My Graphic Design Journey

  20 Creative Uses for a Ballpoint Pen: A Graphic Design Student’s Perspective As a graphic design student at Keiser University, I often find myself challenged to think creatively and push the boundaries of everyday objects. Recently, while working through Regina Pacelli's Whole Lotta Creativity Going On , I encountered an intriguing ideation exercise: come up with 20 "completely different from each other" uses for a ballpoint pen. This deceptively simple object turned into a launchpad for brainstorming and thinking outside the box. Here's where my creativity took me: 1. Writing and Sketching Let’s start with the obvious—the ballpoint pen’s primary purpose. Whether it’s jotting down notes, brainstorming ideas, or sketching thumbnail layouts, the trusty pen is always by my side. 2. Precision Tool for Design Prototypes In design, precision is key. A pen’s tip can be used to carefully outline details on paper prototypes or mockups. 3. Stylus Substitute Wrapped in ...

  Exploring Creativity through Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions An Exercise in Visualizing Emotions and Experiences For this blog post, I explored Exercise 13: Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions from Regina Pacelli's Whole Lotta Creativity Going On . The challenge was to visually represent specific words and phrases without relying on faces or people. This exercise pushed me to think abstractly about emotions, experiences, and concepts and express them through form, line, color, and composition. 1. Fear Analysis : I used jagged, erratic lines radiating outward against a vivid red background to represent fear. The color red evokes strong emotions—alarm, danger, and intensity—while the sharp, chaotic lines create tension and unease. The word "FEAR" sits at the center, almost fractured, as though it's being overwhelmed by the chaos around it. Suggestions : Adding texture to the background could amplify the feeling of discomfort. A slight distortion or sh...

  Finding Balance in Tattoo Design: A Personal Journey By Cryss Balance is a fundamental principle in art and design, but it takes on an even deeper significance in tattooing. A well-balanced tattoo feels harmonious, flowing naturally with the body's contours while telling a meaningful story. Recently, I’ve been reflecting on balance as I consider revisiting and completing my first tattoo—a deeply personal piece that now feels like a starting point and a work in progress. A Personal Beginning: My Proverbs 3:5-6 Tattoo When I first began exploring tattooing, I attended Florida Tattoo Academy and took on a challenge every artist faces: tattooing myself. At the time, I was preparing for a uterine embolism to treat fibroids. I turned to Proverbs 3:5-6 as a source of comfort and faith: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” In that vulnerable moment, I decided to mark ...

  Typography: From Inked Skin to Spiritual Healing Exploring Script and Calligraphy Through Design and Tattoo Art By Cryss When I first started exploring typography as a design element, I never imagined how profoundly personal it could become. As both a graphic design student at Keiser University and someone who has dabbled in tattooing, I’ve seen typography transcend mediums—it’s not just about what words say but how they feel and where they live. Last summer, I attended Florida Tattoo Academy using my Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. I signed up because I wanted a tattoo. But at the time, my life was full of uncertainty. I was preparing for a uterine embolism to treat fibroids that caused heavy bleeding and severe iron deficiency and left me dependent on iron infusions. After five abdominal surgeries , including abdominoplasty for a hernia caused by diastasis recti during my fourth pregnancy, I was nervous and questioned if this procedure was worth it. That season, I turned to two s...

  Overview When it comes to effective marketing, understanding your audience is everything. As part of my social media and digital marketing class, I was tasked with creating four marketing personas for Club Pilates. These personas help bring the target audience to life by highlighting their motivations, challenges, and preferences. Here’s an overview of my assignment and the personas I developed. Why Marketing Personas Matter Marketing personas are fictional yet research-based profiles that represent segments of a company’s target audience. By humanizing data, businesses can tailor their messaging, products, and services to meet the specific needs of their customers. For Club Pilates, this means reaching diverse individuals seeking fitness and wellness solutions in a way that resonates with them. Meet the Personas 1. Melissa Grant: The Resilient Corporate Baker Who She Is:  A 45-year-old single parent with a high-stress job as a corporate baker. Melissa has degenerative joint...