STA Blog

STA Training: Logo Design V2

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STA Training: Logo Design V2

Start: Feb 1st, 2024

To be Completed: N/A

Description: This is a three-part training in branding and the first step is the creation of a logo to represent myself.

After the winter break, I’m able to obtain a fresh new eye on this project. Therefore, I moved from the chunk logo I created last semester to a more type-based logo, which utilized the elements and color palette from my portfolio website, and designed a new logo that blends in my initials. The color palette I chose for the personal branding is the nude, aerial and black for the primary color.

The base typograph for this logo is called Mendl Sans, one of my favorite font families. I love its boldness as well as the connected joint between each stroke. Beyond the original typeface, I rounded the corner in the joint to match the dynamic vibe of my type design of J and W. I’m still experimenting with the best way to blend the san-serif font into a more art deco style.

Australia Texas Connection

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Australia Texas Connection

Start: Jan 16th, 2023

To be Completed: Feb 29th

Staff Guidance:  Desha

Client:  Rhonda Evans

Project Description:  Create a podcast cover that showcases the connection between Australia and Texas with globalization trends without no cultural appropriation

Since the client expressed an interest in broader trends with illustration and typography, I want to move on the vector illustration and bold typography to convey this vibe. My original idea is to utilize lines and dots to connect two maps of Australia and Texas.

First Round:

#1: With this iteration, I focused on the location and size difference between Australia and Texas with a simplistic design on a flat globe. Each abstract shape has various location markers to showcase the different connections that tie these two locations together.

#2: The second idea is about using the Crux constellation to represent Australia as it connects with a 3D Texas. To enhance the reference of the constellation, I also included stars.

#3: The third design is a van diagram that showcases the relationship between Australia and Texas. By utilizing different colors and the blended center, it expresses the certain shared features between the two locations and their differences as well.

As for the font choice, I used more italic fonts for the country/state name applying a strong and bold font for “CONNECTION” for #1 and #3. For #2, the font choice is more dynamic to complement the layout of the globe. In addition, the current color palette has a hint of UT branding color.

Revision:

The client chooses to further develop option 3, the van diagram. To emphasize the connection between the two locations, the client requested to change the color palette of the background as well as replace the dots with the arrow. I wrapped up the project with these changes and the typography iteration.

1/22 – 2/2

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Summer Marketing Updates

11×17 Poster:

I moved Lorena more to the right, made the URL larger, and removed some body text

 

2nd variation:

 

Digital Displays:

For the Digital Displays based on the Spring postcard design, we wanted the URL to pop more and reduce the amount of overall text (since the ad will only be on a screen for about 8 seconds).

 

These digital Displays match the colors from the 11×17 posters. The URL was also made more of a focus. The top two displays have more text because they specifically advertise the $500 courses.

   

Speedway Banner:

I added the University branding and “TX Residents” disclaimer below the “select $500 courses”

 

 

 

 

A Glimpse into My First Week as a Student Technology Assistant at LAITS

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A Glimpse into My First Week as a Student Technology Assistant at LAITS

 

My first week at LAITS was fantastic! Spending time in the Development Studio reinforced a clear understanding: systems are the core of a successful team. I appreciate how we seamlessly integrate various applications, ensuring maximum productivity in my role as a Student Technology Assistant (STA).

A typical STA day involves logging into essential applications like Slack for communication, BaseCamp for task assignments, and Harvest for time tracking and progress monitoring. Crafting an intentional plan for each shift, even in shorter two-hour periods, significantly boosts my productivity. Juggling school and work can be challenging, but this simple practice of answering three questions before each shift equips me with the tools to smoothly switch from school to work:

A) What did you do yesterday?
B) What are your tasks for today?
C) Are there any impediments preventing you from completing your work? If not, indicate no impediments.

This reflective exercise empowers me to execute our daily plan efficiently.

A significant aspect of being an STA involves adapting to the organization’s project management tools. These applications, such as Slack for communication, BaseCamp for task assignments, and Harvest for time tracking and progress monitoring, play a crucial role in our daily workflow. Becoming proficient in navigating these platforms efficiently was a key focus during my first week in this role. Following that I started on my training modules, which I will talk about in my next post.

 

Images of the three applications we use as STA's. From left to right, Slack, Harvest, and Basecamp The complete suite of applications every Design STA is familiar with

 

 

 

1/22 – 1/26

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Pre-course video updates!

The video is coming along! I’ve been having a lot of fun with it and see what effects I can add.

One thing I had to change was the style of some backdrops that were used. I was told by my advisor that beforehand, the backdrops looked to realistic to fit in with the rest of the video, so I was advised to properly trace the backdrops in my own style instead of automatically vectorizing them.

Here’s a comparison of how they look.

While it did take a while, I’m glad that I was advised to trace the backdrops. They look a lot more inviting and fitting now

Here’s one of the other backdrops I did.

I’ll be able to post the first draft of the video by the end of the week!