Autumn Schreiber Creative

Author: Autumn

  • designing a portfolio: the saga

    Welcome back ya’ll! Today I thought I’d walk you through my current challenge: creating a graphic design portfolio. I am by no means an expert, but with the power of the internet and my teachers, I think I can handle it.

    Where to begin?

    The most important part of your portfolio is the contents. You want to show off your best work, what you’re most proud of. So gather up your portfolio pieces and edit them as needed. I needed to edit some of my projects after getting feedback from other graphic designers. Do this and then we can start designing the portfolio.

    Designing the portfolio

    For some reason, this is the most daunting part. I’m opting to create my portfolio in Indesign, but there’s a lot of other options such as Adobe Express.

    My itty bitty screenshot, I couldn’t figure out how to make it bigger 🙁

    Navigate to New File –> Web tab –> and then look at some templates. You can use those or create your own!

    I started with a business proposal template and began to customize it to my portfolio needs. I wanted to include sketches, process images, final product pictures and design explanations.

    A rough idea of my portfolio layout!

    And that’s it! Design your portfolio and then export it as a PDF, or an interactive PDF if you have links, etc.

    • another zine finished!

      Almost a year ago, an old friend gave me some cool old magazines. It was so cool to flip through them and see old ads and stories. There was a 1925 needlework magazine that was battered and it had such neat illustrations, that I just had to turn it into a zine. I did feel…

    • getting my creative spark back

      After a wild year of school, I think it’s official. I have senioritis. I’m not sure if it’s the gloomy weather or the final month before graduation, but I’m loosing bits of motivation and creativity. I’ve been working on little projects here and there to keep myself creating outside of class. I think this has…

    • 10 piece campaign progress

      I’m still at a standstill with my poster. I think I need some time away from it so I can attack with a new perspective. Right now I’ve gotten the website mock up done (below) The website mock up took ages! I had to make sure my colors were accessible. I used https://contrast-grid.eightshapes.com/. Something that…

  • design legends you should know #5 Paula Scher

    design legends you should know #5 Paula Scher

    Paula Scher is a painter, album covers, educator, layout artist and renowned graphic designer.

    Her Work Through The Years

    With a start at the Tyler School of Art, Scher graduated with a Bachelor in Fine Arts in 1970. She then became a layout artist at the children’s division at Random House. Switching gears, she worked at CBS and then Atlantic Records. Her album covers received four Grammy nominations.

    In the 80’s she sought out freelance graphic design, before starting a firm in 1984 with Tyler Koppel. The firm dissolved during the recession and Scher went to work for the design firm, Pentagram, in 1991. Currently, she is the principal at Pentagram.

    As well as working Pentagram, Scher taught at the School of Visual Arts, Tyler School of Art, Yale, and Cooper Union.

    Iconic Work

    What put Scher on the map, was her identity creation for the Public Theater in New York City. Through her unique, graffiti-inspired typography, Scher was able to inspire the graphic design world.

    One of Paula Scher’s poster design for The Public Theater
    Scher’s rebranded Public Theater Logo

    Other notable logo designs are Tiffany and Co., Citibank, Windows, and the Metropolitan Opera.

    Album Covers

    Album Ginseng Woman designed by Paula Scher and Andy Engel
    Boston’s album designed by Paula Scher and illustrated by Roger Huyssen

    That’s really just a snippet of her expansive portfolio. Here’s a great book of her work! Preview it here.

    Sources

    From the blog

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    • poster progress update #3

      Last time we left I had a rough wip poster. I resketched a guitar for the bottom right frame. Then I took it into illustrator,…

    • layout project progress: poster edition

      As I wrote in my last post, I am designing a 10 piece campaign for a music festival. I have finished the logo and stage…

    • fun packaging scavenger hunt

      I’ve been on the lookout for fun packaging. When I’m out running errands or to my favorite coffee shop, I’m looking. Below is what I’ve…

  • figuring out Facebook ads

    I’ve been asked to create some Facebook ads (for Amaryllis bulbs) and let me tell you, I have no idea where to start. Facebook isn’t something I interact with a whole lot, I’m more drawn to Instagram or Pinterest. However, I thought I’d look into Facebook ads and take ya’ll along for the ride.

    So my main questions I need to figure out are as follows:

    • What Photoshop dimensions should I use?
    • What are the photo copyright rules for ads?
    • What do typical flower ads look like?
    • What makes an ad successful?

    Which brings me to research!

    Here are my findings:

    Facebook dimensions vary by preferred ad layouts. However, my client will be posting the ads as Facebook posts. So I really need to figure out FB Photoshop post dimensions. I kept on running into dimensions for Facebook image/video post sizes. (Will report back with my final answer soon🫡)

    When it comes to image copyright research, here is the situation. I’ve been tasked with creating amaryllis bulb ads. I want to be able to show customers the final amaryllis blooms, but the florist doesn’t have any of her own pictures with her current bulbs. Soo.. then I need to figure out the image situation. I found this website that brings up a few legal good points. My temporary solution is to use some of her old photos if possible.

    General flower ads all display big, colorful arrangements. Then it has the basic ad elements such as a headline, call to action, etc. I’m kind of on my own because my client is advertising wax-dipped amaryllis bulbs. (Which is a bit too niche for Google)

    Keeping your ad message clear and directed towards your audience is one way to create a successful ad. So my audience is primarily older women looking to buy flowers for themselves or others. My headline and visuals should align with my desired target market. Some more great tips are here.

    Phew that was a lot. Hopefully, I can hit the ground running and drum up some great ideas. I’ll keep you posted! Until next time, keep designing.

  • analyzing design in movies: Labyrinth

    analyzing design in movies: Labyrinth

    Design is all around us! It’s on labels, posters, papers, hand towels, you name it. So today, I thought I’d look at one of my favorite movies, Labyrinth, through the eyes of a designer.

    Labyrinth is a dark 80s fantasy movie with a cast of puppets as well as humans. Because of its genre, the design choices are over the top to portray the whimsical nature of the film. The muted colors, torn/decaying fabrics, and textures, and creepy masquerade masks contribute to the macabre fairytale feel. However, the lavish lace, brick structures, and elaborate costumes cement the viewer in a fantasy world.

    Some examples of the rather muted sets/world-building

    The design choices are very intentional and support world-building and character/character growth. One great example is the ballroom dream scene. The main character, teenage Sarah, bites into a peach. This sends her into a dreamlike sleep, where she imagines entering a masquerade ball. Sarah’s big white dress and lack of a mask are symbols of her innocence and naivety as she navigates this more adult-centric scene. Sarah’s white dress and Jareth’s blue sequined suit suggest importance in contrast among the rest of the muted costumes. In this case, the design choices reflect character importance and growth as Sarah is caught between her childhood and impending adulthood.

    Sarah and Jareth dance in her masquerade dream

    Here’s a great video of the scene. And then a video of bts, with the team explaining their choices.

    As designers, our decisions must have a purpose. After all, our job is to convey a client’s message. So do your research and be able to explain your work and choices.

    Happy designing! What should I cover next?

    From the blog

    Stay up to date with the latest from our blog.

    • poster progress update #3

      Last time we left I had a rough wip poster. I resketched a guitar for the bottom right frame. Then I took it into illustrator,…

    • layout project progress: poster edition

      As I wrote in my last post, I am designing a 10 piece campaign for a music festival. I have finished the logo and stage…

    • fun packaging scavenger hunt

      I’ve been on the lookout for fun packaging. When I’m out running errands or to my favorite coffee shop, I’m looking. Below is what I’ve…

  • design legends you should know #4 David Carson

    design legends you should know #4 David Carson

    Rulebreaker, Father of Grunge Typography, prolific surfer. All things that aptly describe David Carson.

    Carson started out as a high school teacher in Oregon, where he caught wind of a graphic design summer program at University of Arizona. Soon after he was off to Switzerland to another summer program under the instruction of instructor Hans-Rudolf Lutz. He began working at various magazines such as, Transworld Skateboarding, Beach Culture, and Surfer. In the early 90s, he landed at an alternative music magazine, Ray Gun, and really developed his style. Working at Ray Gun in the peak grunge era, Carson was able to lean into it and make it his own. After three years, Carson left Ray Gun in pursuit of his own design business.

    What makes David Carson so unique is his fresh perspective on design. He tosses out the traditional design rules and forges his own. This take on design is what gives him his edge and personality. That’s essentially his brand.

    Some of his work

    poster for his 2014 AIGA lecture (not my pic)
    dvd navigation design for Nine Inch Nails (not my pic)
    obama election design from 2009 (not my pic)

    A really great interview article to better understand Carson and his philosophies: click here!

    Sources

  • manipulating type in Illustrator

    manipulating type in Illustrator

    The college homework saga continues! We are currently designing the nameplate, or title, of our magazine. After scrolling through adobe fonts, I finally found my font: casserole. Which is such a fun name and just warms my Midwest heart.

    But picking a font was just the beginning. Now I have to expand my Illustrator skill set and figure out just how to manipulate type. I haven’t done a whole lot with typography so I consulted google and found these really helpful videos.

    I learned a lot about the pencil tool! I’ve become so comfortable with the pen tool, that I haven’t tried it. That ends today!

    Brainstorming

    My magazine title is musings. After thinking and surfing Pinterest, I wanted to try incorporating a quill nib into the title.

    some generic quill nibs (not my pic)

    I started sketching how I wanted the nib to replace the i in musings.

    some of my scribblings!
    some iterations

    I like the one in the middle. I don’t think I need a dot for the i. This week, I’m going to check in with my teacher and get some feedback. I couldn’t for the life of me figure out how to knock out the middle pieces of the quill either.

    That’s all for today folks! Did you learn anything new?

    • another zine finished!

      Almost a year ago, an old friend gave me some cool old magazines. It was so cool to flip through them and see old ads and stories. There was a 1925 needlework magazine that was battered and it had such neat illustrations, that I just had to turn it into a zine. I did feel…

    • getting my creative spark back

      After a wild year of school, I think it’s official. I have senioritis. I’m not sure if it’s the gloomy weather or the final month before graduation, but I’m loosing bits of motivation and creativity. I’ve been working on little projects here and there to keep myself creating outside of class. I think this has…

    • 10 piece campaign progress

      I’m still at a standstill with my poster. I think I need some time away from it so I can attack with a new perspective. Right now I’ve gotten the website mock up done (below) The website mock up took ages! I had to make sure my colors were accessible. I used https://contrast-grid.eightshapes.com/. Something that…

  • design legends you should know #3 Henri Privat-Livemont

    design legends you should know #3 Henri Privat-Livemont

    Another one of Privat’s works that advertises light fittings

    Let me take you way back to the 1890s, when minimalism is out and fanciful Art Nouveau is in. My first exposure to this style was seeing one of my mom’s favorite prints in her room, Absinthe Robette.

    The iconic Absinthe Robette by Henri Privat-Livemont

    What is Art Nouveau?

    New art, or Art Nouveau was a popular art movement from around the 1890s to the start of WW1. It mimicked aspects of nature with its curving, free-flowing, organic feel. It encompassed paintings, furniture, architecture, patterns, and art. It was the precursor to the more modern movements, such as Art Deco, that focused on sleek lines and eliminated excessive decoration.

    Henri Privat-Livemont

    Henri was born in 1861, Schaerbeek, Brussels, Belgium. At age 12, he studied at École des Arts Decoratifs in Sint-Joost-ten-Node, Belgium under Louis Hendrickx. Then, he moved to Paris in the 1880s to work with the studios of Lemaire, Lavastre & Duvignaud to learn interior decorating. Henri was initially an interior decorator for very wealthy families. Although most famous for his iconic posters, it happened by chance. He won a local poster competition around 1889 and decided to lean more into them. With new economic demands, the need for poster advertisements increased and Privat-Livemont rode the wave. Some prominent works of his include the aforementioned Absinthe Robette and the 1897 Exposition Internationale (a World’s Fair held in Belgium) poster. He kept himself busy teaching  ‘Ornament, Figure and Ornamental Composition’ at the Josephat School for Drawing and Crafts from 1891-1935. After the decline of poster art he kept interior decorating, oil painting, and photography.

    Non-poster-related work

    1 of 4 tile panels designed by Privat-Livemont for the Grande Maison de Blanc in Brussels, Belgium
    stained glass window designed by Privat-Livemont and made by  Raphaël Évaldre for the Hotel Saintenoy in Brussels, Belgium

    For more info I highly suggest checking out this blog post! It goes more into depth on Privat-Livemont as well as his rival Alphonse Mucha.

    Sources

    Is there anything I missed? Have you heard of this legendary Belgian designer? Let me know below.

    From the blog

    Stay up to date with the latest from our blog.

    • poster progress update #3

      Last time we left I had a rough wip poster. I resketched a guitar for the bottom right frame. Then I took it into illustrator,…

    • layout project progress: poster edition

      As I wrote in my last post, I am designing a 10 piece campaign for a music festival. I have finished the logo and stage…

    • fun packaging scavenger hunt

      I’ve been on the lookout for fun packaging. When I’m out running errands or to my favorite coffee shop, I’m looking. Below is what I’ve…

  • SD AAF student day reflections

    I was able to go to the SD AAF (American Advertising Federation) student day! It was such a great opportunity and I thought I’d share what I learned with you guys.

    Some recurring pieces of advice that kept coming up during different panels were:

    • Keep learning
      • Graphic design is a vastly evolving practice. You need to learn relevant skills and keep up with new software to survive in this industry
      • Check out free online classes, local conferences, and webinars!
    • Just start!
      • Whether it’s a project, application, or class, just start. You can’t figure out your strengths if you won’t try things.
    • Ask questions
      • Questions are great for clarifying things or learning more about a certain topic. You’ll never know if you stay silent. So speak up and stay curious.
    • Most agencies/designers/professionals are willing to help students
      • Industry professionals shared that they are open to job shadowing, portfolio reviews, and questions. The worst people can say is no, so go for it! What do you have to lose?
    • Explain
      • Communication is key in this field. You need to be able to explain design processes and reasoning.

    Overall, I learned so much at this event. Hands down the best $35 I’ve ever spent. I was able to network, learn about different parts of the design and marketing industry, and get a second portfolio review opinion, headshots (and lunch!).

    Let me know your thoughts! Anything to add?

    Stay curious y’all <3

    From the blog

    Stay up to date with the latest from our blog.

    • poster progress update #3

      Last time we left I had a rough wip poster. I resketched a guitar for the bottom right frame. Then I took it into illustrator,…

    • layout project progress: poster edition

      As I wrote in my last post, I am designing a 10 piece campaign for a music festival. I have finished the logo and stage…

    • fun packaging scavenger hunt

      I’ve been on the lookout for fun packaging. When I’m out running errands or to my favorite coffee shop, I’m looking. Below is what I’ve…

  • Trends in the graphic design world

    Trends in the graphic design world

    To follow trends or not to follow trends, that is the question!

    And the consensus from designers is to avoid trends. The goal is to create timeless and iconic designs as years and decades pass. Think of Coca Cola or IBM. They can’t be defined as such an 80s or y2k design.

    So what are the current design trends to be wary of?

    According to Adobe, the design trends for 2024 are:

    1. 3D type and bubble text
    2. Color clashing
    3. Curve smoothing
    4. 70’s nostalgia
    5. Vintage minimalism
    6. Anti design
    7. Abstract gradients
    8. Texture
    9. Geometry
    10. Illustration and logo mascots
    from just this screenshot of my design Instagram account, you can see examples of trendy design

    Overall, nothing is original. But that doesn’t mean you need to follow trends, and also maybe dabble a bit. There’s no right or wrong answer, as long as trends aren’t holding you in a chokehold. Create and try things!

    What are your thoughts? Let me know!

    • another zine finished!

      Almost a year ago, an old friend gave me some cool old magazines. It was so cool to flip through them and see old ads and stories. There was a 1925 needlework magazine that was battered and it had such neat illustrations, that I just had to turn it into a zine. I did feel…

    • getting my creative spark back

      After a wild year of school, I think it’s official. I have senioritis. I’m not sure if it’s the gloomy weather or the final month before graduation, but I’m loosing bits of motivation and creativity. I’ve been working on little projects here and there to keep myself creating outside of class. I think this has…

    • 10 piece campaign progress

      I’m still at a standstill with my poster. I think I need some time away from it so I can attack with a new perspective. Right now I’ve gotten the website mock up done (below) The website mock up took ages! I had to make sure my colors were accessible. I used https://contrast-grid.eightshapes.com/. Something that…

  • concert diaries #2

    concert diaries #2

    Another concert for the books! This September I was able to see Conan Gray at the Armory in Minneapolis. I was able to go with my mom. She wasn’t a huge Conan Gray fan, but his performance and songs was enough to get a 10/10 rating from her.

    My mom and I in line outside the Armory

    It felt like it took ages to get inside the venue. The doors opened around 6pm and we lined up a little after 3pm.

    The stage backdrop! Which quickly fell as the concert started…
    So cool.

    As someone who has been to the armory twice, my advice is as follows:

    • Line up early (if you want a front row spot)
    • Get balcony seats (if you want a decent view without having your personal space violated for a few hours lol)
    • Get merch towards the end of the show (merch lines will be slow to nonexistent)
    • Know where you parked
    • Make sure to check in with your body!
      • Conan had to stop in the middle of a song because someone in the crowd needed medical attention
    • Make friends in line/at the venue!
      • Whether it’s just small talk, gushing about the artist, or passing out cute friendship bracelets.

    How have you seen live? Any tips?

    • another zine finished!

      Almost a year ago, an old friend gave me some cool old magazines. It was so cool to flip through them and see old ads and stories. There was a 1925 needlework magazine that was battered and it had such neat illustrations, that I just had to turn it into a zine. I did feel…

    • getting my creative spark back

      After a wild year of school, I think it’s official. I have senioritis. I’m not sure if it’s the gloomy weather or the final month before graduation, but I’m loosing bits of motivation and creativity. I’ve been working on little projects here and there to keep myself creating outside of class. I think this has…

    • 10 piece campaign progress

      I’m still at a standstill with my poster. I think I need some time away from it so I can attack with a new perspective. Right now I’ve gotten the website mock up done (below) The website mock up took ages! I had to make sure my colors were accessible. I used https://contrast-grid.eightshapes.com/. Something that…