- What did you learn?
I learned that simplicity can be a good thing with illustration. Sometimes, I think that the more fun and out there an illustration looks the better but that is not always the case. From looking at examples of spot illustrations and different kinds of menus it seems that illustrations that are simple can have just as much personality. When looking at a menu, people do not want big, obnoxious, colorful illustrations catching their eye. They want to see what kinds of food are on the menu and the prices. Illustrations are very important but they are not the main purpose to a menu. Illustrations that exhibit simplicity can be just as fun by using limited color and having a consistent look.
- What was easy?
I thought the easy part was picking the fonts for the menu and creating the overall layout design of it.
- What was challenging?
I thought the challenging part was establishing a consistent look and feel across separate assets. I found this to be difficult at times because I was designing six different categories (breakfast, appetizer, lunch, dinner, dessert, and beverage) and some of them were completely different from each other like beverages and desserts. It was hard to find a consistent theme of colors and design styles to go along with each category but after a lot of redesigning, I eventually found one.
- How could your submission be improved?
I think my submission could be improved by adding more design illustrations to the menu. I like the simplicity of the menu right now but I think it would be fun to add more design illustrations to it like shapes and 3D images.
- How might you apply your knowledge in future assignments or work scenarios?
After this project, I have learned the importance of establishing a consistent look to a project. In the beginning of the project, my font did not go along with my illustration. I chose a thin line font that did not go with my thick line calligraphic style illustration. I changed my project completely after that but it brought an awareness to me that I should always be thinking about consistently when doing an assignment like that.
- How did a specific reading or video inspire or help you?
The Spot Illustration examples on Dribble helped me think of the kind of theme I wanted for my menu.
