What did you already know about type, before attending this class? I thought I knew the basics of typography coming into advanced type, but there were clearly a lot of things that I had forgotten. Most of the things I remembered consisted of typography rules and how to properly apply them for example kerning, leading, ligatures, tabs, etc. I struggled a little bit in the beginning formatting things the proper way coming into advanced type.
How does this class fit in and expand what you already knew? I think this class fit in with what I already knew because it helped me further my skills while also learning new techniques. A lot of the demos that Tuan gave our class were extremely useful and vital to whatever project we were currently working on. I believe that this class expanded on what I already knew because it focused on the technicality of things as well as small details that are easily overlooked or done incorrect in typography.
What did you love about the semester? I loved learning simple tools that made organizing/formatting typography super quick and easy. I loved how my classmates and I were able to take a huge load of data and create amazing programs that all had a different approach. I was interesting to see what everyone had come up with. I loved learning how to use after effects. It was quite fun but time consuming, as much design projects are.
Do you “see” it? what are the pieces of “it”? how do they fit together? I think seeing it involved seeing the final outcome of what we were producing and all the steps we had to take in order to get there. This last project we did included taking data and formatting a program, establishing hierarchy, creating a theme, organization, printing, colors, typefaces, and so much more. It did take me a while to put all of these pics together but I had an idea of where I was going. I thought my pieces fit together well but I know there were things I could have done to make them fit better.
Did you ask enough questions? Did you get enough answers? I’m pretty sure you know by now Tuan that I ask a crap load of questions. I asked for opinions, feedback, questions on anything really. I got plenty of answers and I think that is what helped push me in the right direction throughout the semester.
Are you putting in enough practice time? I think I’m putting in enough practice time, but at the same time I’m not getting the results I want to see. I think I work at a slower pace than others and therefore I don’t get as much done, or I’m behind. I’m not completely satisfied with my pace because I want to be creating more, but I find myself stuck most of the time. One thing I want to work on is using my time more efficiently and trying to get to the pace I want to be.
Are you getting enough feedback? I believe so.
Were you part of class crits? I was apart of the class crits, and I think those were very helpful because you questioned a lot of our design choices and that helped me move forward with what to change or what to add onto. I also think they were helpful because I got to see where my peers where out and how their ideas where different than mine.
Were you at desk crits? I was part of majority of the desk cries but I felt like you wanted to see where we were at with our project because I don’t remember a lot of feedback or critiquing.
Is your life in order? Yes and no. I try my hardest to not let school, work, and my personal life stress me out, but sometimes there is nothing I can do. This semester I think it was primarily my fault because I continued to work 30+ hours a week at my job knowing that I had tons of school work to do. It was also hard because I had multiple things going on at once. My aunt wanted me to create a brand for a farming company she was starting. I was involved in a hit and run. I got hit and they ran. And little things like that continued to pile up and stress me out. But I do my best to stay positive.
How could Tuan’s class be a more creative and fun place to be? I think your class is already a fun place to be. I think one thing that matters is the environment. Particularly in my class a lot of people wouldn’t show up and so it would feel quiet or lonely. I suggest maybe adding in a factor that would change the environment could make it more fun? Maybe in the beginning of class we could talk about our lives for a minute or two. Sometimes Jimmy sits us down and asks us about our week or how we have been maybe something like that to get the class more interactive and to be more personal/fun. Maybe music? I’m not sure but something along those lines.
How much have you grown? What is the distance between yourself at the beginning of the semester and now? I think I have grown a lot. I think I am finally starting to push myself in the right direction. I think I am more knowledgeable on typography, printing, indesign, after effects and majority of the things we did/used this semester. I want to say I am more confident then I was before but I know I need to constantly be working and putting in my expert hours to get to where I want to be. I know I won’t get better if I don’t put in the work so I need to put in more effort.
