The Graphic Design Diary of Scott Landells

There's an old saying that you are what you eat. I try to make healthy dietary choices. I am mindful of what's good for me and what's not. I'm not a fan of fast food, but I've been known to enjoy a 10 chicken nugget meal with fries from McDonald's now and then.  I don't have to eat meat every meal. I actually like vegetables. I'm not perfect. I will indulge in a little chocolate after meals once in a while. I prefer and enjoy cooking my own food. I can't say that my dietary likes and dislikes are influenced by my upbringing. Some in my family still don't understand why half my meals don't have meat in them. So where did I get my dietary food choices? Mostly from how food makes me feel.  In general, my body does not like processed food, so I choose to listen to my body.  Hopefully, my choices will help me live a long life,  but a lot of it comes from seeing what other people eat and how the food they eat effects them over long periods...

"Steal Like An Artist" by Austin Kleon, Chapter 1 (pg 1-23) "Steal Like An Artist" by Austin Kleon, Chapter 1 (pg 1-23) Many years ago, I met an artist from China. His name is Xian Chen. He was in the master’s program at ISU in printmaking. He made some of the most beautiful work of an artist I had the fortune of meeting in person. His skill at reproducing classically drawn human figures was incredible. I asked Chen how he became so good. He told me the Chinese educational system identifies young students with artistic talents. These students are taught to copy western and eastern Master of Art for many years before they are allowed to make their own art unlike in the United States. I think this is a good way for artists to learn how to improve their skills. When I was a child I did something very similar. I copied mostly cartoonists, illustrators and “how to draw books” for many years, before making my own designs. When I meet young artists and desig...

Hand-drawn typography assignment, Illustration I, Fall 2017 I would like to welcome you to a new blog to share my progress during the spring 2018 semester at Parkland College. During this semester, I will share my experiences as a graphic design student. I hope with your input I can grow and improve as a graphic designer.   I have a Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University with a concentration in Applied Fine Arts. I have been a free-lance illustrator, mural artist and art instructor. I have returned to school to hone my skills with the goal of finding a graphic design job in the Champaign County area.    I have a wide range of interests. A few of my interests include making art, gardening, fishing, carpentry, bicycling and cooking. My favorite subjects for art are landscapes. I like to make large scale mix-medium paintings and drawings.  I find inspiration everywhere. In particular I find ideas from other artists, movies, m...