GDC Digital imaging

The new blog

gdcdigital — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:08:10 +0000

My original idea was to keep a blog that would cover my personal experiences along with student work while teaching at Bismarck State College.

The other BSC Graphic Design and Communications staff and I decided to put together a blog that covers the entire program, so this site won’t be regularly updated.

You can find the new blog at http://gdc.bscblogs.org/.

Food

gdcdigital — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:29:40 +0000

I’m really enjoying my first days in the Graphic Design and Communications Department. Last week, and again during some HR training, I have eaten across the street at the snack bar. I am happy to report that the food is excellent. The old cliches about campus food don’t fit here – I love it.

Clock watching

gdcdigital — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:32:42 +0000

I’m surprised to see so many clocks on campus. I suppose it’s logical, students and faculty need to keep an eye on when classes start and end. They seem to be well synchronized as well, a testament to the timekeeper.

I took photos of several of the clocks in the Graphic Design and Communications Department and around the Votech Center at Bismarck State College.

This clock still has the old logo.

In my office

The paper in the clock has warped for some reason and the minute hand appears to drag across it leaving a skid mark.

Classrooms have rectangular clocks.

The clock on my Mac continues to tic into the future.

Dali's clock is in the building too.

Self Portrait

gdcdigital — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:53:31 +0000

I’ve always thought self portraits are interesting pieces of art. I assume they are frustrating pieces to create, we all see our selves one way, but in reality most people miss those tiny details we all obsess over.

My new computer has a tiny camera built into the top that takes tiny photos – just 640 pixels by 480 pixels. The images are a little grainy, but it is an amazing tool.

I decided to make the cameras first piece of art be a self – portrait. Armed with a hand mirror I wiggles until I was not in the photo and most of the computer was. Luckily, the computer seems to be fine with the photo.

Self Portrait of the computer.

The tour

gdcdigital — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:05:12 +0000

The department appears a little sterile right now. The halls are spotless and the walls are clutter-free. The rooms are quiet and the lights are off, but that will change in a couple weeks. The photos below give a little insight into what the Graphic Design and Communications Department at Bismarck State College looks like.

Mac Lab in the Graphic Design and Communications Departmenet at BSC

The production area has changed a little bit since I went through this program about 19 years ago. At one time this space housed a small press as well as more area to do the physical, rather than digital, work.

Production area

One thing that hasn’t changed much is the crusty looking spray booth. It’s covered with remnants of glue from mounting projects with spray glue. The frosted monster keeps glue particles out of lungs and away from surrounding surfaces.

Spray booth

Around the corner is another Mac Lab. The tower-style Macs have a more industrial fee.

Another Mac lab in the Graphic Design and Communications Department at BSC

I’m new here and I still have a few questions that need to be answered. I’m interested in know why there is a package of sandpaper in the Mac lab.

Sandpaper?

My new home is yet to be labeled. The name beside the door is all business, although it does not completely fit my personality.

My name is Production.

A look inside my office. I’m getting more settled in and soon it will feel like a second home. Luckily I have great neighbors. I’m hoping the giant printer is able to find a new home at some point.

Office in the Graphic Design Department at BSC.

One good sign in the department is the dirty keyboard. Most of the world would probably see it differently, but to me that dirt shows that they have been used.

Dirty keys are a good sign.

Last, but not least, here I am in my office – a self portrait with Photobooth.

Jason.

The end of one career and the beginning of another

gdcdigital — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 03:24:45 +0000

After more than a dozen years at the Bismarck Tribune and four years with a the twice-weekly Dakota Student, it was time for a change.

That change came in the form of a move to Bismarck State College to teach students about photography and the use of Photoshop. I look forward to learning along with the students.