Improving Along The Way

I'm continuing on my journey of HTML and CSS. Even though I technically have a month of experience under my belt, I still feel like I'm only dipping my toe to test the waters. There's plenty of more I haven't learned. Also, there's more to go into depth with.

HTML and CSS are still scary subjects to me and I only hope that I'll get more comfortable and confident in my skills. The subject is a bit overwhelming but trying to apply yourself is going to be the hardest quest in this journey. I may learn little techniques that can help ease my nerves but I have to first choose to apply myself in that element.

Last month, I had a late start and then it got rougher after that. I was so discouraged with everything going on with class and in my life that I continued to procrastinate. And procrastinate I did. It did NOT help how anxious I was to begin with. Eventually, I conquered my demons and was able to create a website.

I did go very simple but as I stated previously, I tested the waters. Dreamweaver didn't seem as scary as I made it out to be once I actually saw progress and then my final product. All in all, face your fears. Whether you decide to take baby steps or dive head first, you have to take the first initiative.

That's all for now.
--Kimberly Dinh

Only The Beginning

I can finally say that I've received my books this week! I actually feel that I'm a part of the class again. I know that I'll be a little more behind than I've ever expected to be but I'll push through and continue for my upcoming months.

I've already gone through my books to get an idea of the material and was so amazed at everything I didn't know along with some things I had a vague idea of. Getting involved with coding made me a bit of nostalgic because the first time I've ever use it or heard of it was because of Myspace.

I remember how everyone knew the basics to enhance their layout of their page. And now that Myspace is sort of overlooked due to the popularity of Facebook, the DIY (do-it-yourself) coding may of disappeared from my memory.

But the sense of familiarity gives me a bit of confidence to have the ability to learn it again and possibly expand my horizons.

Until next time,
--Kimberly Dinh

Unable to Function

Last week, I discussed about how I was entering a new class and was extremely nervous of learning the new material but I have been unable to really get a grasp of the work. No, not because I don't understand the material but due to the fact that I have lack there of.

So far, I have been in such an unlucky situation where my books haven't arrived and I am far behind my other classmates. I can't really dive into the subject without my books because that's the foundation. Where there is no foundation, everything crumbles. Due to the complications I've been given, I've had to work in a different mindset compared to others. First things first, I have to get my books. Then work from the beginning to get caught up. I foresee sleepless nights but it will totally be worth it in the long run. The skills I'll be learning will help when I step into the real world.

Hopefully, I'll be able to share something specific next week!

Until next time,
--Kimberly Dinh

Delivery Systems Week 1

I've entered a new class and I'm hesitant. I'm probably more nervous than I've ever been for any class. This class involves creating websites and that is the part that scares me. I don't know how much it will take to build a website from scratch. I'm completely in the dark about this and don't have much research about this under my belt. That's probably what the majority of my time will consist of. Researching and researching until my fingers fall off and I'm comfortable enough to possibly launch my own personal website.

I'm thinking about how I've never done this before and my first week in Intro to Graphic Arts and Design. I've never touched any Adobe products before and then I went through my courses picking up techniques and learning that I'm able to do things alone. Hopefully, I'll be blessed with the same outcome in this class.

Still nervous but I just want to do my best! I'll keep you updated on my journey.

Until next time,
--Kimberly Dinh

Grand Opening!

In my last post, I discussed my endeavors about creating my portfolio. I just want to show you what it all turned out to look like even though I didn't have the opportunity to have unlimited resources and supplies. Beginning with nothing, I like how it turned out. Now that I have the experience, I can create a better portfolio when I update it.

As I did have plenty of complications, I truly enjoyed my experience. I can use what I've done here later in the future and I can share my knowledge with you in the most honest way I can.

 My portfolio is basically a three-ring binder with clear insert front. My cover displays my name so anyone looking at it will know the work inside belongs to me. I also put strips of different designs I created to give a little color. These little strips embody me as a designer because it shows a little bit of what I do in a lot of my pieces. The significance of three? Well, the beginning, middle, and end of every project. It just shows figuratively how you work in sessions.

The inside is displayed somewhat like this below. I put my work in page protectors to keep them from getting messed up. I also went with a front and back showcase to put similar works next to each other yet show the differences as well.






Pros:

• I learned how to put a portfolio together.
• I learned how to look at my work objectively.
• I got to be creative (like always).
• I have a portfolio for job opportunities.

Cons:

• Didn't have many resources, material, or budget.
• Used a lot of neighbor's ink.
• Personal issues.

Overall, the pros definitely outweigh the cons and it's a relief to finally have this ready! I don't have much else to say but good luck if you're making a portfolio as well.

And until next time,

--Kimberly Dinh

Under Construction

Being a designer, you have to keep a substantial way to display and promote your work to clients. A client needs to have conformation that you know what you're doing basically. Also, this helps the consumer figure out if your work is what they need for their project or at least the experience and potential for it.

A portfolio is a good way to present yourself for business. A portfolio is a compilation of your work that documents your expertise and personality. Why is this important? Because it's reinforcement. You can't just say something and not have proof.

I've recently began putting together my own portfolio and wanted to show the experience. Let's begin with saying it is my FIRST ever portfolio and it's a learning process. This whole concept is completely foreign to me and I didn't know how much it was going to take to finish it.

I began with the mindset of this being another project for my class but it was completely different than anything I've ever done. It took more of my energy than I figured. A portfolio is no joke! It is something you have to constantly work on to perfect and you have to keep asking yourself, "How does this represent me?", "Is this something I want to show my clients?", and a myriad of other self-exploration questions. Everything begins with what you're to broadcast for others to see. I had to go through the archives of my work and search for multiple pieces that I was proud of, showed my experience and technique, and had my personality in it. After the selection process, I had to tweak anything I deemed as unfinished. It also helps that you remember critiques you've received from you peers and professors.

I selected a few of my pieces that represented my style. Without inflating my ego, I would say I work very well with layers and know how to work them together. I stated in a previous blog post that my professors even noted that I can create textures and that's how I found my calling if you say. It was something I did with ease and it become something I was kind of known for. Some of the pieces below will show you what I've been trying to explain.

  

After picking my pieces, I had to modify a few to make them complete and then print. I have to adjust the final size of my larger work due to my portfolio's size. I had to get a little crafty when it came to my portfolio because of budget and resources. All in all, make it work! (as said by Project Runway's Tim Gunn) Being a college student struggling to find employment and living with a single parent, you don't have the most lavish budget and had to think of a solution fast. I then realized I still had page protectors and binders from high school I could use. Hoping they were in good condition, I searched through the graveyard of school materials. It was a sense of relief that I had this laying around and it would help immensely for my portfolio.

Everything inside your portfolio is a huge chunk of representation but don't forget about the cover! I know the saying is, "Don't judge a book by its cover" but how else will we be interested in something that has no pizazz or lures us in to pick it up. I began sketching thumbnails and roughs of how I wanted to present my name and how I wanted some type of image to follow that. At this time, I had no idea what type of display picture I wanted to showcase. A lot of ideas bounced around and I finally decided to make my own.

 

A sneak peak into my process with thumbnails (left) and roughs (right).

Ultimately, I was satisfied with it after trial and error. That's the point of design, you have to constantly work on something until your deadline (if you have one). And the hardest aspect is having a finished product because you might believe it needs a little more work but your client might like/want it the way it is. That's where communication comes in handy. But the difficult part was I was my own client and had to fulfill my purpose with my portfolio cover design.

This is probably the hardest thing I had to do to date. I entered very dim about the idea of a portfolio and worked myself constantly to finish and I've learned so much. I had to many obstacles I worked around due to everything that is limited to me. Overall, I have a better understanding to make a better portfolio next time I update while my work progresses.

Until next time,

--Kimberly Dinh

Local Work

I've recently moved to a new location and haven't been able to connect with this town. I came from a larger and fast-paced environment to something the complete opposite. A small town has its ups and downs but I can be certain that any type of change will get the attention needed.

Due to its small population and local owned Ma and Pa shops, I feel that I could make a difference in anywhere I get my foot into. I could tweak the local flower shop's design to give them potentially more business and who would deny a booming industry?

I can't quite say there is a company I would be dying to get my hands on but I can say that I will enjoy any experience, if any, that comes my way.

Arcadia is an open field of opportunities regardless of its size.

Until next time,

--Kimberly Dinh