Saturday, January 31, 2009
Co-op
I will be working for the First Years in Boston this Spring! I'm pretty excited, since its in an area I am interested in and since Boston is pretty sweet!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Featured in a blog!
Yanko Design featured my Perch computer from last winter on their website yesterday....
http://www.yankodesign.com/2009/01/28/pc-gets-easy-for-gramps/
Some of the comments are a little harsh-ish, but I understand where they are coming from. I think if I put this in my portfolio later on when I am trying to get a job, I might just re-brand it as a kid's computer. Most people seem to think it is a kids computer anyway.
Still pretty cool to be featured in a blog...
http://www.yankodesign.com/2009/01/28/pc-gets-easy-for-gramps/
Some of the comments are a little harsh-ish, but I understand where they are coming from. I think if I put this in my portfolio later on when I am trying to get a job, I might just re-brand it as a kid's computer. Most people seem to think it is a kids computer anyway.
Still pretty cool to be featured in a blog...
Kidrobot USB Drive
Here's some Illustrator renderings I did for class of a USB drive designed for Kidrobot.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
what is good design?
I could write a list of a thousand things that make a good design, but I will narrow it down to the three things that I appreciate most in a good design:
1. It's simple. The best designs keep only what you need, and throw everything else away. This usually results in a more beautiful and poetic form. I like these new external hard drives from Seagate...they are simple, beautiful, and personalized by color options.
2. It's emotional. Naturally, people will feel more drawn to a design if they feel some sort of emotional attachment to it. One good way to do this is to be inspired by nature. I like this rug design because it looks like moss, reminding me of the outdoors and bringing a little bit of nature into the home. Some might not like this, and may actually feel a negative emotional response!
3. It captures an element of fun, surprise, or unexpectedness. Not suprising coming from me, but I like designs that make me laugh, smile, or say "oh how cute!" This element really can distinguish a product (and the user of the product) from the rest of the crowd. This bunny vase is funny and unexpected:
As I move forward in my design career, I am going to try to do a better job of embodying these rules in my designs!
1. It's simple. The best designs keep only what you need, and throw everything else away. This usually results in a more beautiful and poetic form. I like these new external hard drives from Seagate...they are simple, beautiful, and personalized by color options.
2. It's emotional. Naturally, people will feel more drawn to a design if they feel some sort of emotional attachment to it. One good way to do this is to be inspired by nature. I like this rug design because it looks like moss, reminding me of the outdoors and bringing a little bit of nature into the home. Some might not like this, and may actually feel a negative emotional response!
3. It captures an element of fun, surprise, or unexpectedness. Not suprising coming from me, but I like designs that make me laugh, smile, or say "oh how cute!" This element really can distinguish a product (and the user of the product) from the rest of the crowd. This bunny vase is funny and unexpected:
As I move forward in my design career, I am going to try to do a better job of embodying these rules in my designs!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Teaser
As promised, here are a couple of pics of my teaser.... I don't know why the last one keeps defaulting to portait, but you get the idea. Each project has a sketch page that unfolds to show the product shot and in use render.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
portfolio!
Here's my 'folio! Hope you all like, I am pretty happy with it.
http://www.uc.edu/propractice/ind_design/Spencer_Sylvia_10.pdf
I will put up pics of my teaser later....my internet is being goofy.
http://www.uc.edu/propractice/ind_design/Spencer_Sylvia_10.pdf
I will put up pics of my teaser later....my internet is being goofy.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
awesome technologies!!
While these technologies might not necessarily translate to my computer, I think that there are a few technologies that will be increasingly important in future years to the computer industry...
1. Flexible OLED
I am totally excited for the day when I can roll up a computer screen and stick it in my bag. Flexible and green! What could be better? I am not looking forward to moving adds in magazines, though. That will get pretty annoying.
2. Solid State Memory
1. Flexible OLED
I am totally excited for the day when I can roll up a computer screen and stick it in my bag. Flexible and green! What could be better? I am not looking forward to moving adds in magazines, though. That will get pretty annoying.
2. Solid State Memory
Pretty soon, all memory will be solid state...and I am all for it! Less hard drive failures makes me happy.
3. Wireless/Bluetooth
I can't WAIT til cords are a thing of the past. Cord management is a constant battle, and computer systems will be much improved when cords are minimized/eliminated.
Bonus Round!!!
Smell-o-vision!! Yes! Haha.
3. Wireless/Bluetooth
I can't WAIT til cords are a thing of the past. Cord management is a constant battle, and computer systems will be much improved when cords are minimized/eliminated.
Bonus Round!!!
Smell-o-vision!! Yes! Haha.
Monday, January 19, 2009
No Reservations
If you are looking for some cultural inspiration for your computer project, I suggest you look up clips of "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations" on YouTube. I found two episodes about India , and while I can't say I had any fantastic revelations about my computer while watching it, I think it was valuable to watch.
If you have never seen "No Reservations," it is a very interesting show. Anthony Bourdain is a chef by trade, and he isn't afraid to eat anything (brains, butts, you name it) or say what's on his mind. He really strives to show the essence of the countries that he travels to by talking to locals and eating street food (which he usually rates higher than fancy restaurant food). And he doesn't only talk about food...for example, he played cricket in the episode I watched and attempted to briefly describe the rules...I have to say I still don't get how it works!
One thing that was incredibly interesting was when Anthony went to a guru...the guru actually used a computer to plug in numbers and give Anthony a "reading" similar to a fortune teller... I can't help but think that he just Googled Anthony.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The ultimate teaser
One of the things I actually like most about going to movies is seeing the trailers....especially when one takes me by surprise as much as the trailer for "Cloverfield" did.
When I first saw this trailer, it made me ask questions. First was, "Is this a trailer?" The party scene with its hand held camera work, no well known hollywood stars...it felt strange for a big-budget trailer. Then all of the sudden, things start happening. Explosions, flaming flying objects....and then the Statue of Liberty's head in the street. The whole time, I am thinking, "What is this movie?! Is it a monster? Alien? Freak natural disaster?" The trailer ends, and it doesn't even tell you its name: only the release date... 1-08-08.
This trailer is effective because it sparks conversation and questions. I don't even remember what movie we saw that night....everyone was talking about the "1-08-08" trailer. What was the movie about? What is the movie's real name? All we really knew is that it was a JJ Abrams project (the guy behind Lost) so I joked that it probably didn't have an ending...hah.
I admit when I went and saw the movie, I wasn't expecting much...by that time (almost a year later, if I remember correctly) the buzz was over and everyone kidna of knew what to expect. But I still found the movie enjoyable and suspenseful.
When I first saw this trailer, it made me ask questions. First was, "Is this a trailer?" The party scene with its hand held camera work, no well known hollywood stars...it felt strange for a big-budget trailer. Then all of the sudden, things start happening. Explosions, flaming flying objects....and then the Statue of Liberty's head in the street. The whole time, I am thinking, "What is this movie?! Is it a monster? Alien? Freak natural disaster?" The trailer ends, and it doesn't even tell you its name: only the release date... 1-08-08.
This trailer is effective because it sparks conversation and questions. I don't even remember what movie we saw that night....everyone was talking about the "1-08-08" trailer. What was the movie about? What is the movie's real name? All we really knew is that it was a JJ Abrams project (the guy behind Lost) so I joked that it probably didn't have an ending...hah.
I admit when I went and saw the movie, I wasn't expecting much...by that time (almost a year later, if I remember correctly) the buzz was over and everyone kidna of knew what to expect. But I still found the movie enjoyable and suspenseful.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Eco-Friendly Brands
Keeping in touch with the sustainable discussions we had today in class, I wanted to feature a brand that I admire that produces eco-friendly toys.
Sprig focuses on making environmentally responsible toys that get kids up off the couch and active. When you look at Sprig's products, they are instantly recognizable as an eco-friendly product. The toys are made of "Sprig Wood," a recycled plastic that retains a "particle" look that is often seen in recycled products. The packaging reflects this as well with its brown recycled paper packaging. The toys use no paint and no batteries. NO BATTERIES?! In a TOY?! I think this is one of the coolest things about Sprig...they are really focused on "play with me" toys rather than "watch me" toys. Getting rid of batteries isn't only more eco-friendly, it encourages the design of products that will really engage kids.....kid power!
I think Sprig is onto something big, and pretty soon every parent will know the company by name.
Sprig focuses on making environmentally responsible toys that get kids up off the couch and active. When you look at Sprig's products, they are instantly recognizable as an eco-friendly product. The toys are made of "Sprig Wood," a recycled plastic that retains a "particle" look that is often seen in recycled products. The packaging reflects this as well with its brown recycled paper packaging. The toys use no paint and no batteries. NO BATTERIES?! In a TOY?! I think this is one of the coolest things about Sprig...they are really focused on "play with me" toys rather than "watch me" toys. Getting rid of batteries isn't only more eco-friendly, it encourages the design of products that will really engage kids.....kid power!
I think Sprig is onto something big, and pretty soon every parent will know the company by name.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Slumdog Millionaire
Slumdog Millionaire is an amazing movie about a young Indian man named Jamal who gets on the Indian version of the show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and does surprisingly well. His story is told in flashbacks, and all of the questions he answers on the show correlate with events in his life.
I highly reccommend this movie to anyone, but especially those in my class who might be selecting India as their emerging market for their computer project. It is truly inspiring and creative...unlike any movie I have ever seen before. Danny Boyle, the director, has a very dynamic way of directing that really brings the story to life.
And I was even happier to come home and see the movie take home Best Soundtrack, Director, and Motion Picture (Drama) at the Golden Globes!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Papyrus
I am taking a class about graphic novels, and our first assignment was to draw a four panel wordless spread that describes a moment. This is the moment I got my first pet, a guines pig named Hunny.
We had to draw it on papyrus, which was kind of a pain in the neck at times. But I think its cute.
We had to draw it on papyrus, which was kind of a pain in the neck at times. But I think its cute.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
An AMAZING portfolio
Tracy shared this link with me a while ago, so all credit goes out to her ;).
http://www.nwudesign.com/index/index.html
Nancy Wu is from Art Center, and I love her work because her imagination and playfulness shines though in all of her work, even in more serious projects. I can tell that she has a unique way of looking at things and that she really loves what she does. As far as the portfolio goes, it is very simple with very nice images...it really features the product. You can also tell that she is very versatile and competent in many fields!! I can only hope that I am this good someday!
http://www.nwudesign.com/index/index.html
Nancy Wu is from Art Center, and I love her work because her imagination and playfulness shines though in all of her work, even in more serious projects. I can tell that she has a unique way of looking at things and that she really loves what she does. As far as the portfolio goes, it is very simple with very nice images...it really features the product. You can also tell that she is very versatile and competent in many fields!! I can only hope that I am this good someday!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
healthy=trendy
A cool concept from thedieline.com, designed by Irina Ivanova called "VitaMeal":
A vending machine that holds healthy snacks, characterized by fun characters. Kids can use the cards to purchase their snack. The card is also personalized, so the machine will greet the child when they insert the card. Seems like a fun and interesting way to get kids to eat healthier... I would hate to see an ice cream machine stationed right next to it!
A vending machine that holds healthy snacks, characterized by fun characters. Kids can use the cards to purchase their snack. The card is also personalized, so the machine will greet the child when they insert the card. Seems like a fun and interesting way to get kids to eat healthier... I would hate to see an ice cream machine stationed right next to it!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Intro and Goals
I have had this blog for a little while, and much to my delight, my DesComm teacher is having us create a design blog as a class assignment! Now this blog will be updated more often...
So a little about myself as a designer! I guess you could say that my first foray into product design happened waaaaay back when I was 12. As a child, I was always encouraged to enter contests, especially ones that involved creativity and drawing. One day, Mom shows me that Amazon.com is sponsoring a "Design a Toy" contest. Why the hey not? The Hula Hat was born. It consisted of a brightly colored stocking cap, surrounded by a clear plastic tube about an inch in diameter, with colored balls inside. The idea was to get the balls to spin around inside the tube by moving your head in a "hula" motion. I sketched up the concept and sent it in.
A couple of weeks later, I recieved an email that said "Congratulations! You are one of 30 finalists invited to show a prototype of your toy to a panel of judges in New York City!" Naturally I was estatic! It was a fantastic experience, and though I didn't win the grand prize, (Mr. Itchy Pants won, and he was manufactured and sold on Amazon.com) I can't help but think that maybe that experience influenced me to become the designer I am today.
So enough about the past! Who am I today? My classmates would really find it as no suprise that my passion lies in designing for children. My first internship at Fisher-Price really helped me realize this, as I had an amazing time there, and I really liked the work I did there. After my internships with Nottingham-Spirk, I truly realized that children's products is where I want to end up. I enjoyed my time at NS, don't get me wrong...I am very glad I worked there because I met a lot of great people and learned a lot...it just helped me really admit to myself that designing for kids is my niche. I just can't resist designing fun, cute, humorous things! It gets me excited about a project and keeps me interested.
My three goals for this quarter:
1) Get myself excited about this computer project, and get my personal style into the final design without going over the top. I didn't really love the last computer project, so naturally I am kind of dissappointed to be doing another one. I want my design style to resonate in the project somehow, maybe by inserting some sort of humor, metphor, or graphic element that evokes a little bit of fun and playfulness.
2) Relax! Try not to worry so much! Anyone who knows me very well will say that this is a lofty goal! I am the queen of worrying.
3)Get a job at a children's products company. Now that I have experienced a consultancy, I want to go to a company that does childrens products (whether that is toys, strollers, bottles, etc).
That's all for now, guess I should start researching a little for the computer!
So a little about myself as a designer! I guess you could say that my first foray into product design happened waaaaay back when I was 12. As a child, I was always encouraged to enter contests, especially ones that involved creativity and drawing. One day, Mom shows me that Amazon.com is sponsoring a "Design a Toy" contest. Why the hey not? The Hula Hat was born. It consisted of a brightly colored stocking cap, surrounded by a clear plastic tube about an inch in diameter, with colored balls inside. The idea was to get the balls to spin around inside the tube by moving your head in a "hula" motion. I sketched up the concept and sent it in.
A couple of weeks later, I recieved an email that said "Congratulations! You are one of 30 finalists invited to show a prototype of your toy to a panel of judges in New York City!" Naturally I was estatic! It was a fantastic experience, and though I didn't win the grand prize, (Mr. Itchy Pants won, and he was manufactured and sold on Amazon.com) I can't help but think that maybe that experience influenced me to become the designer I am today.
So enough about the past! Who am I today? My classmates would really find it as no suprise that my passion lies in designing for children. My first internship at Fisher-Price really helped me realize this, as I had an amazing time there, and I really liked the work I did there. After my internships with Nottingham-Spirk, I truly realized that children's products is where I want to end up. I enjoyed my time at NS, don't get me wrong...I am very glad I worked there because I met a lot of great people and learned a lot...it just helped me really admit to myself that designing for kids is my niche. I just can't resist designing fun, cute, humorous things! It gets me excited about a project and keeps me interested.
My three goals for this quarter:
1) Get myself excited about this computer project, and get my personal style into the final design without going over the top. I didn't really love the last computer project, so naturally I am kind of dissappointed to be doing another one. I want my design style to resonate in the project somehow, maybe by inserting some sort of humor, metphor, or graphic element that evokes a little bit of fun and playfulness.
2) Relax! Try not to worry so much! Anyone who knows me very well will say that this is a lofty goal! I am the queen of worrying.
3)Get a job at a children's products company. Now that I have experienced a consultancy, I want to go to a company that does childrens products (whether that is toys, strollers, bottles, etc).
That's all for now, guess I should start researching a little for the computer!
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