Week 8: Weekly Blog Post 4

 Jaiden O’Brien 

Sean Brennan 

FMX 210-3 

October 22, 2024 

 

As this class progresses and moves forward, I've had the chance to work on a project focused on creating a publication about the history of coffee. I learned to use Adobe InDesign effectively to design a project by following a comprehensive twenty-two-minute tutorial. I enjoyed experimenting with the various swatches and paragraph styles, as the tutorial provided a great explanation of these tools. This project enhanced my skills with key design tools and techniques, such as layout design, typography, and image integration. I also gained a deeper appreciation for accuracy and attention to detail, which allowed me to create visually compelling pages that convey information effectively. Additionally, I recognized the significance of storytelling in design by exploring captivating narratives into the visual elements. With this, I was able to develop a cohesive and engaging outcome. 

Beyond improving my technical skills in InDesign, this experience deepened my understanding of how design can enrich the reader's experience. Overall, this project has been a significant learning opportunity, blending technical knowledge, storytelling, and creativity, which is crucial to aspects of digital media. We also explored the difference between parent pages and regular pages. Changes made to a parent page impact all linked pages, which prompted me to consider how I want the foundation of my final project to be structured. This understanding enhanced my appreciation for typography in magazines and online materials, emphasizing that creating a layout to accommodate your assets demands significantly more planning than one might expect. 

Despite the valuable lessons I gained, I met several challenges while using Adobe InDesign. One of the main obstacles was mastering the software's complex features, especially concerning layout design and typography. I faced difficulties with text formatting and aligning elements, which initially hindered my progress. At times, being stuck made it challenging to move forward with the project, particularly when I couldn't resolve issues and had difficulty following the tutorial. I struggled with accessing photos, which made me realize the importance of ensuring that your assets are compatible before diving into a project. Another minor challenge I faced was retrieving text boxes that were hidden beneath the image layer. 

As it is only week eight of the semester, I recognize that I still have plenty of time to improve and tackle the challenges I’ve faced. With several weeks still ahead, I have the opportunity to refine my skills and become more comfortable with the tools I’m using. Each new assignment offers a chance to practice and build my confidence, which is crucial for my growth in this course. Furthermore, I want to embrace the learning process and acknowledge that challenges are a natural part of development. With each struggle, I have the chance to find specific areas where I can improve, whether it’s in layout design, typography, or integrating visuals. I’m excited to see how my skills will evolve over the rest of the semester, especially as I implement feedback and apply what I’ve learned in future projects. 

 

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