Class Review

1.

• Design and functionality of Artist's Professional Resources (Website, Business Card, etc.)
• Info on online resources (Blurb, Wordpress, etc.)
• Tutorials of Adobe programs
• Thoughtful review of designs, etc.
• Info on printing services

2.

• The Business card design and printing section
• Website design section

3.

• Heavier focus on website, business card, post card, etc. 
• Less focus on brand mark/logo
• More focus on programs and how to utilize them (what they're good for, etc.)

4.

        Functionality of Website and business cards

5.

       Example designs and existing ceramic artists' websites and business card were the most influential in my outcome this semester as knowing what is successful and viewed as "professional" in the ceramic craftsman's arsenal shows what to do and what not to do. Large, full bleed images of work, complementary colors, and simple text are used in many ceramic artists' websites and promotional materials. 

6.

• Advantages: The introduction to many online and printing resources was probably the most valuable part of this class for me, as those sorts of things are not often shared or taught. Along side this, the information on design and functionality (as ive previously mentioned) is very highly valuable. 
• Disadvantages: Some of the time spent producing a brand mark/logo seemed like a bit of a waste of time. For many artists I'm sure it's valuable, however for me, it was a little extraneous. It didn't seem like we spent enough time working on developing a great websites within the class - like we did the business cards - and I would have both enjoyed and appreciated that.

Revised Business Card Sketch

Business Card Sketches

1

2

3

Business Card Designs

 I am gravitating towards business card designs that are informative, simplistic but well designed and realistically affordable. A standard in ceramic artist business cards is to present your work (photograph) on one side and your information on the other.

I prefer round edged cards as they do no deteriorate as quickly as sharp edged cards - in wallets, pockets, etc. This allows my card to appear "crisp" longer, and i want my professional depiction to be crisp not deteriorated.

 

The idea of having cards with various images of my work on them is intriguing so that a small amount of special-ness is created between me and my audience. However the back side of these cards is a bit too bland for my tastes



Although the vertical design doesn't quite fit the photographs of my work, the graphic breaks between images is another way to approach showing my audience more of my work on a 3.5''x 2'' card. The available space for text however causes the type to be very small - not just well-seeing people buy pots.

Continuing with the photograph/info setup. This card however is too cramped on the front and similarly to the second design shown is too empty on the back side.

Opposed to the photograph/info template, this card is enjoyably clean - However it really doesn't give any indication to the quality of the artist or her artwork. For that reason, this sort of design is most likely not something I'd employ.

This card is interesting simply for its folded design. A folded card that is 3.5''x 4'' would allow for more depiction of my work while not shrinking my information. The added layer could also be used to employ a window of some kind.

Elise's Website

In general Elise's website is clean and functional. However, as previously mentioned, it is very much a square space website. As Elise's work aims to reintroduce the human aspect into weaving, I don't think an inherently computer generated website (highly gridded, stark, empty) positively accompanies her work. Along side this, the presence of her as the artist is also very void - even the about page only has pictures of her work.

The purpose of Elise's portfolio site seems to that of any other, to give a location for people to find, see, and learn about her work. This site does do that - Elise aligns all of her work with information about it. Her photos are also very nice and aids in her (apparent) purpose of presenting her work.

My only gripe about the functionality of the sight itself is the "home" button as it take you back to the welcome page (which contains no valuable information.

The Book Response

ImportantNew Aspects of a Resume as Outlined in The Book

• The order of given materials (I prefer Chronological)
• How the resume changes based on employer or professional experience
• Ensuring the use of action words in experience descriptors
• The quality of paper stock - I did not think about this
• Use of only one page to prevent information overload
• 1/2 - 2/3 text/page coverage

Self-Evaluation

Throughout the first half of the semester, my presence online has grown. What presence I did have before this class has improved (my website looks better), and I've begun documenting and posting my studio onto Instagram through a "professional" account to develop how I am seen as an artist. I've also learned what I like in a website builder (and what I don't) as well as what is, in my opinion, the best free website builder. I have also revamped my technical info/ceramic blog to keep a uniform design between all of my sites (of which, most of what I'm created this semester will be deleted). I'd rather not have my name connected to a site that I do not plan to maintain, often because I will not reach my desired audience That said, I've been shown multiple sites I plan to utilize in the near future/continue to utilize. That has been the most helpful part of this course - the showing of multiple online resources.

However, that said the requirement to sign up for many of the resources is a negative of the course. I want one artist website, one artist blog, accounts to the popular social sites, all cohesive design wise. I also want to spend time on creating an effective business card and the many ways of printing them. I'd also like to spend time focusing on one website and what it takes to make it as perfect as possible. That time could be taken from the production of a personal icon as for many artists, simply having an effective type face spelling your name (and possibly a sub title/header) is more than sufficient. As I'm not trying to make a brand it the same idea of a store or restaurant, I don't need a "logo"/"icon". 

Class Positives:

• information on an artist's online presence
• exposure to online resources/sites
• education on typefaces

Class Negatives:

• unneeded sign-up to redundant sites
• required icon (however, I understand the concept of this)

Personal Achievements:

• Improved website
• knowledge of typefaces
• knowledge of online resources
• increased sense of online design

Personal Short-Falls:

• lack of portfolio images
• uninterested in redundant web hosting services
• name connections to "dead-end" sites

Site Map

Images of Work

Colored Headers

Headers

With my header I'm trying to express quality, skill, professionalism, and geometry. I want a simple, yet classy looking header. Many of my font experiments are mixes of Serif and Sans Serif. I did this so that the title and subtitle have visual hierarchy. 

Inventory of Work

Images

Drip Cup Set:
     Cups (each): 2.5" x 2.5" x 5"
     Cone 04 Oxidation, Terracotta

Porcelain/Stoneware Plate Setting:
     Plate: 10" x 3" x .5"
     Bowl: 4" x 4" x 3.5"
     Cup: 3" x 3" x 3.5"
     Cone 10 Reduction
     Stoneware, Porcelain, Nichrome Wire

Porcelain/Stoneware Teaset:
     Plate: 10" x 3" x .5"
     Teapot: 8" x 3" x 7"
     Teacups (each): 1.25" x 1.25" x 2.25"
     Cone 10 Reduction
     Stoneware, Porcelain, Nichrome Wire

After (1):
     Platter: 22" x 22" x 2.5"
     Cone 04 Oxidation, Terracotta, Iron Decals

After (2):
     Platter: 22" x 22" x 2.5"
     Cone 04 Oxidation, Terracotta, Iron Decals

After (3):
     Platter: 22" x 22" x 2.5"
     Cone 04 Oxidation, Terracotta, Iron Decals

The Brand Called You: Response

As large companies have taken the center stage it seems to be getting harder and harder to have a name brand out there that people will respect - I can't have the same product a large company can. In the article though, they say that it is possible for anyone who wants to be seen to be. I'm not sure I necessarily agree. I think a large part of public awareness of a brand is due to luck - thats not to say that I think you'll get there solely on luck.
Gaining a loyal "customer" base for an artistic brand is hard, regardless of incredible branding, presence, and availably. It seems that much of a loyal base is constructed via personal interaction with people who visit a gallery show, etc. However, I do think having those distinctive and different aspect in your brand, compared to others, is vital. Similar to art itself, repeating a similar brand as another's is not only boring, but repulsive to many consumers.
Difference, communication, and awareness - integral to personal branding.

Font Exploration

Descriptive Words

Worker
Prideful
Skinny
Determined
Persistant
Resistant
Open
Caring
Rough
Dirty
Gritty
Dusty
Thoughtful
Playful
Cynical
Critical
Tall
Lanky
Wishful
Helpful
Intelligent
Skilled
Flawed
Divided
Giving
Developed
Optimistic
Bright
Bold
Extroverted
Welcoming
Kind
Serious

Artist Statement

     My work attempts to juxtapose the different forming methods and materials used in ceramic art. Using the same techniques employed in factory made dinnerware and in handmade one of a kind objects allows for a wide range of possibilities. The contrast between materials and the surfaces that they take on from the way they are formed parallels the historical hierarchy of those materials.
    I create these pots by incorporating many areas used in the vast field of ceramics to explore what is possible for the studio artist. By not restricting myself to one forming method or type of clay more can be accomplished. Ultimately, I aim to widen the range of possibilities of what can be produced consistently and repeatedly. The various clay bodies are combined via a process called "glaze gluing". By attaching separate parts during the final firing, my range of clays is increased because shrinkage is much less an issue.
     My goal is simply to create unique and interesting pieces of functional pottery, while exploring the realm of ceramic arts and testing new techniques - whether new entirely or combined from past techniques.

About My Work

     Much like putting two contrasting colors together brightens them, my work uses the different contexts and aesthetics of contrasting clay bodies, surfaces, and processes to highlight various aspects of each. Conceptually and chemically stoneware and porcelain are wildly different - yet both have equal quality. The use of different processes, such as press molding and slip casting, and various surfaces, glazes and raw, allows me to develop the differences between clays even more. 

     My work's design centers around aspects of architecture. Archways, flying buttresses, and foundations as well as building materials like lumber, I-Beams, and metal sheeting all influence the design of my ceramic pottery. Using Nichrome wire imbedded in the clay, I can achieve architectural aspects that would otherwise be unobtainable through clay.

     Along side concept and design, experimentation a material testing play an integral part in my work. Developing testing formats and formulation clays and glazes allows me complete control over my work. 

     While my work utilizes various aspects of clay, it focuses on the idea of functionality. Questions such as the definition of a handle or lid, as well as what aspects of those can be or should be altered. Could merging a trivet to the base of a tea cup to keep heat off or furniture? Must a handle be on the side of a cup?

Online Presence

Project Goals:

1. Create a fully functioning, complete, and elegantly designed artist website
2. Develop a knowledge base on how to approach the web as an artist
3. Gain experience with self promotion (digital and print)
4. Find a personal design base and develop a "brand"

Desired Accomplishments:

1. A complete website
2. A complete portfolio book
3. A finalized Business Card

Target Audience:

     The desired audience for my website and branding would be anyone interest in the ceramic arts, either as a consumer or collector or as an artist themselves. I want my presence to be easily found and easily accessible to anyone who may or may not know what they are looking for.

Desired Expression:

     I want to express in my portfolio a high level of expertise and skill in the ceramic medium. In regards to my website I want to express a high level of professionalism - however I want to be approachable (emailable).

Organization:

     Organization of the website and portfolio should be intuitive and user friendly, while looking sophisticated. Information regarding each particular work should be available in conjunction with the work.

Blog Specs

Fonts:
Page Text: Gruppo - 15px - bold
Header: Syncopate - 36px - bold
Tabs: Gruppo - 15px - bold
Post Titles: Syncopate - 15px - bold

Hex Colors:
Outer Background: Transparent
Post Background: #ffffff
Header Background: #19e3ff
Page Text: #000000

Biography

Slip cast porcelain and Press molded stoneware Teaset

    Michael Cerv is a functional ceramic potter currently enrolled in the Kansas City Art Institute Ceramics program. Cerv's work focuses on developing contrast through different clays, processes, and surfaces. Ceramics has given Cerv the freedom to experiment while also producing wares that ware easily sellable. Cerv also uses 3-D modeling and digital drawing to produce designs and decoration for his work using programs such as Rhino, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop.

    Cerv strives to become a figure known for his knowledge of ceramic materials, through experimentation, and an educator in the field. Cerv wishes to share the joy ceramics has given to him through by education others. He actively teaches kids wheel throwing classes alongside attending school.