Author: lexmikel

Posted in Design

Making it in the REAL World

Posted on by lexmikel

Article:

https://uxdesign.cc/10-questions-every-design-student-needs-to-answer-right-now-2ab9755cca30

This article makes me reflect on my time and experience from when I first starting designing to present day. I was very ambitious designer and had started in high school, I didn’t learn any elements or principles until I was in college having my art dismantled on critique days. Every year was an eye opener and things that helped my designing I carried with me onto the next year. My aunt, who is also a graphic designer, advised me when I first started, “It’s all about the experience.” A degree can help you get in the design business but experience and skill is what sets you a part. Even though I currently have a job in design, that doesn’t mean I can’t continue to improve my skills and keep my creative mind fresh. Many of these questions that the writer had asked his students I had found myself already answered due to where I am currently. However, his main point that I agree with is we are more than our major, design is such a diverse field and as a designer, we each can bring something to the table.

Seeing The Development:

My first works: Baby steps
Posted in Design

Helpful Tutorials: Photoshop and Illustrator 19′

Posted on by lexmikel

These basic tips, tricks and hacks are all something I eventually learned while using Photoshop. This video is a good refresher for those comfortable in the program and also beginners who are just getting started! I even learned some new things about the updated tools Adobe added that I never knew about.

Anybody from novice to pro should know how to remove a background or make a clean selection. Photoshop throughout the years, have made the selection tools smarter.

Similar to the Photoshop tips video above, this one is focused on Illustrator. Again, anybody using the program would find this helpful if not previously known.

This tutorial I visit often because I forget about the uses of the pathfinder tools on illustrator and if used correctly, I don’t have to find a vectored shape online. Also making outside elements compound paths and uniting other paths I do at work when getting a design ready to print. Pathfinder is a basic tool that any novice should know when in Illustrator besides the tracing and pen tool options. The author makes clear and precise examples in demonstrating the functions of each pathfinder.

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Posted in opinion

In My Opinion: Coolest Website

Posted on by lexmikel
Click here to visit! Probably the Best Site in the World

There is the reason why every time you search or go to the website, you will see their motto/hook line, ‘Probably the Best Site in the World.’ TheChive is a website that is now a large community of people spreading laughs and support across the country. This website is a user ran site, all content are submissions from fans and then picked out by staff.

Two brothers, John and Leo Resig launched the site back in 2008 and have been running it ever since. Their popularity began with different hoax stories gaining attention then later their association with movie icon, Bill Murray. The site continues to become more inhabited as more content, such as, The Chivery and Chive Charities that renders more outreach.

Fun Fact: Chive is the combination of the two cities that each brother lived in, CHI (Chicago) and VE (Venice Beach)

One of the reasons I adore this website, is because all of the content is relevant and never dull. The staff that go through endless submissions, manage to find the top picks. The layout of the website is rather simple and themed to the colors associated with the brand, but the simplicity is an asset for easy user-friendly navigation.

Posted in Design

My Top Ted Talks:

Posted on by lexmikel

I had a couple Ted Talk videos I had found that I wanted to share and found resourceful for any anybody including art/design individuals.

Jinsop Lee: Design for all 5 senses

The first video is designer, Jinsop Lee, discussing his inspiration, designing for the senses methodology. He takes his sunflower clock idea and compares it to his friend’s smelling clock idea. The uncertainly he develops for his own design, causes him to reflect the succession of his peer’s idea. He realizes it appeals and interacts with multiple senses, so he compares it to favorite moments in his life. He concludes that the greater and more popular designs, simultaneously collude with our senses.

Aaron Draplin: Making it in the Little Leagues

Aaron Draplin is a unorthodox graphic designer that discusses his start and how he went from designing for a burrito to his own design company. He is one of my favorite designers because he is very eccentric and does it because it is his passion. I relate to who he is as a person and a designer as I see it in my own works. He mentions a potential book and will be looking forward to buying it!

Posted in Bio

Introduce Yourself

Posted on by lexmikel

The first post of the week has to be a little something about myself of course! I will begin with where I am from, Wyoming. Many people are under the impression that it isn’t real, but I can assure you that with twenty-four years of living here the cowboy state exists. Unlike Area 51 we can prove our existence. I am a twenty-four hour graphic designer as a student and employee. I attend school and also work in the designing field making custom vinyl wraps. Since high school, I developed the passion for designing after taking classes. It was something I wanted to make a career out of and knew it was a job I could easily admit that I didn’t work a day in my life for. How I am as a designer is funny enough similar with who I am as a person. I am an outgoing person with a quick and creative whit. I am free-spirited and can be all over the place where as my designing is representational and structured.

Shameless plug: https://lexbrady.wixsite.com/lexbgraphicdesigner

I am constantly hanging with my family, they are my main supporters when it comes to anything I do, especially designing. We are all really close and do almost everything together and it is never a bad time.

I am a HUGE music collector and listener. I only have been collecting records for two years but the addiction runs deep. I have lost count of how many records I actually have but I would estimate a few hundred. Music has always had an influence in everything I have ever done. Also don’t ask me what my all time favorite artist/song is, that question is just agony. However, I never turn away vinyl if someone offers.

A new hobby I have gotten into recently is riding my motorcycle. It was a bucket list item for me and a get well present from my grandpa after I was in the hospital for about a year. It definitely encouraged me to get better and this year was the first season I could actually ride. It is a 1997 1100 Honda Shadow ACE, a little big for my first bike but go big or go home, right? I have goals to make some bigger riding trips this upcoming season and maybe bring back some great souvenirs. I know riding isn’t for everyone but it is for this chick!