I’m still fuzzy on where exactly this project is going to go but it involves databases and APIs. So initially, I was told that I’d be writing a database in mySQL and using that database to better categorize the events that the COLA database handles. I watched a couple of videos over mySQL and created a database with all the required fields.

However, after doing this, we decided to switch to Python and Django. I’ve been familiarizing myself with Python and will complete a Django tutorial before starting to work on the actual API.

Recently, we were given a spreadsheet (of about 6 individual sheets) of various stock images that a professor needs for her class next semester. Some of the images are quite specific and hard to find, so in the case that happens, we collage two or more pictures together to get one picture that matches the description. Here’s a rough one I made (the description was people playing a Russian card game):

Obviously an actual picture used for the class would be more polished, but it’s always fun to see what oddities Photoshop can create.

Over winter break, I spent a decent amount of time working on the spotlight song Photoshop files for an online jazz class (which ironically I am currently taking). This involved tinting each picture the professor wanted a specific shade of blue and then placing it within the guides of the template  file. There were about 50 of these files that needed to be done.

My first official assignment is to work on designing the badges for the Maker’s Space in the Engineering Department at UT. Here’s a rundown on the overall project: there will be badges that act as different certifications, such as safety, demonstration, and training. For now, I’m designing the safety badge that will act as a template for the rest of the badges.

 

I began by sketching drafts in my journal while keeping the required elements in my mind: showing it was a safety badge from the UT Engineering college that displays a specific machine, while being consistent with the UT brand.

First draft on Illustrator

Then I made different iterations on Illustrator

 

Along side these projects I have been scanning and editing slides for professors. I’ve learned a bit of Photoshop through ID Processing (cropping and editing faculty photos for the COLA website).

I have been working on a banner for the LAITS website page for Cascade and Cola Feed info. Today I was experimenting with some fun color palettes and found one I really really liked. I used the Adobe website color wheel to find these from a theme someone already created. I modified the pink and blue a little bit and decided it would look really nice.

 

 

I did end up switching the pink for an orange to fit the page better, but I think it has better consistency with the rest of the page this way. Now I just have to figure out what text and illustrations to add!

Aside from working on the PSY333D powerpoints, I have a new project! I need to design a banner for one of the Liberal Arts pages for the UT website. The banner image, while pretty, needs to convey that this is the place to come when someone needs help with Cascade CMS or the COLA feed. Andre suggested I work with a screenshot of the site so I will know how the new banner image will look once embedded in the site. So this will be my working view while I do that!

 

https://sta.laits.utexas.edu/blog/2017/01/30/18969-2/