Raccoon Postcard

The original raccoon with leaves

For this project, our task was to follow a simple tutorial using Illustrator to create a raccoon. While I was following the steps, I saw some of my peers' work as well, and I thought it was interesting how everyone's work was unique, even with the guidelines. For example, I made my raccoon's eyes bigger and more circular than the tutorial, so it would be cuter. After that, we added leaves or berries to create an autumnal feeling. I chose to add leaves, and although it wasn't in the instructions, I wanted to add a moon and some stars to add a sense of setting to it. This helped later when trying to come up with an idea for the themed postcard.

The finished postcard

During this project, I discovered that I actually enjoy using Illustrator very much, and I'd like to think I'm good at it. Another thing that surprised me was that I finished with quite a bit of time left, and that gave me an opportunity to improve and add detail. However, I realized that although the extra time was partially due to project management, it was also because I was having fun creating this project and adding to it.

Next time, I want to sketch out ideas and brainstorm first, although this wasn't a very complex project. I'm enjoying graphic design now, mostly because last year, our creative freedom was limited. I will continue to add my own individuality to my work, so it feels less like an assignment and more like something I would do in my free time, just for fun.

My signature

One of my favorite parts was learning how to scan in handwriting and turn it into a vector. I did this with the "Happy Halloween" in the postcard, and my signature, shown to the right. Typography had always interested me, because it has consistently been something that stands out to me when looking at others' work, but I never thought about doing it myself. Now when I catch myself doodling, instead of pictures, they're words! I'm very proud of my work in this area, and I'd love to continue implementing handwritten typography into future projects.

Overall, this was a very rewarding project, not only because of how much I learned about using Illustrator, but also because I started to get to know my own style in graphic design.

Organizing Clips in Premiere Pro

These are my clips before organization.

In Premiere Pro, there are many tools that are often used by editors for organizing clips. This post will contain keyboard shortcuts and outline the basic procedure needed to organize clips effectively.

Bins can store offline clips, main and backup sequences, and organize files by type. This tool is essential for both keeping your digital workspace clean and minimizing confusion. As beginning video editors, bins will greatly aid your post-filming process.

First, create your new bin by using Command + /. If you'd like to open that bin in a floating panel, double-click it. To open it in place, hold Command as you double-click, and to open it in a new tab, hold Option.

Another organizational tool is the ability to label assets. Through the Edit window, the settings on labels can be changed, such as the default colors or names. These can help distinguish between different types of media.

renaming a clip

Finally, the most useful and straightforward tool: renaming clips. This can be done through the Project panel by choosing Clip > Rename, typing the name, and then pressing Return.

Although a file full of clips can seem overwhelming, these techniques can help you in organizing them.

 For more information, here is a link that further explains all of these tools and more.

These are my clips inside the bin marked "video",
leaving a much cleaner workspace.