In project 5, Grids, we analyzed several books in order to get a better understanding of layout. Then we deconstructed the layouts in order to determine the grid the designers used.

We drew five different layouts using three-by-six grids. I ended up marrying the pink and purple sketches below.

Next, we were assigned a set of homophones and tasked with writing a 500 word essay about them. We were allowed to write with AI, so I did. I liked working with ChatGPT. I wrote the parameters, and thought the story was pretty boring. I  changed some parameters and still did not like it. I then took bits and pieces of the generated story and rewrote it in my voice. I also felt I grew as a designer when I had to rework my design to not violate the grid.

I enjoyed working with the limited grid. I thought it was interesting enough to highlight it on my cover layout. I found it satisfying to use a pattern to fill in the white space. There was very little interference with the visual hierarchy while allowing the entire booklet to 'breathe'. I feel I grew as a designer when I had to rework my design to not violate the grid.

I was determined to see my vision come to fruition. It came together rather quickly. I was able to make lots of tweaks and wasn't working down to the wire. It felt good to have been prepared. I stitched two books and stapled one. I think my work ethic was great.

Getting to use patterns was fun, and I felt as if I had been doing it for such a long time.  Using the tools in Illustrator was so enjoyable that it didn't feel like work or stress. It reminded me of when I learned that repetition was a design element. I am someone who hates doing the same task over and over. However, I love using repetition for creative expression. I believe I was able to convey isolation and insanity all with the same statue vector drawing.

I think one of my strengths is color. In this module, I got to use colors that are bold and vibrant. There are so many places where it would not be an appropriate color choice. Using fonts similar to Copperplate and Times New Roman made the piece special. It was great to blend styles and concepts successfully.