our family won a fighting fish. and i wanted to name it Fernandez. but my little brother wanted to name it fin. My little brother got his way and 2 weeks later the fish committed suicide buy jumping out of its bowl :P
our family won a fighting fish. and i wanted to name it Fernandez. but my little brother wanted to name it fin. My little brother got his way and 2 weeks later the fish committed suicide buy jumping out of its bowl :P
We had a fighting fish once too, who was nameless. He somehow managed to survived for like, 2-3 years...despite my brother accidently breaking a pen over of his fishing bowl (filling it with ink), and my dad trying to skew him with a fork while drunk
Guys, American Gods by Neil Gaiman is beyond awesome.
Go read Neverwhere... It's even better (IMO, at least).
Yeah, I'm going to pick it up as soon as my exams are over. I'm hearing great things about the Sandman comics too.
Even though I keep meaning to, I've never gotten around to reading them. I'm pretty sure my local library has the entire series, I should check them out some time.
I take it you offered comments regarding its artistic elements or design prompting him to respond with "it's cartooning, that doesn't apply"?
People might recall that someone stole my debit card details a while back- I've finally leapt through all the required hoops so hopefully my application will be processed successfully. I'm down a little under £200, and I sure as hell hope that I can get this over with soon.
i just had the best argument with a guy over why he shouldn't be using comic sans font on his portfolio
a little background info, he's head of production at a local animation studio and is starting up his own studio:
[Alexandria] says:
is the font that you're using on your site comic sans?
[Joel]says:
yes, why?
[Alexandria] says:
some people might find the fact that you're using comic sans unprofessional. it's like the hugest faux pas in the online art world to use that font
it's akin to using lens flare.
[Joel] says:
Hmm... I've had lots of compliments on the site. I needed something that was hand drawn looking but still legible.
[Alexandria] says:
there are tons of good custom fonts
[Alexandria] says:
there's like websites dedicated to making fun of comic sans
[Alexandria] says:
it's the most overused microsoft font in the industry, and was REALLY overused a few years back, then sort of just became the laughing stock of typography and web design
[Alexandria] says:
i'm just saying it'd probably be in your best interest to change that
[Joel] says:
... you think someone is going to judge my art based on my font? If so, they can bite me. LOL
[Alexandria] says:
no but they are going to judge your professionalism based on your portfolio
[Alexandria] says:
it's all about presentation
[Alexandria] says:
this site has good freeware comic lettering fonts: http://www.blambot.com/
[Joel] says:
exactly based on my portfolio ie: drawing.
[Alexandria] says:
you really think people only look at the art when looking at a portfolio?
[Alexandria] says:
don't they offer entire courses on portfolio presentation?
[Joel]says:
I'm assuming that's sarcasm... because when I get a portfolio in the mail, I don't care WHAT font the cover letter, or font is, same with a website. I go straight to the ART
[Joel] says:
As long as it's legible/easy to read.
[Alexandria] says:
no i'm being completely serious... you really think if someone just tossed a bunch of jpgs on a website with a bright pink background they'd stand the same chance as someone who actually took the time to provide a decent layout?
[Alexandria] says:
are you really arguing that portfolio presentation is unimportant? i find that really surprising as everyone else i've ever talked to in this industry stresses it's importance.
[Joel] says:
I'm talking about font, not layout.
[Alexandria] says:
font is part of layout
[Alexandria] says:
or is part of the whole package presentation, look i didn't mean to get you up in arms, i'm just kind of trying to offer up some constructive criticism
[Joel] says:
You're not seeing my point. If someone has a simple, straight forward site, great artwork, and they have used "god forbid" comic sans MS" I'm not going to dismiss their artwork.
[Alexandria] says:
when i see comic sans, it strikes me as unprofessional and sticks out like a sore thumb, i also know i'm not the only one who thinks that. i'm not saying people will dismiss your work, i'm saying people will notice
[Joel] says:
That's fine, I appreciate it, but I don't think my font choice is going to landsllide my entire website.
[Alexandria] says:
that's not at all what i was saying
[Alexandria] says:
it's not going to landslide it by any means, i'm just saying that people will notice it and given that it has a negative stigma, you're setting people up to think negatively about your web design even before they see the actual content. your work.
[Joel] says:
Well thanks for the heads up. I certainly hadn't heard it before. I usually get compliments on my site.
[Alexandria] says:
well sorry for offering up constructive criticism, i'm not one to give ass pats and i was under the impression that you were not one to accept them
[Alexandria] says:
but you seem pretty dismissive with the whole "i usually get compliments" thing, so i guess i was wrong?
[Joel] says:
I'm not expecting an apology, nor was I looking for an ass pat.
[Joel] says:
Constructive crits is what I expect when I share this kind of thing with another artist.
[Joel] says:
What I meant by usually getting compliments was that no one has ever complained about the font before, (not that I thought it would never happen or anything like that) I have actually received compliments on the font/presentation of my website.
[Alexandria] says:
yeah but from who?
[Alexandria] says:
and does it matter? i just pointed out the second link that comes up on google when one types "comic sans" as being a comic sans trashing website. and there are literally hundreds of them
[Alexandria] says:
it's like an internet joke, it's seriously like popping a lens flare on your photoshopped image
[Joel] says:
I guess what I'm saying is that I'm not worried about internet jokes.
[Alexandria] says:
lol you've totally not taken anything i've said today the right way
I can't do those sorts of conversations. I turn into a ranting juggernaut of rage and bloodlust- I can't form a single logical point.
It's worst when someone is trying to argue against evolution and for intelligent design with the same tired arguments. It happened when I saw the trailer for Ben Stein's new shitburger. I had to leave the room because I was about to send my fist through my computer screen.
Yeah, and is his art really that great that people will be compelled to overlook the font faux pas?
that's exactly the point i was trying to get across to him.
the first thing you see on his site is just a button that says "continue" in comic sans
i don't think he understands the magnitude of how bad comic sans font is, many potential clients would see that, and leave.
and really, the fact that he passes it off as just an internet joke is ridiculous. yes so it became an internet joke, but using comic sans will show to potential employers that you are out of touch with the online art community, and with the way things are going, that is not a good thing.
see i'm glad this happened, because he's made his way pretty far up in the industry as far as work in halifax goes, and he still has a terribly amateurish attitude towards taking criticism
he has a fancy bfa and another piece of paper for animation.
the internet taught me how to draw and i'm tough as nails and take every piece of criticism i get into consideration. i never make excuses and would never have such a piss poor attitude
this conversation was a prime example of why one does not need to have a fancy degree if one is really willing to push to succeed in this field, and just because you have a degree, doesn't make you perfect.
so basically, this conversation made me feel better about my future.
disclaimer: i'm not trashing on art school, if a person has the drive to get somewhere and the credentials to back them up, they're probably going to reach the top of the food chain much faster than i am.
My fiance laughed heartily at the use of comic sans MS and he's not even in the art business, he's in the science business. Apparantly, scientist using that font on presentations is just as hilarious. Shows how bad it really is.
disclaimer: i'm not trashing on art school, if a person has the drive to get somewhere and the credentials to back them up, they're probably going to reach the top of the food chain much faster than i am.
I've had a similar outlook on writing degrees for a long, long time. It's amazing how many people can work through college and still produce creative works with blatant issues, and, most notably, still lack the skin necessary to take a critique.
Another disclaimer: I know plenty of people with a degree who can write damn well. It's just that a degree isn't the guarantee some might think it to be.
disclaimer: i'm not trashing on art school, if a person has the drive to get somewhere and the credentials to back them up, they're probably going to reach the top of the food chain much faster than i am.
I've had a similar outlook on writing degrees for a long, long time. It's amazing how many people can work through college and still produce creative works with blatant issues, and, most notably, still lack the skin necessary to take a critique.
Another disclaimer: I know plenty of people with a degree who can write damn well. It's just that a degree isn't the guarantee some might think it to be.
i'm beginning to think it's becoming less and less of a guarantee as more and more people are being pushed through schools. seriously after my brief stint at centre for arts and tech, i realized that there are thousands of small animation and design schools out there looking to make money, so they will push these people through school who are absolutely terrible, further saturating the market with shitty designers.
I honestly have to say that I don't think Comic Sans is a bad looking typeface. However, the fact that it is so over used and all the negative connotations attached to it would certainly make me think twice about using it. But I wouldn't go as far as saying it should never be used.
It has its place, that place however is not as the primary font on a presentation. Not because it's ugly, but rather because there are other fonts that will do a better job of giving off a better sense of style and professionalism.
It's not inherently terrible in and of itself, just like lens flares. It's that it's been overused so much and there are so many better fonts out there that I can't think of a single situation where I would choose Comic Sans over one of the alternatives.
The only reason I would go to art school is for the environment. I mean, the cost-benefit really doesn't look good to me. Too much risk of falling flat on your face, too. I think that's reason number two I didn't go down that path.
The environment in most art and design programs are good, but only if you have great instructors. Having other people around that are like-minded in regards to design and art is good but you get a mixed bag on quality and its certainly helps if you have instructors who know their shit and can push your work.
As for Comic Sans what he needs to recognize is that even if he is complimented by some people generally those people have also used comic sans and don't get it either. Even clients may not even always recognize it if they are the management types. However, any industry professional any serious artist or designer will take note of it and when their is someone else with a similar quality of work they will likely choose the person with the best designed and presented work.
On one side i'm horrified that a man of that position would not care about fontage when it came to his own portfolio, so I agree with you that he is a massive douche.
On the other however, my name is Joel as well, so the whole thing was like we were having an actual conversation- which I liked.
Some kids spend little to no time in the studio getting shit done. They don't actively get involved in the community, the clubs, societies, etc. that are connected to the school.
This one girl in the metals program was complaining about how she doesn't know how to do anything because no one taught her. However, she never took the initiative to learn it.
[I had a goldfish that survived about 2 weeks before dying, I don't even remember what it's name was and I don't really care.
When I was in the second grade, I went to my Nana's on Mother's Day and she bought me a goldfish. Then when we got home, my parents got in a huuuuge fight, and my mom drove away, never to return. shortly after, the divorce was final, and I didn't see her again for almost ten years.
The only reason I would go to art school is for the environment. I mean, the cost-benefit really doesn't look good to me. Too much risk of falling flat on your face, too. I think that's reason number two I didn't go down that path.
Every now and then I kind of think "oh my god what the fuck am I doing $60,000 in debt at the end of it all oh my god"...but then I remember that there are people that are chugging along with $40,000 loans *each year*, and it makes me feel a bit better in that I won't be the only one dealing with mass amounts of debt when I get out of college. Misery loves company, m i rite!?
Also, there are times when I wonder "why the fuck am I spending this money when I could go to an atelier and be completely amazing in a few years"...but then, I couldn't really take out loans to cover living expenses of tuition, and it's a rather unconventional (currently, at least) path to take as it doesn't offer a degree, and I'm not sure if I could handle how ridiculous some of the curriculums are. SO much working in a day/week!
However, I do feel that the people I'm meeting and the opportunities available to me here are worth it in the end, I suppose. Big companies visit on a relatively regular basis, and offer portfolio reviews, take on interns, and occasionally even hire students outright after an impromptu interview session. There are a fair number of contests that can put your work out there, and there are actually a good chunk of students who are really good at what they do. It's really nice to have that kind of atmosphere.
Guys, I'm in some need of moral support here. My GF stormed out sunday morning after an argument, haven't talked to her since. I really want to call her. But I know that if I call, it's only gonna send a message that she can do this when ever she feels upset.
I don't know if this is the right thing to do, or am I being stuborn?
Topically, its never good to ignore your significant other. All you're doing is making it seem as though you don't want to talk about it.
If you call her, and tell her that you want to talk about it, and that you didn't appreciate her behavior, you wont be sending her the message that her behavior is okay.
Yeah regardless of what your afraid you might convey by calling her its better to be communicating otherwise the problem gets worse without anyone doing anything except brooding on it.
Posts
Yeah, I'm going to pick it up as soon as my exams are over. I'm hearing great things about the Sandman comics too.
We had a fighting fish once too, who was nameless. He somehow managed to survived for like, 2-3 years...despite my brother accidently breaking a pen over of his fishing bowl (filling it with ink), and my dad trying to skew him with a fork while drunk
yeah, my home is not safe for animals.
Oh well... See you guys in a week.
Even though I keep meaning to, I've never gotten around to reading them. I'm pretty sure my local library has the entire series, I should check them out some time.
I don't suffer from Insanity. I enjoy every minute of it.
I take it you offered comments regarding its artistic elements or design prompting him to respond with "it's cartooning, that doesn't apply"?
People might recall that someone stole my debit card details a while back- I've finally leapt through all the required hoops so hopefully my application will be processed successfully. I'm down a little under £200, and I sure as hell hope that I can get this over with soon.
a little background info, he's head of production at a local animation studio and is starting up his own studio:
is the font that you're using on your site comic sans?
[Joel]says:
yes, why?
[Alexandria] says:
some people might find the fact that you're using comic sans unprofessional. it's like the hugest faux pas in the online art world to use that font
it's akin to using lens flare.
[Joel] says:
Hmm... I've had lots of compliments on the site. I needed something that was hand drawn looking but still legible.
[Alexandria] says:
there are tons of good custom fonts
[Alexandria] says:
there's like websites dedicated to making fun of comic sans
[Alexandria] says:
it's the most overused microsoft font in the industry, and was REALLY overused a few years back, then sort of just became the laughing stock of typography and web design
[Alexandria] says:
i'm just saying it'd probably be in your best interest to change that
[Joel] says:
You're a real font-geek aren't ya?
[Alexandria] says:
http://bancomicsans.com/
[Alexandria] says:
with good reason
[Joel] says:
... you think someone is going to judge my art based on my font? If so, they can bite me. LOL
[Alexandria] says:
no but they are going to judge your professionalism based on your portfolio
[Alexandria] says:
it's all about presentation
[Alexandria] says:
this site has good freeware comic lettering fonts: http://www.blambot.com/
[Joel] says:
exactly based on my portfolio ie: drawing.
[Alexandria] says:
you really think people only look at the art when looking at a portfolio?
[Alexandria] says:
don't they offer entire courses on portfolio presentation?
[Joel]says:
I'm assuming that's sarcasm... because when I get a portfolio in the mail, I don't care WHAT font the cover letter, or font is, same with a website. I go straight to the ART
[Joel] says:
As long as it's legible/easy to read.
[Alexandria] says:
no i'm being completely serious... you really think if someone just tossed a bunch of jpgs on a website with a bright pink background they'd stand the same chance as someone who actually took the time to provide a decent layout?
[Alexandria] says:
are you really arguing that portfolio presentation is unimportant? i find that really surprising as everyone else i've ever talked to in this industry stresses it's importance.
[Joel] says:
I'm talking about font, not layout.
[Alexandria] says:
font is part of layout
[Alexandria] says:
or is part of the whole package presentation, look i didn't mean to get you up in arms, i'm just kind of trying to offer up some constructive criticism
[Joel] says:
You're not seeing my point. If someone has a simple, straight forward site, great artwork, and they have used "god forbid" comic sans MS" I'm not going to dismiss their artwork.
[Alexandria] says:
when i see comic sans, it strikes me as unprofessional and sticks out like a sore thumb, i also know i'm not the only one who thinks that. i'm not saying people will dismiss your work, i'm saying people will notice
[Joel] says:
That's fine, I appreciate it, but I don't think my font choice is going to landsllide my entire website.
[Alexandria] says:
that's not at all what i was saying
[Alexandria] says:
it's not going to landslide it by any means, i'm just saying that people will notice it and given that it has a negative stigma, you're setting people up to think negatively about your web design even before they see the actual content. your work.
[Joel] says:
Well thanks for the heads up. I certainly hadn't heard it before. I usually get compliments on my site.
[Alexandria] says:
well sorry for offering up constructive criticism, i'm not one to give ass pats and i was under the impression that you were not one to accept them
[Alexandria] says:
but you seem pretty dismissive with the whole "i usually get compliments" thing, so i guess i was wrong?
[Joel] says:
I'm not expecting an apology, nor was I looking for an ass pat.
[Joel] says:
Constructive crits is what I expect when I share this kind of thing with another artist.
[Joel] says:
What I meant by usually getting compliments was that no one has ever complained about the font before, (not that I thought it would never happen or anything like that) I have actually received compliments on the font/presentation of my website.
[Alexandria] says:
yeah but from who?
[Alexandria] says:
and does it matter? i just pointed out the second link that comes up on google when one types "comic sans" as being a comic sans trashing website. and there are literally hundreds of them
[Alexandria] says:
it's like an internet joke, it's seriously like popping a lens flare on your photoshopped image
[Joel] says:
I guess what I'm saying is that I'm not worried about internet jokes.
[Alexandria] says:
lol you've totally not taken anything i've said today the right way
[Alexandria] says:
i'm off, see ya
It's worst when someone is trying to argue against evolution and for intelligent design with the same tired arguments. It happened when I saw the trailer for Ben Stein's new shitburger. I had to leave the room because I was about to send my fist through my computer screen.
Stop talking to this guy, hes a moron.
that's exactly the point i was trying to get across to him.
the first thing you see on his site is just a button that says "continue" in comic sans
i don't think he understands the magnitude of how bad comic sans font is, many potential clients would see that, and leave.
and really, the fact that he passes it off as just an internet joke is ridiculous. yes so it became an internet joke, but using comic sans will show to potential employers that you are out of touch with the online art community, and with the way things are going, that is not a good thing.
What a goddamn douchebag, please slap this fucker for me.
he has a fancy bfa and another piece of paper for animation.
the internet taught me how to draw and i'm tough as nails and take every piece of criticism i get into consideration. i never make excuses and would never have such a piss poor attitude
this conversation was a prime example of why one does not need to have a fancy degree if one is really willing to push to succeed in this field, and just because you have a degree, doesn't make you perfect.
so basically, this conversation made me feel better about my future.
disclaimer: i'm not trashing on art school, if a person has the drive to get somewhere and the credentials to back them up, they're probably going to reach the top of the food chain much faster than i am.
I've had a similar outlook on writing degrees for a long, long time. It's amazing how many people can work through college and still produce creative works with blatant issues, and, most notably, still lack the skin necessary to take a critique.
Another disclaimer: I know plenty of people with a degree who can write damn well. It's just that a degree isn't the guarantee some might think it to be.
i'm beginning to think it's becoming less and less of a guarantee as more and more people are being pushed through schools. seriously after my brief stint at centre for arts and tech, i realized that there are thousands of small animation and design schools out there looking to make money, so they will push these people through school who are absolutely terrible, further saturating the market with shitty designers.
It has its place, that place however is not as the primary font on a presentation. Not because it's ugly, but rather because there are other fonts that will do a better job of giving off a better sense of style and professionalism.
As for Comic Sans what he needs to recognize is that even if he is complimented by some people generally those people have also used comic sans and don't get it either. Even clients may not even always recognize it if they are the management types. However, any industry professional any serious artist or designer will take note of it and when their is someone else with a similar quality of work they will likely choose the person with the best designed and presented work.
Tumblr Behance Carbonmade PAAC on FB
BFBC2
I'm conflicted with your story..
On one side i'm horrified that a man of that position would not care about fontage when it came to his own portfolio, so I agree with you that he is a massive douche.
On the other however, my name is Joel as well, so the whole thing was like we were having an actual conversation- which I liked.
Some kids spend little to no time in the studio getting shit done. They don't actively get involved in the community, the clubs, societies, etc. that are connected to the school.
This one girl in the metals program was complaining about how she doesn't know how to do anything because no one taught her. However, she never took the initiative to learn it.
Questions, questions, questions. Always ask questions.
When I was in the second grade, I went to my Nana's on Mother's Day and she bought me a goldfish. Then when we got home, my parents got in a huuuuge fight, and my mom drove away, never to return. shortly after, the divorce was final, and I didn't see her again for almost ten years.
The day after I got the goldfish, it died.
That bad boy took me 4 hours, and 16 revisions to make. Sweet, huh?
EDIT: Best TOTP ever, am I right?
You clearly referenced that explosion. I demand you mention that in the description next time.
Every now and then I kind of think "oh my god what the fuck am I doing $60,000 in debt at the end of it all oh my god"...but then I remember that there are people that are chugging along with $40,000 loans *each year*, and it makes me feel a bit better in that I won't be the only one dealing with mass amounts of debt when I get out of college. Misery loves company, m i rite!?
Also, there are times when I wonder "why the fuck am I spending this money when I could go to an atelier and be completely amazing in a few years"...but then, I couldn't really take out loans to cover living expenses of tuition, and it's a rather unconventional (currently, at least) path to take as it doesn't offer a degree, and I'm not sure if I could handle how ridiculous some of the curriculums are. SO much working in a day/week!
However, I do feel that the people I'm meeting and the opportunities available to me here are worth it in the end, I suppose. Big companies visit on a relatively regular basis, and offer portfolio reviews, take on interns, and occasionally even hire students outright after an impromptu interview session. There are a fair number of contests that can put your work out there, and there are actually a good chunk of students who are really good at what they do. It's really nice to have that kind of atmosphere.
My Portfolio Site
I'm one of those.
It sucks but if you take all this school has to offer, its worth the price.
She stole his SOUL off of his desk.
My Portfolio Site
ooooooooh. me wants!
I don't know if this is the right thing to do, or am I being stuborn?
If you call her, and tell her that you want to talk about it, and that you didn't appreciate her behavior, you wont be sending her the message that her behavior is okay.
Tumblr Behance Carbonmade PAAC on FB
BFBC2