Open on a small computer lab--I just got kicked out of Intro to Photography because I didn't have my pre-requisites. While I was being degraded on my lack of ability I jumped onto ODU's class registration site, and luckily got into a class just downstairs. Fundamentals of Digital Art. Upon entering the already started class, the young professor immediately let me know that "The class was full, and there's a waiting list." Lucky me--I was already in.
Our first assignment was in Adobe Illustrator. Sounded simple enough--we were going to design a box for a toy. We had a around 3 weeks to complete the project; around a weeks in I was completely frustrated. I raised my hand, and asked for help-- I looked around and seemed alone in my aggravation. By the end of class #3 I had enough. I waited until the class left and asked the teacher to explain further how exactly I was supposed to accomplish anything when I could barely figure out how to use the tools. When she explained that I should just play around with the program, and I would eventually get it--I bust into tears.(Sounds vaguely familiar--reminded me of my frustration years ago trying to write my first Research Paper). I think I shocked the teacher, because immediately she felt bad. I being the complex and ridiculous persona I am--rushed out of there as to not let anyone see my cry mumbling "I think I've mad a mistake."
I should probably inject here--typically I'm a jack of all trades, and learn really quickly. I can change a tire, do hard mathematical equations, find my way around a foreign city, etc. So, when I couldn't figure out how to manipulate the PEN TOOL--I was beyond myself.
Anyway, turns out I hit a nerve. The next class, the professor handed out simple to understand, easy to follow explicit instructions on how to get the accuracy we needed to succeed. Whew--from there it was a matter of figuring out what I wanted to design, how and what message I wanted to convey.
In came Sexy Barbie. I used to love Barbie, but I'm also a feminist. Well, eventually while looking for a fresh perspective it hit me. Barbie undressed looked just like a centerfold in playboy magazine. So--Sexy Barbie series was born. I love the design of my logo, but struggled to get the overall look I wanted for the rest of the design.
If I was to do it again, I would use less pre-designed images (stamps) and take more time to create my own images. I’d also re-work the box layout, and make it more interesting. Work on my composition, and remove some unnecessary items. It’s on my to-do list to rework.
Fishing: I wanted to take it take it easy on my first attempt. Stock photography is sometimes hard to use, and make fit into your creativity box. So I simply took a picture of an experience I had while fishing and combined it with three separate stock images (the fish, the dock, and the background.) Next time, I’ll include more realistic elements—maybe a dock with others fishing, you should be able to see the rest of the line, and the pole. Also, a fish that size should have some weight to it—I wouldn’t be able to hold it up with just my thumb. Small changes would make this more believable.
Collage: I had a few different ideas on what I wanted to collage together, but I struggled to fit them into a 8.5x11. I believe the message is clear, and I had very good feedback on the images I produced, but to me it’s crowed and uneven. I would rework to create more fluid eye movement, and I’d figure out a way to include the staircase, but not have it jumbled into the middle. I scanned images from magazines I had at home, like Cosmo, Pottery Barn, and Kohl’s catalog’s and combined with a picture taken earlier that day. 
In came Sexy Barbie. I used to love Barbie, but I'm also a feminist. Well, eventually while looking for a fresh perspective it hit me. Barbie undressed looked just like a centerfold in playboy magazine. So--Sexy Barbie series was born. I love the design of my logo, but struggled to get the overall look I wanted for the rest of the design. 
