Diana Lien's Design Blog » Life

Sunshine and job hunting…

admin — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:57:40 +0000

Yes, I know. It’s been a while! Summer is over half way through and I’m still on the job hunt. :/ Yeah, it’s tough out there and we’ve all heard it, so won’t rant too much about that…

But on a happier note, I’ve been getting some freelance work here and there, so it’s better than nothing. I really do enjoy brand development, so I shouldn’t complain too much!

During the last few weeks, I’ve worked on a logo for a general contractor, paint your own pottery studio, investment management group, and natural sugars. More blog posts to come with the final designs! So stay tuned for those!

Since I started this blog, it’s been mainly a design blog. I may start adding some more things related to what’s happening in my life. I suppose it’ll be more for me than anything else. Writing will just keep me a bit more sane!

So, I’ve been in Newport for the past few days; my grandma and aunt from San Diego are here to visit. It’s been fun and I’ve been eating WAY TOO MUCH. My dad loves to BBQ and we had a feast last night. We’ve been getting sunshine on the coast, mid to high 60s. But it beats the heat wave rolling through Portland the valley!

Hope everyone else is having a great week so far. It’s Wednesday, so over the hump we go!

Another Step

admin — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 22:29:16 +0000

The year has come and gone and I’ll be leaving Eugene in a few weeks. Time to start anew in Portland! There’s still a lot to do — like finding a place to live! And hopefully a job will come soon after.

I can’t believe that it’s already been 2 years. Time flies, but I’ve learned so much, especially from my classmates and peers. It’s been a blast… but this is only the beginning. Again.

Piggy Toy Chest at MODERN

admin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:27:18 +0000

Piggy toy chest will be featured at Modern in Eugene, Oregon for the Artwalk! It’s taking place on Friday, June 4th at 5:30PM.

New to the School of Architecture and Allied Arts, the Product Design Program has joined forces with MODERN to introduce design in various forms. The Product Design Program provides a thorough grounding in the use, invention, and production of manufactured goods and is based in the history and practice of interior architecture, design, and visual arts disciplines. Students study both material and theoretical aspects of product design, manufacturing, and design research. In this exhibit, students focus on “flat pack” design in which marketable products are presented in flat or modular formats. The designs presented include lighting, furniture, and even toys. Student designers and university faculty will be present to introduce and explain the designs.

Modern design boutique featuring furniture, housewares, light fixtures, modern art, gifts, jewelry, watches, kids’ gifts, and interior design consultation.

Hope you can make it and check out the work of the Product Design students and enjoy the creative works in this amazing design boutique!

TC1000: Form Inspiration

admin — Mon, 24 May 2010 17:56:35 +0000

I went out to lunch at Newman’s Grotto (a fish and chips restaurant) and was delightfully surprised by the forms that hung overhead. The interior of the restaurant was our selected color – turquoise; and the sea theme was almost perfectly matched with our form studies.

Fresh seafood, fresh interior + delicious clam chowder and fish & chips = a fun eating experience!

UPDATED: Portfolio – Cherry Blossom Paper Lamp

admin — Thu, 20 May 2010 05:29:21 +0000

Here they are! Finally, the pictures of my paper lamp. Check out the portfolio site here: Cherry Blossom Paper Lamp

UPDATE: Portfolio

admin — Wed, 05 May 2010 23:03:36 +0000

It’s been way too long, but I’ve added my recent projects, took out some old ones… and got around to revising my resume.

Check it out here: www.dianalien.com

Enjoy!

More projects to come, so stay tuned!

Engrave Your Book

admin — Tue, 04 May 2010 06:16:53 +0000

Received my Moleskine in the mail today!
Buy yours here: www.engraveyourbook.com

Mine is called Circus Freaks by Add fuel to the fire (www.addfueltothefire.com)

Engrave Your Book is based in Portland, Oregon. We specialize in translating artwork and images onto our hand-crafted leather Moleskine® covers. Our goal is to bring art into your everyday life.

Adventures of Domo

admin — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:46:37 +0000

Hey guys! Winter term ended on a great note! I was able to leave the state (and country) for a few days. Spent spring break in Seattle, Washington and Richmond & Vancouver B.C.

During my travels, I had a little photoshoot session with Domo. I present to you: The Adventures of Domo.

Enjoy!

Concrete Stool / Nightstand

admin — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:19:25 +0000

I finally got around to creating the concrete stool / nightstand prototype. This project was made for Product Design class: Design Process. Thanks @amhau for helping me put it together.

Below is the design brief:

Process Lead Design and Production Sourcing

As a designer ideas and innovation are often inspired directly from a particular process or production method. You can be inspired by a particular machine or production method. As an independent designer it is often necessary to source materials and manufactures for your designs to have them produced.

1. Research a process that you find interesting. You can start with a particular manufacturing technique, a machine, or a material you are curious about.

2. Source the closest geographic location where this process is done.

3. Design a product that takes advantage of this process and particular material qualities.

-Your product concept should be developed from your research into the process, not the other way around. Go into your research without a specific product in mind.

Keep it simple! Overly complex products like electronics involve multiple manufacturers and processes.

Information to gather:

What process and material are you researching?

What are the steps and resources involved?

Where is this process done?

What are the properties of the materials used?

What is your design?

How does your design take advantage of this particular process and material qualities?

-Source locations where your product could be produced and contact the manufacturer or fabricator to find out material costs, general production cost, average production times and quantities produced and minimum orders.

NOTE:

-Include documentation of the process in TEXT and IMAGES

-Samples of products that are currently made using this process

-Drawings and or prototype of your design and describe how it takes advantage of this process.

Think innovatively about this, do not design exactly the same products that utilize this process.

———

My process lead design and production sourcing project:

—–

Final outcome:

I really liked how it turned out! There were some parts where we had to improvise, but overall it stuck with the theme and concept I was going for: multi-functional and multi-use furniture with an industrial aesthetic. I’ll be including this prototype in the Senior Product Design gallery opening next week. Reception is on Monday, October 12th, 2009 from 5PM – 7PM. Just FYI!

Spring is in the air… (sorta)

admin — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 05:06:46 +0000

First of all, I apologize for not updating as often as I promised! (For all you many readers out there…)

—–

So, t’s that time again. Everyone’s studying and cramming for their finals/projects/etc.

But me? I’m basically just taking it easy. I don’t really get stressed out very often. And it takes a lot for me to feel pressured. I guess that’s a good thing. Maybe it’s something I’ve learned over the years — good organizational skills, time management, and just knowing the speed at which I can get things done.

Also, being able to prioritize has played an important role in my everyday life and the activities with which I’m involved. But probably the most important thing is that I usually stay very optimistic. I may not always be focused on a particular topic/subject/task at hand, but I know that I can always get the job done…

[to be continued...]

BTW, it’s been freeeeeezing lately!