JOCELYN CARRERA

 Titan Vicencio took his passion for art and design and used it to shape his career change which ultimately led to his success now. He began working as a programmer but shortly after decided to further his design knowledge by taking classes at CCSF to learn the technical skills necessary to thrive. Here he had the opportunity to complete an internship that showed him the level of work required of him. He stated that is internship was stricter and more demanding than he anticipated. This however did not stop him from accepting the challenge. Titan is a good example of how putting in the work can really pay off. His determination to succeed in his field drove his work and increased his ability to take on more challenges. 

 Shilpy Chhotray is an inspiring global communications director. She oversees a team and works to push out impactful messages and stories to communities. Her work and storytelling are parallel to the way designers work and communicate ideas. The work she describes takes into consideration and understands that people can be overwhelmed by ads and publications that create a sense of fear or hopelessness.  The designs and message that are put out into the worlds need to draw people in and drive that need for solutions and accountability. Chhotray's team addressed the concerns for COVID and the Black Lives Matter movement in a sensitive and mindful manner while keeping in mind that these issues are global. Using art as activism is a familiar and relatable way to breakdown concepts and conversations that could be hard for people to process. 

What I took away from Ira Glass' video is that the creative process is not linear. And your work is only as good as the effort you put in. It's reassuring to be told that even if your work is not at your desired level yet, your taste is still there. When im deep in a project i begin to feel overwhelmed and discouraged that im not getting closer to the finish line. So its necessary to remember that any work is progress because i am continuing my practice and as Ira Glass says, being able to distinguish satisfactory and disappointing work is a useful thing. I think it is important to stay creative in any way possible. For me, that means continuing my little arts and crafts projects at home or creating art through baked goods. When my only creative work is through school i sometimes start to forget the fun in creating.  Some of my design heroes are Hector Esrawe and Emiliano Godoy who both use  design as a tool for generating positive changes in society and the environment while ...

 Listening to Anne Hamersky speak, what resonated with me most was her statement, "Be aware of what seeds are already inside you, what are you passionate about, and how can you bring that into the world." It's interesting to hear how designers can combine their passion and interests with design, even when you think there can't be any overlap. Anne uses her work to communicate her values through her photography and public art, such as her bilingual murals. Using her design knowledge and expertise, she is able to capture the necessary components in images and skillfully selecting what text is necessary to be effective.  Anne's statement about using your passions to drive your work relates to Brie Mazurak's story. Brie did not have a background in agriculture or growing food but used her interest to take a leap and begin her journey. Both stories are great to listen to and a lot can be learned from each one. It can be discouraging not finding your passion right a...

 All the portfolios reviewed effectively communicated each designers' style and values through their work and presentation. They each include a section that introduces who they are and their backgrounds. This gives the portfolio a familiar feel in my opinion and can sometimes make it relatable for the viewer. All the projects showcased were visually entertaining and thoughtfully laid out.  Dustin Hugh's portfolio structure was carefully thought out. By introducing projects with a heavier message he avoided throwing off his audience or accidentally coming off as insensitive. Similarly, Parker Anne Poole introduced her final project, which was inspired by the coronavirus pandemic, for the end. Viewers are more receptive to the playful and lighter projects and at the end can process a design with a heavier subject. 

Each designer listed has a clear style that is consistent throughout their work. Julia Campbell, Shantell Martin, and Annika Izora appear playful, loud, and attention grabbing. They present bold colors and engaging patterns that keep the eye busy. Subconsciously i associate these traits with someone who is equally bold in their personality or not afraid to express themselves. This is a positive first impression in my opinion as i am naturally drawn to this type of personality. Shantell Martin's website is all black and white but because of the interaction of her website, this color palette feels appropriate. The art in the background also gives me an idea of what type of work i can expect form her. If i am looking for a designer for a conservative brand geared for minimalists, I know to look elsewhere. The same goes for Annika Izora's website. All three websites have different art styles and each one is clearly communicated right away. Izora's website, however, begins to fe...