CR01

     Coming into Design 200, I was looking forward to getting an basic overview of the design field. So far, I have gotten what I expected, along with some surprises.

     The first lecture class was a brief history of the design field. We discussed issues surrounding design such as large scale and small scale. Particularly, how designers of the past were mainly concerned with large scale products such as trains, while designers of the present are mainly concerned with "black turtleneck sweaters and glasses" or rather, small scale. The video we watched focused on the large scale vs. small scale issue. It made me think: what are we doing in the present design field that is life-changing? What could we do to better people's lives? We appear to have all the modern conveniences, which is perhaps why design has scaled down. But there are many more large-scale tasks designers could undertake. One was mentioned in the last class regarding medical tools for obese patients. While small scale designs are important, designers can't forget the "big picture" of design.

     The next lecture class discussed "what do designers do?". After reading the title of the lecture, I must admit I was less than thrilled to listen to the lecture. I thought, "well duh, they design stuff". I was ignorant, however, with the sheer amount and variety of products they design. I never would have considered medical tools as the work of a designer, or so many of the common logos and advertisements I see on a daily basis. The video we watched showed a designer in action and describing his works. What particularly struck me about the video was that he had changes he wanted to make to his past designs, such as the UPS logo. I realized then that design is a constantly evolving field and that a design is never exactly "finished". There is always room for improvement and innovation. Design is a field of great creativity, more so than I imagined going into the class. I am interested to learn more about what designers do and particularly, how they do it.

Design 200

     I decided to register for Design 200 after researching majors at Ohio State. As a transfer student, I was required to meet with an advisor in a major I was considering. I decided to meet with the Design advisor, and she recommended the Design 200 course.
     I'm considering applying to the Visual Communication Design program, but am interested in learning more about Interior Design as well. I love the idea of Design as a career, because it is practical AND creative. I want to do something I love and something where I can actually make a living. I'm not the type of person who wants a 9-5 job in a cubicle. I am unconventional, and I want a job that is unconventional as well.
     I'm a little scared that the Design program is too ambitious for me and that I won't get in if I decide to pursue Visual Communication Design. But, I'll let the class run its course and not worry too much :)

About Me.

Hey!
     I'm Audra and I'm a student in Design 200 at The Ohio State University. I commute to campus three times per week, and I would say that I have a diverse and slightly unconventional academic background. I was homeschooled from kindergarten to high school graduation. I began attending community college in my senior year of high school, then transferred to Ohio University Athens after graduation. I didn't like attending school there, so I transferred yet again to a community college. Eventually, I made it here, to Ohio State, where I will hopefully stay and complete a degree...if I can decide on one. I am currently undecided, but interested in pursuing a degree in Visual Communication Design.
     I'm from a small town about 40 mins from Columbus. The only exciting thing in the entire town is a small ice cream shop (and since ice cream is my favorite food, I visit it frequently). I commute to campus from my parents' house in town.
     When I'm not in school, I work at Old Navy, hang out with friends, and pick up and put down various hobbies such as drawing, playing guitar, and reading. Currently, reading is my favorite hobby, and I love Stephen King, Agatha Christie, Daphne du Maurier, and whoever else writes interesting books. I also like fashion, and reading fashion magazines. I enjoy a variety of music, but my favorite genres are alternative (such as Modest Mouse, Regina Spektor, Death Cab for Cutie, Margot and the Nuclear So and Sos) and rap (Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Drake). I love my kitten, Luna, even though she destroys many of my belongings. I also love anything to do with zombies. Random, but true.
    Well, that's me! Looking forward to class this quarter!