Response: mini portfolios

I suppose that I forgot about our mini portfolios, or I just tried to block it out because it stressed me out. I'm slightly even more stressed after looking over the samples that Jan brought to class yesterday, because it seems as though the possibilities for what you can do with your mini portfolio are endless. I'm pretty sure that I'm going to stick with something traditional, something that can be printed at the bookstore, granted that they have the time to do so before next Wednesday.

The next thing that I'm trying to decide is what to put on the cover. The cover is one of the most important parts, in my opinion - it's the first look that a hopeful future employer gets at you, almost like the first steps into the interview room or the introduction on a telephone interview. I'm toying with the idea of putting my colored pencil parrot on the cover, because people seem to really like that, even though I've only presented two of my art pieces, out of about 25. Maybe it could have a talking bubble with my name in it? It would also be an interesting way to incorporate that piece without having to put it in the actual portfolio, and it may serve as a nice talking piece. It is one of my favorite pieces. What would you all think of me putting that on the cover? If you haven't seen it, check it out here.

Critique: Home Canvas iPad app

The iPad is a world of headaches, but designing the app for Home Canvas wasn't THAT bad (after complete redesign number three I began to calm down a bit). Since many of you have yet to see my designs, and they have been completely revamped since the last time I posted screen shots, tonight I bring you the finished product. Overall, I'm very happy with the way that it turned out. The screen shots don't quite do it justice, though, because much of it is scrollable and interactive. But check it out and let me know your thoughts!

     

 

You can't miss: an exciting game of chess

Maybe it's just me, but ever since I was little (and seeing Beauty and the Beast definitely added to my lust), I've always wanted a huge library - complete with rolling stairs and a gorgeous, custom made chess set. If you've never layed chess, don't knock it until you try it! It's challenging and fun, not all of the nerdy stuff that TV shows make it up to be. Plus, there are some insanely cool chess sets out there!

This week, Eye Blog talks chess. (They must have known that I was an avid reader.) The chess set that they discuss, picture to follow, is associated with Bauhaus. The set is simple, composed of stained limewood in the shapes of circles, triangles and squares.

Eye blog says, "The figurative designs of most chess sets allude to the old world order of pre-capitalist societies and are often based on peculiar national characteristics – king and queen (originally a man, the ‘adviser to the king’), knight, bishop (the fool in France and standard bearer in Italy), rook and pawn (soldier, citizen).

Hartwig’s abstract pieces represent the essence of the game by pointing to the unique method of moves they make on the chessboard."

This is an interesting way to think of the game of chess, and is much different than most chess players are used to. It is kind of astonishing to think that many more people did not think of changing the chess pieces to represent the moves that the pieces make in the game.

Via//Blog Eye