Hello dear INFORMATION DESIGN students!
I would like to also take a moment to welcome you and introduce myself. I am a communication designer with a focus on information design and illustration. I am principal designer of >>ARTORIUM, a graphic design studio committed to communicating the essentials of complex information quickly, clearly, and appealingly. My recent work has primarily been as a contract artist for scientists at several research organizations.
I can’t wait to meet you all this semester and I look forward to learning about you here on this first blog post.
Sincerely,
Prof. Hitchings
Add a comment to this post introducing yourself to the class. Please include your academic interests as it relates to Communication Design.
- What is you area of concentration? And why you chose your major?
- What has been your favorite class to date?
- What has been your favorite assignment? Please bring with you to our next class.
- Where do you feel your strengths lie within Communication Design?
- What would you like to get better at?
- Why are you taking Information Design?
- What do you enjoy reading, listening to, watching, and doing in your spare time? Or anything else you want to share!
Please add your introduction by Monday 9/4. It should be between 250-300 words. We do not meet next week, so this will give everyone plenty of time to read.
Before our next class Monday 9/11, read the comments and get to know your classmates!
For extra credit, reply to one of your classmates’ comments. Do you have something in common? Did you learn something? Be kind.
Hello, my major is Communication Design and I chose this major because I felt having a creative career would serve me well. Growing up I wasn’t considered “artistic” but I heavily enjoyed the arts. It is only in the past few years that I have taken the time to dive deeper into this practice and better my skills. Since attending City Tech my favorite class has been Intro to Video. I enjoyed this class because I enjoyed how passionate professor Cannetti was about film and I learned a lot about Premiere Pro that I use for my own videos till this day. One part of my creative process that I notice is strengthening, is coming up with concepts for my projects. I am working towards bettering my compositional skills so that it becomes second nature. Sometimes I have trouble creating a composition that is dynamic but not all over the place. I like structure and order and would like to convey that throughout my projects. I chose this class because I believe it is good to know the fundamentals of this type of design. I am leaning towards information design and advertising as a career and having this under my belt will serve as a stepping stone. Currently in my free time, I am reading a book on lucid dreaming because I am fascinated with the subconscious mind.
My favorite project:
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Hello Cassidy! I have never had Professor Cannetti as my instructor before, but he has been incredibly helpful with one of my projects, despite not being my professor. It means a lot when professors demonstrate enthusiasm for their work and your projects, as it instills confidence and encourages you to pursue your passion. I have seen your projects from previous semesters, and I can attest that your concepts are consistently amazing and captivating. I am confident that you will further hone your skills in this class, and I am excited to see the compositions you come up with. Please feel free to reach out if you need any assistance!
Hey Cassidy! We also have many classes together, even during the pandemic. From the projects shown to the class, I think you are talented. I especially like what you designed for our packaging design class, the wooden top was especially creative and unique. I can’t view your favorite project unfortunately, there is no link but I would like to see it someday!
Hi Cassidy!
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed my Intro to Video class, even though I had no prior experience in Premiere Pro. I learned a lot and now feel much more comfortable with video editing. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed observing what you were able to accomplish in the Packaging Design class. I am eagerly looking forward to seeing more of your work this semester!
Hey there Cassidy~ I also really enjoyed the intro to video class, which was a subject I had no prior knowledge of. I learned a great deal in that course, especially since I had no previous experience with cameras. Although I doubt we were in a same class before, I am looking forward to see your work!
Hi Cassidy! Thank you for getting the sharing started. I enjoyed reading your introduction. Your favorite project link did not work for me – but I look forward to seeing in class!
https://cassidycrespo98.myportfolio.com/
Greetings, everyone! My name is Stephanie Arleen Erazo, and I am a COMD senior passionate about illustration, design, and branding. I love using Procreate to create my art. I have a vital skill set in drawing and sketching, and I can make various styles and mediums of illustrations. I enjoy blending traditional and digital techniques to produce my work, often inspired by capturing the essence of female portraits, creating fan art, and exploring themes related to fashion and beauty. However, I am eager to expand my skills and create purposeful designs. As a student in the CityTech COMD program, I am determined to gain more opportunities, such as internships, networking with like-minded individuals, and attending design events to advance my future career.
One of the classes I enjoyed the most was COMD 3313 Basic Principles of Illustration. It was a refreshing change from the stress of my other classes and deadlines. The course felt more like a studio where we could create digital and traditional illustrations without negative criticism. We were allowed to use different supplies and topics to create our pieces. I made an editorial illustration based on an article about cozy games for an assignment. I was excited about this project because it related to my interests. I possess exceptional skills in revealing profound insights, formulating ingenious ideas, and narrating captivating stories through my artistic illustrations. I want to gain more experience in motion graphics and animations.
I am enrolled in an Information Design course to enhance my idea conception, storytelling, purposeful illustrations, and grid system usage skills. This course will give me the necessary knowledge and tools to communicate my ideas and concepts visually. I am excited to apply these skills in my future endeavors and make a positive impact in my field.
I enjoy keeping up with the latest social media trends during my free time, particularly the #DrawThisInYourStyle challenges. These challenges involve an individual sharing an image and inviting others to recreate it in their artistic style. Artists commonly host these challenges on platforms like Instagram, allowing them to refine their skills and gain recognition. Additionally, I enjoy traveling and discovering unique and exciting places to dine.
Portfolio
Hello Stephanie! I’ve had the pleasure of admiring your illustrations, and they are absolutely gorgeous. Being proficient in Procreate is fantastic, as it offers a wide range of possibilities and many job opportunities and value expertise with this app. I’m excited to see how you can seamlessly blend your beautiful illustrations with information design; I believe it will result in something both interesting and dynamic. Additionally, I aspire to follow your lead and take on more design challenges, as they are excellent for upskilling and developing muscle memory.
Hello Stephanie! I recently talked to you, and I noticed the zodiac Gemini sticker you illustrated on your laptop, but I didn’t realize it’s part of an entire collection of zodiacs you have designed until I looked at your portfolio. It’s honestly so cool to see your style, design, and illustrations. I love it a lot! The “slutty vegan” campaign is such a fun idea, and I like how you incorporated humor into it.
Hiya Stephanie! We had design studio class last semester. I loved you first gen campaign! You have a beautiful art style. I just saw your portfolio and I am in love with your work! especially your DTIYS challenges. I hope to see more of your work!!
Thank you for sharing Stephanie! I agree with everyone’s comments – your illustrations are gorgeous. And bravo to finding the extra time to practice your craft via SM challenges. I’m also excited to see how you blend your beautiful illustrations with the work we will be doing in class this semester.
Hello, I’m Bonnie. I’ll say my area of concentration is graphic design. I have changed my major three times, and I finally chose this major because I wanted to do something I actually enjoyed and expand on my creativity. It is also something I can visualize doing in the future. My favorite class to date would be COMD 1162-Raser and Vector Graphics. The projects were fun, and I also learned many important skills relating to Illustrator and Photoshop. My favorite assignment was creating “About Me” banners. You can view it here:https://www.bonnieyangportfolio.com/projects/banners. It was my first time exploring motion graphics by creating gifs on Procreate, but I had lots of fun learning something new. It did take some trial and error to figure things out, but I believe it worked out in the end. I do not know my strengths in Communication Design, but I hope to find that out soon. I want to get better at using Illustrator and Photoshop. There’s still so much I do not know. I’m taking this class because I believe I would learn essential skills; since information is present everywhere, it’s necessary to put together visuals and type, making it easier for the viewer to digest and process it. I like to listen to documentaries such as crimes, unsolved mysteries, or whatever I find interesting in the background while I work.
Hello Bonnie! I can relate to your experience as I also changed my major twice before discovering my passion for communication design. I miss Raster Vector too; those fun mini-assignments really helped me become proficient in Illustrator. I often wish I could take more advanced courses in that class since I tend to forget how to use Illustrator at times. I’m genuinely excited to see your upcoming projects. We were both in the same design team class, and I always looked forward to seeing the visuals you created. They were incredibly neat, clean, and polished, which is absolutely aesthetically pleasing in my eyes.
Hi Bonnie!
It’s great that we have the opportunity to meet twice a week! I can definitely understand the experience of changing careers. I previously worked in the medical industry before pursuing my Associate’s Degree. I know it was risky, but I wanted to pursue my true passion for illustration. I absolutely love your “About Me” animation and animation is something I really want to learn in the future!
Hi Bonnie, Thanks for sharing. I love your ‘About Me’ banners. I believe enjoying what one does professionally and doing well professionally go hand in hand.
Hello everyone! I’m delighted to introduce myself as Angy Vasquez, a passionate designer specializing in UX/UI and graphic design. My journey into the realm of communication design has been driven by a deep-rooted love for problem-solving and my talent for creativity. Throughout my academic journey, one of the standout experiences has been my participation in the Design Team course. It was here that I truly embraced the collaborative spirit of design, learning to harness the collective creativity of my peers and take on leadership roles. Working with clients was another aspect of this course that I found incredibly rewarding. Crafting various deliverables, from branding to advertisements, and creating templates to enhance a brand’s identity and story was both challenging and fulfilling. However, if I were to pick a favorite assignment from my design endeavors, it would undoubtedly be the brand identity project I undertook for a non-profit organization’s youth group, which I had the privilege of being a part of when I was 17. This project held a special place in my heart, as it was not just a design task but a heartfelt endeavor to give back to a community that had shaped me into the confident and socially aware person I am today. In terms of strengths, my areas of expertise lie in Layout and Composition, Information Architecture, User-Centered Design, Research, and Visual Storytelling. While I excel in these domains, I’m constantly striving for improvement. areas such as Typography, Presentation Mock-ups, Color Theory, and Copywriting are topics I’m eager to enhance my skills. I’m particularly excited about my ongoing exploration of information design, which promises to elevate my typography skills to new heights, allowing me to infuse dynamism and readability into my design work. Beyond my passion for design, I’m a movie enthusiast with a soft spot for romance, comedy, and horror genres. When I’m not immersed in design projects, you can often find me hanging out with friends or hitting the gym. Design isn’t just a career for me; it’s a hobby that I cherish, and I’m thrilled to be on this creative journey with you all.
You can view my work at the following link: https://angy-vasquez-portfolio.notion.site/angy-vasquez-portfolio/Hello-I-m-Angy-4db0b956560c41dc977c89432f3e2ea0
Hi Angy! I have you in some of my classes, and from the few interactions we had, I can tell you are an intelligent and creative individual. All your design is well-thought-out with thorough descriptions. I love that you included your ideate stage, the colors, and inspirations. I can actually get a glimpse of what you are thinking of. Your work is honestly fantastic. They are dynamic and so much fun! I’m also interested in what you will design next.
Hi Angy!
We were in the same Internship class in the summer, and I also remember seeing you on Discord! Your presentation on CUFFH Youth was super impressive and caught my attention. After checking out your portfolio, I can see that you’re a super creative, passionate, and motivated individual – all essential qualities for a successful graphic designer. I love how you take your viewers on a journey with your creative process. I’m super excited to see what you create for Information Design, and I hope we get a chance to chat!
Hello Angy, nice to hear about your journey! I saw your work and it’s very impressive and nice. Keep on doing the good work.
Nice to meet you Angy and thank you for sharing! I love your enthusiasm for design and can’t wait to see what all you create in this class.
Hello everyone, I chose graphic design as my major because I have a passion for art, design, and anything creative. I am more into branding and publication design. I want to do something that I enjoy rather than doing something I would not like for long term. The design team is one of my favorite class. It was a very fun class where we worked for a real client, which was a first for me. It provided me with insight into what it will be like once I find a job in this field. My favorite assignments was the type specimen book I prepared for my advanced typography class. This project gave me a lot of freedom; rather than following instructions, I utilized my own imagination to make it. file:///Users/sariat/Downloads/Saria_Tabassum_typespecim%20book.pdf My strength, I suppose, is in typography and illustration. I’d want to improve my skills in Photoshop and packaging design. I am enrolled in the information design course with the goal of enhancing my skills and engaging in fun projects. My aspiration is to acquire fresh and intriguing knowledge through this experience. I hate reading books, but I like reading mangas. In my spare time, I crochet, draw, or go out to explore new foods. I recently purchased a sewing machine and am in the process of learning how to sew.
Hi Saria, Thank you for your introduction. I could not open your Type Specimen Book but would love to see. Was this a class you took with Prof. Giuliani? Please bring to class.
Hey Saria, I too enjoyed The Design Team. Creating something for an actual client rather than an assignment, kind of puts all the things you’ve learned from classes into perspective.
Hello everyone,
I’m excited to introduce myself to the class! My name is Alimata Cynthia Gamene, and I’m a part of the Cuny BA program with a concentration in digital experience and technology. I chose this concentration because I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of emerging media technology and communications design. It’s incredible how technology continually shapes the way we interact and communicate with one another, and I’m ready to explore and contribute to this evolving field.
So far, my favorite class has been Fabrication Design in the emerging media technology department. The hands-on experience and the opportunity to bring my creative ideas to life have been incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned valuable skills in this class.
One of my most memorable assignments was creating a game that was significant to my culture. It was not only a chance to express my creativity but also a meaningful way to connect with my heritage and share it with others.
In terms of strengths within Communication Design, I believe I excel in conceptual thinking and problem-solving. I enjoy finding innovative solutions to design challenges and creating engaging user experiences. However, I’d like to improve my technical skills, particularly in software and coding.
I decided to take Information Design because I believe it’s a fundamental skill for a Communication Design professional. I want to gain expertise in this area to be better equipped to communicate effectively and make information more accessible to a broader audience.
Outside of school, I enjoy reading about the latest developments in technology and design. I also love listening to podcasts and watching documentaries that explore the intersection of art, technology, and culture. In my spare time, you’ll often find me experimenting with new digital design tools, playing video games, watching movies or listening to music.
Welcome Alimata Cynthia. As a CUNY BA student do you have a host campus? The Fabrication Design class sounds like such an interesting class. Would love to hear more about the project you produced. Looking forward to working with you in this class!
My area of concentration is Graphic Design, and I chose Communication Design because I have always found visual storytelling and the power of design in conveying messages effectively to be fascinating. Communication Design is the ideal choice for me because it enables the blending of creativity and communication strategies to transform intricate concepts into visually captivating and easily comprehensible formats. It harmoniously combines aesthetics and purpose, aligning perfectly with my interests and aspirations. Among the classes I’ve taken so far, my favorite has been Packaging Design. I greatly appreciated learning how to design packaging that not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also serves its intended purpose, to protect and promote a product. Packaging design offers a unique opportunity to explore the psychology of consumer behavior. Understanding how color, typography, and imagery can influence a consumer’s purchasing decision is both fascinating and practical knowledge. I believe my strengths in Communication Design lie in my ability to choose color palettes and typography, and my attention to detail. However, I aim to improve my skills in drawing/illustration and storytelling to create more engagement and connect with the audience on a deeper level. I am taking Information Design because I believe it will complement and enhance my professional skills. It will improve my ability to organize and present complex information in a visually appealing manner, which is essential in today’s data-driven world. In my spare time, I’m currently watching the last season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, which is my favorite show at the moment since it uses fashion to accurately depict the period but also as a storytelling tool, and a way to explore the evolving roles of women and societal norms. This activity not only relaxes me but also fuels my creativity.
My favorite assignment
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nlIKT8BS9M2x90cTvuncYpND4-JhW3ep?usp=sharing
Hi Melissa, You have some beautiful pieces in your portfolio. I love your description of Design as “harmoniously combines aesthetics and purpose.” So true of good design. Thank you for your introduction. I can’t wait to see what you produce in this class!
I like the assignment you did for your packaging design class. You created effective solutions and kept the brand consistent throughout. I’m more tempted to take the class next semester!
Gabrielle Navarro
COMD 3601
Fall 2023
Information Design
Hello all!
And greetings!
My name is Gabrielle Navarro. I am currently a senior, meaning this is my last semester! I am both extremely nervous and excited to learn about information Design especially due to my love/hate relationship with research. I understand that this course will help to communicate/explain how to best describe something visually, that’s my favorite part, finding a solution to not so simple topics, which can also be quite challenging. As a child, drawing how I felt was my best means of communicating and then came music and photography. One of my current favorite classes to study was, Intro To Video, where we were able to create videos that would best showcase PSA’s (public service announcements) that will visually catch the eye of its viewers. I found it to be very fun, because I was able to capture clips and put them together to create my own short film or commercial/video that could express something that I’m passionate about. One of the projects was a Coca Cola commercial based on the clients preferences, with freedom to use our own version, and creating storyboards first. Of course all the drawing classes are also my favorites, because drawing is something that is emotional and passionate for me. I like to spend a lot of time painting using oil paint and taking reference photos of images I have in my mind. Sometimes I use myself as a muse. And I also like to spend lots of time in nature, and with my family (grandmother mostly