Week #6 - Project Report

Hello all!

I am happy with what I accomplished this week. I worked on the background for most of my documents, and after trying another color palette (teal + grey), I decided to stick with the ones Ihad previously chosen (dark red + dark brown + amber). It was a little bit challenging (for me, at least) to make the background light enough so that the text on it is readable.

The only problem I had was that the colors on my computer do not look as those on the printed swatches. I had to play with them a little bit, but I think they turn out very close to those I wanted. I will be reviewing some links that the professor has provided on the subject.

During this week, I plan on working on:
- layouts for the different documents I will be producing
- typography (I am sort of decided on what I want, but would probably need to buy a packet; will wait to hear opinions from others)
- review one of the Lynda.com tutorials--probably one that I will look at during the week, related to layouts)

Though I am working with InDesign, I am interested in seeing how those working with Dreamweaver are progressing, as I am planning on working on my website as well.

Wishing you all a great and productive week!

I love that it's raining in Tempe!!!

Sincerely,

Liliana

Project Report Week #5

Hello all!

Well, I am glad that I was able to purchase the program because it will be easier to focus on the project (as opposed to last semester, when I depended on free trials and availability of computers on campus). It took a little bit to install it but it comes with other programs as well; I am looking forward to learn as much as possible about those programs, though for the time being the focus is on InDesign.

I had quite a few problems when accessing some of the Lynda.com files; they would take a while to upload, and that was somehow frustrating. The good thing is that the program came with training modules, so I will be able to use those as well in case the Internet connection fails.

My goal for this week is to learn how to create a background that I could use for most of my documents. I am planning on creating a canvass with different letters or words, sort of overlapping in different directions. I will play with the transparency to adapt it for different purposes. I am quite certain it will not be an easy task, but it is doable (aiming high, like the tree in the picture), and I know I can ask for help from some of my experienced fellow students.

Have a good week with your projects!

Picture: Blueridge Reservoir, AZ - Anthony Criego (C)

Project Report - Week 4

Hello all!

I finally posted my project proposal for creating marketing materials with Adobe InDesign. I will learn to use this software with tutorials on Lynda.com. The marketing materials I will create are for my translation services business that I have just set up (although I have been working as a translator for some years already). Putting my ideas in writing on the proposal helped me clarify how to better target the materials to specific audiences. I am hoping the instructor approves my proposal and make any necessary suggestions.

On another note, I have started to go through some tutorials of David Blatner (not sure if I'm spelling the name correctly), and I find them easy to follow. InDesign is totally new to me, so I had to start from the very beginning. It has been time-consuming because unfortunately I do not have a super-fast connection (there's not much to choose from out here in Apache Junction). I am planning on staying some extra time at work some days of the week in order to go through some more. I like the opportunity to practice using the exercise files. I am a little bit concerned that I do not own the program; however, I can work that out by going to the Poly campus on Saturdays.

My goal for this week is to go through some more of those tutorials, and start working on the designs. I have some ideas already, and I usually carry a little notebook in my purse to jot down anything that comes to mind and may be useful for the project. This could be ideas for text or visuals that come up unexpectedly.

Please feel free to leave a comment. Thanks!