Mikelle Auman-Williams: Tiny Bits of Pretty Things

Since Graduation...

2010-03-09T17:10:00.001-07:00

template

El Fin

2009-12-07T19:04:00.007-07:00

My graphic interface design class is over. Part of me is sad (the part that understands HTML), the other part of me is happy (the part that hates Flash). I still use HTML on a regular basis and I keep learning new things about it. Flash was just so frustrating for me. However, I did learn a lot that I will need to know if I choose to work with a programmer in the future. (My HTML website can be viewed here: http://seeeme.org/)

I've completed the flash quote. I liked that assignment. I did each frame by hand so it would have a choppy feel. You can see it here: http://fall09-2.graphicinterfacedesign.com/mwilliams/anim/mwilliams.mov

The flash website is also up. You can see this one here: http://fall09-2.graphicinterfacedesign.com/mwilliams/flash/EarthKidsFixed.swf

See everyone's projects here: http://fall09-2.graphicinterfacedesign.com/ and here: http://fall09-1.graphicinterfacedesign.com/

My top five favorite HTML sites (from section two only):

1. Urban Chain

2. Logan Hiking Trails

3. Hell's How-To

4. Tweetin' Designers

5. Edible Plants

My top three favorite dynamic text movies (from section two only):

1. Joni Severe's Goonies quote (can't find the link - sorry)

2. Kill Bill

3. V for Vendetta

My top three favorite flash sites (from section two only):

1. SLAP Clothing

2. God Yul (Danish Christmas Tradtions)

3. Tracking Sasquatch

Some things I didn't like about the class included:

-The time! It is hard for me to think from 4:00 - 7:00.

-The time! It also took so long to do things. Especially in Flash. For me. If I thought, "Oh, that button is not working, I will fix it. It will take ten minutes." Then it inevitably took 3 hours.

Some things I liked about the class included:

-The creative process. I love the freedom that we had. Our assignments weren't so specific that we all had the same website. As I was looking through everyone's work again, I noticed how different everyone's work was. I love that.

-The web process. Normally, as a graphic designer I have to wait months from beginning a project to see how the finished product looks. The neat thing about this is that you can see updates whenever you want. It is also fun to create something that you can interact with, rather than a piece of paper you can just look at.

Catch-up: Graphic Interface Design

2009-11-09T17:25:00.004-07:00

I finished my html website! Hip, hip, hooray! However, our young, hip demographic has changed into retired persons (also hip). I might have to change things up. I've had a great time knowing html. I didn't want to learn but it's been so useful.

You can view the finished project here: http://seeeme.org/

You can also see what I mean about the usefulness of html be clicking here: http://seeeme.org/mrsbellsclass.html I gave presentations to 7th graders all day on Friday then made this form for them. It made them even more excited.

Now we are learning flash, much more intuitive. Currently, we are designing animated text of a 30 second audio clip. Mine is a "Flight of the Conchords" clip. It's funny. My poster (from which the animation takes it's cue) is here:

A really helpful link about flash. It's lovely. http://tv.adobe.com/show/flash-in-a-flash

Large-scale Painted Animation

2009-09-25T11:07:00.000-06:00

COMBO a collaborative animation by Blu and David Ellis (2 times loop) from blu on Vimeo.

2009-09-18T08:45:00.003-06:00

Just see here. And here.

Font Squirrel

2009-09-16T10:48:00.003-06:00

If you would like high(er) quality fonts for free, check out this website: http://www.fontsquirrel.com/.

Seeeme.org Website Round Two

2009-09-16T10:28:00.008-06:00

After showing the Seee Me board members my first drafts, they gave some excellent feed back. They wanted more earth tone colors, more focus on the children, etc. I really wanted to represent all the color of Uganda. Often, when people make propaganda concerning Africa, they neglect to do this. I find that really sad because Africa is color! Anyhow, I think the changes made us all happy.

After I had done that, my husband (recent MBA graduate) pointed out some things I could add to make the site more interactive and (hopefully) help us raise more money for the orphans at Byana Mary Hill (read some information about the Byana Mary at our sister foundation's website).

Also, I made a little "how-to" for a class assignment here. It is about html code, so probably not that exciting to the general public. I had to make a quiz to go along with it, see here.

On a random side note, I was googling "Byana Mary Hill" to see if I could find info about them and my youtube video came up. On Gawkk. Under celebrities. Some "famous" actor named Jonah Hill put it up on his videos because it had our cute little Jonah (raising his eyebrows) in it and it was at Byana Mary Hill. Weird. And, I want my video back.

seeeme.org

2009-09-07T11:29:00.005-06:00

For my graphic interface class this semester, I've been given the assignment of posting my progress through the class.

This is my first assignment: an HTML website. We had to make mock-ups for class on Wednesday. I was originally planning on doing a "dating site" for charities. That project had way too big of a scope. Instead, I decided to help out seeeme.org, an institution that helps Byana Mary Hill Orphanage and other projects in Uganda. This initiative is very close to my heart and I want to be involved as much as I can. So, the following images are the seeeme.org potential sitemap and potential designs. The content is all my doing, and the board members are currently reviewing it. The potential layouts are meant to give an idea of three different feelings.

View larger images here.

Site Map:

Option One:

Option Two:

Option Three:

Switch!

2009-09-03T23:38:00.005-06:00

I'm learning something new. Here is why:

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Scene: Mikelle sits at her computer and reads her email. One is from Teacher.

Mikelle reads aloud: Print every logo, layout, book cover, magazine spread, and packaging design you have ever done. From Teacher.

Mikelle: (To herself) Okay-a-do. I will. . . Oh, yeah. I've hated every branding and rebranding I've ever done. I choose graphic design because it was the only practical art. The only way to make money. Oh, yeah. I'm not sure (looks upward as though asking for forgiveness) I like computers as much as I like doodling. In fact! I hate every straight-lined, typographically-stale, computer-generated logo, layout, book cover, magazine spread, and packaging design I have ever done. I just want to get paid to doodle!

Exasperated, she leaves her computer for almost three hours! Then, she spends the next three days printing out every straight-lined, typographically-stale, computer-generated logo, layout, book cover, magazine spread, and packaging design she has ever made. She picks out 25% of these, places them nicely in her portfolio.

Scene: Class. Mikelle is showing her portfolio. Her energy makes her armpits sweat and her hands shake.

Teacher: Wow. What is this? This is so amazing. You are amazing, amazing, amazing. (Or something like that, she can't remember. :))

Mikelle (responding in an emotional way that catches Teacher off guard): I hate it! I never want to see it or show it or get a job based off of it ever! I want to doodle and live off my husband's money! (She says dramatically, as though her work was the plague and her husband a millionaire.)

Teacher: Uh, ok. So. Do a textile portfolio.

Mikelle: Yes, a textile portfolio. Lovely plan...

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So, I thought I'd work on all that textile stuff in nine months, when I was done with my degree. Instead it is becoming my degree. This means I have to produce as much work in nine months that I should have been taking four years to make. And I have no idea how to do it or where to start. I have a huge amount to learn:

-sewing/pattern making

-types of fabrics

-dying techniques

-fabrication techniques

-color in relation to fabric

-texture and fabric

-a whole new vocabulary

-and the list goes on...

But learn it I will. Because I don't want a job designing logo for other people's great ideas.

It happens that there is a severe shortage on info about this whole process. I have loads of books that tell me how textiles are made. But how do I put together a portfolio? Who do I show said portfolio to? etc. etc. etc.

I don't know. I'm trying to find out. I'll keep you updated on assignments I give myself, I grade myself, and you can protest that I cheated and my grades should be lower!

Ready? Go!

(The print is a textile by Josef Frank. Buy yours here. I'm going to look at it every time I want to cry because I don't remember what a lamé is.)

The Lily Garden: Personal Project

2009-09-01T20:08:00.011-06:00

For "The Lily Garden" logo concept I wanted to capture quiet, subtle elegance of lilies with this logo. I also wanted to make sure that the logo didn't lose it's playfulness.

A simple pricing sheet could also be made for those planning on printing the list on their home computers. The following (excepts from a full version) could be available on the website for people to download for a reference. (Allowing customers to view the images and all info at anytime without having to go on the internet.)

My catalog concept focuses on the beauty of lilies. After finding a ton of great photos on Flickr of lilies, I came up with an idea that "The Lily Garden" could use: have a photo contest! The winners get credited photos in the catalog and "The Lily Garden" gets the benefit of the great photos while improving relationships with its customers.

Each new section would feature a full photo spread of a flower (with the use of the subtle outline of the lily image mark infused in these photos).

Trends: Deep Blues and Purples

2009-08-17T08:16:00.002-06:00

Paige Russell (especially the Spout Collective)

2009-08-11T18:50:00.003-06:00

Yes, please! I would like one of everything in Paige Russell's Etsy shop. I love that her items are simply and sleek, but still have so much personality.

Trends: Deep Yellows (Shop the Trend)

2009-08-11T10:02:00.013-06:00

Via:

//RevolveClothing.com

//DSW

//endless

Trends: Deep Yellows

2009-08-10T08:39:00.001-06:00

DIY, Rubber Hose Chair

2009-08-06T08:55:00.004-06:00

I'm going camping today! Which means I won't be here to post tomorrow, so... Here is Friday's DIY post one day early. I hope you enjoy!

This awesome DIY comes from Instructables.com. If you haven't been there, you should go. Right now. After you're done reading about this chair.

Great angles, craftsmanship, and instructions. I really like the contrast between the hard, natural wood and the springy, industrial rubber hose. Lovely idea! These would look good indoors and out. Another bonus: up-cycle some used rubber hose to make it a little more green.

Make your own here.

Houzz.com: Idea Books and Inspiration

2009-08-06T08:39:00.007-06:00

Houzz.com is a collaborative website that features the work of architects and designers. Some of my favorite features:

-Members can put together idea books (which means you can save what you like and you can find someone with a similar style and look through all their photos)

-The images and spaces are high quality

-You can sort by style (tropical, eclectic, traditional, etc.), room (hall, bedroom, stairway, etc.) and by metropolitan area (this helps you find a designer in your area).

(The titles below each image are links.)

Purple Living Room

Chambre : Un véritable lieu de vie - Marie Claire Maison

Interesting Wall Design

Eclectic Bedroom

Upholstered Headboard

The Art of Color: Free online course from MIT

2009-08-05T08:42:00.004-06:00

MIT has 1900 free courses online through their OpenCourseWare program. Sample course include everything from The Physics of Rock Climbing, Chinese I, to Neural Coding and Perception of Sounds.

The one I'm interested in is The Art of Color. According to the website: This seminar introduces, through studio projects, the basic principles regarding the use of color in the visual arts. Students explore a range of topics, including the historical uses of color in the arts, the interactions between colors, and the psychology of color.

Download your own packet, get the textbooks from your library, read the syllabus, and start the course now.

Suggested Color Schemes: Weddings

2009-08-05T08:37:00.004-06:00

This site, The Inspired Bride, is full of ideas and resources for weddings. One of those resources is color scheme suggestions. They are a little subdued, and (a little too) often monochromatic. But the colors are rich and thoughtful, perfect for a wedding.

A is for Awesome

2009-08-05T08:24:00.005-06:00

Before I get to the standard Wednesday blog, I have to share this.

These letters were created for WAD magazine by Bel Borsodi (whose website is not PG rated, just a warning). I've never seen 3-D look so 2-D. Via here.

Three Things (I'd like to own)

2009-08-04T08:36:00.006-06:00

Cord Lamp by Uma:

Purchase here ($169). Via here.

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Nest Hammock by Ieva Laurina:

Via here.

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22 (outlets) by BOCCI:

Buy them here ($16 per outlet + $40 installation tool). Via here.

Me, at Design Fabulous

2009-08-03T22:18:00.003-06:00

Join the $200 room-makeover game. Katrina at Design Fabulous said that she was going to take time off to redo her room. Great idea, but I want in to! See this post:

Using "Neutral with a Pop of Color" in Your Life

2009-08-03T10:34:00.010-06:00

How do you incorporate the "Neutral with a Pop of Color" scheme into your life? Here are some examples:

FOR YOU HOUSE: (First off, I was a little disappointed that I couldn't find better examples. Has anybody seen any?) From Elle Decor

FOR YOU FACE: For makeup, I had to go to movie premiers, etc. So forgive me for posting an image of Angelina Jolie (though she is hitting up quite a few trends: nude colors, sheer fabrics, etc.).

Angelina Jolie

Rihanna (and someone else)

Eva Green

FOR YOUR BODY: Outfits from Anthropologie:

Trends: Neutrals with a Pop of Color!

2009-08-03T09:37:00.005-06:00

The neutrals and bright colors both fall in line with the colors that are hot this season: metallics, reds, oranges, and yellows.

DIY, A Poor Man's Loot

2009-07-31T17:11:00.003-06:00

I love, love, love these bowls from Loyal Loot Collective, but until we finish paying off our students loans, I can't buy anything. Plus, I don't even know where to get them. They are lovely, sigh.

But then . . . I came across this Martha Stewart DIY. Good enough! Now I know that whenever it is we finish paying off those loans, I can make my own table if I can't buy the Loyal Loot Collective log bowls. Get your how-to here.

Beach Bungalow on Martha Stewart

2009-07-30T09:20:00.009-06:00

"Sculptor Elena Colombo used her ingenuity to create a lively getaway in a turn-of-the-century Long Island beach cottage, packed full of found objects, eye-popping colors, and occasional sparks of pure genius.

"Colombo sensed there was a very special communal atmosphere in her neighborhood of Breezy Shores, a 31-cottage beach community in Greenport, New York."

Elena's use of color, texture, and pattern is just crazy enough to be perfect.

See more here.

Color Week by Pamela

2009-07-29T10:50:00.006-06:00

Creative Pam, whose children are the luckiest kids in the world, does art projects with her little ones all the time. A few months ago, she put together a "color week." Awesomeness ensued. See here for the whole report.

History of the Color Wheel

2009-07-29T10:40:00.004-06:00

Colourlovers.com (an great collaboration website all about color and color schemes) recently published a post on the history of the color wheel and color theory. Check the full article out here.

Little tidbits like these are found throughout the article:

"The first color wheel has been attributed to Sir Isaac Newton, who in 1706 arranged red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet into a natural progression on a rotating disk. As the disk spins, the colors blur together so rapidly that the human eye sees white. From there the organization of color has taken many forms, from tables and charts, to triangles and and wheels the history."

Thomas Paul Melamine

2009-07-28T10:35:00.009-06:00

I'm in love. I want to mix and match from all of his collections.

My favorite one is this first one, "Plum Tray." It's from Mr. Paul's upcoming collection, "Portland."

Via Design*Sponge.

Buy it here: http://thomaspaul.com/melamine.php

Farm in a truck

2009-07-28T10:29:00.004-06:00

I may not have anywhere to plant a garden, but I don't have an old dodge, either.

See more at WickeDelicate.

Via Inhabitat.

Trends: Your Grandma

2009-07-27T11:31:00.002-06:00

Trends: Colors: Reds and Oranges

2009-07-20T10:03:00.003-06:00

Trends: Colors: Warm Metallics

2009-07-13T13:17:00.002-06:00

Resort 2010 Favorites

2009-06-06T10:23:00.020-06:00

Trends

-monochromatic and analogous color schemes (along with this, variegated colors within a gradient)

-wrapped fabrics (a VERY popular one) (and on the same line: ties and bows to hold these in place)

-baggy articles or a mix of tight and baggy

-extreme bright colors or very neutral

-texture, texture, texture. literal fabric textures. (this is my favorite part of all these)

-sheers

-oranges, reds, pinks, fuchsias

-a hint of 50s housewife

-mix of several extreme patterns

-wispy hangings off the articles

-blacks and nudes (not necessarily in the same outfit)

-metallics (especially metallics and neutrals or nudes)

-neutrals with pops of color in accessories

ADAM

Zac Posen

YigalAzrouël

Thakoon

Temperley London

RachelRoy

Prada

Oscar de la Renta

Narciso Rodriguez

Michael Kors

Marc Jacobs

Jason Wu

Erdem

Donna Karan

Diane von Furstenberg

Chris Benz

Chanel

Carolina Herrera

Calvin Klein

Burberry Prorsum

Bottega Veneta

Trends: Colors: Nude

2009-06-05T15:34:00.006-06:00

Click to see detail. See more trends here: http://www.thisnext.com/list/FCBBA84C/Trends?view=items. And more cool fashions, architecture, etc here: http://www.thisnext.com/by/MAumanWilliams/picks/.

Making Warm Colors Cool and Cool Colors Warm

2009-05-19T11:36:00.001-06:00

Plums, Lemons, Peaches, and Olives

2009-05-18T11:16:00.003-06:00

In this game, we take four random 1" square images and try to make them feel more cohesive by creating a color palette that compliments them all.

I know no one reads this blog yet, but if you are out there, let me know what you think.

Clementine Twice

2009-05-14T13:09:00.001-06:00

Official Video from Washington on youtube.

(I really like the animation in this one, but I am a bit afraid of the violent, Narnia-esque land. I don't want to go to there.)

Bathtub IV from Keith Loutit on Vimeo.

(I have no idea how anyone accomplishes tilt-shift on a video camera, but it rocks. Want to know how to do it to your pictures? See tutorial here.)

Love the song, too.