JOCELYN CARRERA

 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.