ANIMATED TYPOGRAPHY
In the following animation, I used the poem “Spaghetti” by Shel Silverstein to advertise a pseudo-opening of a new Italian restaurant called Angelo’s. Enjoy!
INSPIRATION
Here is an animated infographic created by Jorge R. Canedo Estrada of Buck for an upcoming documentary called “Waiting for Superman.” The documentary highlights serious issues in America today that are based in our current education system. Through his infographic, Canedo Estrada is able to use his design skills to influence change.
According to their website, Buck uses “animation, visual effects and live action to collaborate with clients, from concept to delivery, producing work that is visceral, innovative, and diverse.”
INSPIRATION
Just today, GOOD writer Adam Starr furthered the validity of last semester’s capstone project. He posted an article about the problematic link of fast food restaurants and childhood obesity. His article suggests that effective marketing strategies (namely those revolving around free toys) have contributed to the rise of American childhood obesity. While these strategies have built restaurant empires, they have also hurt the well-being of our country.
Either designers and marketers need to be more aware of the implications of their work, or they need to use their strategies to affect positive change.
Starr brings attention to the problem of marketing that works against the health of our nation. He suggests that we kill the strategy to prevent the consequences. I suggest a different route. Since the strategy is effective, I suggest that our society uses a similar strategy (the fun factor) to entice children to eat more healthy. Our society needs food sources that value the culture of kids + the health of good nutrition + the affordability and the accessibility of fast food dining.
Since my last post, I have presented my senior capstone show, graduated from Truman State University, and have started a creative internship at Fleishman-Hillard.
CAPSTONE PROJECT
CAPSTONE PROJECT
A sticker sheet insert at the center of the annual report helps increase brand awareness. They reflect both items from the restaurant’s menu and the restaurant’s character set. The intent of the stickers is to 1) show the company’s understanding of the culture of childhood and 2) be given to the shareholder’s kids to increase brand acceptance by kids.
To view the final Annual Report & Sticker book PDF, please click here.
MEDIA STUDIES
This upcoming Tuesday, I will be presenting at Truman’s Student Research Conference. In an analysis of the 2001 film, I Am Sam, I am explaining how the aesthetics of the film positively portray the social method of disability studies.
If you would like a sneak peak, feel free to take a look at the paper in which I am presenting.
CAPSTONE PROJECT
Meet the latest development for my Beanstalk restaurant…Jac’s Friends. The character set is a continuation of my ultimate goal of making healthy eating fun for kids. Each character teaches kids a quick lesson about healthy eating.
For coloring sheets featuring these characters, please visit http://megandowdy.com/beanstalk/fun/fun.html. Have fun!
INSPIRATION
It is absolutely amazing what the content-aware fill in the upcoming Photoshop CS5 will be able to do. If it really works as well as the video shows, I can start thinking about all of the new things I will be able to do in the amount of time it saves…edit 5 times as many photos, shoot images for a new project, go on a bike ride…
CAPSTONE PROJECT
As I continue to update my annual report for the Beanstalk brand, I wanted to post progress on my spreads. As I mentioned in my earlier posting about this publication, through the format of an illustrated story and sticker book, Beanstalk’s annual report becomes an access point for shareholder’s kids to build brand acceptance. The report depicts its appreciation for the culture of childhood and informs present and potential shareholders about Beanstalk’s philosophy, mission, services, and financial updates.
Earlier tonight, I bought more fruit and vegetables and am getting ready to prepare them for my next photo shoot. Sticker sheet inserts for this report are coming soon!
POSTER + APPAREL
According to the Feeding America website, the child food insecurity rate for Missouri is 20%, which means that 1 in 5 kids in Missouri are affected by hunger. This is unacceptable. These kids go to school hungry and then are expected to learn. Imagine how hard it would be to achieve when your basic life needs are not being met! The I Think I Can Foundation tries to help by providing backpacks filled with food for some of these kids to take home at night and on the weekends.
Truman State University’s ASG organization is hosting a Walk/Run to raise money for the I Think I Can Foundation to benefit our very own schools right here in Kirksville, Missouri. Here is a preview of the promotion poster and the race T-shirts that I designed.
Poster
T-shirts
Update: After the event, the I Think I Can Foundation was able to see the T-shirt design. They liked the graphic so much that they are currently in the process of changing their foundation logo so that it incorporates elements of the graphic.
INSPIRATION
Laura Seargeant Richardson from Frog Design gives advice to new designers. As I am getting ready to graduate to the “real world,” her advice inspires me (both as a visual communicator and as a human being) to responsibly become an inquisitive, creative person who is always seeking innovation.
She writes,
We are all designers. Without taking anything away from the design industry, we need more people in all industries to recognize the impact that comes from their “designs”—whether it’s a doctor’s diagnosis or a teacher’s curriculum or a government employee—every human is a designer. As a discipline, we are trained to creatively solve challenges, to consider the future implications, to consider those other than ourselves. Our world is by design and we need more designers than ever before to handle the evolving world. I ask one thing of you in closing—teach one child design thinking or empower an adult by telling them they are a designer. We can all make a difference.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Going to school in the small town of Kirksville, I had the opportunity to study a local church. Over a period of a couple months, I was able to observe the little traces left by its community members. In a manmade building honoring the divine, symbols compound upon one another. Sacred artifacts meet the human everyday. The Godly becomes lived in. The following body of work is the result from the exploration of the connection existing between the human and the divine.
PHOTOGRAPHY
My Snowscape Whimsy piece is currently on display at the Kirksville Arts Association’s Photography Exhibit. The photograph is a nonsensical reaction in hopes to cheer the endless winter snow. If you are in town, stop by and check out some of the work from local photographers. For more information, visit http://www.kirksvillearts.com/.