Drafting 9 Journal
Safety Logo for Preventing Burns
For my first project, I was tasked with designing a logo to help prevent burns and raise awareness about fire safety. I began by thinking about symbols that could represent protection from fire. After researching different designs, I decided to create a logo that included a flame inside a shield, which would show the danger of fire while also representing safety. I kept the design simple and bold, using red to represent danger and blue to show safety. After sketching a few ideas, I transferred the design to a digital format. I spent time adjusting the logo to make it clean and easy to understand. The final result was a logo that could be used on safety posters, stickers, and other materials to remind people of the importance of being careful around fire. It felt good to know that my design could help raise awareness and promote safety.
Thunderbird Sticker Design
In my second project, I created a sticker design featuring a Thunderbird, a powerful symbol in indigenous cultures. I started by researching the Thunderbird’s meaning and looking at various artwork to get a better understanding of its significance. After gathering inspiration, I sketched a few ideas for how to illustrate the Thunderbird in a way that would be both respectful and striking. I decided to make the Thunderbird appear strong and dynamic, with its wings spread wide. Once I was happy with the sketch, I used digital design software to clean up the lines and add colour. The final design was bold and powerful, capturing the Thunderbird’s energy and spirit. Using a Cricut machine, I cut the design out of vinyl to create a high-quality sticker. This project allowed me to combine traditional cultural elements with modern technology, and I was proud of the finished result.
Safety Logo Sticker Using Cricut Machine
For this project, I used the Cricut machine to make a sticker of the safety logo I created for preventing burns. First, I imported the digital file of the logo into the Cricut software and set it up for cutting. The machine would carefully cut the design out of vinyl, and I had to make sure the design was the right size and ready to be applied to different surfaces. Once the Cricut finished cutting, I carefully peeled away the extra vinyl around the logo and transferred the sticker onto a backing sheet. I also made sure the design was aligned properly on the transfer tape, so it would stick smoothly when applied. It was exciting to see my digital design come to life as a physical sticker, and I was happy to see how sharp and clean the logo looked once cut. This project was a great learning experience in working with new technology.
3D Printing Cars and Testing Them
In this project, I designed and 3D printed small toy cars. The goal was to create cars that were functional and could be tested for speed and performance. I started by sketching out a basic design, focusing on key factors like the shape of the body, the size of the wheels, and the balance of the car. I used a computer program to turn my designs into digital files that the 3D printer could read. Watching the printer build the car layer by layer was a fascinating process. After the cars were printed, I tested them by rolling them down a ramp to see how fast they could go and how well they stayed stable. I made notes on which designs worked best and made improvements where needed, such as adjusting the weight or changing the wheel shape. It was a fun project, and I enjoyed testing the results.
Once I finished 3D printing the cars, the next step was to test them. I set up a testing area with a ramp to roll the cars down and observe how they performed. I looked at factors like speed, stability, and how straight the cars travelled down the ramp. Some of the cars worked well, but others needed improvements. For example, some cars tipped over or moved too slowly, so I made changes like adding weight to the front or adjusting the wheel size to make them more stable and faster. I also tried different materials for the wheels to see which ones would cause less drag and help the cars move better. After making these adjustments, I tested the cars again and saw improvements. This project helped me learn a lot about how small changes can affect performance and the importance of testing prototypes.
After testing my 3D printed cars, I made some final adjustments to improve their performance. I had learned that certain designs weren’t as stable as I had hoped, so I started by balancing the weight better. Some of the cars were too light, which caused them to wobble or lose speed too quickly. To fix this, I added small weights to different areas of the car to make them more stable and help them roll straight. I also changed the shape and size of the wheels to reduce friction and allow the cars to move more smoothly. Once I made these adjustments, I tested the cars again by rolling them down a ramp. This time, the cars performed much better. It was satisfying to see how small tweaks could lead to a big improvement, and I gained a lot of insight into the process of refining designs for better results.
Laser Cutting for Thaumatrope
The laser cutting process for the thaumatrope was one of the most exciting parts of the project. After designing the bird and cage images, I transferred them to the laser cutting machine. The laser cutter worked quickly, carefully etching the designs into a wooden disk. It was fascinating to watch the machine in action, as it followed the precise lines of the design. I made sure to check that the images on both sides of the disk were aligned properly, so that the illusion of the bird being inside the cage would work correctly. Once the disk was cut, I attached the two strings to each side and tested it. The spinning effect was fun to watch, and it was rewarding to see the project come together so smoothly. This project was a great introduction to using laser cutting for creating detailed designs.
After creating the thaumatrope, I needed to test it to make sure the bird and cage illusion worked as planned. At first, I found that the images didn’t line up perfectly, and the effect wasn’t as clear as I wanted. I made some adjustments by tweaking the size of the bird and repositioning it slightly. After making these changes, I tested it again by spinning the disk. This time, the bird appeared more clearly inside the cage when it spun. I also experimented with different types of string to make sure the disk would spin smoothly and at the right speed. Once everything was aligned and working well, I was happy with the final result. Testing and refining the thaumatrope showed me how small adjustments can make a big difference in the final product. It was an enjoyable project, and I was proud of how it turned out.
Reflection
Looking back at all the design projects I’ve worked on, I feel like I’ve learned a lot. Each project taught me something new about creativity, problem-solving, and using different technologies. From designing logos and stickers to testing 3D printed cars and making a thaumatrope with a laser cutter, each project had its own challenges and rewards. I learned how to use different tools, like the Cricut machine and 3D printers, and I improved my skills in digital design and testing prototypes. One of the most important lessons I learned was the value of refining and improving designs through testing. These projects helped me understand the design process better and showed me how technology can bring creative ideas to life in new and interesting ways.