Author: Honglip Gang

image by FREEPIK

A: Reflection on Past Use of Creative Works

In my past design projects, there have been instances where I used creative works by other artists. At the time, I did my best to give proper credit by including the artist’s name and a link to their portfolio or original work. However, the AIGA readings have highlighted areas where I could improve. For example, I have learned the importance of obtaining explicit permission from the artist, even for works that are freely available online, to ensure that I am not infringing on their rights. Moving forward, I am committed to being more diligent in seeking permissions and providing comprehensive attribution.

B: Opinion on the Fairey Copyright Case

The Fairey Copyright case, which involved artist Shepard Fairey and his use of an Associated Press photograph for the iconic “Hope” poster of Barack Obama, presents a complex intersection of art, copyright, and fair use. Fairey argued that his use of the photograph fell under fair use, as he had transformed the image significantly. However, the case highlighted issues of copyright infringement and the boundaries of fair use.

In my opinion, the arguments in the case reflect the ongoing tension between creative freedom and intellectual property rights. While Fairey’s transformation of the photograph added significant artistic value and context, it is also crucial to recognize the rights of the original photographer and the Associated Press. The settlement reached, where both parties agreed to share the rights to the image, seems a fair outcome that acknowledges the contributions of both the original creator and the transformative artist.

“Shepard Fairey Is Fined and Sentenced to Probation in ‘Hope’ Poster Case” BY RANDY KENNEDY

“Use of Photography” AIGA. (2001). PDF. New York City; Richard Grefé, AIGA.

“A Client’s Guide to Design: How to Get the Most Out of the Process” AIGA. (2001). PDF. New York City; Richard Grefé, AIGA.

A: Ethical Considerations in Sourcing Images and Managing Trademarks & Logos

My internship at Brooklyn College has been an insightful experience, especially when viewed through the lens of the ethical guidelines outlined in the AIGA guide. Working on the brand design team, I have had the opportunity to engage deeply with ethical considerations related to sourcing images and managing company trademarks and logos.

One of the primary tasks in our design work involves sourcing images that align with the ethical standards set forth by AIGA. We ensure that all images used are properly licensed and credited to avoid any infringement issues. This practice not only respects the original creators but also upholds the integrity of our work. Our team avoids the use of royalty-free illustrations, acknowledging the potential pitfalls such as unlicensed distribution and lack of proper compensation to the creators. By sourcing images from reputable stock photo agencies and directly from artists, we maintain a high standard of ethical practice.

In terms of trademarks and logos, we adhere strictly to the guidelines provided by the college. Any usage of the college’s branding elements is carefully reviewed to ensure compliance with their trademark policies. This involves maintaining the integrity of the logos, using them in appropriate contexts, and avoiding any alterations that could misrepresent the brand.

B: Handling Confidentiality in the Absence of Formal Agreements

I have not had to sign any type of nondisclosure or confidentiality agreements for my internship. In handling my internship journal for this class, I make sure to discuss general aspects of my work and ethical considerations without revealing any sensitive details. This approach allows me to reflect on and share my experiences while maintaining respect for the confidentiality of my colleagues and clients.

“Guide to Copyright” AIGA. (2001). PDF. New York City; Richard Grefé, AIGA.

“Use of Photography” AIGA. (2001). PDF. New York City; Richard Grefé, AIGA.

“Use of Illustration” AIGA. (2001). PDF. New York City; Richard Grete, AIGA

My internship has been an incredibly enriching experience that offered invaluable insights into the professional design world. Working closely with my team member during our summer semester and design team class before starting my internship hours allowed us to discuss each other’s designs smoothly, provide feedback, and foster a collaborative environment.

Interacting directly with my supervisor via email taught me the importance of clear communication in a professional setting. We efficiently shared files and viewed each other’s work through Google Drive, streamlining our workflow and ensuring all team members stayed on the same page.

The familiarity with classmates from previous semesters created a supportive atmosphere, helping me stay energized and engaged during the internship. Working on various projects, including designing logos and branding materials, allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge from my coursework to practical tasks.

Overall, my internship has provided me with a deeper understanding of the design industry and the skills needed to succeed. It has reinforced my passion for design and prepared me for future professional endeavors.

image by FREEPIK

Role models play a crucial role in shaping our lives and guiding us towards success. They inspire us to achieve our goals, overcome challenges, and make a positive impact on the world around us. One such role model is my friend’s uncle, Hyun Soo who has been a source of inspiration through his educational journey and career choices.

Studying in Germany, known for its high-quality education system, Hyun Soo understood the value of a well-rounded education. He not only focused on academic excellence but also actively sought out opportunities to gain practical experience. This led him to pursue an internship during his senior year, where he could apply his knowledge in a real-world setting.

One of the key lessons Hyun Soo emphasizes is the importance of experience. He believes that theoretical knowledge is valuable, but it is the practical experience that truly sets individuals apart. Through his internship, he gained valuable insights into the industry, developed essential skills, and built a network of professionals that would later prove invaluable in his career.

In conclusion, role models like him teach us important lessons about the value of experience and the importance of balance. Their experiences inspire us to push beyond our limits, strive for excellence, and make a positive impact in our own lives and the lives of others.

Image by FREEPIK

I would like to talk about my experience as a team member from our brand design team. In my case, I am taking a summer semester and design team class together with team member before starting my internship hour, so we were able to discuss each other’s designs more smoothly and easily and give and receive feedback. In most cases, I interacted directly with my supervisor via email. We were able to jointly share each other’s files with Google Drive and view each other’s work through it. There were quite a few classmates who took the same classes last semester, so we had a high level of familiarity with them, and I think that helped me not get tired during my internship so far.

image by FREEPIK

Remote working offers a variety of benefits, including increased flexibility, allowing employees to choose when and where they work, which improves work-life balance. Eliminating your daily commute saves you time, money, and reduces stress. In my case, I was able to complete my daily routine by going to school in the morning and then going home and doing the remaining work. If I had had to go to work somewhere else, it would have cost me more time and money. Some studies suggest that remote workers can be more productive due to fewer distractions and a more personalized work environment. I completely agree with this. Work that requires concentration, such as graphic design or logo design, is more efficient to be done in a private space, and feedback, etc., can be sufficiently accomplished through Zoom meetings. Nevertheless, remote work also has its drawbacks. The lack of social interaction in an office environment can lead to isolation. Even though we have zoom meetings once a week, there are times when it is difficult to network with people directly or communicate more directly and quickly. We didn’t take on any complex or time-sensitive projects so far, but in those cases, I thought it would be better to work in Office or Hybrid rather than total remote. Or technical issues that occasionally arise in Zoom or video meetings can interfere with work and collaboration, making a stable technology infrastructure essential for the success of remote work.

English PDF: Honglip_Gang_Journal_Entry_English

Korean PDF: Honglip_Gang_Journal_Entry_Korean

Securing an internship has always been a goal of mine since the beginning of my studies. It’s crucial for students to seize these opportunities, as they offer valuable networking connections and can pave the way for post-graduation employment. However, finding an internship for the summer proved challenging. Despite applying to numorous internships, I didn’t receive any responses. I reached out to the professor Nicolaou for help, and she provided me with some options.

I corresponded with a supervisor at one of the options, Brooklyn College. After reviewing my portfolio, she expressed interest in having me join her team. The internship focuses on logo and branding design, and I became part of a team of five, collaborating closely to support each other’s work.

Logo by Honglip Gang

Our first project was a logo redesign. The related program was on educational initiatives to support diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in higher education. The task given to us was to maintain the attached color scheme “REACHE” or the abbreviation “REACHE Initiative”. (REACHE stands for Research, Evaluation, and Assessment of Climate in Higher Education) I created logo options, including an image of soaring and a bull’s-eye symbolizing reaching a goal. We discussed this in our first Zoom meeting and are looking forward to our second Zoom meeting to discuss our updates.

Photo by Sumaiya Sumi Google

The Office of the Associate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness at a public institution of higher education plays a pivotal role in guiding the college’s mission and Strategic Plan. As the chief data strategist, the associate provost leads efforts to plan and execute strategies in alignment with the college’s goals. They also oversee process improvement initiatives for key organizational objectives assigned by the president and the President’s Cabinet. Collaborating closely with academic and administrative units, the office designs, implements, and evaluates institutional initiatives, ensuring that evaluation results inform budgetary decisions. The organization is committed to “institutional effectiveness,” as outlined by the American Council on Education, emphasizing the importance of setting clear objectives, prioritizing resources, and embracing change to meet the evolving needs of higher education.

A journal blog of my experience throughout my internship. Showing how I found my internship, my assignments, the skills I have learned, my thoughts on my progress and the end of the internship.