OK, Go!

I received feedback on my capstone today! Out of all of my proposals, my classmates thought that my "Design Culture Shock" idea was the best choice. This is the overview:


Proposal: Design Culture Shock

Every day, international businesses face the challenge of selling their products in multiple cultures, all with different values, languages and needs. Where one slogan may have a positive message in the United States, it may be translated negatively when used in China if a company is not careful.

Throughout my travels, I have noticed even the slightest changes in advertising the same product, but in different cultures. This capstone project will focus on the different measures taken to advertise a product in many cultures. It represents my interests in both marketing/packaging and cultural awareness. It is a study I can conduct and develop being abroad in the Netherlands, and one I can discuss with my foreign professors.

For the exhibition, I would like to compare two to three cultures side-by-side. One product, or a small product line would be advertised recognizing cultural differences for different parts of the globe. Universal symbols that are easily understood by most cultures would also be shown. The display would feel as though one was walking down a street or store isle in two to three difference parts of the world. This project would allow me to show viewers the importance of being globally aware, even through design. It would also provide for an opportunity to educate viewers on different cultures in a fun manner.

This project is different than what I have seen before in the senior exhibition, and I think it could turn out to be extremely intriguing. The problem I am having now is deciding on how many countries I want to represent (I am not sure how much time each will take in comparison to a project that is meant for a year), and where to even begin.

I feel that a lot of my research  and my early development on the project will take place during this semester, as it will be easier for me to travel and talk to different types of people. The only research I have done so far is building my own personal collection of advertisements and packages from different products and cultures over the years.

Now that I have a direction, it's time to get started!

Letter to Myself

7 April 2010: a time of new life, fresh air, sunshine...and stress? I don't think so! Today I wrote a letter to my future self - a letter that will arrive just before my capstone presentation.

Since freshmen year I have watched the seniors as they map out, design, set up and stress about capstone. This year, I would like to replace the words "stress about" with the word "celebrate". Of course, I will have to ensure that I stay on track in order for this to happen. My letter to my future self serves as that final, swift kick in the pants that will send me sprinting to the finish line.

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing

"Good things come to those who wait." Although it is a simple (and often true) philosophy, the patience one must have to achieve greatness is sometimes difficult to find. 

I sit at my desk in Leiden, smiling at the thought of today's memories, and at the adventure that tomorrow promises. My capstone proposals have been turned in, and now I must wait for feedback from my peers and professors. This is the difficult part, not because I am dreading the long and meticulous process ahead, but because I am so greatly looking forward to starting such a special project.

Until that time comes, I am sitting, waiting, wishing for patience.

Designing Below Sea Level - if not for the Dykes

I am a kid in a candy store: always curious, wide-eyed, inspired. I can't get enough of the life that surrounds me. My many interests keep me full of energy, and constantly wanting to learn more.

As I sit at my desk drafting capstone ideas, I not only face the challenge of designing something beyond what I may currently feel I am capable of, but I am also confronted with a foreign place in which I must learn to survive for the next four months. 

I take on these challenges knowing that I will encounter many more roadblocks throughout my journey. It is my passion that reassures me that I will find strength in trying times, and the newness around me that inspires me. It is my support system that never ceases to believe in me.

A capstone paired with life in the Netherlands. To me, this semester means adventure, discovery, failure, and growth. I will neither be afraid to push myself, nor to make mistakes. 

I will live, laugh and learn. The result will be one that I am truly proud of.