"R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Find out what it means to me!"

These days everything has gone digital so of course there are going to be major infringement violations with the accessibility of art work/images on the web. Like Baron says, there’s a smorgasbord of methods to stealing work (I’ve always wanted to know how to spell “smorgasbord,” thank you Cynthia Baron). Baron covers all the terms (copyright, trademark, infringement, etc) and how one needs to respect others’ work and how to protect your own work.

Although this chapter wasn’t as enticing as the others, Baron clarified a lot of copyright issues for me, because they most definitely can get very messy.. especially with all the limiting factors that play with terms of ownership.

www.jacksonpollock.org
This is a fun site that I came across a little while ago. (to work it, all you do is move your mouse around and click on your mouse when you want a new color)
It’s also an example of derivative style because you are paying homage to Pollock.

The Master Portfolio

DDP Ch. 11:

In this chapter Baron talks about interface design and how your site should have an organized layout. Baron begins by telling us that a web site is like “walking into an atrium,” meaning that there are multiple ways to go through the different pages and view it. Baron also broke down the design process into 4 categories—which we’ve already gone over and covered in class.

I wish I could have read this chapter earlier in the semester; it would have been very helpful. But Baron does make some good points, especially by saying that you should always leave enough room on your site to insert more projects. Like she says, later on or in the next few months you’ll want to add or move things around and for that you need a layout that is workable and trouble free to develop and change.

I’m not that big of a fan of Britt Funderburk’s web site. I like the layout and all, but DAMN- those colors he uses are extremely bright. I think if he just stuck with one color and used different shades of that color the site would look and feel better.

Aren't You Special

Ch. 10 DDP:

Baron discusses that a web portfolio needs 3 things, “an appropriate technology, a structure, and a visual concept for your interface”. That sounds easy enough… Well I know that I’m using Flash, I have a layout that I’m adhering to, and I like my design so I guess I have the basics.

Baron makes a good point by saying that when people try to make their digital portfolios they think it has to be some “interactive masterpiece” but when it comes down to it all that matters is that your work is shown in a clear and cohesive manner and that your portfolio design doesn’t take away from your projects. Baron also discusses what type of metaphor your portfolio can have. I think mine is a combination of gallery, narrative and spec/sheet brochure because I want to include my best work and explain a little amount about each of my projects.

Basically in this chapter Baron sums up the importance of having a portfolio with a good concept and style—a combination that will make for a strong portfolio.

Oh, and I really like the Sharpe + Associates web site. It’s an example of a gallery portfolio showcasing a number of different graphic designers and photographers. Every artists work showcased is really great.

BDP (end of the book):

These portfolios are most definitely different. I love Eramos Tantos film reel portfolio. It’s such a great and appropriate way to showcase his work since he likes to design around the subject of film. And I like Chris Dimino’s cube portfolio, even though from the outside it kind of reminds me of a makeup artist’s makeup kit… Anyway, Eisenman states that you shouldn’t “decide to be different just for the sake of being different” and she’s absolutely right.

I Want To Be MiMi

DDP Ch. 9:

Baron thoroughly discusses written content in chapter nine. She talks about what to write and why, what not to write and why and basically just what you really do not want to include in your portfolio i.e.: BAD GRAMMAR. Lousy spelling is definitely a BIG no no. So when deciding on what to write in your portfolio just keep in mind to make it short and sweet—there’s no need to linger on about a typography project when you can describe it in a maximum of two lines.

Baron says that “too much of what makes a good designer is in the decisions”. Well, I am the most indecisive person you will ever meet… so wish me luck in the design world!


BDP pgs. 94-194:

This week’s reading showcased a bounty of beautiful print portfolios. Each and every portfolio was different; from concept, design to color palette.

I REALLY liked Cooper Union graduate, Mimi Jung’s portfolio. She designed and laid out her work in a 2-sided poster that she folded up and put in a translucent folder. It’s such an easy and affordable idea—but also so sleek and modern. Jung’s web site also reflects her print portfolio design—very minimalistic and clean. I also liked Roxanne Zargham’s portfolio, which was also poster related. Hers was very cool.

I guess I have a thing for posters.