Final Project: A Thousand Words

For my research project I chose the topic Typography. According to the dictionary, Typography is the art of arranging type. I read a lot about the history and how it has evolved from punches and dies in ancient times to what it is now in the Digital Age. However, reading about the arrangement of type, typefaces, leading and line length is not nearly as interesting as seeing it. For my project I illustrated the keywords that define typography. Here's a sneak peek :)

Citations:
Kyrnin, Jennifer. "What Is Typography? - Typography Basics." Web Design - HTML XML - Web Development - Web Site Design. About.com Guide. Web. 25 Apr. 2011. <http://webdesign.about.com/od/fonts/qt/typography-basics.htm>.
"typography." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 29 Apr. 2011. <Dictionary.comhttp://dictionary.reference.com/browse/typography>.
A Thousand Words. Savage Garden. Affirmation, 1997.

Class Reaction: 4/11

This week's class was very touching. My classmates shared their thoughts on why they were here. Many of the projects were interesting, but one especially stood out to me.

The girl that expressed her discouragement and confusion about not knowing why she was here was something I feel many of us could relate to. She said she feels like she lost a lot of inspiration and connection to her creativity. She isn't sure New Media is the best major for her, but she feels it is too late to change since she is paying for school her self. 

Personally, I was at that same stage 2.5 years ago. I was at IU in Bloomington majoring in Management in the school SPEA. I dreaded every class and struggled to become interested in the topics we were discussing. Thankfully, my parents were very understanding when I came to them and expressed my frustration and sadness. I told them this track wasn't for me and I want to explore what else is out there. 

I received a flyer in the mail from IUPUI about an event they were holding to give prospective students an introduction to what they have to offer. This is where I learned about the New Media program in the School of Informatics. I knew this is where I was meant to be. I love being able to express myself and be creative while working with technology. 

I hope the girl in our class understands that she is not alone. Hopefully some personal reflection will help guide her the way it helped me.

Plate of Ideas

When I feel like my ideas are going stale or I can't get my creativity flowing, I like to take a bubble bath. It feels so good to be by myself in a quiet room, and let the inspiration come to me.

For this week's assignment, we were to do something based on our own personal wellspring of creativity. I created a place to document my ideas when I'm sitting in my bubble bath.

I designed a plate that has two layers of chalkboard paint in the center. Previously, when ideas came to me when I was relaxing in the bath tub, I would either have to write on a piece of paper and try not to get it wet or I would have to remember each thought. Now, when I feel inspired by an idea, I can write it down on the chalkboard.

The plate is framed with colorful marbles that are flat on one side. I hot glue-gunned each piece to make it more visually appealing. I also thought the variety of pretty colors might inspire more ideas.

Want to make one?

You will need: Large plate with thick rim, chalkboard spray paint, colorful marbles, and a hot glue gun.

1. Cover the rim of the plate with tape to avoid spraying with the chalkboard paint.
2. Spray paint the center of the plate with chalkboard paint. Let the paint dry. Repeat this step 1-2 more times to create a thicker board.
3. Plug in the hot glue gun.
4. Lay out the marbles in whatever design you like the best.
5. Hot glue each piece and place the marble on the rim of the plate.
6. Continue glueing each marble until the entire rim of the plate is covered.
7. Let dry and you're ready to go!