“Life Is what happens when you’re busy making other plans”

I picked this quote mainly because it was recited in one of my favorite games at the time. It wasn’t really intriguing to me of how the quote came about, until I actually decided to make it my visual quote. Once I began working on the quote my mind pondered of a few things. Why was this one of John Lennon’s famous quotes? Who was he talking to and what did it mean. During the time of wondering these things I had found out John Lennon had actually said this to his son, Sean at a very young age. Great advice from a parent to a child. As people in society, especially living in New York we never really realize how much our life passes us by just when we’re simply worrying about other minor things.

Most people go there life not fulfilling anything they had once set out to do, they work Jobs instead of passionate careers and live life the way it is set for everyone to live life. Of course, most don’t do this intentionally, but it becomes a comfortable lifestyle. Something which people don’t even notice until it’s too late. I feel that this is one of the most remarkable things John Lennon could have told his son at the time, because he must know the truth early on so he may live life to the fullest.

I decided on this quote not only because it inspires me but also because its a message many human beings need to know. Many need to realize that life will not change until they do something about it, and I definitely will make my life the best I could ever imagine. Simply because I don’t want it to past me by.

“There’s never a one size fits all for three things Love, Happiness & Creativity.”

I decided on making a visual quote design of this quote, mainly because I love it so much. It states the exact motivation I need not only in my work and what I do but also just in my daily life.

Unlike my first quote, I have no idea where this quote was originally from. I was told once that it might have been something Kanye West said, but I’m not entirely sure. I first heard this quote from a teacher who happened to be substituting for my sophomore U.S history class. He was dying for our attention and when we finally decided to sit down and pay attention, the man had spoke golden words which most people need to hear. This quote, being one of them along with words of encouragement to never give up, to spread love and other things.

The quote, like the man who had spoken it inspires me because it becomes a daily reminder that not everything has to be the same. Many people believe things should be uniform, do one thing then do another and repeat that, but myself I like to be as different as I possibly can be which is one reason why I absolutely love this quote.

At first glance of the large building once I had arrived, I thought the building was something corporate a place where people went to get or hand in documents and nothing more. Of course, the building did hold this production, but once the tour began I learned the building was so much more. I had not only learned that the office that lied beneath the corporate space produced files and things for all of the schools in New York City, but they had also helped the U.S postal system. The loud machines and smell of freshly printed paper had already given me a clue of what the office was about, but as the tour guide explained each and every machine I realized I knew nothing about actually printing.

One of my favorite machines that were introduced to me was the one which basically sealed the envelope. Of course, this was one my favorite mainly because it makes a job that much easier.  A bunch of envelopes are put into the beginning of the machine and are instantly sealed and placed together by the end of the machine. This had been my favorite because for one, I hate sealing envelopes myself whether it be the numerous paper-cuts from the folds of the envelope or the taste of paper in my mouth as I try to seal one there’s nothing pleasant about it. Unfortunately like most of the machine’s I completely forgot the name, but if I was ever offered the chance to get an automatic envelope sealer I would definitely take the offer.

Another one I found more than interesting was the machine which folded the paper into envelope form.  The MBO Machine made the horror of paper cuts and time consuming money completely disappear.  About a pack of paper would be laid out at the beginning of the machine then by the end, the same papers were ready to be placed into envelopes and sent out soon enough. In my own opinion, being a person who seems to never have enough time in my day I  can honestly say a machine like this might actually be one of the best in the office. Not only is it very convenient but also interesting to see go.

Last, but most definitely not least I would have to say the sheet-fed machine in which produced the school newspapers also caught my eyes. I never actually knew how newspapers were made or even sent out for that matter, but after seeing the very large (but one of the smaller) sheet fed machines I became amazed.  The rollers where the sheet is first fed were large and the machine where the sheets were taken through was very long. Overall, the technique of how the machine worked amazed me and easily made it one of my favorites.

Overall the trip to the UFT was very informative and I actually enjoyed it. I learned a lot of what I needed to know about the printing world for when I finally decide to establish myself in the world.

Paul Rand

Paul Rand is a famous American art director and graphic designer who was born August 15th, 1914, but died on November 26th 1996. Rand’s work is seen all over in media and has also influenced many people to date. He is most known for his logo design work, along with his books and as some like to call it “clip art design” work. Like most graphic designers, Rand started to grow an interest in design at a young age. He worked at painting signs for a store owned by his father but also for his school. Although, his father never truly believed art was a stable career choice for his son, Rand continued to pursue his love of art, not only by taking classes at Haaren High School, but also doubling on the work and taking night classes at Pratt Institute. During his time of pursing his career choice, Rand self taught himself. He learned of different magazines, newspapers and other schools both locally and internationally, in this time he gained skills in which he could use to start his career.

At the beginning of Rand’s career he worked part-time supplying graphics by creating stock images. While working and going to school Rand worked on building his portfolio, one, which was large, compared to others around him. Rand often credited his large portfolio to being influenced by the German advertising style of a couple German artists. Although his portfolio was different compared to other American artist at the time, It caught others attention and people actually liked it which boosted not only his reputation but also his business. Rand quickly became popular amongst companies and designers.

Paul Rand quickly became known as the visionary. His work stood out amongst his peers and made people interested in his work. While his work grew recognition, Rand began to work for companies just as IBM, Ford, UPS, ABC and even Apple. While working Paul Rand changed the way people though of design and how logos were created. He came onto the media world with a fresh eye and mind, creating things the world had never seen or even thought of before. He had completely changed the culture of advertising, convincing some of the nations largest corporations that his design, the good design was good business. In 1986, Steve Jobs had trouble launching a start-up for his new company. Although the company was small and not very well known yet, Jobs had invested millions on his new company. Still working out the details of this new software Jobs had in mind, there was one thing he was sure of, and he didn’t want but needed a logo from Rand no matter where his company went. Not only was Rand a man who changed the idea of Advertising, but he also worked as an art director and art critic.

While working as a graphic design, Rand was requested by Apparel Arts magazine to develop their page layout for the anniversary issue. Developing a unique and sophisticated layout for the magazine, which paved the way for his career afterward. After, working on the issue Rand became more acquainted with the magazine world and got experience. After working on the issue, Rand was offered a job as an art critic at Esquire-Coronet. At first, Rand refused the job of becoming an art director for a magazine. Rand believed he was not yet at the level to become an art director and wanted to take all the steps required before he took that step, but after a bit of convincing, he finally took over the responsibility for the magazine.

At the age of twenty-three Rand had already become an art director. During his time as an art director, Rand took charge in directing the cover art of this magazine. Although, he had just started this process he was in the making of creating his own initiative look, he wanted something so when people saw him they knew he had touched or had a hand in creating it. Although, the magazine did not give him the best path in creating his own look, it did give him ideas of how he wanted it to look and what he wanted to be known and remembered as. Rand’s initiative look began to refine once he began to define his corporate identity. He had an eye for what he thought company logos needed in order to be noticed and viewed by the public. He wanted something refined, but yet not basic; he wanted something that made the public think when they saw it. In order to make them think, Rand himself had a bit of thinking to do.

In this time, One of Rand’s clients happen to be IMB. He thought of ways he could refine “The Paul Rand look.” Finally coming to the conclusion he had come to his final design becoming the well-known Eye-Bee-M poster. After the poster surfaced around the public, Ford appointed Rand to redesign their corporate logo. Thus assisting Rand in a way to define and create a look for him. After his time in designing, later on in life, Rand continued on his design work, unlike other designers around him, he did not spend his life becoming an art director or even creating his own Art team. In his life there were a few principals Rand lived by, mainly four which surprised most designers at the time. A few of the principles Rand lived by, were “A logo derives meaning from the quality of the thing it symbolizes, not the other way around “, which he seemed to assign importance and responsibility to something as simple as a logo. Another thing he lived by was “The only mandate in logo design is that they be distinctive, memorable and clear.” Rand clearly believed that design was more than just creating anything; logos were to be crafted and needed to be treated as if they were an advertisement. One other thing Ran believed in was Presentation is key. He believed everything needed to be presented in the best way possible. He wanted to work hard when designing and make others feel the same way about the work. He felt, if time was spent on the logo it should be presented as such.

Paul Rand was not only a visionary, but also a thinker. The way he thought and acted on his designs created a path for designers now. As some say, Rand was the pioneer of iconic corporate logo designs. He himself molded the way logos for corporations are seen and treated when designed. Although, Rand worked hard on entertainment and mainstream logos his true reputation was based on his initiative to work and change how designers treated logo design. Rand believed so much in designs that he even created one of his most notable designs, free of charge. The featured cover of “Direction Magazine” was done not for the money or even to be noticeable, but for the artistic freedom Rand believed deeply in. By doing such a thing, he believed that it would give designers a light to see how much art is actually worth.

In conclusion, Paul Rand decided it was not only his goal to change the way people saw advertisements, logos and art but also to make a brand for himself. He wanted to make artist think the way he did and wanted them to work the way he did.

Sources Cited

Bigman, Alex. “4 Principles by Paul Rand That May Surprise You – Designer Blog.” The Creative Edge 4 Principles by Paul Rand That May Surprise You Comments. N.p., 04 Sept. 2012. Web. 03 Nov. 2015.

Dunne, Caret. “How Paul Rand Pioneered The Era Of Design-Led Business.” Co.Design. N.p., 24 Feb. 2015. Web. 03 Nov. 2015.

Heller, Steven. “Paul Rand.” – Iconofgraphics.com. Iconofgraphics, n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2015.

Paul Rand | Biography, Designs and Facts.” Famous Graphic Designers. Famousgraphicdesigners, n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2015.

VANHEMERT, KYLE. “Paul Rand, the Visionary Who Showed Us That Design Matters.” Wired.com. Conde Nast Digital, 06 Apr. 2015. Web. 03 Nov. 2015

The creation of the “Barbie Doll” comes from Mattel Creations founders Ruther and Elliot Handler. The Co-Founder Ruther Handler, decided to create the Barbie Doll after seeing her daughter Barbara play with paper dolls. After several ideas and designs, on March 9^th 1959 “Barbie” was born. When first released Barbie’s first logo a sans serif type face.The first logo the Barbie Company used, lasted them almost two decades until the Barbie Doll was created with more of a hippie trademarked look. In order to fit the new design and clothing of the new Barbie Doll, the company changed its logo. Which lead to in 1975:The company then keeping the trend of the “hippie” Barbie doll until early 80’s Barbie toymaker decided to keep its logo until the doll caught up with the new age of fun. Barbie now having not only a singing career but also joining the U.S. Army the company decided it was time for a change. The company thus, created more of a serif type for the choice of the the newer logo as the new face which was created in 1990.

For a century, Barbie hadn’t changed its logo, but as time went on and thing’s changed, the company decided it was now time to define the logo once again. Barbie now coming on a stronger and obvious noticeable figure, running for president and traveling the world the company decided to go for a more international looking logo. In 2000 the new redefined logo was created:

Unlike most of the Barbie logos the newest logo hadn’t stayed around long in the company. For only four years, the logo created in 2000 had changed once again. Barbie growing in popular around the world things changed and so had their logo. The newest addition was created in 2004 and included Barbie’s well known flower.

This new addition the Barbie family only lasted a year. Barbie wanting to become “Less feminine” with its ideas Barbie gets a boyfriend. Ken is now introduced to the Barbie family in 2004 which causes them to change their logo.

 Keeping the type, the company decided to get rid of its flower logo. Since it has changed in 2005, the logo has not progressed or changed since there have not been any new major additions to the company since the logo change. The logo seems to only change when the company makes a new major step onto it.

Sources:

“Barbie Logo.” Famous Logos RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Nov. 2015.

Cohn, Maria. “The 50 Most Iconic Brand Logos of All Time – 39. Barbie.”Complex. Complex Magazine, 7 Mar. 2013. Web. 04 Nov. 2015.

“History of All Logos.” : Barbie History. Billbam.com, n.d. Web. 04 Nov. 2015.