TOOLS OF THE TRADE / MYTHS + TIPS / VOCABULARY / THE MENTORS

1 Rad, this totally sounds like Mentor and references Sren Kierkegaards Either/Or.

MEANT /OR
1
Meaningful insights + misconceptions into the KCAI graphic design department.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Computer + charger, usb, post-it notes, notebook, writing utensil, xacto, cork backed ruler, Marty tape, binder clips, & paper clips.

Not Pictured: Anything Herschel.

MYTHS + TIPS
Graphic design has a reputation of being stressful, dull and restricting. At some point all of us question our place and purpose. In the end, design restricts you so that you can apply yourself to so much more. Here are some common (mis)conceptions about design and how to overcome it:

DESIGN ISNT ART. Youll hear it all the timecomplaints that you cant make work about yourself, you dont want to work under restrictions...blah blah blah. In design, you learn how to make meaningful connections through making and thinking about form. Isnt that art?

I HAVE TO WORK DIGITALLY. Youll become very close to your Adobe programs, youll learn about motion graphics, user experience, web design, and speculate on the future of technology. Just because were continually progressing, doesnt mean the past is no longer relevant. Theres always a place for print lovers. Find the value of the ephemeral and tangible and explore how technology can enhance that. THERES NO FUN IN DESIGN. If you continually think close-mindedly, you wont be able to enjoy what design has to offer. Its important to be truly passionate and involved in your classes, studio culture, and extracurriculars like AIGA.

BE DESIGNERLY. Keep your internal and external space in order. A clean desk and working area means a clean mind; theres a direct connection between clutter and frustration. Keep your focus where it needs to be, on your work and not everything else that is going on. STAY MOTIVATED. Keep yourself fueled with food, sleep, and relaxation. Yes, its fine to put pressure on yourself (we often are our worst enemy) but dont put so much that it keeps you away from getting near your own goals. As much as we want to push through a project and think that sleep isnt as important, its ok to take a break so youre thinking clearly and to the highest levels that you can. Create a balance between work, play and rest.

CRAFT IS CRUCIAL. Always use a cork backed ruler and xacto knife with a fresh blade for trimming work; check for spelling and grammar errors; and make sure text is legible, etc. Mistakes are ok, but make sure nothing is an eyesore. Craft becomes an conceptual issue when it becomes the focus of attention. DONT TRUST THE KONICA. The printer works just like a person, sometimes he is just having an off day or few days. The only person you should ever fully rely on is yourself, not even your MacBook (remember to back everything up). Dont wait until minutes before class, or the night before a project to print.

I CANT BLANK IN DESIGN. Were learning how we perceive the world around us as individuals and all the different design problems will help you find that. If you want to paint, draw, or sculpt something, then try it out. Design isnt intended to limit you, rather it forces you to look for all of the possible answers for the right one.

VOCABULARY
Now that we mentioned some misconceptions about us, we should probably tell you some slightly false but appropriate definitions.

CRITIQUE SHOULD BE CONSTRUCTIVE. The point of critique is to aide in making our work and studio environment better. Often it may feel like the work and designer are one so make sure you use the comment sandwich: positive mark, part to work on, and positive mark. Remember to take in feedback, but that it is not always the final solution. Participating in critique will help and challenge all of usdont be afraid to speak, but attacking a person will create a negative studio culture. BLACKLIST BEHAVIOR. Do not blame the Konica for anythingor any printer for that matter. Feel free to explain why you completed the assignment as you did, but do not make excuses for why you didnt do the required work.

ITS GOING TO BE OK. We all have our insecurities, mistakes, and setbacks. Our minds all work and grow at a different pace; dont compare yourself, your growth, and your work on what those around you are or arent doing. You need to experiment, iterate, test and keep working until you turn in the finaland even then when you turn it in, realize that our work is never truly done, so dont get frustrated if you didnt end up where you thought you would. The first part of design education, is figuring out how you best work and continuing to refine that process throughout your life until one day all steps of that process has become a natural reaction.

BRAND STANDARD Used to describe who we are as a person and what we like. DESIGNERLY. Characteristic of a designer. ATTRIBUTES Those 35 keywords that Kidwell will always look for.

DESIGNER BLACK C70 M50 Y30 K100The deepest black you can get for print. This can also be used to describe all the black we tend to wear. BUDDY A good friend or partner. Also known as a studiomate. Or student friend to Kidwell. MARTY TAPE White, medical tape used to mock up a multi-page document or spread.

Buy cherry coke in the vending machine and get two yellow mellows ;)

ANDRA KHODER 21 / Rye, NY GRADUATION YEAR

2014.

ANNA DE SANDO 25 / Lake Zurich, IL GRADUATION YEAR

2014.

FAVORITE MUSIC
Doo-Wop, Alternative, Punk.

FAVORITE MUSIC
Most. Rap/hip-hop, R&B, Pop, Acoustic, Indie, Rock, Piano/ Symphony, Melodic. Got some suggestions, then get at me!

FAVORITE TYPEFACE
Garamond.

FAVORITE TYPEFACE
Baskerville, the type of truth. Helvetica will always have a place in my heart though.

FAVORITE AREA OF DESIGN

All, duh.

FAVORITE WAY TO GET CAFFEINATED

Redbull.

FAVORITE AREA OF DESIGN

Uh, the concepts. Old school, super structured book layout.

FAVORITE PLACE TO WORK

The Nelson-Atkins.

FAVORITE WAY TO GET CAFFEINATED

Black coffee, Rothko (at the Nerm), Redbull, Monster, NOS.

ADVICE YOU WISH YOU GOT SOPHOMORE YEAR

If you work hard, you gotta play hard.

FAVORITE PLACE TO WORK

Sitting at a desk or on the floor, library, outside.

YOU CAN ASK ME ABOUT...

Letterpress, screenprinting, paper, software, any tools.

ADVICE YOU WISH YOU GOT SOPHOMORE YEAR

...along the lines of Ask and you shall receive...if you ask(professors + upperclassmen) for help, you will receive the tools you need to get you to your goal with your own hands + mind.

YOU CAN ASK ME ABOUT...

Concepting(the thoughts behind your work), copywriting/ grammar, transferring to KCAI, deep thoughts, music, movies, pop culture.

BRI DALLAS 21 / Blue Springs, MO GRADUATION YEAR

2015.

EDWING MENDEZ 23 / Miami, FL GRADUATION YEAR

2014ish.

FAVORITE MUSIC
Indie Alternative.

FAVORITE MUSIC
Hip-hop, Ska, Reggae.

FAVORITE TYPEFACE
Neutraface bold.

FAVORITE TYPEFACE
Sauna.

FAVORITE AREA OF DESIGN

I cant call it.

FAVORITE AREA OF DESIGN

Web and Motion Graphics.

FAVORITE WAY TO GET CAFFEINATED

Green tea frappuccinono whip. Running.

FAVORITE WAY TO GET CAFFEINATED

Cuban Coffee.

FAVORITE PLACE TO WORK

I work in my bed. With sunshine.

FAVORITE PLACE TO WORK

Ummm its kinda weird, but I get inspired when Im driving along an empty road on a late night.

ADVICE YOU WISH YOU GOT SOPHOMORE YEAR

Dont be that person/Make your own mark.

ADVICE YOU WISH YOU GOT SOPHOMORE YEAR

Develop the ability to take micro naps.

YOU CAN ASK ME ABOUT...

Building shit. Barkley internship.

YOU CAN ASK ME ABOUT...

HTML, Software issues, AfterEffects/Premiere Pro, basically the technical stuff.

MORGAN STOCKTON 19 / Lansing, KS GRADUATION YEAR

2015.

NICK HOWLAND 23 / Godfrey, IL GRADUATION YEAR

2015.

FAVORITE MUSIC
A little bit of everything, but mostly alternative or metal.

FAVORITE MUSIC
Oh this is just too hard...I guess fold and electronic pop music.

FAVORITE TYPEFACE
Univers.

FAVORITE TYPEFACE
Ive been loving on some archer as of late.

FAVORITE AREA OF DESIGN

Print, mostly magazine/book layouts and stuff.

FAVORITE AREA OF DESIGN

Interactive.

FAVORITE WAY TO GET CAFFEINATED

Some really food Get pumped music. If that doesnt work then a Full Throttle energy drink usually does the trick.

FAVORITE WAY TO GET CAFFEINATED

Music.

FAVORITE PLACE TO WORK

Anywhere with my headphones on / mudpie / out on the lawn.

FAVORITE PLACE TO WORK

Well I like working outside on a park bench or something if I can, fresh air usually makes my brain work better but I also am more easily distracted. I find that sitting next to someone I look up to as a designer helps too. Feeding off their creative juices inspires me to work just that much harder as my own stuff.

ADVICE YOU WISH YOU GOT SOPHOMORE YEAR

Do not rely on the konica/all of your hard work WILL pay off.

ADVICE YOU WISH YOU GOT SOPHOMORE YEAR

Sleep. I know you think you need to stay up all night to do whatever it is youre doing but I promise that you will function better with sleep and that way youll actually get everything done on time and not NEED to be awake all night.

YOU CAN ASK ME ABOUT...

Crit, illustration/image making, iteration, concepting, batman, aesthetics.

YOU CAN ASK ME ABOUT...

Color use. Craft. I also give pretty honest, and I hope helpful, critique.

TESSA CANON 21 / Kansas City, MO GRADUATION YEAR

2015 hopefully.

WENDY VONG 21 / Springfield, MO GRADUATION YEAR

2014.

FAVORITE MUSIC
Alternative indie rock, rap/hip hop, electronic sounding music.

FAVORITE MUSIC
I just love good music. I dont really want to confine myself to any one genre, but you can find me playing the same punk music over and over and over and over...

FAVORITE TYPEFACE
Baskerville or Orator.

FAVORITE TYPEFACE
Just about anything sans serif, geometric, and lightweight.

FAVORITE AREA OF DESIGN

Print forever.

FAVORITE AREA OF DESIGN

Print, Handmade, + DIY for life.

FAVORITE WAY TO GET CAFFEINATED

I work at Latte Land. Anything espresso based.

FAVORITE WAY TO GET CAFFEINATED

Redbull. Blueberry Redbull. And caramel lattes.

FAVORITE PLACE TO WORK

Broadway Cafe, Nelson-Atkins, Outdoors.

FAVORITE PLACE TO WORK

Quay, Filling Station, Roasterie.

ADVICE YOU WISH YOU GOT SOPHOMORE YEAR

Dont be intimidated.

ADVICE YOU WISH YOU GOT SOPHOMORE YEAR

Questions about being a transfer student, Kansas City, life advice/anything.

YOU CAN ASK ME ABOUT...

The more you know yourself, the more personal and self-expressive design can be to you.

YOU CAN ASK ME ABOUT...

See aboveI wholeheartedly believe that design is art. You can talk to me about anything or if you just want to be friends, we can do that too.