have three Associate degrees. My third degree will be a Web Design Associate of Applied Science degree. Since I have most of the class requirements (from when I received my Computerized Graphic Design degree), all I need are about 5/6 classes. In that case, if all goes well and there are no interruptions such as classes canceled due to low enrollement, etc., I should hopefully graduate in the year 2012.
MY CLASSES
The classes I will be taking in the spring 2010 semester are Introduction to Digital Design and Introduction to Multimedia Design. I can't wait to start and especially to buy books and whatever other supplies I need.
One of the instuctors I've had before in the past and the other instructor will be new to me.
The only thing I'm not happy about is that out of the five classes I have to take, only one class is either in the evenings or on Saturdays (so, of course I'm taking the evening class). All the rest of the classes are sometime in the morning hours. I've always attended my classes during evening hours and now (at least this coming semester) I'm going to have one class that I'll have to attend during morning hours. They don't even have online or hybrid classes (which would help alot).
NEW SOFTWARE
Hopefully, I'll be able to update my software. As a student, I will be able to buy the latest software at really low prices at school. I really need to update my MS Office Suite and of course, my Adobe CS Suite. What I have now (MS Office XP and Adobe CS2) still works for me, but it will be great to be updated.
A NEW JOB
Now, all I need is employment. If there is a company out there that is a great company I can grow with and needs a great worker with great attendance, an employee who is always on time, a fast learner, etc., let me know and HIRE ME TODAY!!
I have a lot of great graphic design, marketing and administrative skills and knowledge. It's not like I'm new to the working world.
You can view my online portfolio at www.coroflot.com/egallegos
Also, join me on LinkedIn: Elvira
Friday, September 18, 2009
Interview's Next Week.....
I'm so tired of being unemployed looking for a job. In a way, it's nice to be home, but since I don't have any extra cash to spend, I can't go out and do anything. I mean, it's not like I'd go out and spend like crazy. I'm talking about going out every once in a while for lunch somewhere reasonably priced or anything else to get out of the house.
What I basically do everyday is I'm on my PC job hunting on CareerBuilder, Craigslist, Creative Hotlist, and other job sites. I'm on my LinkedIn account, etc. I should say, I'm stuck to my pc...LOL.
One thing though, I sure am looking forward to next week, the week of September 21. I have a meeting with an office products company on Tuesday, September 22 for a possible freelance graphic design project and, an interview on Wednesday September 23 with an actual company for a permanent, full-time job.
FREELANCE PROJECT
The freelance design job consists of cover sheets that will go on top of the product, then the product will be shrink wrapped or put into a pouch. The cover sheet, besides the company logo and line art, will state the name of the product, a discription, an item number and a bar code.
Also, I think they will have a couple other projects too such as an e-mail letter. I'm thinking he's meaning an e-mail blast and I can't recall what the other thing is (if there is one). If I accept this project and he accepts my quote(s), I'll have a few extra dollars which, of course, will go to pay utilities, groceries, etc.
PERMANENT, FULL-TIME POSITION
The permanent job is for a Senior Administrative Assistant position. The cool thing about this job is that they also want this person to have some Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign knowledge. So, I'll at least get to be a bit creative (if I'm the one to get the position). I'm so excited, I can't wait till next week!
The drive to this job, for now, would be about an hour away. The good thing is, they're moving closer to my way. That's supposed to happen sometime before this year is up. In that case, the drive may be some 40 mins (give or take) and that's not too bad. They say an average commute is 30 to 45 minutes.
What would be really nice is to be able to work from home. Maybe one day if and when I get VISUAL XPLOSION, my graphic design business going. Dreams do come true, huh?...LOL.
OTHER POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITY
Also, I received an e-mail from another company (who had e-mailed me a couple of weeks ago) regarding a position that consists of Marketing, Administrative and Graphic Design.
The only thing is that the drive to this job would be an hour each way. During the winter, on snowy days and even on stormy, rainy days, you can bet it will take an extra 45 minutes or more each way. I don't know if I could really handle that after a while. I wouldn't mind if I could take the train and the ride was an hour. I've taken the train to downtown Chicago and depending on the time of day and how many stops the train has to make, it can take up to an hour each way.
What I basically do everyday is I'm on my PC job hunting on CareerBuilder, Craigslist, Creative Hotlist, and other job sites. I'm on my LinkedIn account, etc. I should say, I'm stuck to my pc...LOL.
One thing though, I sure am looking forward to next week, the week of September 21. I have a meeting with an office products company on Tuesday, September 22 for a possible freelance graphic design project and, an interview on Wednesday September 23 with an actual company for a permanent, full-time job.
FREELANCE PROJECT
The freelance design job consists of cover sheets that will go on top of the product, then the product will be shrink wrapped or put into a pouch. The cover sheet, besides the company logo and line art, will state the name of the product, a discription, an item number and a bar code.
Also, I think they will have a couple other projects too such as an e-mail letter. I'm thinking he's meaning an e-mail blast and I can't recall what the other thing is (if there is one). If I accept this project and he accepts my quote(s), I'll have a few extra dollars which, of course, will go to pay utilities, groceries, etc.
PERMANENT, FULL-TIME POSITION
The permanent job is for a Senior Administrative Assistant position. The cool thing about this job is that they also want this person to have some Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign knowledge. So, I'll at least get to be a bit creative (if I'm the one to get the position). I'm so excited, I can't wait till next week!
The drive to this job, for now, would be about an hour away. The good thing is, they're moving closer to my way. That's supposed to happen sometime before this year is up. In that case, the drive may be some 40 mins (give or take) and that's not too bad. They say an average commute is 30 to 45 minutes.
What would be really nice is to be able to work from home. Maybe one day if and when I get VISUAL XPLOSION, my graphic design business going. Dreams do come true, huh?...LOL.
OTHER POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITY
Also, I received an e-mail from another company (who had e-mailed me a couple of weeks ago) regarding a position that consists of Marketing, Administrative and Graphic Design.
The only thing is that the drive to this job would be an hour each way. During the winter, on snowy days and even on stormy, rainy days, you can bet it will take an extra 45 minutes or more each way. I don't know if I could really handle that after a while. I wouldn't mind if I could take the train and the ride was an hour. I've taken the train to downtown Chicago and depending on the time of day and how many stops the train has to make, it can take up to an hour each way.
THE WEEKEND(S)
Weekends are no fun! Now, I just have to get through this weekend (and every weekend for that matter). I really despise weekends and holidays because HR is, of course, not working. Not many new jobs get posted.
So, I sit at home on weekends, on my PC reading news headlines and articles that interest me, chatting on chat sites and/or IMing. What I SHOULD be doing is designing some new mock pieces for my portfolio such as brochures, ads, post cards, newsletters, etc. And, I SHOULD be reading up on and learning more about HTML, CSS, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Web Design, and more! I really need to get on it NOW!! Time is just passing me by.
Oh yeah, another thing I need to really get going on this weekend is to type out some questions for both the freelance project and the interview. Well, I do have tonight (Friday) and the next three days to work on that. I surely don't want to end up doing it at the last minute...LOL
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