Building on the Basics - 2010 Summer Intern Blog - Reiman Gardens |
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2010 Summer Intern Blog
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Building on the Basics
I’m Alex Meyer, and I’m the Communications & Graphic Design Intern at Reiman Gardens this summer. I’ll be a senior at Iowa State University this fall majoring in graphic design.
Graphic design at Iowa State University is a tough program. A lot of students I’ve talked to in the past tell me that since I’m an ‘art’ major all I do is draw pictures. Other students have lived on the same floor as a student from the College of Design and realize how hard we work (and how late we stay up!).
Rather than just teach us how to use computer programs, ISU has a unique approach to teaching their graphic design students. They teach us the basics of design so if we didn’t have a computer, we could still design well. In fact, the first graphic design project I was assigned was done entirely without a computer!
The basics we learn include how to use a grid structure in design work, which (in very simple terms), is lining elements up by creating grid lines. We also learn what makes good typography and the best ways to use that typography in our projects. The basics make a great foundation for learning the programs and being able to apply your knowledge in any format of design.
Example of a grid structure.
The black lines are the grid, while the orange blocks could be pictures or text.
The skills I’ve learned at ISU have helped me out a lot throughout my internship at Reiman Gardens. It’s also taught me that I can design anything; it’s just a matter of applying the skills I know in a different way. I’ve designed a great variety of things this summer, and the real-world experience I’ve gained is invaluable. I’m very grateful for the chance I’ve been given to intern at Reiman Gardens, and I’m sure that the new skills I’ve learned will help me throughout my last year at school and working full time after I graduate.
Me working at my desk here at Reiman Gardens.
Jul 26, 2010 1:44 PM
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