Oh, The Places You'll Go

Before this semester, I didn't really know what I wanted to do. Did I want to do advertising? Journalism? Did I even want to be in Newhouse? (actually, that last one's a lie, I definitely knew I wanted to stay in Newhouse). But anyways. So I took this course with much trepidition, as I had heard that it was hard and involved a lot of hours. I imagined long hours sitting in the library studying for tests on typography and other boring (sorry Prof. Hedges!) things. I was very wrong though. Yes, we learned about that, but it wasn't a chore. There were examples in everyday life that I had never thought about, and soon I found myself analyzing the type and layout of an advertisement, instead of the new pink dress that it was actually advertising. The projects we did we useful, and everything we learned in class was actually utilized. We didn't have tests....it wouldn't have helped. Instead, we learned hands on in the labs and on projects. I've also never had a teacher so available for help and critique. Overall, I learned so much in this course. I never saw myself as a graphic designer, but this year I was so incredibly proud of myself, my work, and the effort I put in. This course proved that I could really motivate myself, and for that I'll be forever thankful. This course and Prof. Hedges influenced my semester and caused me to declare Advertising as my major. It also made me put CS5 on my Christmas List. So thanks Professor Hedges, for everything. You really made me enjoy this course. Have a good break, and see you next semester!

Wrapping Up GRA217

Before I took this class, the word 'anxious' could not even begin to describe how I felt about the class. Due to an unfortunate incident back in my early days of childhood, I was told that I had no "art skills" and since then, I have come to accept my lack of creativity and all skills of that form.

I remembered the first time I saw Professor Hedges in his office, I told him that I wasn't the best artist in the world... or something along those lines. I also recall Hedges telling us during class that if we think we're not creative enough for this class, he will prove us wrong.

Well, after three long months of GRA217, I am glad to say that Hedges is right. I may not have aced all the projects in this class but I have learned the skills needed to come up with things that I didn't even think I was capable of producing. It's been a tough ride (especially with almost all my weekends spent in lab) but the whole journey was worth it.

So, I just want to take this opportunity to thank Professor Hedges and Chloe, our lovely TA, for their willingness to help and for believing in each and every one of us! THANK YOU! :D

Final Post For Class

When I saw my friends doing Graphics projects last semester, I was really worried about how I would survive the class...I'm not too savvy with computers to begin with, and on top of that, I did not have any knowledge of the Adobe programs. Although I did take a Commercial Art class during my freshmen year of high school, which allowed me to explore creating projects through programs on the computer, I assumed that college level Graphics would be so much more difficult.

This class was definitely my most challenging, yet rewarding class in college so far. I was never a good test-taker so it was a nice change for me to be able to determine my own grade in a sense. I also had more motivation to do a good job on the projects, not because it was for a grade, but because it was my work with my name on it. There were many times I was frustrated with the programs and myself because I could be at lab for hours and come out with my project looking like I barely did anything; or I would end up having made two changes from a previous draft. Although I felt I put so many extra hours in, I felt like it was never enough.

I also feel like I learned something new about myself. I never thought I was a perfectionist, but through working on these projects I found that in a sense, I am a perfectionist and want everything "just right." I would basically be done with a project, but would spend another hour literally fixing the most minute details possible. I think this class has also taught me the importance of details, rather than the overall picture. It was most definitely a good change of atmosphere and study material from my other classes and although it was hard work and challenging, I secretly enjoyed it a lot!

Wrap Up Post

If GRA 217 had not been a requirement, I know I wouldn't have bothered taking it. Graphics never really interested me, and although I did have minor experience in Photoshop, I didn't really care much for it. After taking this class, however, I notice so many things about typefaces and designs. I unintentionally analyze whether that poster works for the event or if that logo accurately represents the company. I never noticed these things before, but now it's a part of my daily routine.

Even though the class required a lot of time commitment outside of lectures and labs, it was never boring. There were times when I was frustrated and unsatisfied, but it always felt rewarding to be finished with a project and to know that I had made it. I learned so much about InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop that I would not have learned otherwise, and I know it can only help me in the future. I'm glad this class gave me a chance to express my creativity and to appreciate design in the way it deserves. I feel like I got a lot out of this class, and I'm definitely satisfied with the experience I gained while doing all these projects.

Wrap Up Post

I was initially really worried about this class because I had no previous experience in the graphic design field. I must say that this was a pretty intense course. It was very time-consuming and stressful at times. When deadlines approached, I found myself thinking about concepts and visuals that I could use in my project everywhere I went. It essentially became a big part of my life throughout this semester. Although it was stressful, it was a different kind of stress compared to other classes. I actually really enjoyed learning about the topic itself and the skills (InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop). I learned so much within the past 4 months. Since I’m a Public Relations major, graphic design skills and knowledge will be extremely helpful in the future, especially in creating posters, newsletters, or annual reports for a company. I’m really glad that this course was a requirement, or else I would have never taken it. After taking this course, I pay so much more attention to typefaces and graphic designs wherever I go, which scares me from time to time.

Overall, I think the process of working on the projects was much more important than the final products in this course. Despite the fact that I was always stressed during the process of completing the project, I realized that the actual process allowed me to learn a lot. Although I am truly happy that there aren’t any more projects, I am definitely going to miss this class! :( 

Wrap Up Post

GRA...what a time consuming, frustrating and yet beneficial class! Yes, it took over my life this semester with the deadlines and trying to figure out how to use InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop, but I am pretty sure that I have obtained some really important skills for my field of advertising. Although I want to be a copywriter, I will have the basic knowledge to work with the artists and know what is possible to create in these programs. Furthermore, if I was to work for a smaller agency where one wears many hats, I would be able to complete graphical requirements. Already, I have been able to use it in my current job, helping the graphic designers and pointing out revisions to make. Besides the career-wise benefits, I feel like I am able to critique real-life posters, signs, billboards, etc. Also, typeface choices have become a huge deal to me. Actually being able to see how they interact with a piece, I know will be an asset. It is almost scary though, when I find myself noticing everything, leading, tracking, use of white space, hierarchy, etc. with almost every graphical piece I look at!

Wrap Up Post

I was really happy that I was able to take this course. Growing up, I always wanted to express myself creatively through photography or graphics or anything. However, my family did not have the money for me to do these things and I didn't have the right connections so I always longed to learn how to use the programs and create stuff. And since I'm on scholarship here I was finally able to develop the skills that I've always wanted by taking this course. For me, the experience was very freeing and exciting. This course really helped me to take the step in the creative direction that I've always wanted to go in.

Here's one thing I learned this semester: Even if you're getting an A in one class, that class can still bring your GPA down. How? It sucks a lot of your time and energy out so you can't concentrate on all of your other classes. Yes, I'm talking to you GRA 217!!! This class was very time consuming and that would be the only negative thing about it. It should be 4 credits. (Like seriously. Biology is 4 credits and that has a lab... just like graphics!)

Besides learning technical skills like using inDesign, I learned how to appreciate graphics and see it in a different way. When I look at an ad or text now, I always look at it from a graphic designer's point of view.

So thank you Hedges for teaching me all of that. It totally sucks that you're leaving SU after Spring semester =( ... who am I gonna take Advanced Graphics with now!??

-Christine Oh