Week 13 Through Semester End

A Reflection
Lynda.com Project: Creative Suite 4- Adobe Illustrator

As I wrap up the final touches to my Lynda.com project, I must smile and breathe a sigh of relief.This project was the most difficult task I have completed in years. My initial project goal was supposed to be a 2 part process where I complete a Children’s book cover using Adobe Illustrator and then describe how to recreate the exact rendering complete with screen shots and textual instructions. After starting the process, I realized I bit off more than I can chew. While the final project still has two parts, part 2 has become a reflection of the trials and tribulations- the blood, sweat and tears that a seemingly simple design has caused. The reflection includes the challenges and hurdles that have been thrown my way and more importantly how I have solved my problems and what I have learned from the experience.

On January 29th, 2010 I bought Adobe Creative Suite 4 (CS4). Upon purchase, I had zero experience with the Creative Suite software. I did have a taste of one component of the CS3 series which was Photoshop, but even then I hardly classified as a beginner. After I read the course syllabus, I found
myself ultimately excited to jump into the opportunity to learn a unit of the Creative Suite software. I noticed most of the students chose In Design. I found myself at a crossroad because I was trying to figure out which element of the software would benefit me the most. I really wanted to expand my knowledge in Photoshop, but I felt an itch to know what In Design was about and why it was so popular within the class. As I sat at work thinking of which software component I wanted to complete my project with my co-worker gave me a different idea outside of Photoshop and InDesign.

I have been working full time at the Arizona State Print and Imaging Lab since August as a customer service representative. The staff designer, Rey Verdugo has completed amazing work most of which has been produced using Adobe Illustrator. At the end of the decision day I felt the overwhelming desire to learn Illustrator. I am always tinkering around in Windows Paintbrush so I was able to use that
hobby to identify my true interest. I then signed up for Lynda.com and purchased the subscription that came with identical files. I submitted my proposal and once it was approved, I began scanning over the tutorials specific to the beginning stages of learning Illustrator. I just needed more of an idea of what I was up against so I sat through 17 tutorials just to get a better feel of what was going to come my way.
I immediately started the tutorials and followed along with a separate computer. I found myself going through the same 5 minute tutorial 4 or 5 times because I would miss one little function which would then confuse me and take me in multiple directions and errors. I tried to pause the tutorial after each movement. My average 5 minute tutorial erupted into a 3 hour lesson. I felt incomplete and
dumbfounded. The tutorials seemed as if they would be unproblematic, but then I began to get “hung up” on the lingo or language the narrator was using. The names of the tools and the words the author used to describe actions left me frustrated and helpless.

I had two major issues during the first 10 weeks of the project. The first issue I had was the toolbar to the left of the screen. When I hovered over each tool icon, the names were not available. I thought this was common so I didn’t think much of it. Come to find out my settings were vague and after week 10, I was finally able to match the name of the tool with what the narrator was calling it on each tutorial. I
gained a tutor, my co-worker Rey who then assisted me by explaining in detail what the narrator was performing in the tutorials. The other major issue I had with the tutorials was that I had a hard time finding out which ones I needed to concentrate on. They seemed all over the place and were not step by step for me, so figuring out which ones would create my planned image was difficult to process.

Rey began to work with me for short periods of time 3 days per week. He would sit down with me and have me write down my questions that could not be answered through Lynda.com. I finally started to figure out how to utilize the most important tool out of the spectrum: the Pen Tool. I started to
learn how to manipulate a line or shape by forming the final shape to my liking. The next part of the formation was transforming the images, more specifically the buildings I created, so that they would
appear at a distance in some areas. The penguins were made to look like they were walking on a sidewalk as they “Hit the Big City”.

The final product of the book cover took the entire length of the semester to complete. I had an outline with screen shots that were a disaster. Not only did I not understand the tools I was using at the time, but I had difficulty with the screen shot positioning and found that I could not expand or enlarge the areas so
that the reader could see the exact tool I was clicking on to create the same shape. Each screen shot looked similar to the following images. Depending on the monitor size the reader might have at home, the images could appear illegible.

As I tied up the semester in other classes, I had another final project in my TWC 411 class. We were to create a tri-fold brochure using Adobe InDesign or Photoshop. After laying out my plan in good old fashioned pencil and paper, I opened Adobe InDesign for maybe the third time ever. Without using a single Lynda.com tutorial, I created my complete brochure within one week by utilizing the trial and error
method. I came across issues and hurdles with the InDesign software too as I was a complete beginner. My final brochure which was geared toward promoting child safety while bike riding was definitely not an easy assignment, but the finished product was okay.

The most important thing I have learned in the process of this semester is to never give up. Frustrations will attack your confidence and your motivation. Some tasks will be easy while others will be a challenge. Without the challenges that I have faced, I would not be as accomplished as I am today. I have never been through a semester where I was positively overwhelmed by the volume of how much I
have applied to my learning. Throughout the years, in each class I have attended, I have taken bits and pieces of the content and have carried it with me. In TWC 421, I have learned a major software component and furthermore, I have learned more about myself then I ever thought possible. I learned how to manage stress, find alternative solutions to problems, to open my mind to other possibilities and ways
of completing tasks. The most vivid lesson I have learned this semester is how to use reflection as a tool to push myself further into overcoming future academic challenges. This lesson will be one I will keep with me forever.

Thank you.

Week 12 Problem Solving Week

I think my biggest issue that I need to attack is confidence. I am learning Adobe Illustrator and I am constantly running into more questions and issues. I have been using the Lynda.com tutorials, but as I go through the sections, I begin to realize that they never answer my specific question or what I thought the chapter was about. I then find myself going through the same section about 4 or 5 times to make sure I don't waste my time and have to come back to it later. I think I have the most trouble tying it all together. Maybe my mind is stuck on the procedural aspect of it? I guess not finding the root of the problem or not really knowing what it is bugs me. I bought the membership that has you go through the steps using their identical files but it still isn't helping me much.
Over the last 2 weeks I have been sitting down with a designer who works with me. He has been able to show me the program from his eyes little by little as I ask for about 30 minutes of his time 3 days a week. I have to buy him lunch as a trade off. It's actually been a little bit of a relief. I write down my questions that accumulate in this crazy brain of mine and ask him to walk me through the program and then Lynda separately. This way he can tell me which sections I need to do to get to my goal and why I get error messages, and why my pictures aren't forming, etc. The lingo is throwing me off a bit but I am learning! I am starting to find other ways of learning material if I hit a speed bump.

Weel 10 and 11- Usability Report

Readability/Usability Report:

Book Cover Title: Penguins Hit the Big City

Overview:

The project I am working on is a two part piece that consists of a book cover that appeals to young children, and instructional literature that explains how to recreate the same book cover. Each part has a different audience:

• Part 1 is the physical book cover that is to be visually pleasing to an Elementary school 1st grader.
The book cover must be interesting enough to ignite curiosity in the child to want to know what is beyond the cover of the book. The book cover must also not be busy and distracting as it may overwhelm the child and discourage him from reading the material beyond the book cover.

• Part 2 is an instructional pamphlet that shows how to recreate the book cover so a 1st grade elementary school teacher can complete it through Adobe Illustrator.
The purpose of this part of the assignment is to give the 1st grade teacher the basic tools necessary to utilize the program for content in her future lesson plans. In today’s private schools especially, the instructor creates her own daily lesson plan and she strives to find new ways to teach effectively. In the Kindergarten through 12th grade school system there is always a push for teachers and students to be aware of recent technology. For this reason, I have selected a step by step process to show the main components of Adobe Illustrator.


The Subjects- Primary Audience (Part 1 Reviewers):

• Jacob- 1st Grader in the Scottsdale Unified School District. Has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. Loves to read. He has a girlfriend named Shannon.
• Sage- 1st Grader in the Prescott Unified School District. Started school 1 year earlier than most students and has been excelling in her studies. She loves horses and thinks boys are a waste of time.


The Subjects- Secondary Audience (Part 2 Reviewers):

• Kasey- First grade teacher in San Diego, California. Female. 25 years old. No design experience or computer programming experience. Artistic and is currently seeking her Masters and she is becoming “Visually Impaired” instructor certified.

• Martha- First Grade teacher in the Scottsdale Unified School District. She is in her later 50s. No design experience. Refers to herself as being computer illiterate. She uses basic programs such as Microsoft word and a school related email account.


PART 1 Review:
The following are the questions I verbally asked subject 1 (Jacob) and subject 2 (Sage). The picture of the penguin book cover was printed out and taped to a thin but large book (roughly 8.5 x 11 inches) to make it seem as if the penguin book cover image was meant to be for that book. The answers are in a summarized format which reflects the feedback I received.

Question 1: “What do you see on this book cover?”

The children immediately recognized that the illustration included a set of penguins and city buildings. There is a small penguin and a large penguin in the center of the illustration. To Jacob, the penguins resembled his mom and himself. To Sage, the penguins were indeed penguins, and they were at a shopping mall buying birthday presents.

Question 2: “Do you want to read this book?”

Jacob asked if we could read it later after his karate class. I did ask him again after his class and he told me “later” again. Sage asked if she could read it to me. I then grabbed a different book of hers and asked her to read the one I pulled out for her. She was adamant about the Penguin book so I struggled to find something else for her to read to me.

Question 3: “What makes you happy about this book cover? What makes you sad about this book cover?”

Jacob liked that the penguins were out looking for a fight. Jacob didn’t like that there was no pool for the penguins to swim in. Sage like that the penguins looked happy. She likes that they are going to buy lots of things. She doesn’t like the color of the penguins. She is not a fan of the black color. She does like their orange feet though.


PART 2 Review:
The following are the questions I verbally asked subject 1 (Kasey) and subject 2 (Martha). The picture of the penguin book cover was printed out and taped to a thin but large book (roughly 8.5 x 11 inches) to make it seem as if the penguin book cover image was meant to be for that book. There was also an outline of instructions that explained the basic steps in recreating the book cover art. The answers are in a summarized format which reflects the feedback I received.

Question 1: “When you first look at the book cover are you overwhelmed in thinking you can recreate the same artwork?”

Kasey did not seem overwhelmed and immediately responded to the question with confidence and interest. She did mention there would have to be a step by step guide to aid in the re-creation, but she was certain it would be easy. Martha did not have the same confidence. She asked if the computer contains a paint application as she recalls she had something like it on her old computer. She said she would have to watch someone else physically complete the piece in front of her first for her to not be discouraged from trying it.

Question 2: “Are you familiar with Adobe Programs? If shown how to recreate the book cover, is this a program you can see yourself utilizing in the future to have more options to teach your students?”

Kasey first mentioned that she really wanted to learn Photoshop for her own hobby, but then after explained to her that Illustrator is a different program, she liked the idea that she can use the latest software to find a creative way to make worksheets for her students. Martha was very reluctant when I asked her this question. She does like to learn new things, but she wonders if the process is too time consuming. She likes the idea of testing the programs out in the summer and possibly taking a community college course in the Creative Suite 4 programs if they have a class that teaches it.


***(Right before I asked the following question, I handed each subject a sheet with an outline of instructions that included 26 steps in a basic form. The steps were an outline of the process of how to re-create the book cover)

Question 3: “Please open Adobe Illustrator which is the orange icon on the desktop. Please follow the steps as listed on the sheet. If you get stuck or have a question, please let me know at which step (if any) the text confuses you.
Kasey was having trouble opening a new document and the default measurements were changed. This was my error so I started her over. She got to step 4 before she became confused (Step 4 was connecting the pen tool to the next point in creating the first penguin). She did want additional instruction and is interested in completing the book cover. Martha was completely opposite. She didn’t want to follow the steps and she immediately just started her own freestyle process. She became annoyed with the program and then tried the steps I gave her. She got to step 2 which was setting up the document before she quit.


Conclusion:
In completing the review for part 1, I feel like the children responded as any other 1st grader. I think with any activity at school, some kids are more interested in each activity than others. I think it all depends on what the activity is and how it relates to the child’s individual interests. Against Jacob’s request, I think I have opted not to put a sword in the larger penguin’s fin. Against Sage’s request, I do not think there should be a dress on the big penguin either. There is a passion that most elementary school aged children have and that is to do well and receive positive, uplifting feedback from authority figures. They receive an award for school work and I think that is enticing for a young child in itself. I feel like the book is decorated as appropriate as possible to accommodate most children’s interests.
In completing the review for part 2, I feel like the book cover is not overwhelming and it appears to be appropriate enough for both my primary and secondary audience. I think having an outline is not appropriate for such a complex program. I am still learning it myself even though I have gone through multiple tutorials and have had one on one help with a graphic specialist. I am a slow learner and I feel that others have picked up the program quite swiftly compared to me. I felt like I identified mostly with Martha because I have the same frustrations and annoyances when I get overwhelmed. I feel like the pamphlet should be in a detailed format complete with screen shots; however, I also need to figure out how to keep the textual content light and none book-like because the recreation procedure is not meant to be an enormous process. Currently, the framing of the content is what I am working on for Week 12 (Problem Solving Week).

Updated Blog

It seems as I have forgotten about the blog site. Below is my week 5 through week 11 (current) journey:

Week 5 (from the Weekly Discussion Board): "I would like to create my own small graphic this week as Adobe Illustrator is the software that I am currently learning. This goal may or may not be directly linked to the end result of the course project, but I have not yet utilized many basic components of illustrator yet, and I think a penguin or simple animal would be a good place to start because of the shapes involved." Week 5 I had posted my first picture of the Penguins. All I was able to reproduce from Adobe Illustrator was basic shapes. To make the penguins look a little more like...well...penguins...I ended up filling in some color using Microsoft Paintbrush as I was unable to figure it out with Illustrator. I did get some good comments on the penguins as my reviewers seem to like them.

Week 6 (Also from the Discussion Board): "For this week, I am going to continue working on my illustration of the penguins. I didn't get as far as I would have liked last week past basic lines and shading. I would like to work a little more on forming the lines how I want them. I would like to work with making shapes to create the look I have in mind. I would like to spend the second part of the week on coloring within the shapes as well. After all, this will be the foundation of my project. Michael also recommended a book for me that I would like to get my hands on. I will work on that as part of this week's goal as well. It sounds like it could really help outside of the Lynda tutorials."

Week 7: Copyright Laws Week (Also from the Discussion Board. Relates to Final Project):

"My project for this class is to learn Adobe Illustrator through the Lynda.com tutorials, and utilize my knowledge to teach others how to use the same software to make their own children’s book cover. I have been slowly but surely learning Illustrator and I have been progressing steadily. I am creating my own art work and since it will be displayed publicly, I would think I would take the steps to register my final artwork/piece as a precaution. My work would be performed “publicly” in the sense that I would “perform or display it at a place open to the public or at any place where a substantial number of persons outside of a normal circle of a family and its social acquaintances is gathered or to transmit or otherwise communicate a performance or display of the work to a place specified … to the public… (Copyright Definitions).” This would include “Pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works” including “two-dimensional and three dimensional works of fine, graphic, and applied art, photographs, prints and reproductions, maps, globes, charts, diagrams, models, and technical drawings, including architectural plans… (Copyright Definitions).”I found a helpful website that gives a step by step process on how to go about copyrighting one’s own artwork (see link below). The very first step in the process discusses that every artist should “understand that your artwork are automatically protected by copyright immediately after creation. However, artists should consider formally registering artwork with the U.S. Copyright Office, particularly if the work is to be duplicated commercially (www.ehow.com).” The second step is reassuring that the artwork does legally fall under the term “visual arts” as discussed in the “Copyright Definitions”. The next step is to fill out 2 separate forms and mail a deposit with the copies of your work to an indicated address. After this process, the artist should receive a certificate in the mail in approximately 4 months from the Copyright Office. The last step is to always use the specific copyright symbol “©” with your artwork to ensure extra protection. Resource:“How to Copyright Artwork”. Reviewed 3/5/10. http://www.ehow.com/how_2063860_copyright-artwork.html. "

Week 8 (I am sure you can guess....Discussion Board Post): "Basically, I think I have bitten off a lot more than I can chew with this assignment at the moment. I have been having a difficult time trying to transition the new material I am learning from Adobe Illustrator to teaching others how to use it. Where I am at now, I am structuring my final illustrations that will lead to the book cover. Once this is completed,which I hope will be very soon, I will then work on effectively communicating with the audience on how to construct the same final product. I have been receiving useful tips from the instructors on Lynda.com through the tutorials on language and lingo that will be beneficial for the audience because it is easier to understand as a beginner...key word is easier...not easy. My review questions are as follows:1. When you see the illustration attached, is it intimidating? Do you see it and think you would have a hard time creating the same illustration? 2. The book cover needs text and other illustrations surrounding the main frame of the penguins. My concern is how much more of a visual I need? The book cover needs to be appealing and enticing for an elementary school student to want to open the book and read it; however, the book cover needs to be easy enough to teach a beginner how to recreate it. Ideas?3. If you are my audience trying to construct the same type of book cover, would you prefer reading text with several screen shots? Or would you prefer an instructional video to follow? Thanks!"

On this week, I did receive a review from a fellow student and a comment from my instructor. :-)

Week 9: (I am sure you already know this is also taken from the DB):

"My review questions were as follows: “1. When you see the illustration attached, is it intimidating? Do you see it and think you would have a hard time creating the same illustration? 2. The book cover needs text and other illustrations surrounding the main frame of the penguins. My concern is how much more of a visual I need? The book cover needs to be appealing and enticing for an elementary school student to want to open the book and read it; however, the book cover needs to be easy enough to teach a beginner how to recreate it. Ideas? 3. If you are my audience trying to construct the same type of book cover, would you prefer reading text with several screen shots? Or would you prefer an instructional video to follow?” The first attachment is what I had produced at the time. The feedback I received with this attachment was positive and constructive. The book cover is supposed to appeal to a first grade audience: keep the children's attention to want to hear the story. However, the main audience for my project is an elementary school teacher who is trying to use today’s technologies and latest software to reproduce the book cover; therefore, the book cover needs to remain simple enough to reconstruct. The long term goal for the teacher is to use my tutorial to be able to produce her own future pieces or art that will continue to appeal to elementary school aged children. It seems as if instructors, more so in private schools, have flexibility to create their own curriculum so hopefully my tutorial will be helpful to them specifically. With that said, I wanted to know if the illustration looked too intimidating to create. My reviewer let me know given the cartoon-like qualities of the illustration and the shapes that are used, it would be re-creatable as long as I give the proper guidance and step process. The second question had to do with space around the main illustration. My review mentioned a border. I didn’t want the book cover to look too baron as I need to keep in mind that I am also trying to appeal to my secondary child-aged audience. I do need to add the text and I think he is right; keeping it simple and not too busy may help keep the focus on both ends. The second attachment is my attempt to create a border with buildings so I can have another illustration, but keep the focus on the Penguins to make them “pop”. I do not want to add too much to it as I agree with my reviewer. For my third question, I asked about a tutorial video or text and screen shots. I think because I am teaching how to create a book cover, well organized text that is fluid with screen shots may be my best bet. Time is an issue; however, I think my reviewer was correct with the goal and overall completion of the project."

****Attachment 1 in Week 9's Post is the small picture icon which is embedded to the upper left hand of this posting.

Week 10 and 11:

Readability and Usability Report (to come)

Project Week 4

For this week, I am going to continue working on my illustration of the penguins. I didn't get as far as I would have liked last week past basic lines and shading. I would like to work a little more on forming the lines how I want them. I would like to work with making shapes to create the look I have in mind. I would like to spend the second part of the week on coloring within the shapes as well. After all, this will be the foundation of my project.

Week 2- Playing Around

As I begin to familiarize myself with the Adobe Illustrator software, I found that exploring the tool bars on my own outside of structured direction has proven to be helpful. It has been a great way to "get my feet wet". The major hurdle I am experiencing now is the confusion/connection between Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.
I have light experience with Photoshop and this is the first time I am experiencing Photoshop. As I observe Illustrator, I am seeing that there are similar looking icons of tools that can be used , but they do not seem to work the same way as they do in Photoshop, and they seem to have different tools altogether. Trying to keep the tools separate in mind is tough as I am using Photoshop for 2 other classes, so they cross pollination of software has been a bit of a challenge so far.My goal this week is to go through 2 more specific tutorials available through Lynda.com. Perhaps color options and back ground layouts.

Week One - Pulling the foundation together

As I start the beginning stages of our semester project, I am feeling somewhat overwhelmed as I try to overcome the challenges of the initial "jump start". My proposal was barley approved and I am trying to brainstorm ideas on how to make this work. Basically, as I learn adobe illustrator, I will be teaching other professionals (in the elementary education field) how to utilize the software as well. I think that is the most terrifying part of the project. I will be using an example, such as a constructing a children's book cover, so we can have a common goal or common result to work towards together in the tutorial. I do not know if this will help or hurt me. It has been approved, but I feel incredibly nervous. Perhaps it is because I am new to the software and that is where my lack of confidence is?