Monday, October 31, 2011

Flower Power

Flower Power
Here is a really neat idea for a flower arrangement. This is a unique approach to a traditional flower arrangement and I wanted to share it with you guys. Instead of purchasing a bouquet of flowers try this.

 

+
 
=

OR



+

=


Either way you can’t loose. These vases are super cute and I absolutely love the yellow zinnia flower. The vases are from CB2. From a design standpoint this type of arrangement evokes balance and harmony. These vases can be applied in any room setting; coffee table, kitchen table, or even in the bedroom. I would like to see this yellow zinnia flower and either of the two vases as a center piece on this coffee table.

The yellow zinnia flower creates a nice contrast with the red in this interior perspective. The vases add a sense of symmetrical balance and rhythm within the space. It has balance because there is a feeling of equilibrium present. Visual rhythm is created when colors, lines or forms are used in a consistent pattern. Visual rhythm applied to these vases in the form and  make the eye move much like rhythm in music that makes our bodies want to move. These vases are simple, but make a strong statement with the form and shape.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

If I were a chair


Bicci Purple Damask with Silver Nailheads
    
     The first moment I saw this chair I was super excited and it was love at first sight! Not only is it amazing, but it's also affordable. It's from Home Dec furniture Company. The subtle klismos leg and the nailhead detail adds to the feminine grace that captured my attention. It is a must have.

You Can't Judge a Book by its Cover, Or Can You?

     Design firms receive a lot of portfolios from recent graduates who are looking to land that first job. It's obviously important to have the skills and education, but it's as equally as important to have an amazing portfolio. Your portfolio is a statement of who you are and your design style. The content and layout need to coincide and tell a story about the work that it easy to follow. When I was designing my cover page I wanted something clean, fresh, and modern.
     This is my cover page that I created for my exit portfolio. Immediately from looking at the cover I want to capture their attention. Choice of font, color, and use of positive and negative space is all very important for a portfolio. I didn't want to get too crazy with graphics, because sometimes they are too distracting and take away from the work. This is a good starting point to set up the format and layout for what can be epected next. It makes a statement that represents me as a designer, and I am happy with it. What do you think?

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

The Evils of Procrastination

How many times have you promised yourself to do something later, when really you should have taken care of it earlier? Regardless of what the task is, checking an e-mail, or doing an assignment-we all experience it, regardless of age, culture or beliefs. It’s human nature. It just sucks because so many of us get attacked by what I like to call this “evil spirit” of procrastination. Well I am tired of it and refuse to be in bondage anymore! So I did some research and self-reflecting and here are a few tips that helped me overcome it so maybe it will help for you. The thing is, you have to actually do it. Baby steps; take it one day at a time. Most of it is a mindset, so challenge yourself and as Nike says, JUST DO IT!

Ways to Overcome Procrastination
1. Recharge Daily
Make sure you are getting the proper amount of rest. Yes I am sure you are busy, but we all are. Your body needs its rest or it will lay you down and make sure you do.
2. Get a Friend Involved
It's harder to procrastinate when another person is involved. Having an accountability partner is always a great way to make sure you get tasks done.
3. Reward Yourself
You're much more likely to continue down this path to recovery if you reward yourself sometimes after you complete that not so fun task. It doesn’t have to be anything super awesome, just enough to keep you encouraged and on the right track.
4. Do Things in Pieces
Once again, baby steps, approach things in little pieces so you won’t feel overwhelmed. Then the steps don’t seem impossible and you will have a bunch of little victories
5. Don't Be Afraid to multitask
Sometimes it’s feasible to do two things at once. For example: Make flash cards while listening to music, or watching TV, or talk on the phone while you tidy your apartment.
6. Prioritize
Perhaps you're procrastinating on a task because it's really not that important, or it’s so important that you are overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. If it sounds like a good idea but in the end it's really not that important to you, don't let it hang over your head.
7. Get in Touch with the End Result
Before you begin a task or project that has high procrastination potential, get in touch with the outcome. When the task is finished, what will that mean to you? What will be better in life as a result?
8. Just Do It!!
Don't think about it too much, just jump in and get it done!

The Dash: Poem by Linda Ellis

It's not the date you were born, or the date you died, that really matters. It's "the dash" between those years and what you do with it, to make a difference with your life. This poem is very sentimental, but reading it made me think about what I will be doing with my life after I graduate and what kind of impact on the world I want to make. No matter how big or small, it made me think about life differently and really think about what truly matters. While I am still alive, I want to make my time here on earth count. After reading this poem if you want to find out more information about her go to her website.

I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend
he referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning to the end

He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years

For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own;
the cars, the house, the cash,
what matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
to consider what’s true and real
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read
with your life’s actions to rehash
would you be proud of the things they say
about how you spent your dash?