This project was to experiment with how reductive an image could be in order to make a successful symbol. Working with the project I was motivated to create a symbol in which expressed a milestone in my life. Thus, my big idea was college. The purpose of this project was to see how and where symbols operate in our society.After browsing around on Pinterest I created a board that consisted of symbols that existed today. Following that I then chose nine words that associated with my topic of college. Using skills from previous graphic design classes I was able to create several variations of symbols reflecting my experience in college using the nine words. Still using skills learned from previous graphic design classes I was able to create over twenty different iterations of possible symbols. As my drafting process of sketching out ideas continued with the chosen nine words my process went from tracing an image to stylizing it then later to creating abstract representations of specific words. The abstract words I chose to experiment with was focus, energy, and secrets. After several drafts had been made I chose three words to create nine more different symbols, which later led to the final three symbols to be associated with my big idea. A decision I faced continuously while working with this assignment was the idea of stripping away the details. I didn’t want too much detail, but I didn’t want too little detail either. I went for a simplistic abstract symbol reflecting the words energy, change, and journey. In creating these symbols I also had to make sure that they were created in a way in which could be properly cut and made for the vinyl cutter. So ensuring that I used the pathfinder tool in illustrator to properly join two paths or objects was a skill I got from working with this project. The design of my symbol embodies the ideas as you can see why I chose the shapes I did. For example, the triangle shape was used to emphasize the idea of journey as the circle was used to represent energy. Overall, I feel my design enhances the content as my symbols could be used for a college experience theme representing the different experiences one goes through while in college. The change within one becoming an independent person, to the journey of moving away from your parents, and seeing how much energy is required for the classes you take while balancing a job or outside projects.
Terry,Briana_MilestoneFinal