Semester #8

This semester hasn't been as hectic as semester in the past, academically. It also has been very different in a lot of ways. Before I jump into what classes I am taking I want to give a quick update. Over winter break I applied for and received an on-campus position at my university. I am doing graphic design and marketing for one of the offices. That has been a great opportunity to get some experience under my belt and a position to put on my resume. My co-workers and supervisors have really made my work a great place. I am thankful to be working with them. In all of this, I still have a few hours a week at my previous retail job.

However, things are looking quite different now than they did at the beginning of the semester. Starting this week actually, all school has transitioned to being online to 'flatten the curve' of the COVID-19 global pandemic. These are strange times to be living in! This means that in addition to doing home schooling, I am also working from home. This has been an adjustment. However, the semester is almost over! Just gotta push through for the last little bit!

#1 - Drawing for Visual Communication
This class is technically a graphic design course, but it is more focused on the discipline for illustration. It has been fun to take on more 'light hearted' projects and stretch my drawing skills. Some of the projects we have tackled so far are various posters and illustrations. An example is included below.

#2 - Sequential Media

This is my other graphic design class for this semester. It is a more traditional graphic design course. In this class we have designed CD covers and gotten a bit into web design with art blogs.

#3 - Professional Practices

I took this class last semester and will take it for my next two semesters. It is a one-credit course that teaches us the ins and outs of our profession. This semester we have learned about paper and the printing process. Occasionally, we will have guest speakers come and talk to us. Aaron Draplin (a famous designer) was going to visit and give a talk this April, but that had to be canceled unfortunately due to the restrictions we are currently experiencing.

#4 - Art History: History of Graphic Design

I have taken several art history courses before, but this one is special as it covers the history of graphic design. We started learning about illuminated manuscripts and are now learning about the Art Nouveau movement.

#5 - Honors Research

Nothing against this class, I just have a hard time motivating myself to get excited about it. However, it is the last requirement I need to fulfill for my Honors track. We are working on group research projects. My group is studying how technology affects different generations differently.