Project #3: Multi-Page Project

This was our last project to work on for this class ~ we were given the text and told to create a Student Services catalog. This was a fun project and allowed me to test my knowledge on many of the skills I have learned throughout the semester. From formatting text that is not consistent to adding graphics and elements to your page. I am finding the flexibility of the program to be better than anything I have ever used for page layout. I am frustrated when I need to use other software (collaborating with others who do not have InDesign) and can't get it to do what I want. I don't have those limitations with InDesign.

I am hooked!

Doodle #2: Teacher Appreciation Week

This is a half-page flyer I created for all the students at my daughter's school regarding Teacher Appreciation Week. The flyer will be reproduced on a regular copier in black & white, so the graphics need to be clear and simple.

There was a ton of text that needed to be included, along with some eye-catching graphics in order to try to spark the interest of the kids & their parents (in the hopes that they will participate).

Project 3 - Pre Press Project

For this project, we were tasked with designing a DVD jacket cover. I really felt this project was more about preparing a project for a commercial printer, than design (although both of these go hand in hand, obviously!). I have used a commercial printer in the past when I designed and printed the CATA Newsletter (many years ago), and learned a ton (since I knew nothing about printing) from the super-gracious guys at Sir Speedy, but I have to admit... I would be a much easier, informed customer now!

I chose to use both of my naughty dogs in the design, since they are quite photogenic and I really could use a DVD like this!

All of the stuff I design now is sent directly to a "copy shop", rather than a printer... I look forward to the day I get to put my commercial printing skills to use!

Project 2 - Images Exercise

This is my magazine Table of Contents assignment. It was the first time I worked with images in InDesign and we had various techniques we had to use in order to show a level of competence with different features.

Once again, I realize my anal-retentive side (which apparently only appears when I'm "working") really works against me... I like things to be uniform and balanced and found that difficult when having to employ different effects to these images.

Every time I work with this software, I come across things I want to do and don't know how to do yet... this is a really good sign (for me at least!).

Doodle #1: An Evening Under The Stars

My first doodle assignment is a flyer I made for The Vista Academy Foundation's Annual Fundraiser. They wanted a "teaser flyer" to go home with the kids to remind the parents to come out and participate.

It was reproduced in black & white, so there there was no need for color. The logo was already in color and I edited the background image so the teal star would print in an acceptable gray-scale and not "overpower" the text.

I'm really enjoying InDesign, it has so many more features than other desktop publishing programs I have used in the past. So far, if I have an idea... InDesign has a way to create it... it's just a matter of finding the right tools in the right menus.

Project 1 - Typeface Specimen Sheet

I love this font! The first project was a to create a type specimen sheet, which in essence is like a "coming-out" party for a new font!

This assignment was the first time I had used InDesign, and it was challenging to get things to align, add the colors I wanted since we had not learned those things yet!

All in all... a fun first assignment!

Introductions

Welcome to my InDesign blog. My name is Kristen and I live in North San Diego County with my hubby, a couple of awesome kids, and two huge, hairy, lovable dogs.

For the first time in my adult life, I am not working a traditional 9-5 job... and so... that also means for the first time in my adult life... I actually have time to learn some things I have always wanted to learn... but never had the time!

So here I am... taking an on-line InDesign class (I love the on-line format ~ it fits my schedule and lifestyle) to learn more about desktop/digital publishing. I have worked in the past designing corporate paraphernalia & newsletters for small organizations. I currently volunteer my time (& expertise) to the local PTA designing their newsletter... it's fun!

I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to explore my creative side again!