Graphic Design

Permanent URI for this collection

https://hdl.handle.net/10217/180169

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 418

Open Access
Katherine Hess: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2012) Hess, Katherine, artist
Open Access
Vicki Gillis: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2012) Gillis, Vicki, artist
The artist's statement: Creativity is a limitless universal resource. There is something empowering about creating something and having it make a difference in someone else's world. Graphic design is a universal language when words are not necessary to communicate because visual art speaks to all people and across all borders. During this time at Colorado State University in the Graphic Design program, I have seen how much design is a part of our daily lives. From ephemeral items such as gum wrappers to huge billboards, graphic design informs, persuades, organizes, stimulates, locates, identifies, attracts attention and provides pleasure. Through my completion of design assignments I have gained access into every one of these situations. In the creation of logos, business stationery, posters, magazine ads, and website design not only have I touched upon the everyday application of my design skills, but also upon the people involved from my professors, my classmates, and others who have so generously given of their time and knowledge, and whose image may have been included in my design idea. As a designer, everything from sunrises to storms to walks in the park, or visits to a museum make me better at what I do. I see the world differently because of my design education. I understand meaning, beauty and creativity in everyday activities. I enjoy playing with colors and shapes. I guess I never outgrew the joy of my crayon box!
Open Access
Mikhail Twarogowski: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2012) Twarogowski, Mikhail, artist
Open Access
Rob Lacy: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2012) Lacy, Rob, artist
Open Access
Robin Lewis: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2012) Lewis, Robin, artist
Open Access
Lisa Shipley: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2012) Shipley, Lisa, artist
Open Access
Matthew Workman: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2013) Workman, Matthew, artist
The artist's statement: The path I have followed to become a graphic designer can be traced back to my early childhood. Throughout my school career, my notebooks were often filled with more drawings and doodles than actual notes. Even from my earliest memories, I recall being fascinated by the interaction of light and color: the patterns and emotions created by stacking one color of LEGO brick on top of another; the contrast between my mother's bright red coat and the brilliant white field of snow in which we stood. This journey of artistic development was long and winding, as I traveled the world and dabbled in different careers in fields as diverse as writing, truck driving, chemistry and even baking. Through it all, however, I remained interested in creating and viewing art. In particular, the bright, bold colors of the graphic arts captured and held my attention. I enrolled in the graphic design program at Colorado State University and never looked back. As I progressed through the program, I exposed myself to the work of designers past and present, from Saul Bass to Jessica Hische. Ultimately, I discovered my strengths in illustration, typography and web design. I now aim to help make the world a more engaging and beautiful place through the power of good design and visual communication.
Open Access
Ian Smith: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2013) Smith, Ian, artist
The artist's statement: Throughout my years here at CSU, I have been exposed to many varying forms of contemporary art. The work I have created reflects my appreciation for art history and shows my understanding of the impact that various movements continue to have on art today. Dadaism, Cubism, Surrealism, Art Nouveau, High Renaissance, and Neo-Dada are all movements that I like to draw inspiration from in my work. From an early age I was initially drawn to the works of Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso for their surreal imagery and their escape from visual norms. Based on my studies of art history here at CSU, I came to love the works by artists such as Rene Magritte, Georges Braque, Joan Miro, Alphonse Mucha, Raphael, Georgia O'Keeffe and Robert Rauschenberg. As far as contemporary graphic design goes, my idols include Saul Bass, Milton Glaser, Shigeo Fukuda, and Leonardo Sonnoli. The illustrations I have created are all reminiscent of a personal style I am attempting to create using primarily pencil and ink for medium combined with the various styles mentioned above. My typographic layouts are structured and employ the use of keen organization and hierarchy. Overall, I would say that my work is more on the illustration side of the graphic design world and I would like to continue pushing my self towards becoming an illustrator for posters, books, editorials, etc. The work I enjoy making the most are drawings that reflect my personality while also effectively symbolizing the subject I am depicting. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at CSU and specifically would like to thank Phil Risbeck, John Gravdahl, Eli Hall, Marius Lehene, Michael Fenton, and Ajean Ryan for pushing me to create works that became progressively more meaningful and important to contemporary art and my psyche.
Open Access
Drake Fontana: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2013) Fontana, Drake, artist
The artist's statement: Effective brand communication in today's marketplace is a complex and massive undertaking. With shifting demographics and media platforms the consumer is both more in tune and out of touch with producing brands. The ability to understand this complex cultural landscape of our planet is more important than ever. Through the study of history and design I have attained the skills necessary to effectively comprehend and decipher the complex cultural interactions of our time. This unique mix of visual communication skills and cultural understanding allows me as a designer to make the personal bond between consumer and brand stronger, clearer, more efficient, and longer lasting. A tailored suit always fits better than the mass produced. Design is only as good as the story behind it. I used to think good design was something you learned from a textbook. Do things line up? Is there good use of color and space?; all of the formal artistic requirements. But a brand, a good design, not only captures the attention of an audience, whom doesn't want to listen or be influenced, it lingers in the mind, the subconscious. And for those who care to ask, care to listen, there is a story in the details that embodies the spirit of the entity it represents. The message isn't just simply that 'we are here' and 'this is what we do/offer.' The story is 'this is who we are', 'this is the way we can make your life better.' We want to share ourselves with you, and if you're listening, we hope you like what you hear and come share with us some of you; money, time, or otherwise. It's a true connection between sender and receiver. Something that is personal and genuine. Something that is built on trust, and clarity that generates loyalty. A good story teaches you lessons on life; shows you different perspectives of the world. Whether you agree or disagree is of no confidence, as long as you understand. People don't want to be influenced, but to be influenced is to not have the confidence to say no. A good story doesn't involuntarily impose influence on the audience. In the same way, good design allows for an audience to feel comfortable enough to listen. And once their minds and ears are open hopefully the story is meaningful enough and influential enough to garner a positive reaction of acceptance. Like a good movie or book, good design is a window, an acceptable vehicle to carry a message or lesson to an audience. There are millions of books, movies, designs, and advertisements, but only the good once make an audience want to delve into the details for more. Or come to your destination in the case of advertising.
Open Access
Kole Kostelic: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2013) Kostelic, Kole, artist
The artist's statement: Learning Graphic Design here at CSU has afforded many unique and valuable opportunities. I am especially excited to commence my journey outside of school and find work in Northern Colorado. Through my studies here at CSU I have taken a great interest in typography, branding and motion graphics. I have gained experience through my school and through external jobs and internships. During these opportunities I learned that conferring with clients and especially collaborating with team members and clients are especially important in how I want to work in the future. Coming together with others to create something beautiful is perhaps my favorite part of this profession and I will try to keep it pure as I continue working in this field. Design has come to be a very important part of my life, a part of my everyday schedule, and something I get excited about. Starting new projects with teams and friends is exciting, and seeing them finished, the good it brings the clients and the community is most rewarding.
Open Access
Kacey Underwood: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2013) Underwood, Kacey, artist
The artist's statement: I am dedicated to the presentation of information in the most effective way. I believe that a designed world, in which communication is clear and aesthetic is upheld, is our zenith to strive for. I find inspiration in great ideas, design, and beauty all around me. My most passionate work applies the tool of graphic design and typography to answering to environmental health and social concerns. Still, I find a joy in expressing the beauties of nature, love, music, and cuisine, paying a respect to their subtleties, tactility, and delicacy.
Open Access
Tyler Bathen: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2013) Bathen, Tyler, artist
The artist's statement: I utilize the process of art to communicate, create, and produce an effective message. I develop a process of creative intuition and express it through digital media. I find that it is the most effective form of output an artist can utilize. Upon graduation, I wish to become a successful strategic branding specialist, junior level designer, or associate creative director. After years of service I hope to ascend accordingly and possibly provide commercial entrepreneurial services. I do believe in the process and benefits of concentrated creativity.
Open Access
Sarah Christine Fleming: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2013) Fleming, Sarah Christine, artist
The artist's statement: Throughout my school career in the field of graphic design I have always tried to focus the context of my work on three different aspects: experimentalism, pop art, and functionality. There is no better time to experiment with different mediums and processes than when you are a student. That's why I found it in my best interest to experiment as much as possible. Becoming familiar with different mediums and processes not only expands the diversity of my work but it also adds elements of surprise. When using new mediums or methods for the first time you never know what you will end up with and it is for that reason I was drawn to trying new things. Although I have used many different artists, works and types of art for inspiration I think my work best fits in the category of pop art. Since graphic design in today's society is mostly used to communicate ideas and concepts to the masses, such as with advertising and print media, it goes hand in hand with pop art and functionality. Most of the pieces that I produced have a significant purpose such as magazine spread, package design, logo design, advertising, posters, etc. With that said each of my works had to be a solution to combining both creativity and functionality.
Open Access
Michael Koldeway: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2013) Koldeway, Michael, artist
Open Access
Brian Blackford: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2013) Blackford, Brian, artist
The artist's statement: Foremost, I believe that every work of art needs an element of enjoyment. Every task assigned, even the miserable ones, can be empowered through self-enrichment. I like to think that if I am not having fun with a work-in-progress, then I'm doing something wrong. It's a lot like that adage by art critic, John Ruskin: "When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece." My love for clever design and thoughtful compositions are the propulsion behind my skills as an artist. In the beginning of my graphic design career, I was very much interested in learning how to use technology to create graphic solutions. Colorado State University became my choice for studying the profession because of its extensive computer and teaching resources in graphic design. However, as I began to develop as a graphic artist, I learned that my other sets of skills: drawing, painting, and sculpture; could all be applied to my graphic design work. After graduation, I plan pursuing a career in illustration through print publishing.
Open Access
Kimberly Saye: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2013) Saye, Kimberly, artist
The artist's statement: Over the past few years in the graphic design program I have acquired a style that I commonly use and can call mine. My style is abstract and uses silhouettes and simple layered shapes that are accented by a cool color pallet. My goal, when I create my graphic design pieces, is to make the piece have a bold and clear meaning and bold imagery that pop to the viewer so they understand the subject matter immediately. Continuing into the future I hope to keep refining my graphic design style and skills through inspirations I find in art and other people and/or co-workers.
Open Access
Alyssa Montoya: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2013) Montoya, Alyssa, artist
The artist's statement: The goal of all of my pieces is to give it a short of cartoon like feature to it. I want to keep it fun and entertaining for the people who look at it. My goal is to get people involved and interested in my work. I don't want to be taken to seriously because I feel like it is better to be excited about something and have fun with it rather then be taken to seriously and not enjoy watching other people look at your pieces.
Open Access
Andy Hua: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2013) Hua, Andy, artist
The artist's statement: My art tends to be less spontaneous and more process based. I start with an initial concept and plenty of research. I often also reframe the design solution to find new points of entry into my projects. After finding direction, I begin to explore alternate variations and iterations with relevant text and imagery. I try to find simple and overlooked connections between ideas, while playing with creative limits and parameters. My work is driven by the desire to explore how concepts can ultimately manifest themselves into visual expression through playing with imagery. The concept begins as a spark... a creative impulse, igniting a framework of ideas that begs to be played with. From there, I push the idea forward by prototyping the ideas and iterating until I reach a solution that feels well resolved and integrated as a whole. This concept-oriented process overcomes boundaries imposed by media. By focusing on the idea, the solution can take many forms across various media. Even though the choice in media does have an effect on how a piece is received, it will inherently still have a strong impact because of the nature of layered meaning that is inherent in substantial design concepts.
Open Access
Marissa Reinke: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2013) Reinke, Marissa, artist
The artist's statement: My first introduction to Illustrator was my senior year of high school and from that point on it was game over for me. Although I always saw art as a passion and way to escape after a year of college I found that to be what I needed to be doing instead of wasting away in something I was not head over heels for. At CSU I received a fine arts background and then was finally allowed to start taking graphic design courses. I fell in love with typography immediately and its power and many ways it can be used. Now the everyday appearance of type takes on a new meaning of inspection and admiration and at other times disgust. I hope to move into the field of graphic design and continue to push my knowledge and skill with typography and hopefully one day have a piece of my own that inspires another young designer.
Open Access
Lindsay Bergquist: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2013) Bergquist, Lindsay, artist
The artist's statement: As a designer, I am very interested in how contemporary art is a major part of everyday life. Most people don't realize they see contemporary art everyday through advertisements, websites, and packaging. It is my wish to make those items, the ones that are seen daily and taken for granted, into beautiful creations that would inspire people. It is not enough to design something purely for a utilitarian purpose, it must be designed with intent to make the world a more beautiful place.