Throughout this Design 100 course, I have really taken the time to stand back and notice design in all forms. On a daily basis, we are surrounded by thousands of different designs. After learning about design in the course, I am able to better identify well designed artifacts and poorly designed artifacts.
The world is filled with millions of different artifacts all designed in specific ways. From the time I was born until now, I have come across many artifacts. Some have left more of an impact than others. Why is that? The artifacts that have left the biggest impact on me have, in some ways, shaped my personality.
A polka dot dress, a shopping bag and shoes clearly state that I am the worlds biggest girly girl. There is nothing I love more than to shop. Whether it's home decorating or buying new outfits, I love to be a stylist. Anyone that knows me is well aware that I consider myself a professional shopper! Design is what sells a polka dot dress and a great pair of shoes. The craftsmanship is key and this is a great example of design at its best. A great place to see this designed merchandise at its best is at Figleaf Boutique. I work at Figleaf and I'm there at least 3 hours a day so it has felt like a second home to me for 3 years. I have learned how to run a small business and receive/buy merchandise from vendors. There is nothing I love more seeing the designs I have chosen to buy catch customers eyes. Design is everywhere in retail, even in the shopping bag logos.
A cosmopolitan, a cup of coffee, a notebook & pen, the 'Friends' series, a dog leash, a key, makeup, a mirror and money all portray how I live my day to day life (as of right now). I have come to learn that there is nothing I enjoy more than grabbing drinks with my girls (coffee or cosmos). We get a chance to break away from our crazy schedules, sit in a nice restaurant and just talk about ourselves. Although I am young, this is something I know I will continue doing with all my gals for many years to come. A notebook and pen play a huge role in my life. I am majoring in journalism so a notebook and pen is practically glued to me at all times. There is nothing I love more than free writing and it clears my head better than anything else. The 'Friends' series is probably one of my favorite things on earth. If you can't find me at work, school or writing then I promise you I am sitting in my apartment watching Friends. It has been my favorite show for years! A dog leash and key are the keys to my heart. My favorite buddy in the world is a 9 months old golden retriever who has a bowtie leash. He holds the key to my heart, but he also likes to hold my actual keys when I take him outside. Makeup, a mirror and money portray my arch enemies in this life.
Design can play a role in each of these things that are part of my every day life. When it comes to making a mixed drink or a cup of coffee, the design can sell a consumer. A notebook & pen, makeup, a DVD and a dog leash are a lot like a mixed drink…the design has to look good for me to invest my well designed and earned money on. When it comes mirrors, I have to look good in the reflection to like an actual mirror itself. Design plays less of a role in a mirror, but you yourself play the role of making the mirror appear differently.
An airplane ticket, my Volkswagen Beetle, the city of Chicago and the city of Naples are four things I am incredibly thankful for because they have created the best memories for me. My parents have given my brothers and I opportunities to travel all over and make ourselves more well-rounded. Chicago and Naples are my favorite places I have traveled. I have been to Chicago over 50 times and each time I fall more in love with it. Chicago is the place I plan on calling home after graduation (1 more year...yay!). Design is EVERYTHING in Chicago. Whether you’re walking down Michigan Avenue looking into the retail store windows or looking at the skyline, design shapes Chicago through and through. It is mind-blowing that each and every building, house, park or road is so thought out and is clearly a successful design because millions of people enjoy these things every day. Design in Naples is very different than Chicago. You see the most design in Naples when you take a look at the multimillion dollar houses or yachts. Naples is architectural design at its finest! An airplane ticket and a Volkswagen Beetle are my ways of travel. I purchased my car based off its design. Being the girly girl that I am, a Beetle seemed most fitting! An airplane ticket is designed to be easily read by travelers, but complex enough to get you onto an airplane. When I was young, I would collect my moms old airline tickets and it’s so interesting to see how the design of an airplane ticket has changed over the years. Now, they have dummied down the information on the ticket, but it makes for a cleaner design.
A seashell and a magnolia tree are two things that not only bring back memories, but symbolize the life I would like to have when I am older. A seashell is not exactly a manmade artifact, but it is replicated everywhere in the Naples area like it is the areas most prized possession. Besides the incredible smell, a magnolia is my favorite because of the way it grows. It is such a beautiful looking tree and gives off an elegant vibe. Magnolia trees are manipulated designs.
These 20 artifacts don't just describe myself now, but describe the future I want for myself. All of these things link together to create my dream life! Not only have I noticed design more, but I have learned to cherish design after taking this design course. All of these artifacts have impacted my life in one way or another and design is one of the main reasons why. Design never ceases to amaze me!!!
Image Sources:
Chicago - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago
Cosmo - http://www.divinecaroline.com/lifestyle/food-drink/how-make-cosmopolitan
Shopping bags - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rachel-levy-lesser/confession-im-a-shopping-bag-addict_b_4935334.html
Airplane ticket - http://travel.stackexchange.com/questions/35117/what-should-i-do-after-buying-an-airline-ticket
Friends series - http://www.customdvd.org/forum/showthread.php/2022-Friends-1994-Season-1-10-Complete-DVD-Set
Magnolia tree - http://dreamatico.com/magnolia.html
Naples - http://www.pelicanbaypro.com/naples-florida-beaches.html
Mirror - http://nauticalcottageblog.com/tag/mirrors/
*Other images were taken off my iPhone 6*
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