Graphic novelty

The first annual Informative Collaboration between Portland State’s Graphic Design Center and the Friends of Graphic Design took place in the form of a workshop Nov. 9. Within the walls of the Art Building that evening, 11 students gathered to learn, design and innovate.

Stephen Ebert, a senior and president of the Graphic Design Center, ran the workshop, which began with his demonstration on how to make a perfectly symmetrical shape in Adobe Illustrator, and move lines so that they’re in harmony with each other. He also played a slideshow, which showcased work from famous graphic designers.

“I’m really excited to see more art students using the workshop and using the facilities here,” Ebert said.

The collaboration between the center and Friends of Graphic Design produced a series of workshops called Useful Information, which was a response to the suggestions made by students at Party in the Park Blocks earlier this term.

The workshops have two goals: to inform graphic design students of all the resources they have available to use at PSU and to enhance student skills within graphic design. There will be three workshops winter and spring term of the 2011–12 school year; this term will have two.

“They are different workshops each time, and each is meant to build a little bit on the skills you already have,” Ebert said.

He encourages students who are sophomores and above to attend the workshops.

“They’re set up so that, if you miss a couple and you’d like to start getting up to speed, it would be easy,” he said.

Cailin Lomen, a post-baccalaureate student and a member of Friends of Graphic Design, attended the first workshop, which she described as “really laid back and welcoming.” She is excited for the second, which will be held Nov. 23.

Lomen emphasized the importance of knowing the different types of resources available to graphic design students.

“I like being involved with Friends of Graphic Design. It really creates a wonderful community and helps me see my peers as really valuable resources,” she said. “People know so much, and it’s great to be able to tap into classmates as learning resources.”

Priscilla Phitsanoukane, a junior and an advisory board member of Friends, said that the resources have expanded her sense of what graphic design is all about.

“It brings all of the design students together to go visit other studios, and it also exposes us to outside designers,” she said. “We get to Skype with really well known designers and ask them questions. It’s really interesting and gives us a new perspective.”

Stamp-making is Ebert’s forte and passion. So as part of the fall term graphic design workshops, he will teach participating students to making their own stamp. While the first workshop laid the foundation of stamp-design, the second will incorporate the hands-on experience.

On Wednesday, Nov. 23 from 5 to 6 p.m. students will learn how to use the laser and wood products in the Shattuck Hall Woodshop. The event will include a tour of the woodshop, in which students will learn about all of the materials and equipment they have at their disposal as burgeoning graphic designers.

For many students, this will be new information.

“I just tend to be inspired by what it is I’m thinking about at the particular time I’m doing a work, and it would be great to use the different resources to develop it,” Lomen said. “I knew there was a laser cutter, but I didn’t know how I was going to get to it. This workshop opened up that door.”

All of the workshops are open to anyone who would like to take their knowledge of graphic design to the next level.

“I encourage anyone who wants to learn more to show up to these because they will enhance your skills and maybe even teach you new ones,” Ebert said.

Lomen agrees.

“I think the workshops are a great idea,” she said. “I like stretching my legs, learning a lot outside the classroom and adding to my toolbox of knowledge.”