October: Challenges

October is always bittersweet for me. It marks the true beginning of fall, but also marks the last three months of the year. This brings on excitement and sadness. Excitement that the holiday season is coming and that means hot chocolate or apple cider, warm dinners with family and friends and wearing layers upon layers (fall/winter clothes are so much cuter). However, this also means that the year is quickly ending and it just never feels like there was enough time to get everything done. Instead of looking at the last 9 months too critically and being too down on myself for all the things I didn't get to do, I'm going to look to October as an opportunity to tackle some challenges.

I've moved a few times in the past 3 years that I've been living here in Orange County and each time I've moved, the heaviest and most precious things to me have been my books and cameras. I have collected a variety of design books like it was my job (one day!) and although I pour over those pages diligently, I haven't pushed myself to try projects from these. So as I was taking my morning walk, I decided I needed to do those projects to push myself in designing and learn more.

The book I am choosing to work from is a packaging design book that my friend Erin had given me when I told her I was serious about doing graphic design and focusing on packaging design. In it there are photos of the finish package and then a template to work from to design your own package. For this month, I will take a pattern and put my own design in to create a finished product. As soon as I can photograph the book, I will post it right away for you to see what book I am working from.

My second challenge to myself this month is to begin creating my 2012 calendar. Four years ago I bought clear CD cases with ambitions of creating calendars for all my family and friends. Sadly, they have sat on my bookshelf at home in San Jose collecting dust. So, this month, I will start working on concept and layout everyday and hopefully by the end of November I will have a calendar to print and give as gifts.

Posting these two challenges online will help me stay accountable. I'm looking forward to doing other work besides school projects which can help with my portfolio in the long run.

Here's to a great fall with brown riding boots, hot chocolate, dark orange and early mornings at the computer and drafting table.

Happy Fall!