Natalie Soto's ePortfolio

A Communication Design Portfolio

Quote Poster

Poster

This quote moves me because it talks about boundaries and how by no stepping outside of them can affect you. It may be scary at a first glance, to take a risk or two but it may be better than the alternative. Rather than stay put for the rest of your life it could benefit you leave and take the leap; who knows what awaits you on the other side. The font I chose is a sans font which I believe best represents this quote and meaning.

My Four (4) Quotes

My four quotes for this assignment are the following:

  1. “The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you are very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble.” – Serena Williams

This quote inspires me to be confident and encourages me to strive for success on whatever it is I’m working on. I also agree with how she said we have to raise one another and are generous to one another as well. Being selfish and cruel has never benefited anyone therefore why not help and inspire others.

2. “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” – Ruth Bader GInsburg

This quote both moves and inspires me with how I feel over a certain issue or two. There is a certain way in which a leader can move people whether it be with their own words or actions it all matters. The impact should result in others willing to join and fight for it as well. When it comes to issues in which we care for deeply it does matter and make a difference.

3. “Normal is not something to aspire to, it’s something to get away from.” – Jodie Foster

This quote moves me because rather than sticking to a certain idea it encourages you to go at it a certain way. When it comes to being normal what exactly is it? Why should anybody do it when it makes them uncomfortable or does not work well with them? People ought to say and act as the please regardless if it is considered normal or not.

4.“If you don’t get out of the box you’ve been raised in, you won’t understand how much bigger the world is.” – Angelina Jolie

This quote moves me because it talks about boundaries and how by no stepping outside of them can affect you. It may be scary at a first glance, to take a risk or two but it may be better than the alternative. Rather than stay put for the rest of your life it could benefit you leave and take the leap; who knows what awaits you on the other side.

Artists Biography Essay

Throughout the years I have seen all sorts of art styles come and go; each artist’s style is different and captivating in its own way. This also applies to the technique used to create a certain art piece, their technique and style may also speak for themselves. Out of all the artists of which I have read about and seen; the following three are my personal favorites and continue to inspire my work.

Teresa Burga

1935-2021

Teresa Burga was born in the year 1935 in Iquitos, Peru. She studied painting in the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru in Lima and graduated in 1965. Afterwards she joined the group Arte Nuevo with Arias Vera, Gloria GĂłmez-Sánchez and Jaime Dávila. Between 1968 and 18970, she attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and was awarded an MFA degree in 1970. Her art forms involved creating colorful pieces that were conceptual and digital that represented various people and subjects. She was very active around the 60’s and 70’s and experimented with her art and was very striking. Many of her exhibitions were constructed from the ground up and even created by hand. While most artists would stick to a certain theme and stick to it until the end of time Burga’s works were different. They are distinct in their own way and do not resemble one another at a first glance. Whilst she was an active member in the group Arte Nuevo she created all sorts of pieces that were deemed avant-garde. She, too, was credited for introducing this new movement that included pop art and op art. Burga’s works inspire me to create pieces that have never been done before. Her artworks are beautiful and remarkable. It’s not every day that you see someone exhibit a colorful piece like Burga’s once did. She passed away on February 11, 2021 in Lima, Peru.

Alphonse Mucha

1860 – 1939

Alphonse Mucha was born on July 24, 1860 in a small town called IvanÄŤice in southern Moravia; back then that was a province of the Austrian Empire, which is currently a region of the Czech Republic. He was an Art Nouveau illustrator and painter who created many significant posters, advertisements and illustrations as well. Like many artists Mucha struggled and started off by doing commissions for magazines but would slowly gain recognition as time went on. It wasn’t until after when French actress, Sarah Bernhardt requested someone to design a poster to advertise the play she was starring in. It was a success and from there Mucha was given a contract and a raise in his salary which benefited him. Over the years his style became noticeable especially in the posters. Some of them contain the same detail which only he could create and that was found in the subject’s hair. In nearly every poster he incorporates some kind of flower placing it on or next to the figure. Their hair is as carefree and free-flowing like smoke itself and not so geometrical; this applied to the subject’s clothes as well. Now while most of them weren’t always quite so realistic, in my opinion they were quite intricate. I enjoy creating illustrations with any kind of color imaginable and seeing how he styles both people with botany inspires me.

Malika Favre

1982 – ?

Malika Favre was born on December 1, 1982 in Paris, France, Before enrolling in Olivier de Serres she initially wanted to become a quantic engineer but later changed her mind. After graduating from Olivier de Serres she moved to London, to study illustration at Surrey Institute of Art & Design, University College in Farnham, England. Favre is currently living in Barcelona, Spain and has set herself up as an independent illustrator. Her art form involves creating digital images and designs made up of people, animals or various objects. She is from the 21st Century and is still active in the present day Digital Age. Her style is inspired by what she sees and feels in her life. Whether she experiences it or she sees firsthand, that inspires her to come up with all kinds of ideas. Favre has worked with Sephora, Le Bon MarchĂ©, Penguin Books, Vogue, The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Sunday Times, and Vanity Fair. I think that because she works solely with Adobe Illustrator she fits well in the category of modern day digital graphic designers. Her work inspires me because it is very sleek and minimalist and not too embellished or dull. They tell a story without saying much, I admire her choice of colors and how they work well with one another. They’re bold and not like anything I have ever seen.

Banksy Documentary

After watching the documentary of Banksy, the anonymous street artist, I found it interesting in seeing the kind of life he lives and how he has done so these past few years. This is not the first time I’ve heard of him but the documentary put it all in perspective. I also find it impressive over the fact that to this very day no one knows who or what Banksy really looks like. His art has become more prominent over the years and in it itself it is quite a spectacle. His art is like no other and most of his projects themselves; the way they were exhibited; are all very clever. Banksy has created dozens of pieces that by many were deemed controversial. Through his art he was able to bring attention to certain topics that criticized a public figure or subject as well. Banksy’s artworks are admired and loved by many for numerous reasons. Whether they just like the kind of person Banksy may be, or in the way he presents himself to the public or simply because of his style. It’s safe to say that Banksy is not some greedy old man who only does it for the money and fame but rather the opposite; his anonymity works in his favor as well. His works of art have touched many and gained recognition all throughout Europe and because of this that is why I believe he is a true artist.

Michael Wiehart’s Interview

After watching Michael Wiehart’s interview; I was able to learn so much more about the kind of person he is. Wiehart graduated as a graphic designer from an art school in Switzerland and has come a long way from the very beginning. Rather than just stick to one hobby Wiehart explored other subjects such as animating, editing and both 2D and 3D animation. There wasn’t a film school in Switzerland therefore he taught himself how to make and work with cell animation and even built himself his own computer from scratch. He’s resourceful and was able to work with what he could. Wiehart mostly does advertising, branded content and anything that moves or that piques his interest. When working on a certain project he uses a specific program that works well and easily for him. For example if he wanted to create 3D animation he would use a 3D software called Cinema 4D. If he wanted to create certain effects and add or use motion graphics, editing and compositing he would use Adobe Premiere Pro. Wiehart uses many of Adobe’s products or rents them rather than purchase them all together. Wiehart believes and encourages every single person to do and work on side projects with friends. Despite wanting to learn as much as he could it was kind of hard because around that time his resources were very limited. Nevertheless he managed to overcome it and teach himself everything he needs to know and by doing so was able to create all sorts of impressive pieces that can be found on his website. Wiehart himself has struggled but has not given up and continues to keep going at it.

Airbnb – Brand Identity Timeline

Airbnb

2007-08 : Early Concept

In October of 2007 two roommates and former colleagues, Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky came up this idea of putting an air mattress in their living room and turning it into a bed and breakfast. They were staying in San Francisco, California and named this new concept Airbed and Breakfast. Before setting up a website, a third member, named Nathan Blecharczyk joined. They launched their website on August 11, 2008 and welcomed their very first customers that same year.

2009 : Name Change

In January of 2009 a computer programmer named Paul Graham invited the founders to his startup incubator, Y Combinator. There the founders were provided with training and funding. In return they gave Graham a small interest in the company. Afterwards Airbnb received a payment of $20,000 from Y Combinator and used it to promote their site in New York and San Francisco.

Apart from changing their name at the time, Airbed and Breakfast to what it is known as today, Airbnb, they also changed the arrangements on their website. It didn’t look use the round sans serif font from before and now all the letters were lowercase. It was heavily outlined and it looked very scripted at a first glance. Airbnb no longer centered solely on airbeds and shared spaces but now included entire houses, apartments, private rooms and many others types of properties.

2011 : Big Adjustments

By July of 2011, both the website and application itself went on to gaining millions of dollars in financing. With their notable success they were able to open and establish their very first international office in London in October that same year. As time progressed more users, including international users, turned to Airbnb more offices were constructed. This included setting up in Paris, Milan, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Moscow and SĂŁo Paolo.

2012-13 : Expanding Operations

Airbnb continued to expand its corporation to the Eastern Hemisphere and managed to open up another office in Sydney by November of 2012. In that same month, Airbnb launched their very own travel guide called “Neighborhoods”. Its sole purpose is to help travelers choose a neighborhood in which to stay based on certain criteria or personal preference.

By the time October of 2015 came around over millions of people have signed up and used Airbnb. With more customers coming around over two hundred thousands of more properties were added to Airbnb.

2014 : Logo Change

Around July of 2014 Airbnb introduced a brand new logo that would represent both the website and application. It was given the name, BĂ©lo, and it represents this feeling of belonging and is made up of four crucial components. It includes:

  • Human Head – this symbol represents people
  • Location Icon – this symbol represents a place
  • Heart – this symbol represents love
  • Letter A – this symbol represents first letter of the company’s name.

The name, Airbnb, looked completely new. The color scheme was not like the one before and it appears that the creators came up with a new typeface called Cereal. It was still in lowercase but it did no have any kinds of serifs and the letters are not connected to one another.

Source: DesignStudio

2016-18 : Funding & New Features

Airbnb grew tremendously and raised over millions of dollars in funding around September of 2016 and the company’s value was about $30 billion. Then in March of 2017, Airbnb raised $1 billion more in funding and had raised more than $3 billion dollars in funding.

Some time in February of 2018, Airbnb announced a brand new concept called Airbnb Plus.It consisted of a collection of homes that have been vetted for quality of services, comfort and design. It came with this feature called Beyond which offers luxury vacation rentals.

2019-20 : COVID-19

During the COVID-19, bookings dropped at a massive rate such as reaching 96% in some heavily populated cities. Despite this there was also a slight increase in bookings in numerous rural areas.

Around March of 2020, the CEO and Head of the Community, Brian Chesky wrote a letter to any and all hosts of Airbnb. He pledged about $250 million dollars in payouts to the hosts that were affected during the pandemic. This enormous compensation was to cover for any guest cancellations that took place over the past few months.

2022 : Present Day

Airbnb continues to grow and has undoubtedly come a long way from what it started out to be. It’s a growing community full of hosts and welcoming folks. The possibilities are endless and there is so much you can do when it comes to traveling and experiencing new places. If you want to see firsthand as to what it is like, Airbnb posts every now and then on their very own YouTube channel.

Sources:

Brand Identity – Airbnb

The name of the brand that I selected is called Airbnb. The purpose of the brand is to create a world where anyone can belong anywhere and they are focused on creating an end-to-end travel platform that will handle every part of your trip. Airbnb was founded in San Francisco, California in August of 2008. The company owners of Airbnb are Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia and Nathan Blecharczyk . The logo or identity designers of Airbnb come from a London branding agency called DesignStudio. Airbnb’s advertising agencies consist of Droga5 and Essence.

Video Project: Screenplay

Title: A Few Things About Aiesha
Director: Natalie Soto
Actor 1: Aiesha Bennett
Locations: Elmhurst, Brooklyn and Chinatown.


SCENE 1: Place of Birth
Location: Elmhurst
The camera pans over Elmhurst, a small bustling community, in the daytime within Queens.


SCENE 2: Current Residence
Location: Brooklyn
Then it transitions over to Brooklyn, where Aiesha currently lives in the present day.


SCENE 3: Where Aiesha Goes To Have Fun
Location: Chinatown
Footage of Aiesha’s likes appear on the screen such as listening to music, shopping from home or in person and going to Chinatown to drink bubble tea with her friends.


SCENE 4: What Aiesha dislikes
The screen fades to white and different segments of animation of Aiesha’s dislikes appear such as different kinds of bugs, the cold winter season and the clothing material, corduroy.


SCENE 5: What Aiesha likes
Footage of Aiesha’s favorite horror/thriller movies appear on the screen followed by the numerous mood boards she single handedly created on Pinterest.

The End.

The Pitch – Written Concept

Imagine the screen fades from black to an overview of Aiesha Bennett’s birthplace, Elmhurst, a small community within Queens.The camera shifts or transitions over to Brooklyn where Aiesha currently lives in the present day. While this is happening there is a voiceover introducing Aiesha to the audience and narrating throughout the video. From Brooklyn the camera shifts over to the various activities Aiesha enjoys doing such as listening to music, shopping online or in person and going to Chinatown to drink bubble tea with her friends. Then the screen turns blank and suddenly images or sketches of Aiesha’s dislikes pop up such as bugs/insects and the winter season. It finally concludes with footage of Aiesha’s favorite pastimes such as watching horror or thriller movies with her father and creating different mood boards on Pinterest. The screen fades to black and the credits roll while a song plays in the background.

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