My Graphic Design Journey

Overview When we think about the elements of design, it’s easy to focus on line, color, or composition. However, one element often overlooked, yet absolutely fundamental, is value —the lightness or darkness of a color. In a breathtaking image featuring a lone tree standing amidst chaotic waves and contrasting skies, value takes center stage. This visual masterpiece offers profound lessons for artists, designers, and tattoo apprentices alike on how to use value to craft impactful, meaningful designs. Understanding Value as a Design Element Value is what gives a design depth, contrast, and emotional resonance. It is not just about light and dark; it’s about how these contrasts guide the eye, set the mood, and bring flat images to life. In this artwork, value becomes a storytelling device, transforming a visually striking image into one that resonates deeply with its audience. 1. Contrast: Creating Drama and Focus The immediate impact of this image lies in its dramatic contrast. The scene...

  A View from the Top: My Empire State Building Adventure Standing atop one of the most iconic buildings in the world is an experience I will never forget. The Empire State Building, a marvel of Art Deco architecture, provided me with panoramic views of New York City that were nothing short of awe-inspiring. Armed with my camera, I captured snapshots from all sides, each revealing a unique facet of the city. The Journey to the Top The elevator ride itself was a thrill—a swift ascent to the 86th-floor observation deck. As I stepped out, I was greeted by the cool breeze and an unfiltered view of the bustling metropolis below. It felt like being in a world apart, suspended above the city’s vibrant energy. Exploring the Views I made sure to circle the observation deck, capturing photos from various angles. Here’s what I saw: To the North: A sprawling expanse of Midtown Manhattan with landmarks like Central Park and the George Washington Bridge visible in the distance. This view highlig...

  Creativity Exercise 11 Background This week we are on creativity exercise number 11 in Regina Pacelli’s Whole Lotta Creativity Going On . For this exercise we are asked to complete the following phrases: “Daniel always bit his tongue when…” “When the roof started leaking, the family jumped for joy because…” “An incredible number of squirrels were spotted in Jack’s backyard this morning…” My Responses Daniel always bit his tongue when chewing gum. The family jumped for joy when the roof started leaking because it was time to move. An incredible number of squirrels were spotted in Jack’s backyard this morning, having an acorn party. ChatGPT Responses I have been working with ChatGPT for the duration of my graphic design program at Keiser University thus far. I have found it to be very useful as an assistant and a study partner due to my hectic schedule as a working mother.  Sometimes I just say the first thing that comes to mind because otherwise I sometimes myself going back ...

Form: The Connection Between Art, Movement, and Design Form is one of the fundamental elements of design, transforming flat shapes into something dynamic and tangible. It’s about creating depth, structure, and interaction within a space. As a graphic design student, tattoo apprentice, and Pilates teacher, I see form not just in art but in the human body and movement. What is Form in Design? In graphic design, form gives life to flat surfaces. By using light, shadow, and perspective, we create visuals that feel real and engaging. But form is more than making something look good—it’s about how every element interacts and flows within a design. That same principle applies to tattoos and Pilates. Form in Tattoos Tattoos are living art, shaped by the body’s natural form. A design that wraps around the forearm or flows with the curve of the shoulder becomes more than just an image—it becomes a part of the wearer. When designing tattoos, I think about how the art moves with the person. A mand...

  Hanging by Hooks: My First Encounter with Body Suspension Last weekend, I attended a tattoo convention expecting the usual vibrant mix of inked masterpieces, creative booths, and buzzing machines. What I didn’t anticipate was witnessing a performance that would profoundly challenge and inspire me: a body suspension demonstration. In the middle of the room, a petite woman was being suspended by eight hooks, all carefully placed in her abdomen. The hooks pierced her skin in a line down the front of her torso, pulling her body taut as she hovered horizontally above the ground. The sight was both unsettling and mesmerizing—a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength. At first, it was hard to process. The idea of skin bearing such weight felt incomprehensible, especially from such a tender and exposed area of the body. But as I watched, my discomfort gave way to awe. Her face was calm, almost serene, as though she had transcended the physicality of the moment. The crowd was silen...

  The Art of Space: Bridging Graphic Design and Tattooing As a graphic design student and tattoo enthusiast, I’ve realized that space is the unsung hero in both digital and physical art forms. Whether I’m crafting a logo on a screen or sketching a tattoo concept for a friend, the use of space can transform a design from cluttered chaos into a masterpiece. In graphic design, space isn’t just "empty" — it’s intentional. Negative space, for instance, frames elements, giving them room to breathe and emphasizing their importance. Think about the FedEx logo; its iconic arrow hidden within the white space is a subtle reminder of how strategic spacing can communicate so much. Tattooing offers a different but equally compelling perspective. Skin isn’t infinite, and every tattoo competes with its surroundings — be it other ink, scars, or the body's natural contours. Proper spacing ensures a tattoo flows with the body rather than fighting it. Overloading a design with detail or fai...

  Exploring "Totally Twikitty" in Creativity Background In Regina Pacelli’s  Whole Lotta Creativity Going On , Exercise 8 challenges us to dive into the phrase "totally twikitty." Since "twikitty" isn’t an established word, interpreting it opens a realm of creative possibilities. Right away, the combination of "kitty" and "twi" stirred up contrasting images and meanings for me.  Initial Thoughts My first thoughts went to classic, whimsical characters like Tweedledee and Tweedledum from  Alice in Wonderland —characters that embody goofiness and a hint of silliness. "Totally twikitty," in this sense, felt like an expression of lighthearted, bird-brained humor. It suggests a quirky and carefree spirit, almost childlike in nature.  Further Exploration But as I explored further, the prefix “twi” led me to new interpretations. In one sense, it’s a form meaning “two,” which evoked images of duality, like twins or pairs. Twi is also a...

Exploring Shapes  Shapes are one of the most essential building blocks in graphic design, shaping both visual and emotional responses. In design, a shape is a two-dimensional area that stands out due to a boundary or a change in color, texture, or value. Shapes can be categorized broadly into three types: geometric, organic, and abstract. Geometric Shapes : These are precise and regular shapes like circles, squares, and triangles. They evoke a sense of order and stability, making them ideal for corporate designs and structured compositions. Geometric shapes create a sense of reliability, often used in logos and layouts that aim for a clean, professional look. Organic Shapes : These are more free-flowing and irregular, often mimicking natural forms like leaves, clouds, or even freehand sketches. Organic shapes tend to feel warm, inviting, and less rigid. They’re perfect for adding a human touch or a sense of nature to a design, which is often why they’re popular in eco-friendly bran...

The Power of Line Foundational Element In graphic design, the line is a foundational element that carries incredible potential for visual impact. At its core, a line is simply a mark that connects two points, but its applications and effects are vast. Lines can guide the viewer's eye, establish hierarchy, and even evoke emotions, all by changing factors like thickness, direction, and spacing. Line Types There are various types of lines—straight, curved, zigzag, and more—that bring unique qualities to a design. Straight lines can create a sense of order and stability, while curved lines add a feeling of flow and movement. Meanwhile, jagged or zigzag lines can convey tension or energy, injecting a sense of urgency or dynamism into the piece. Line Roles Lines also play a key role in defining shapes and forms, establishing boundaries, and creating textures. Designers can use lines to guide viewers toward important elements, such as text or focal points, ensuring the layout flows natura...

 Background Exercise 8 in Regina Pacelli's Whole Lotta Creativity Going On asks us to sit or stand a while among a crowd of people and look around.  For this exercise, I took a trip to NYC. As a graphic design student, my first trip to New York City felt like walking straight into a living gallery. I visited with my cousin, and together, we navigated through a city that seemed to pulse with creativity, culture, and endless inspiration. Staying in Yonkers & Taking the Metro to Grand Central Terminal Grand Central Terminal   Yonkers We stayed in an Airbnb in Yonkers, and each day we took the metro from Yonkers Station to the iconic Grand Central Terminal. Walking through Grand Central, it was impossible not to be struck by the architectural beauty and intricate details in its design. As a design student, I was particularly drawn to the terminal’s celestial ceiling and the grand arches—timeless, classic elements that merge structure with artistry. Exploring Times Square ...