I divided the students in my Typography II class into 3 groups, and assigned each group a different poem for individuals to design. They were encouraged to express the meaning of the poem typographically, yet they were allowed to use images. Once the final designs were complete, everyone voted and selected what they considered to be the “best” design for each poem.

Congratulations to the winners of the Poem Design vote!

Sara Bamber — I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou
Sophie Butler — Ballad of the Landlord, by Langston Hughes
Ana Shores — Wild Geese, by Mary Oliver

PDF of 2011 winning poem designs

Last night, I attended the opening reception for Walter Kopec’s solo art show You Can’t Make This Stuff Up. It was well-attended and for good reason. He is an incredibly intelligent, thinking artist who observes and gathers in the world each day. His influences are many and his art is the creative expression of his insights and responses to those influences.

To start things off, Walter gave a brief presentation and answered questions from the crowd. Those who didn’t already know Walter were thus introduced to his wit and warmth. It’s always a special treat to attend an opening where the artist speaks about their work and process.

Walter’s art is a unique combination of typography, 3-dimensional mixed-media, textures, political and social commentary, reflection, word-play, humor, and celebration. His ideas are expressed using a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, vinyl, wood, tar, paint, aluminum, plexiglass, rubber, foam, prosthetic legs, and marshmellow fluff! He uses whatever technique will get the job done: welding, glue, tape, string, elastic, pushpins, die-cut, and much more.

His art makes you pause, think, smile, and sometimes laugh. It will force you to look closely and carefully at what you are viewing. His art is an interactive experience, and you will respond. Don’t miss this special solo show, which continues through Dec. 4, 2011, at Mt. Ida College (details below).

"2 Party System" © 2011 Walter Kopec

"Skin Deep (BEAUTY)" © 2011 Walter Kopec

"Just Your Luck" © 2011 Walter Kopec

WHERE:
The Gallery at Mt. Ida College
777 Dedham Street
Newton, MA  02459

http://www.mountida.edu/sp.cfm?pageid=2001

DATES AND TIMES:
October 25, 2011 – December 4, 2011
Tuesday-Sunday
1PM – 5PM

To see some of his past work, please visit:  http://walterkopecstudio.com/walterkopecstudio.com/Quickly….html

Steve Jobs passed away yesterday. When I first heard the news, I reacted much the same way I did when I first learned that John Lennon had died. I knew Jobs had been battling cancer and had stepped down from his CEO position at Apple just this past August. Yet, the loss was still stunning and unexpected to me.

Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak co-founded Apple Computer Inc. They started tooling around together in a garage that belonged to Jobs’ parents in 1976. That’s when computers were large boxes inside separate rooms, networked to individual keyboards. All of the “intelligence” was in those boxes. Most of what you saw on the monitor was code. There was no WYSIWIG (What You See Is What You Get) yet.

Fast-forward to 2011 and your monitor is filled with graphic icons that represent folders, files, and applications. The graphic user interface (GUI) that we now see has evolved from the vision Jobs had in that garage. The way we communicate and learn has forever been changed. Sure, Macs were the first computers to use this new GUI, but as time passed, PCs adopted more and more of the Mac attributes. The operating systems remain separate, but the GUIs merge closer together.

It wasn’t just the Mac computer, of course, that we can thank Jobs for. There’s the iPod, iPad,  iMac, and other Apple products. There’s also the design of these products, their sleekness, simplicity, and coolness, that we are fortunate to have. Who would have thought that you could download music and store the files on a lightweight, portable music system? Who would have thought that you could store a powerful hard drive in the back of a flat screen monitor?

I asked my students today, “What was your first Apple product?” All of them said it was the iPod. I described my first computer, a gift from my brother: LCIII, 4 MB RAM, 160 MB hard drive space. Its footprint was actually relatively small, but the 16″ Apple monitor I had was large and protruded in the back at least a foot.  We reminisced together. They understood the importance of this loss.

I wonder how many of us get to live during the lifetime of a visionary who has a monumental impact on our world? Thank you Steve Jobs. You will be missed. May you rest in peace.

On August 4, we held our 3rd annual Art at the Market, at the Belmont Farmers’ Market. It’s become a popular activity that kids and parents alike look forward to. Jeanne Mooney and her daughter, Frances, found last year’s supplies in their basement (thank goodness!) and, once again, set up everything. The 3 of us are like a well-oiled machine, working together smoothly and enthusiastically.

There was a steady stream of children and adults creating artwork for 2 solid hours. It seemed like more adults participated this year, which is fantastic! There’s no real structure to the activity. We just provide the space, supplies, and fun atmosphere for folks to find their creative side while at the farmers’ market. You can draw anything you like, but generally we draw inspiration from the vendors’ delicious veggies, fruits, and breads.

Enjoy these pictures of that day, taken by Jeanne.

Frances

veggieville

Eggplant: yum!

Enthusiastic return!

Lots of activity!

Anne and Frances.

I’ve traveled a fair amount and a friend once asked me what my favorite places in the world were. Traveling teaches me so much about people, the land, and how diverse we are. Much of my inspiration comes from traveling, too. Here’s my top 10 list of favorite places:

1. Hawaii — Hawaii is the most beautiful tropical location I’ve ever visited. I’ve been there twice, spending time on Maui, Kauai, and The Big Island. The combination of  rain forest, gorgeous beaches, and amazing hikes makes Hawaii very special.
   Highlights— The Road to Hana, snorkeling with colorful fish, swimming with wild dolphins, seeing the active volcano on The Big Island (Kilauea), hiking the “sleeping” volcano (Haleakala) on Maui, hiking the Napali Coast on Kauai, body surfing, fresh fruit smoothies, waterfalls, and captivating sunsets. It’s an amazing area.
   

   "Infinity 3" (0318) Pastel & Watercolor: Bimini, Bahamas. ©2003 Anne S. Katzeff

2. Bimini, Bahamas — My first experience swimming with wild dolphins was in Bimini. We lived on the ocean for a week on a 90-foot catamaran, cruising the waters leisurely, hoping that the dolphins would find us (or we’d find them). And we did find each other, again and again! In between dolphin swims, we’d relax or snorkel or snack or nap, until we heard the enthusiastic cheer, “DOLPHINS!” Then everyone would gather on the lower deck, put on their snorkel gear, and jump into the water for another glimpse or perhaps a fabulous interaction with the dolphins. I’ve returned to swim with the dolphins there several times. Bimini Spotted Dolphins are the most friendly and exciting of the dolphins I’ve swum with.
   Highlights— I began working with pastels right after I began swimming with wild dolphins. Swimming with the dolphins had such a profound effect on me that I wanted to find a way to express the experience through my art. The vibrant colors and wonderful textures of pastels drew me right back into that ocean world as I painted. Soon I was led to paint other “landscapes” in nature that moved and inspired me.
   

   "Antelope Canyon 2" (0407) Pastel: Antelope Canyon, Arizona. ©2004 Anne S. Katzeff

3. American Southwest — During college, I helped move a friend to Fort Collins, Colorado. We packed up all of her belongings into a car and drove west. After finding her an apartment, we explored the 4 corners area of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. I was officially smitten. I kept going back over the years, each time focusing on a particular  area in order to get more familiar with it.
   Highlights — Colorado: Boulder is like Cambridge and San Francisco in the Rockies; Mesa Verde.
   New Mexico: Chaco Canyon; Acoma.
   Arizona: Canyon de Chelly; Sedona (Oak Creek Canyon is one of my favorite hikes); Grand Canyon; Antelope Canyon.
   Utah: Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Arches National Park; Canyonlands National Park; Monument Valley
4. Paris, France — I love walking in Paris and seeing the iconic sites.
   Highlights — Champs Elysees, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Jardin de Luxumbourg, Musee D’Orsay, Rodin Museum, and Montemarte (Sacre Coeur). A couple of side trips stand out, too: Villefranche-Sur-Mer and Giverny (Monet’s home). The patisseries and crepes are out of this world!
5. Switzerland — There’s nothing like the Swiss Alps, with their strenuous and satisfying climbs to breathtaking views. What made Switzerland unique for me was its emphasis on sustainability, cleanliness, and excellence in creating precision instruments.
   Highlights— The Alps, Berne, Lucerne, Interlaken, Jungfrau, Swiss chocoolate, cheese fondue, and rosti (potato dish).
6. Costa Rica — What wonderful people who care for their beautiful land of incredible diversity. 2 features about Costa Rica that I really like: they are a peaceful nation (have no army) and they boast a 95.8% literacy rate.
   Highlights— Monteverde (amazing bird-watching) and Osa Peninsula; swimming with 6 different kinds of wild dolphins (and bluefin tuna!).
7. Machu Picchu — Traveling here was a dream come true. We stayed at Wilka T’ika in the Sacred Valley, and coincidentally found ourselves traveling with a group of artists. I learned a lot being with these artists, particularly ways to carry tools as you hike to spots where you paint. We visited several sites near Cuzco and acclimated to the extreme altitude. Nonetheless, my first glimpse of Machu Picchu took my breath away.
   Highlights— The grand scale of Machu Picchu mesmerized me. The challenging hike up Waynu Picchu caused my legs to scream, but when we reached the top and looked down at Machu Picchu, I stood silent on the soaring mountains, feeling humble and grateful.
   

   "Undermountain Farm" (1015) Pastel: Lenox, Mass. ©2010 Anne S. Katzeff

8. The Berkshires — I took a class called Painting and Yoga in the Berkshires at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health (in Lenox) several years ago. That’s when I made the leap from painting dolphins to painting landscapes. The class continues to be taught by one of my favorite teachers in the world, Linda Novick.
   Highlights— The mountains are soft and wise. In autumn, the Berkshires are spectacular.
9. Provincetown —Perhaps it’s because I’m a Pisces that I have such a strong affinity for the ocean. I feel very fortunate to live so close to Cape Cod. I love beach culture: shorts and tevas, beaches and sand dunes, waves and boogie boards, Stellwagen Bank and the Humpback whales.
   Highlights— Whale watching on Stellwagen Bank (aboard the Dolphin Fleet), painting at Race Point, visiting art galleries, and eating at Napis.
   

   "Restful Ride to Ptown" (1007) Pastel: Provincetown, MA. ©2010 Anne S. Katzeff

10. Vancouver Island — I never imagined that I would go here, until a fellow traveler told me about its Orca  populations. From the moment we arrived in Vancouver, we were in awe of the land and culture, because even the airport is a welcoming treat.
    Highlights— Ferry from mainland to Vancouver Island, Victoria, Telegraph Cove (saw the Orcas here!), Tofino, and Pacific Rim National Park. Lush, temperate rainforests, abundant wildlife, and clean, long, picturesque beaches.

If I could squeeze in another favorite place, it would be Italy. I went there in high school, flying for the first time and experiencing the culture, art, and food with some of my best friends. It was a whirlwind week as we stayed in Rome, Florence, and Venice, with a side trip to Pisa. The highlights included the ruins (Colosseum, Forum, Pantheon), the art (Florence), gondola ride (Venice), and the food. I love pasta.

What are your favorite places?

There are 2 basic categories of file formats for images, and they relate to end-use: print and web. The key differences between print and web images are resolution measurement and color mode. Within the 2 categories are 2 core types of images: raster and vector. Raster images are composed of dots (pixels), otherwise known as continuous tone or photographs, which lose resolution when scaled up in size. Vector images are composed of connected lines and curves, which are “resolution-independent” and can be scaled up or down without losing quality; these object-oriented, mathematically-defined images are best used for logos, type, and illustrations.

Print images

Characteristics

• high resolution — 300 dpi (dots per inch) or higher
• CMYK color mode — also called 4-color process. The 4 colors of CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) can be mixed to achieve a full range of color. There is some variance in the colors produced with cmyk mixing.
• Spot color — a premixed, standard ink selected from a numbered list provided by the ink vendor, which is most commonly the Pantone Matching System (PMS) in the U.S. and Toyo Ink in Europe. Since the spot color is premixed, it uses only 1 plate (vs. 4 plates for a cmyk mix of a similar color) and does not change from page to page during the print run.

Common file formats (all without compression)

• TIFF — (Tag Interleave File Format) — This is THE best file format for high-quality, continuous-tone photography intended for print. It can be used on both Mac and PC platforms. LZW compression is an option (lossless), but BE SURE TO DE-SELECT the LZW and re-save the file when importing it into a document being prepared for print. TIFFs with LZW compression can corrupt Quark and InDesign files.
• EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) — Can be used for both raster and vector images, and was considered excellent in its heyday. But, not always readable on PCs, EPS is being phased out and replaced by PDF.
• PDF (Portable Document Format) — The excellent, new, open standard format is readable on virtually all platforms. It preserves all of the file information beautifully.
• PSD (Photoshop Document) — The working source file for raster images in Photoshop.
• AI (Adobe Illustrator) — The working source file for vector images in Illustrator.

Web images

Characteristics

• low resolution — 72 dpi (dots per inch)
• RGB color mode — (Red, Green, Blue) also called “additive” primary colors because when added together they produce white light. In HTML coding, hexadecimal notations (HEX) are used to define combinations of Red, Green, and Blue color values (RGB). More than 16 million colors can be achieved by mixing RGB.

Common file formats (all with built-in compression)

• JPEG (Joint Photographics Expert Group) — Offers different levels of lossy compression, which means you lose and cannot retrieve data when compressing. Best used for continuous tone images.
• GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) — Supports transparency and animation. Best used for graphics.
• PNG (Portable Network Graphic) — Supports transparency and has much better color quality than GIF.
• SVG (Scalable Vector Graphic) — A vector format for high-quality web graphics.

There are lots of great resources for information on the web, and sometimes it’s hard to sort through all of it. Hopefully, this article clarified the basics of image formats. If you have any questions, please leave a comment and I’ll be happy to help.

My location is the Newton Cultural Center, a very active spot with more than 20 artists.
Newton Cultural Center, 225 Nevada St. (1st floor), Newtonville, MA

Come visit and help make it a fun event! I’ll have new work on display.
Fans of my ASK Design FaceBook Page get a 20% discount,
starting NOW until the end of Open Studios (May 15).

To become a fan, go to my FaceBook page: http://www.facebook.com/ASKDesign

Even if you can’t come to the event, you still get the discount.
Become a fan and I’ll send you links to the sale pages on my website.

Crisp Kripalu Morning © 2010 Anne S. Katzeff  (pastel)  portil_0920

Check out these links:

Download a Printable Guide

My NOS Page

Newton Open Studios Home Page

Hope to see you!

Thank you, Anne

I began participating in Open Studios in 2006. There was a lot of preparation for that very first one. Attending other open studios helped get me started. Once I had certain items and processes in place, it got simpler. Here are my basic preparation steps:

Document Artwork

Spreadsheet — Keep track of your artwork with good documentation. I keep an Excel spreadsheet with information detailing name, art number, description, medium, surface, dimensions (art size and finished/matted size), frame color, price, hi-resolution scan, and date sold. I use another spreadsheet to document sales and exhibit submissions.

Scan or Photograph Artwork — The documentation should include a digital file of the art. I scan my own pieces.

Color correction — I do my own color corrections in Photoshop. If you do not have this capability, hire a professional who can do it for you. You’ll want an accurate digital file in case you want to reproduce the art.

Establish goals

Think about what you want to achieve from Open Studios. It is a great opportunity to show your art to a wide audience, gain exposure, and meet other artists. It’s fun and challenging to talk about your art, especially with strangers, but the rewards are wonderful. Your goals will help you make decisions about how much time and money you want to invest in the experience.

Select Artwork for Show

I make a list with the following info.:  (1) Name of piece and art number; (2) Art size; (3) Mat size; (4) Mat window size; (5) Frame color; (6) Price

Mat and Frame

I use acid-free, archival, museum-grade matboards, purchased in bulk from Dick Blick. The brand name is Crescent RagMat Matboard.

With pastels, it’s important to include “spacers” between the artwork and the mat, so that the pastel which inevitably falls from the painting will not smudge the front side of the mat. I cut 1/4″ wide spacers out of matboard (to match the height and width of the window) and attach them on the back side of the mat window with gummed linen hinging tape.

Many art buyers prefer to get their own frames, so all of my frames are standard gold or silver metal, purchased from http://www.pictureframes.com/. These attractive frames are simple, functional, and low-cost. They unify all of the pieces. I buy my glass locally, from Artist & Craftsman Supply (580 Massachusetts Ave.; Cambridge, MA 02139).

Create Layout for Art

In order to make sure that my hung pieces will fit in the given space, I create a layout for the hung pieces. When it’s time to set up the exhibit space, I know exactly where I will put everything.

Use Display Devices

© 2010 Paul Marotta (Anne at Arlington Open Studios 2010)

If you don’t have a wall on which to hang the art, you’ll need a display unit.
There are plenty of options online. My brother built one for me out of lattice. I use “S” hooks to hang the art onto the lattice.

There are other display methods to
consider for items that don’t hang.
When I attend Open Studios, I love
seeing the creative ways people show their work. Here’s what I use:

Notecards/postcards — free-standing metal card rack

Giclees — print rack

Publicize

Let people know about the event at least 1 month ahead of the event date(s). Create a mailing list for both snail mail and email. Mail out any printed guides that are provided to you by the event group. Email notices that are provided by the event group and/or designed by you. Use other social media, such as FaceBook and Twitter.

Bring to the Event

Business cards and postcards — Have plenty of business cards to hand out to visitors. Postcards are an excellent give-away to remind people of your art.

Price List of Framed Work — Anything that is hung on the wall is assigned a number for cross-referencing with the price list. I put the list up on the wall near the art, and I also put copies of it on a table.

Artist Statement — I post my artist statement prominently on the wall near the art. People love to read it, because it offers them insight into who you are and how you view yourself and your art.

Notebook — I use a small notebook for my sales records, as well as an easy place to jot down notes and ideas.

Red Dots — Small red dots get put onto of sold art. You can find red dot stickers at any office supply store.

Sales Receipts & Calculator — It’s good business etiquette to offer a receipt. I use the 3-11/32″x7-3/16″ sales book, found any any office supply store. The calculator makes it easy to add items and determine sales tax. Yes, I charge sales tax (6.25% in Mass.) on the list price.

Signs and Price Tags — Everything should be easily identified by the visitor. Let them know whether a piece is original art or a giclee. Prices should be visible and easy to understand.

Cash Box — My cash box is relatively small, but it has enough space for coins and bills. It has a lock. I hide it in a secure, yet accessible space. I’m trying something new this year that will enable me to take credit card payments. It’s a small device called The Square that plugs into an iPhone (3G, 3GS, and 4), iPad (all), iPod Touch (2nd generation or later) or Android.

Flowers — Warm and inviting and attractive.

Food and Water – for yourself, to keep nourished and hydrated!

Post-Event

Celebrate! Treat yourself to a nice dinner with friends. Talk about the highlights and lowlights, and get feedback.

Send Thank-You notes to everyone who came or sent good wishes.

Deliver the sold art to the buyers.

Decompress!

My next Open Studios

Newton Open Studios

When:
May 14 – 15, 2011
11am – 5pm

Where:
Newton Cultural Center
225 Nevada St., 1st floor
Newtonville, MA
Full details on my calendar page.

What tips would you like to share?

1. My mother, Louise, of course! She’s been a great role model throughout my life. She taught me how to stand on my own 2 feet, think for myself, and stay organized. I also continue to learn a lot about love and life from her.
2. Sojourner Truth — Born into slavery as Isabella Baumfree, she changed her name (what a great name!) after Emancipation and began speaking about women’s suffrage. Her most famous speech, “Ain’t I a Woman?” is one of the most powerful oratories I’ve ever heard. Here’s a fantastic YouTube video of Alice Walker reading “Ain’t I a Woman?”
3. Women in the French Resistance (WWII) — Those brave women were part of a large collection of people who fought against the Nazi occupation of France. I have a particular affinity for these women because I am Jewish and my maternal grandfather was French.
4. Oprah Winfrey — I’m inspired by so many of the stories she has given to the world and the journey she has shared with us.
5. Ellen DeGeneres — I love how Ellen makes us laugh and think simultaneously.
6. Paula Scher — Her graphic design concepts and solutions inspire me.
7. Elizabeth Mowry — This pastel landscape painter’s palette and techniques captivate my imagination.
8. Laura Riegelhaupt, my painting buddy — Sharing a learning path with a friend and growing as artists together is very special, but with Laura it was more than that. While living with breast cancer, Laura continued to be creative in whatever ways her body would allow. She would knit or paint, even when the pain was excruciating. She was also one of the kindest and most gentle souls I’ve ever known. Sadly, she passed away last year, but I will forever be inspired by her creative drive.

Tell us which 8 women have most inspired you?

There are so many great graphic design books in the world! My top 9 are those that I consider to be must-haves. Some are terrific introductions to the field, while others are wonderful life-long references.

The Elements of Typographic Style, by Robert Bringhurst

This is a comprehensive book that should be on every designer’s shelf. An expert typographer and an eloquent writer, Bringhurst has given us a gift that Herman Zapf hopes will become the “Typographers’ Bible.” Bringhurst’s language is refreshing, intelligent, and poetic. This book is also on my list of Top 10 Typography Books.

Handbook of Pricing & Ethical Guidelines, by Graphic Artist Guild

I rely on this book as my guide for industry standards in pricing and ethics. There is valuable information on copyright and other legalities, negotiation and contracts, and how the web impacts our design world. You will find many useful business forms at the end of the book: estimates, invoices, contracts, etc..

Pocket Pal, by International Paper Company

Dog-earred from my referencing over the past 15 years, this handbook is THE go-to guide for graphic arts production. There is a concise history of printing, in addition to major sections on printing processes, color theory and mechanics, imaging, art and text preparation, photography, and electronic pre-press.

The Elements of Color, by Johannes Itten

A condensed version of Itten’s larger work, “The Art of Color”, this is the best introduction to color theory. A bookshelf without Itten is incomplete.

The Universal Traveler, by Don Koberg, Jim Bagnall

This book is a systematic guide to the creative process, rich with tools, techniques, and principles that work. It has become the underlying foundation to the design classes that I teach, as well as the design problems that I solve. The confident tone is balanced with humor and low-tech edginess.

A History of Graphic Design, by Phillip Meggs

There’s a lot of history to cover when you’re talking about graphic design. Meggs covers it all in this comprehensive text: the invention of writing and alphabets, medieval manuscripts, origins of printing and typography, various “eras” of design (Renaissance, Arts & Crafts, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Modern, Postmodern), and the digital age.

A Designer’s Art, by Paul Rand

I’m fascinated and inspired by other designers’ process. Rand was one of the
best American designers of all time, and has left an incredible legacy for us to
treasure. As Bringhurst has said, “Consult the ancestors.” Learn from Rand and
be inspired.

The Non-Designer’s Design Book, by Robin Williams

This book is a concise and clear explanation of the essential principles of graphic design: CRAP (Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, Proximity). I use it to augment what I teach in my Intro. to Graphic Design classes. By focusing on those essentials, students build a solid foundation of understanding what makes a design solution work.

Principles of Form & Design, by Wucius Wong

A solid reference for 2-dimensional design, this book is particularly useful for vector art and logo development.

——————————————

Now it’s your turn!

I’d love to hear what your favorites are. What would you add to this list to make it the “Top 10″? Thanks very much!