amelia ruzek's portfolio
DESCRIPTION
a graphic design portfolioTRANSCRIPT
The Arbitrary Magazine design was a se l f directed study completed in a graphic design class. While its focus is typography, the design also features elements of my illustration style. The front cover especially spotlights my natural whimsical drawing play. As the title of the magazine suggests, the project purposefully pulled together fairly arbitrary elements into a careful and detailed design. In that way, this piece is ironic, however what is important in this particular piece is that the design concept is matching the content. I learned from this project that I thoroughly enjoy working on an experimental, unconventional design aesthetic.
StrangeSt StorieSof 2012!
Holiday gift guide!for writerS and artiStS
a r b i -t r a r y
art and literary magazine
A
rbitrary Decem
ber 2012 $9.95
A
Publication Of Th
e national Art O
rganization
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w.arbitrarym
agazine.com
wHen your Brain fadeStipS for creativity!
MuskoxAuthor: Anonymous
Author : Anonymous
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Concept: ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
15% quality writing
25% terrible writing
60% just plain hilarious
Plot Synopsis:
A poor young Middle Eastern farm girl with an American southern accent growing up somewhere in the Arctic Circle longs to go to “the city” (a place resembling 19th century Bangladesh.) Almost as soon as she arrives, she is kidnapped by a group of traveling anthropologists intent on studying her unique cultural disposition. Together with her trusty muskox, she must escape back into the rural countryside.
Oh muskox oh muskox how your furry hair glistens it is brown to match your eyes the eyes of a thousand years past. Oh muskox oh muskox the cool wind bloweth you are a part of the earth as solid as the dirt beneath. You chew on that grass. Yes you chew…
“Williko!! Stop that writin and get yerself over here you’ve got milkin to do young lady.”She found me. Ugh.“But Mijim, I just…”“What is this? You think you are a poet? A writer? Better spend yer time doing useful things out here we have no time for this nonsense you hear? Get yerself oer to the youngin ox there. Looks like he needs some help getting milk. And I don’t want to see you with that pens and paper no more. You have work to do.” “Yes ma’am.”Did she always have to stop me… right when I was in the middle.
Mijim motioned for me to follow her into the open fields where the muskox grazed.“Out here, you should be greatful. Some folks are havin to move to the city in these rough times. We should be thankful. The city… ha ha… you knows that I went there few weeks back with Al’Heim whens we went to trade the furs and such. Well there were people packed so tight like the grass we were bumping into each other every other second and the noise! It’s so loud, I would’n be surprised if I lost half my hearing that day.” “Can’t be that bad.” I muttered. “An whys that Miss knowitall”“Cuz then why would the city folks be the city folks? Theres stuff out there Mijim. Like writin’ and music. You see Kifar?”Her face got all screwed up as she squinted towards the other huts. “Little Kifar? Whats he got to do with this?”“Every Sunday his mama rides the pony to the city sos he gets his music lesson. You know that?”“Is that so…well you aint getting no music lesson, Kifar is little, but you have hands to work, to milk, you aint no musician Liko.”“I guess….”
“Whats wrong.” She said rolling her eyes. “Whyd you have to be so hard on me Mijim? Since mama died you …”“Since mama died I’ve had to do my best. I’m goin back to the hut, you can finish the milkin without me.” She turned towards the hut. “Yes’m, wait… Mijim?“What.”“You thinkin maybe I could go to the city sometime?”Mijim let out long sigh and glanced toward the hut and back towards me. “I’ll talk to Al’Heim.” She walked back to the hut. “Mijim?”She turned and glared. “Thanks.” I said.“Whatever.”Mijim isn’t so bad. She’s jus bein responsible. Hell, if I aint had no big sister to boss me, I dunno who’d I be right now. Probly like those Tiko boys that don’t do nothing but sit on there butts watching a box all day. Least that’s what Al’Heim says anyways. Says them boys are white as the snow too. Imagine that havin skin like the clouds. Probably pretty ugly. “come on YiYi”
I whispered to the ox. Shes a sweety. Sometimes I think she understand me. Her eyes’ll get all big like she wants a hug. And boy she loves her calves. When her baby fell into a Ermine hole she groaned and groaned right next to him. Then we had to pull him up and it was lucky it was only a sprained leg. If he’d been strugglin more he might have broke it. I carried the metal bucket back to the hut. Al’Heim was sittin crosslegged on some furs while Mijim was puttin the boil on to cook. While she cut some strips of meat. “Mijim says you want to go to the city” Al’heim talked slowly, his wrinkled old hands picked up a cup of tea on the low table. I sat across from him. “I really do. Can I please?”Al’heim looked passed me while his mind went to some other place, then he looked back at me.
“Why you want to go, Williko?”“To see everythin.” I said “The adventure, the crowds, an whys Mijim always gettin to go?”Al’heim chuckled. “And what if yer disappointed?”“then a’ least I’ll know.”“ok… Mijim, get the pony saddled.”My eyes widened.“We’re goin today?”“yep, we need some things from the city. Yuntu is coming with us.”Mijim suddenly looked like she was gunna be sick, then dropped some meat dumplings that barely made it on the plate. “Eat up, Liko, you have a big journey ahead,” she said, then still with a weird look, she almost ran out to the stables to get my pony ready. I am goin to the city!!! I’m goin to the city!!My heart pounded fast. Yuntu came into the hut. He was only a little older than Mijim. Sometimes I think he likes my sister. He’ll look at her and smile. I think it’s crazy whoever would like that bossy girl. Yuntu’s a quiet but I think he’s Al’heims favorite. Whenever the village comes together, Al’heim will tell the others
art by Amelia Ruzek
“Since mama died I’ve had to do my best. I’m going back to the hut; you can finish the milking without me.”
Stra
nges
t St
orie
s of
2012
Stra
nges
t St
orie
s of
2012
Editor’s NoteWhat’s most intriguing about “Muskox” is the ambiguity surrounding the author’s intentions. Was this story written for humor or as a statement on the nature of an evergrowing attention to ethnicity? Perhaps both?
Arbitrary December 2012 Arbitrary December 20125 6
MuskoxAuthor: Anonymous
Author : Anonymous
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Concept: ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
15% quality writing
25% terrible writing
60% just plain hilarious
Plot Synopsis:
A poor young Middle Eastern farm girl with an American southern accent growing up somewhere in the Arctic Circle longs to go to “the city” (a place resembling 19th century Bangladesh.) Almost as soon as she arrives, she is kidnapped by a group of traveling anthropologists intent on studying her unique cultural disposition. Together with her trusty muskox, she must escape back into the rural countryside.
Oh muskox oh muskox how your furry hair glistens it is brown to match your eyes the eyes of a thousand years past. Oh muskox oh muskox the cool wind bloweth you are a part of the earth as solid as the dirt beneath. You chew on that grass. Yes you chew…
“Williko!! Stop that writin and get yerself over here you’ve got milkin to do young lady.”She found me. Ugh.“But Mijim, I just…”“What is this? You think you are a poet? A writer? Better spend yer time doing useful things out here we have no time for this nonsense you hear? Get yerself oer to the youngin ox there. Looks like he needs some help getting milk. And I don’t want to see you with that pens and paper no more. You have work to do.” “Yes ma’am.”Did she always have to stop me… right when I was in the middle.
Mijim motioned for me to follow her into the open fields where the muskox grazed.“Out here, you should be greatful. Some folks are havin to move to the city in these rough times. We should be thankful. The city… ha ha… you knows that I went there few weeks back with Al’Heim whens we went to trade the furs and such. Well there were people packed so tight like the grass we were bumping into each other every other second and the noise! It’s so loud, I would’n be surprised if I lost half my hearing that day.” “Can’t be that bad.” I muttered. “An whys that Miss knowitall”“Cuz then why would the city folks be the city folks? Theres stuff out there Mijim. Like writin’ and music. You see Kifar?”Her face got all screwed up as she squinted towards the other huts. “Little Kifar? Whats he got to do with this?”“Every Sunday his mama rides the pony to the city sos he gets his music lesson. You know that?”“Is that so…well you aint getting no music lesson, Kifar is little, but you have hands to work, to milk, you aint no musician Liko.”“I guess….”
“Whats wrong.” She said rolling her eyes. “Whyd you have to be so hard on me Mijim? Since mama died you …”“Since mama died I’ve had to do my best. I’m goin back to the hut, you can finish the milkin without me.” She turned towards the hut. “Yes’m, wait… Mijim?“What.”“You thinkin maybe I could go to the city sometime?”Mijim let out long sigh and glanced toward the hut and back towards me. “I’ll talk to Al’Heim.” She walked back to the hut. “Mijim?”She turned and glared. “Thanks.” I said.“Whatever.”Mijim isn’t so bad. She’s jus bein responsible. Hell, if I aint had no big sister to boss me, I dunno who’d I be right now. Probly like those Tiko boys that don’t do nothing but sit on there butts watching a box all day. Least that’s what Al’Heim says anyways. Says them boys are white as the snow too. Imagine that havin skin like the clouds. Probably pretty ugly. “come on YiYi”
I whispered to the ox. Shes a sweety. Sometimes I think she understand me. Her eyes’ll get all big like she wants a hug. And boy she loves her calves. When her baby fell into a Ermine hole she groaned and groaned right next to him. Then we had to pull him up and it was lucky it was only a sprained leg. If he’d been strugglin more he might have broke it. I carried the metal bucket back to the hut. Al’Heim was sittin crosslegged on some furs while Mijim was puttin the boil on to cook. While she cut some strips of meat. “Mijim says you want to go to the city” Al’heim talked slowly, his wrinkled old hands picked up a cup of tea on the low table. I sat across from him. “I really do. Can I please?”Al’heim looked passed me while his mind went to some other place, then he looked back at me.
“Why you want to go, Williko?”“To see everythin.” I said “The adventure, the crowds, an whys Mijim always gettin to go?”Al’heim chuckled. “And what if yer disappointed?”“then a’ least I’ll know.”“ok… Mijim, get the pony saddled.”My eyes widened.“We’re goin today?”“yep, we need some things from the city. Yuntu is coming with us.”Mijim suddenly looked like she was gunna be sick, then dropped some meat dumplings that barely made it on the plate. “Eat up, Liko, you have a big journey ahead,” she said, then still with a weird look, she almost ran out to the stables to get my pony ready. I am goin to the city!!! I’m goin to the city!!My heart pounded fast. Yuntu came into the hut. He was only a little older than Mijim. Sometimes I think he likes my sister. He’ll look at her and smile. I think it’s crazy whoever would like that bossy girl. Yuntu’s a quiet but I think he’s Al’heims favorite. Whenever the village comes together, Al’heim will tell the others
art by Amelia Ruzek
“Since mama died I’ve had to do my best. I’m going back to the hut; you can finish the milking without me.”
Stra
nges
t St
orie
s of
2012
Stra
nges
t St
orie
s of
2012
Editor’s NoteWhat’s most intriguing about “Muskox” is the ambiguity surrounding the author’s intentions. Was this story written for humor or as a statement on the nature of an evergrowing attention to ethnicity? Perhaps both?
Arbitrary December 2012 Arbitrary December 20125 6
In a typical week, how often do you feel drained of creativity? I would say three times a week. I feel like “I wish I could but I’m empty. So so empty.”
Maybe like um two out of every five times that I try to work. I’ll try to write something but I will feel very frustated and stressed.
Quite often. When it happens, I feel helpless and annoyed with myself.
Probably half the time. Creativity comes when it comes. You can’t rush it.
A lot. A lot. Honestly, I’m not creative.
Five times. I feel tired. It makes me feel tired.
How do you boost your creativity?
The best thing you can do for your cre-ativity is to take a nap. Ideas come faster when you’re totally relaxed. Just sleep.
I spend time by myself. Focus on things.
I try to sleep more, and shower. Shower. Shower! It lets the creative juices flow in new ways.
Listen to music. Also, find the right time of day. Some people are more creative in the mornings...others at night.
Try new things. Travel.
If you stare at something really long, you begin to think past what you see. Observe the world around you. There’s so much to see. Soak it in.
Read books. Cook. Distract yourself.
What sort of things make a person more creative?
Experiencing new things, talking to people, and learning about the world.
Be attentive to your surroundings. Enjoy art, and practice being creative.
No one is creative at first. They just fake it until they become it.
Good friends and Christmas music.
Travel. Travel. Travel. Observe the world.
Reading. Arts and crafts. Learning new tasks. Thinking about things differently.
You always need to think about new ways of doing things instead of old ways.
Is there a formula for creativity?
No! Creativity is about being different.
Some people will give you a list of ways to think about things creatively. For example: “Picture the object at a different scale or associated with another unrelated object.” But I think true creativity comes from within and doesn’t need guidlines to get started.
Creativity begins with an uncreative thought. After that it’s improvisation.
Yes. Sleep. More sleep = more creativity.
I don’t know. I think everyone comes across their own type of creativity in a different way. For some people there might be a formula, and for others there’s a more natural creative path.
Thanks to everyone for their questions and answers!
What are some ways to work through writers block?
When you have writers block, read. Read. Read. Even if you’re not writing well, jst write. Eventually you’ll find something, and just DO IT.
Force yourself to write something and you’ll have time to work on it later. It’s ok to take a break sometimes.
Give yourself time. Plan ahead knowing that some days you just won’t be able to write well. It will help to relieve some stress to know you’ve scheduled for un-creative days of nothingness.
Write down something. Change it later.
Take a break. Walk. Refresh your brain.
“The best thing you can do for your creativity is to take a nap. Ideas come faster when you’re totally relaxed. Just sleep.”
WHEN YOURBRAINFADES
Arbitrary December 2012 Arbitrary December 2012
TIp
s fo
r C
reat
ivity!
Last month we asked our readers to give each other tips for creativity! There was such a great response, and some of the best answers to the most common questions about creativity drought are featured below!
37 38
In a typical week, how often do you feel drained of creativity? I would say three times a week. I feel like “I wish I could but I’m empty. So so empty.”
Maybe like um two out of every five times that I try to work. I’ll try to write something but I will feel very frustated and stressed.
Quite often. When it happens, I feel helpless and annoyed with myself.
Probably half the time. Creativity comes when it comes. You can’t rush it.
A lot. A lot. Honestly, I’m not creative.
Five times. I feel tired. It makes me feel tired.
How do you boost your creativity?
The best thing you can do for your cre-ativity is to take a nap. Ideas come faster when you’re totally relaxed. Just sleep.
I spend time by myself. Focus on things.
I try to sleep more, and shower. Shower. Shower! It lets the creative juices flow in new ways.
Listen to music. Also, find the right time of day. Some people are more creative in the mornings...others at night.
Try new things. Travel.
If you stare at something really long, you begin to think past what you see. Observe the world around you. There’s so much to see. Soak it in.
Read books. Cook. Distract yourself.
What sort of things make a person more creative?
Experiencing new things, talking to people, and learning about the world.
Be attentive to your surroundings. Enjoy art, and practice being creative.
No one is creative at first. They just fake it until they become it.
Good friends and Christmas music.
Travel. Travel. Travel. Observe the world.
Reading. Arts and crafts. Learning new tasks. Thinking about things differently.
You always need to think about new ways of doing things instead of old ways.
Is there a formula for creativity?
No! Creativity is about being different.
Some people will give you a list of ways to think about things creatively. For example: “Picture the object at a different scale or associated with another unrelated object.” But I think true creativity comes from within and doesn’t need guidlines to get started.
Creativity begins with an uncreative thought. After that it’s improvisation.
Yes. Sleep. More sleep = more creativity.
I don’t know. I think everyone comes across their own type of creativity in a different way. For some people there might be a formula, and for others there’s a more natural creative path.
Thanks to everyone for their questions and answers!
What are some ways to work through writers block?
When you have writers block, read. Read. Read. Even if you’re not writing well, jst write. Eventually you’ll find something, and just DO IT.
Force yourself to write something and you’ll have time to work on it later. It’s ok to take a break sometimes.
Give yourself time. Plan ahead knowing that some days you just won’t be able to write well. It will help to relieve some stress to know you’ve scheduled for un-creative days of nothingness.
Write down something. Change it later.
Take a break. Walk. Refresh your brain.
“The best thing you can do for your creativity is to take a nap. Ideas come faster when you’re totally relaxed. Just sleep.”
WHEN YOURBRAINFADES
Arbitrary December 2012 Arbitrary December 2012
TIp
s fo
r C
reat
ivity!
Last month we asked our readers to give each other tips for creativity! There was such a great response, and some of the best answers to the most common questions about creativity drought are featured below!
37 38
The Vesi project was completed in an introductory graphic design class. My “client” was a bottled water company. I began the process by choosing a name for the company. Vesi is the Finish word for water. From there I designed a logo mark that takes the form of both water and swimmer. I worked on making a fluid design that would match the feel of the product. The letterhead, business card, and envelope feature a blue and white design that speaks to the purity and simplicity of water. The website also draws on these ideas, unifying the product and its design. This project taught me both the difficulty and beauty of a cohesive design.
Continuing The Journey Left Behind is a mixed media piece that incorporates paper, string, paint, newspaper, screen, charcoal, and pencil. The dimensions are approximately 24 in x 24 in. It is about life, death, and generations of humanity–each leaving behind a legacy of values from which the young can learn. The two lines on the bottom left represent death when viewed vertically, but in this piece they are horizontal, bridging the newspaper obituaries and the lines of string mimicking wind over fields. The charcoal beneath the string represents the dust of the earth passing through. The circle in the top right is the circle of life. Within the circle is a reflective foil. When viewed properly, it serves as a mirror. The black lines on the edges represent time. While there is so much meaning behind this piece, its true beauty lies in its minimalistic style. This piece was inspired by the memory of my great grandmother.
Line is a marker drawing that was created in an introductory art class. Using the principles and elements of design I created a balanced and interesting composition. This project taught me to plan designs ahead of time to get the most desired results.
Meat Sandwich Magazine or Мясо Сандвич was very fun. This project was completed for a graphic design history class. The requirement was that I follow the design aesthetic of a famous graphic designer. I chose to follow in the footsteps of David Carson with this piece, but I toned itdown into something a bit different I think. The subject of an obscure subculture literary magazine along with a Carson[esque] style appealed to me because of the incredible freedom it gave me. In my opinion, the website carries a feeling of excitement, fun, and interest. Perhaps the most controversial design aspect is the use of baby pink. Besides the fact that it’s a spring issue teaming with articles celebrating the value of human life, that color pink is my favorite. Since I was the client as well as the designer, it suited my needs. From this project I learned quite a few basic technical skills that I’ll be able to utilize for my entire career.
This book is a computer-generated image using Maya software. Because it uses simple geometric forms, it was an accomplishment with ease. This project gave me confidence in my abilities.
The blue book cover was a self-directed project completed for an illustration class. After months of generating traditional work, I felt the need to explore abstract illustration. The book sarajevo blues is a very emotional book of poetry written about the former Yugoslavia. In this book cover I attempted to illustrate feelings of confusion, pain, and sadness as well as the act of wrting as a manifestation of these emotions. In a way these illustrations are multiple derivatives of reality. This is perhaps one of my favorite design pieces because it so beautifully melds art with design. ▶
▶
The Enida project was a self-directed study completed in a graphic design class. I chose to incorporate my unique design aesthetic into a young women’s apparel line. The name Enida was inspired by my middle name, Enid. As a logo, it represents the overarching feel of the brand—young, bohemian, earthy, and adventurous. Its branding continues within the tagsand website. In addition to the brown tones, I chose to incorporate a softer pink undertone inorder to capture a more feminine spirit in contrast to the harsh stenciled typography. From this project I’ve learned that a little extra customization of type, color, and texture can go a long way.