Week 1

Today we were introduced to the course and an outline of what to expect from Design History 1, including three assessments. The first and third assessments were explained, such as how to setup a blog and also how to post and layout our posts. We also went to the library to find out how to access graphic design books and other research material. Whilst at the the library we decided which designer we would base our first assessment on. I have chosen Frederico Seneca of the Art Deco movement to research for the first assessment. I have done a little research on him just to get an idea of who he is and his background before i do more heavier research.

Week 2

Today in class we covered various methods of early printing. Such methods as the use of chisel and hammer, punch and mould and composing stick. More modern methods were also covered such as the rotary press, typewritter and the Lisa (first apple computer). In class we devlved into the design styles of the Victorian age which encompassed such aspects as arches, mixed fonts, decorative boards and symetrical layouts. The arts and crafts era was covered with the exploration of William Morris and how he influenced the arts and crafts movement. The Art Noveau movement was also explored briefly towrads the end of the class.

Week 3

Today we explored more of the Art Nouveau period and who and what influenced the movement. Such aspects as the floral and vine motifs used throughout the artworks conveyed a Victorian influence made more interesting. Also this class we also delved into the Sixties  Psychedelia period where there was colour exploration and such outrageous designs were commonly seen on the covers of underground comics, magazines and posters. Artists of the time were people such as Andy Warhol, Lichtenstein and      Victor Moscoso which heavily created the chromotaic vibration design and the incorporation of illegible writing in poster designs. Early modernism was also covered and how the arts and crafts era and the Victorian era were both influences. The early modernism era was know for its experimentation with such aspects as geometry and primary colours. However this era has sub categories such as Cubism, Expressionism, Dada and Futurism. 

Week 4

In Design history today we explored the Art Deco style and the various aspects of the poster designs such as flat colours, air brushing, sun bursts and simple geometric and curved shapes. As a class we analysed and discussed each Art Deco poster's composition and a age was made of it by the class being split into two and the first people to put their hands up and state the correct aspect of the poster would receive a certain amount of points. This help us to learn and remember each aspect of the art deco designs used.

Week 5

This week our class made our way to the Powerhouse Museum to look at such exhibits as the Art Deco exhibit and the Still Photography exhibit. There were other exhibits that we were meant to look at, however they were closed. It was great to experience the exhibits especially the Art Deco exhibit as it you got to walk into a foyer and then a cinema which were completely styled in Art Deco. As i am in love with this era of design i got a lot out of experiencing the shapes and features such as roof and carpet design to the lights on the walls. it also gave me inspiration for such designs that i will do for other classes here at Uni.

Week 6

This week we started our presentations for our first assessment which consisted of a report and presentation of a chosen design with in a chosen design era.

Week 7

This week we finished the last of the presentations for our first assessment

Week 8

This week in class we partnered up in pairs to research design and era aspects in a specific design era for example Art Deco, where we prepared information for a presentation that was to be performed in front of the class. This was to teach us how to present information in front of and to an audience better.

Week 9

This week we didn't have class

Week 10

This week we watch a short film on the graphic designer named Milton Glaser who designed the internationally know graphic "I heart NY". The short film explained his life and how he came to inspiration in his early life as a designer and the various large jobs he had in his career and how he came to the well know design of I heart NY. This short film gave us an insight into Milton Glaser's method of designing in ways such as inspiration and the greater marketing world. We also began to learn about the Swiss international movement towards the end of the lesson and the various characteristics in this form of designing.

Week 11

This week we watch a film called Helvetica that comprised of famous typographers such as David Carson and Neville Brody that express their views and opinions on being a typographer, the typographic culture and how the typeface Helvetica is used in the modern world in various ways such as advertising and also in its characteristics and how that relates to conveying various marketing messages in business today.

 

Week 12

This week our class began to research designers of their choice for the visual essay. I myself have not came to a conclusion on which designers i am choosing for the essay.

Week 13

This week we continued researching designers and information for our essays and asked any final questions we have before the essay is due.

Week 14