Dangerous Designs: Bombs

Although design generally possesses a positive impact on society, it may also serve as dangerous tools for human beings. The development of weapons, such as bombs is a prime example of these types of designs. During wars, bombs are designed as a means to destroy or eliminate a large group of people or a specific population. In order to obliterate the lives of those in opposition and successfully win the battle, weapons of mass destruction are designed as tools for survival and strength. These nuclear weapons are designed utilizing the process of nuclear fission to release a large, quick, and highly destructive amount of energy that exists within nuclei. For instance, during World War II, the atomic bomb known as the “Fat Man” was designed to destroy the population of Nagasaki, Japan. As a result of designing such a destructive weapon, a great number of lives were lost. Thus, the establishment of nuclear weapons such as bombs connotes how dangerous certain designs can be towards the human race. Despite their significance within world-wide wars, they can easily take away the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, or millions of innocent people. These tools are essential for our country when engaging in wars with other countries. However, they only create more violence and hatred within the human race. Hence, the purpose behind their designs is quite negative and dangerous to our society as a whole.

Analysis of a Utopian Design

Although design carries a physically appealing aspect, they also serve to fulfill a specific purpose. There are many issues that arise within society and design is a popular solution to these problems. In an effort to improve society and establish a better lifestyle for human beings, the development of certain designs work in various ways to help create this utopian world. For example, the design of recreational parks allow for a greater sense of community and togetherness within different areas and populations around the world. Within society, there exists a great deal of violence, poverty, and discrimination amongst individuals. Thus, through designing something such as a park for these communities, the designer is able to create a more solidified and trusting society. Parks possess open space for individuals to communicate and bond within a shared area.

How Color Transforms a Single Design

Color plays a crucial role in transforming the overall appearance and sense of emotion that viewers develop through the design. Depending on the various shades and tones that are chosen or utilized, a variety of emotions can be evoked. For example, bright colors such as yellow often connote happiness and excitement, while colors such as black create a sense of darkness and sadness. Moreover, colors such as red generally symbolize strength and power, which is a color that is often used in designs that attempt to communicate a sense of pride and solidarity. Thus, through the use of color, artists have the ability to communicate different ideas or concepts. A design that is uses dark colors as opposed to light communicates a negative emotion as opposed to a positive one.

Design in Society: Japanese Animation

Anime is a popular form of animation within the Japanese American Culture that has become a prominent aspect of design within the United States. Growing up, I would consistently watch American Cartoons on Nickelodean and Disney. However, I was also familiar with Japanese Animation through shows such as Pokemon and Sailor Moon. In comparing these two types of animation, I noticed a great deal of differences between the two.
In terms of emotion, Japanese animation generally exhibits a stronger sense of emotion than American cartoons through the expressive facial characteristics of each character. For example, the addition of veins, sweatdrops, or blush connote a variety of emotions. Thus, through utilizing "emotional iconography," the artist is able to successfully communicate a range of emotions to its viewers. This relates to the concept of "Design as Communication," in that the way in which the facial expressions of each character is designed connotes a specific emotion that the audience is able to understand through merely looking at how the faces are drawn.
Moreover, Japanese Animation tends to design it's characters in a much more outrageous manner. Female characters are often drawn with extremely large, round eyes to accentuate "cuteness," which Japanese Culture heavily values. Their bodies are generally drawn to capture the perfect, slim physique of women, where body parts are emphasized more greatly. In terms of male characters, they are typically drawn with large muscles to connote overt masculinity. Thus, in comparison to American cartoons, Japanese animation tends to design their characters in a more unrealistic light.

North Face Backpacks Analysis

​Backpacks are an essential tool for full-time students, in that they allow individuals to easily transport personal and academic items to campus with ease. As students, backpacks provide us with the ability to carry the considerable amount of textbooks that we are required to bring to class, without the discomfort of carrying them by hand. They are also a favorable item for individuals who generally participate in outdoor activities, in that they are a source of containment for items that individuals desire to bring outside their homes. A popular brand of backpacks that is most often used is North Face. Utilizing the five factors of Ergonomic Research, which include safety, comfort, ease of use, performance, and aesthetics, I will analyze the overall design of North Face backpacks.

In terms of the appearance of North Face backpacks, they possess an overall simple and clean design that caters to a much more mature and older audience; most notably college students and adults who generally seek a more professional look. Unlike the colorful and playful designs that other backpacks such as Jansport design, North Face designs their products in a more effortless manner.Thus, backpacks are generally a single color. Moreover, the authentic logo of North Face is also quite simple and can be found through out various parts of the backpack.North Face back packs are also easily accessible, in that they can be found in several of it's retail stores around the world. Although the price may be a bit high in comparison to the other brands of backpacks in the market, it's price is fairly reasonable due to it's high quality. In terms of it's performance or productivity, it performs extremely well, in that it is able to handle a heavy amount of baggage. Thus, it is very useful for students who must carry several books to and from campus. The various pockets also allow for easy organization, which is useful for any individual. For example, there are pockets on the sides to hold drinks or water bottles, slots for pencils and pens, and separations within the backpack to hold a variety of items.In terms of comfort, North Face backpacks are very comfortable, in that they provide padding for the shoulders.These backpacks are also generally safe, in that they provide direct protection for personal items through the tight zippers and belts. Moreover, from personal experience of owning a North Face backpack, it does not easily wear out over time.

Design in Society: Body Art (Tattoos)

Tattoos are a prominent form of art and expression that serve as a strong basis for communication. The symbols that individuals choose to imprint on their bodies carry great significance and generally disclose personal information that others are able to grasp without personally knowing who that person is and simply by looking at a mere piece of art that is designed on one's body. There are several stories behind the tattoos that individuals possess. Often times, individuals utilize body art as a means to communicate ones culture or ethnic background. Symbols deriving from one’s country of origin or flag are usually utilized to communicate their sense of pride and admiration towards their home country. My older sister, for example, acquired a tattoo designed similar to the symbols that can be found on the Filipino flag as a way to represent and showcase her devotion towards the country that she was born in. They may also serve as a way of expressing one’s spirituality or faith. This is most notably represented through religious symbols that communicate an individuals moral beliefs. Oftentimes, I come across an individual with tattoos of crosses to represent their christianity or verses deriving from the Holy Bible. Aside from utilizing body art as a means of communicating one’s ethnic or religious background, they are also used as memorials for loved ones, which is typically represented through an image, date, or name commemorating those whom they have lost. These tattoos allow individuals to pay tribute to these individuals and communicate their significance within their lives. Thus, tattoos are a significant tool for communication, in that they visually communicate and uncover personal stories about individuals through the examiniation of single design. While design, overall is a significant tool for communication; the way in which it is used in body art possesses a stronger, more personal form of communication between individuals. When we meet an individual who possesses a tattoo, communication generally sparks regarding the meaning behind it. Thus, tattoos can communicate a lot about a person's life, what they have gone through, what they are interested in, and what they believe in. They are not merely utilized as a source of visual pleasure, but as a means to communicate hidden stories from within.

Word and Image: Typography (Motion Graphics)

As Housefield emphasized in class, communication is a significant aspect of design. Artists often utilize words to strengthen the meaning behind the images that they choose to present. For example, through the art of typography, artists are able to visually communicate a particular idea or thought through the combination of words and images. Although words alone have the ability to communicate, the meshing of both type and page carry a stronger form of expression. The idea of putting together words and sentences in an artistic and visually appealing manner has given artists the opportunity to communicate something in a more direct fashion. David Carson, one of the most influential graphic designers in America, is well known for his distinctive and innovative designs in the realm of typography. Through this modern form of graphic design, Carson violated artistic limits and established less traditional ways of utilizing both type and page to communicate a certain message. His work illustrated a greater emotional connection between words and design, which built a stronger relationship between the artist and his viewers.

Word and Image: Advertising

The combination of words and images are significant factors within the area of advertising. When we read a novel, the words themselves communicate a story which individuals are able to mentally and visually grasp. In contrast, the images in photographs carry a stronger effect on the communication between the designer and the viewer. However, when both image and text come together within a single art form, the communication is much more powerful, in that the designer is able to better emphasize his or her idea using visual and textual elements of design. For example, in the advertisement for Levis jeans that was released in the summer of 2010, the image of a man walking up a hill in the country side communicates simplicity and affordability. However, the addition of words provides greater emphasis on what the advertisement was attempting to communicate. Thus, in order for designers to successfully communicate a concept, both the image and text must coincide with one another to establish a connection between the designer and the individual who is examining the advertisement.

Design in Society: Paper Art

As I was surfing the internet, I came across some unique paper art designs that were created by an artist named Simone Lourenco. Lourenco's designs are absolutely eye catching and visually pleasing. Generally, when I think of paper art, one word comes across to mind - Origami. However, Lourenco's form of paper art is something that I have never come across and have found to be unique and different from other forms of art. I enjoy the way in which he utilizes different colors and shades of paper to create his piece of art. Moreover, the different ways in which he cuts various areas of the paper is quite interesting and every little detail contributes greatly to the overall appearance of the design.

Analysis of Mass Produced Object in Industrial Design: Iphones

Ever since Apple introduced the iphone to public in 2007, it has become the most popular and widely used smart phone around the world. When we Use our cell phones, we never stop to think about the creative process that the designer must undergo in order for it to be a successful design. The new iphone 4, which was released this past summer, is elegant and sleek and much more compact than the previous items that were released in the past. The exterior of the back is glossy and shines when tilted at a different angle. The front screen is also shiny, which allows individuals to easily slide their fingers on it when using the smart phone. The way in which the front screen was designed is important, in that it allows the User to experience the interactive touch screen without any trouble or difficulty. When something is not difficult to Utilize, their interest is Using it would continue. Thus, a screen that allows for easy gliding is perfect for this kind of smart phone. The corners of the phone are round, which allows for a better grip on the phone. It also allows for less damage when dropped since the corners are not sharp or rectangular. The sides of the phone are metal and just the appropriate width to carry within one's hand. Since the widths of the sides are thin, individuals are able to grasp the phone more easily. One of the newest additions to the smart phone was the built in camera on the front of the screen, which allows Users to take photographs without having to take it on the opposite side, where they aren't able to see how the picture will turn out. The camera hole is small, yet when Used, takes crisp and sharp photographs. Thus, the simple design yet complex feature is something that would interest a lot of individuals. After carefully examining the exterior of my iphone, it allowed me to think about the significance behind each of the features that the designer chose.

Interaction of Content and Form in Objectified

In class, we watched a documentary film directed by Gary HUstwit, entitled 'Objectified,' which looks at the connection between objects that we Utilize on an everyday basis and the individUAls who create them. In particular, the film examines the design behind laptops and the creative process that the designer must undergo to successfully design it. Individuals do not often think about the significant impact that these objects have on our lives

After watching this film, ​I learned to become more aware of my sorroundings through examining every single detail behind the objects that I use.

the significant impact that these objects have on our lives. Individuals

Jeff Hamada: Booooooom.com

In hopes of cultivating a community of individuals who share the same amount of passion and appreciation for design, Jeff Hamada, a Japanese Canadian artist from Vancouver, British Columbia, established 'Booooooom,' an inspiring website dedicated towards art and photography. With thousands of followers on twitter and ten million hits on his website, booooooom has become a highly popular medium for evolving artists everywhere. Hamada's website showcases the work of many artists around the world, most notably those who are lesser known than others. This provides artists with a greater opportunity for their work to be recognized by the public eye, while allowing audiences to celebrate the beautiful work of others.
Hamada's website also serves as a forum for discussion, where viewers are able to provide feedback on the artists' work. Thus, his blog is an example of 'Design as Communication,’ in that individuals have the ability to engage with the artwork and respond with what they were able to take from these designs. Besides posting the work of others, Hamada also produces his own art work. His designs are Unique and colorful and generally communicate witty phrases. For example, in one of his watercolor paintings, he designed ‘I am not confident enough to make serious work. Overall, this website brings individuals together and establishes a strong connection that encourages and motivates people to support one another through their work. Not only are artists given the opportunity to push their work out there, but individual everywhere are gaining a better source of creativity and inspiration.

Compare and Contrast

Different forms of art require different processes of thinking, looking, and doing. As a graphic designer, ​ a great deal of creative thinking is needed in order to sUCcesfUlly design a piece of art work. The artist mUst first brainstorm design concepts prior to execUting them. What images, shapes, colors, and fonts to Use are all vital components of the thinking process when it comes to graphic designing.

Having designed ​

;However, when sketching a portrait, the looking process is a mUch more essential aspect of the creative process. With a significant amoUnt of detail to cover, the artist mUst pay close attention to both the miniscUle and large pictUre before them.

Design as Conversation

Often times, artists Utilize design as a means of commUnication, in order to prove a point, commUnicate a story, or simply express an idea. ThroUgh engaging in sUch a conversation, indi​vidUals are able to interact with the artist simply by looking or listening to a mere image, painting, or song.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ In class, we watched a mUsical performance by Yoko Ono and Lady Gaga entitled ' The SUn is Down.' These two internationally recognized mUsicians are well-known for their provocactive, eccentric, and mischevioUs demeanor dUring their mUSical careers. ThUs, this collaboration sparked a great deal of attention am

Another example of Using art as a mediUm for commUnication​ is throUgh the form of spoken word. RUby Veridiano, an alUmni of UC Davis, is a well-known spoken word artist amongst the Asian American commUnity. Her poetry generally serves as a ... to encoUrge, motivate, and empower yoUng women. Her words also shed light on significant issUes within the Asian American commUnity. When I listen to her spoken word, I feel as if I am part of the experience, in that I am able to feel the same emotions that she is expressing throUgh her words. This is

'That's the reason why I do this art - really jUst to connect with people, to connect with my commUnity and to remind p/eop/le that were hUman. Y oU know, that's what poetry's aboUt right? It's aboUt knowing and reminding oURselves and docUmenting the facts that we feel and that were hUman and that we hURt, we love, and we cry. And when people react to that and really have a strong sense of what they hear or have a storng reaction to something that I said, it really​ motivates me to be artist and do what i do.'

Words, however, or not always an essential component for commUnication and the visUal aspect of the design may be all that is needed to convey a certain theme or message. This is an example of how design is a Universal langUage that can be Understood by a diverse aUdience , in which signs and symbols are Used to commUnicate a particUlar idea.

Design in Society: Tokidoki

One of my most favorite design brands is Tokidoki. Tokidoki utilizes a variety of color, characters, and shapes to establish a look that is very much playful, unique, and physically pleasing to the general public. The characters that are designed are generally animal characters that possess unique and colorful traits, while the overall design is a mixture of various elements lumped together to form something that apppears to be a collage.

Design From Without

Why confine yourself within a small office or room, waiting for inspiration to spark, when you could be outside discovering it? Sure, we can spend countless hours glued to our computer screen trying to find it, but inspiration is better found offline. Inspiration is everywhere and artists acquire this inspiration from the people, places, and things that surround them. Rather than finding inspiration from within, the world around us often influences individuals to look outside the box and at the same time, fuels our appetite for creativity as artists. Many of the places that I have come across have significantly influenced my graphic designs. For example, during a trip to San Francisco, I encountered an abandoned alley filled with washed-up graffiti, stained walls, and shattered glass spread out across the cracked cement. Although others may not have taken a second glance at this place, this urban environment inspired me to design something with a dark and grunge-like feel. Different people view things differently and what may appear as an ordinary alley to one person may be a source of inspiration for another. Inspiration can be found in the most unlikely places and we must learn to look beyond ourselves to find it. As we learned in class, it is important to look at the bigger picture and often times; individuals fail to recognize the things that hold so many opportunities for inspiration, such as the different cultures, nature, and the unique monuments and buildings that we are surrounded by on a day to day basis.

Stone Soup

..........

Street Wear Fashion: Hellz Bellz

While I was shopping online, I came across a clothing line entitled “Hellz Bellz,” that specifically caters towards women. There are not many female street wear designers that exist in society today. Thus, when I learned that the designer for “Hellz Bellz” was a woman, I was amazed and proud of the work that she was able to put out there. The founder, Lanie Alabanza, has previously worked in large companies such as Alphanumeric, Triple 5 Soul, and Rocawear, ultimately establishing her own fashion label in the year 2005. While much of the clothing today display women in a "hyper-feminine" manner through pieces that are often too revealing, Alabanza presents a more high-strung and bold sense of street wear fashion selection for women. Her unusual and unique designs are unlike those found in mainstream media, which sets her greatly apart from many of the present day fashion companies.

Her clothing is also representative of the female-liberation movement, which strongly addresses the issue of sexual oppression. Thus, not only do I admire her aesthetically edgy designs, but I also commend her for embracing individuality and freedom of expression, while refraining from the typical "feminine" appearance. Alabanza commonly uses the theme of women in her designs to empower, encourage, and motivate women everywhere. Thus, she utilizes design as a form of communication, in which she stresses the significance of strength and power in women.

View Alabanza's work at: http://hellz-bellz.com/

Interior Design: My Loft

After visiting several thrift shops in the bay area and reading a great number of interior design blogs, I was deeply inspired to decorate my loft when I moved into our new apartment this school year. Despite the minimal amount of space, I was determined to design every inch of it. Over the past couple of months, my interest in interior design has grown intensely. Every so often, I would find myself re-decorating my room and attempting to find new and innovative ways to make it more physically appealing. I believe that the way in which one designs his or her room communicates a lot about who that person is. For example, the majority of the items in my room are white because i like the simplicity of things, while the touch of floral represents the more feminine side of myself. In terms of lighting, I opted for something more unique. Thus, I used white christmas lights in replacement of the mere lamp. This adds a softer feel to the entire room.

As we learned in class, “design is everywhere,” even in the places that are not as often visited as others. Many of the items in my room are vintage and have been purchased at local thrift shops near my home. Shopping at thrift stores is like going on an adventure! You never know what you’re going to find and there are so many cheap and unique items that you normally couldn’t find else where. Each of the items that I have purchased from these shops are designed in an unusual or rare manner.

I love the experimentation that comes with interior design. There are various styles of design that one could choose from, such as contemporary, traditional, or vintage. For my loft, I leaned towards a more Vintage feel because of my interest in decorative antique items. Moreover, I enjoy the sense of freedom and creativity that it provides me with.

First Design Experience: Sleeping Beauty Castle

When we moved to America, my mother took my older sister and I to our very first trip to Disneyland. I honestly did not know what to expect since my only depiction of this place came from my cousins stories of their own experiences there. As a child, growing up in the Philippines, I was not exposed to many of the things that other children had the opportunity to experience. Thus, you can imagine both my excitement and amazement when we first stepped foot into Disneyland!

Although every part of the place that stood out and had the most significant impact on my experience with design was the walkthrough within the Sleeping Beauty Castle. I remember I had just read Sleeping Beauty and walking through this castle was like being in a real life pop up book. If you were to run your hands against the walls within the castle, you would feel the hard stone bricked walls, which were perfectly aligned. On each side of these walls were shield shaped windows, which beautifully captures the story of Sleeping Beauty through the colorful and vibrant 3-D images displayed through them. Every single detail of this walk through played a significant role in the magical feeling that it presented individuals with. It felt as if I were directly within the book!

The walk through within the Sleeping Beauty castle in Disney Land was definitely one of the most memorable child hood experiences that I’ve had, in that it exposed me to an entirely magical world made up of various colors, lights, and shapes. Looking back, I realized that this experience truly opened up my imagination and allowed me to see things in a more creative light. I want to be able to provide individuals with the same magical and “out of this world” feeling that this place gave me. I want to open people’s eyes, hearts, and imagination through my work.