Joe Johnson
Graphic Design Emphasis

In 2014 I chose graphic design to be my field of study. However, while I was at Salt Lake Community College I was still on the fence about committing to graphic design as a career. I never took actual design classes, just skill set classes concerning the software. When I started at Weber State, all of that changed. I became fully immersed in the program and I was taught how to think like a designer instead of just how to design something.

Understanding basic principles of graphic design has been liberating, and has made my career choice clear. Learning exactly the impact a design can have on an audience based on the words used, or not used, and the way some shapes or images are composed, is where my passion for graphic design is strongest. In my portfolio, my work will mainly consist of visual communication that experiments with a variety of compositions, using a word or a picture or both, to convey effective visual communication. I tend to approach each project with a minimal and clean design, I feel that if a designer has the ability to strike their audience with clear visual elements, it will encourage the viewer to ponder and be influenced by the design’s message.

The progress that I have achieved in my time at WSU has already helped me to get an early start on my career. I now work as a Gaming Graphic Artist for software development firm called Clearview, I have also worked as a Jr Graphic Designer for an outdoor supplier called GEAR:30, some of the projects I’ve headed are presented in this portfolio. Between working and going to school fulltime, I’ve had a boost in workflow and ongoing projects. This has been a huge advantage for me, because now I have noticed that my brainstorming never seems to stop. This and the learning of other successful designers’ processes has greatly helped me in how I approach each now project.

One current graphic designer that I follow and admire is Aaron Draplin, a logo designer from Portland, Oregon. I am fascinated with logo design and how simple shapes and lines that once meant nothing, can become iconic symbols to the world. I’m amazed how he continuously has new material that is consistently unique and powerful. I want to possess this ability for myself, and so I have adopted parts of his creative process. One of which includes keeping a sketchpad with me at all times, experimenting with concepts in my head no matter the time or place. My sketch book in a way has now become my journal.


Though it was journey coming to the decision of making graphic design my field of study, I now see that it has become more than just a degree. It is now is the means for me to contribute a variety of concepts in a meaningful and clear manner to the world. I want to reach thousands of people and show them the power of design. Whether that be through logo design, print or web advertisement, or my own personal projects; hopefully it’s all of the above. I love the idea of providing the opportunity for an audience to view my work and give them experience that they will remember. I believe I have a responsibility to not only maintain my current skills, but also to continue to strive to learn more, and consistently improve in my ability as a designer and as an artist by ongoing research, collaboration and production.

Post Identification Document

  1. Joseph Johnson BFA: Book Cover Image Assembly. Digital / Illustrator 17" x 9" Project 3 ART 2430 Mark Biddle October 17, 2016
  2. Joseph Johnson BFA: Marvel. Digital / Illustrator, 11" x 17" Self directed reflection tool project.
  3. Joseph Johnson BFA: The Study Abroad Project. Digital, Photography, Print. 11" x 17" 20" x 20" Self directed to receive a Study Abroad grant. May 05, 2016
  4. Joseph Johnson BFA: Weber State Study Abroad Project, Promotional Posters. Paper / Photoshop / Illustrator. 11" x 17" Self directed as part of my project proposal to the Study Abroad office. December 17, 2016
  5. Joseph Johnson BFA: Project #3 Skin and Bones. Iron / Foam / Burlap / Plaster / String 
    26" x 14" September 30, 2016
  6. Joseph Johnson BFA: GEAR:30 Rental Pamphlet. Paper / Photoshop Paint / Illustrator8.5" x 11"A Pamphlet to place in Hotel lobbies December 20, 2016
  7. Joseph Johnson BFA: Poem on a Grid. Digital, Illustrator 11" x 17" Project #3, Final Poem Composition, Mark Biddle, ART 3430 Typography. February 24, 2016
  8. Joseph Johnson BFA: Conference Brochure. Digital, InDesign, Illustrator 8.5" x 11" final Project, Conference Program, Mark Biddle, ART 3430 Typography April 25, 2016
  9. Joseph Johnson BFA: 10 of Spades, 3 of Hearts.  Digital, Paper, Photoshop, Illustrator.  2.5" x 3.5" participation in the DOVAD Card project, Brice Jones. April 15, 2016
  10. Joseph Johnson BFA: Object Posters (Signifier & Signified) ART 3455
    Digital/Paper/Illustrator 14" x 11"April 15, 2016







1
Johnson
Book Cover Image assembly 
Digital/Illustrator 
17" x 9"
September 30, 2016

Assignment was collage based, we had to make a composition with out plagiarizing Project #3, Image Assembly, Mark Biddle ART 2430

2
Johnson
Marvel
Digital/Illustrator
11"x 17"
January 06, 2017

Illustrator reflection tool project, self-directed series
         








3
Johnson
The Study Abroad Project (PART 1 of 2)
Digital/Photo/Print
11" x 17" 20" x 20"
May 05, 2016

I designed a logo and alumni T-shirst for the Study Abroad office and as awarded a grant for project proposal. 






4
Johnson
Weber State Study Abroad Project, Promotional Posters (PART 2 of 2)
Digital/Photoshop/Illustrator
11"x 17"
December 03, 2016

Using images taken from the trip and quotes from classmates to influence other students to utilize the Study Abroad program. Part of my project proposal.





5
Johnson
Project #3 Skin and Bones
Iron / Foam / Burlap / Plaster / String 
26" x 14"
September 30, 2016

Project #3 Skin and Bones assignment & Sculpture Final and Final, Jason Manley  ART 2430





6
Johnson
GEAR:30 Rental Pamphlet / Mission Statement Banner
Paper / Photoshop Paint / Illustrator / Canvas
8.5" x 11" / 48" x 12" (Banner)
December 20, 2016

A Pamphlet to place in Hotel lobbies and the GEAR:30 mission statement banner that was made for the employee brake room. Both employer directed.










7
Johnson
Poem on a Grid 
Digital/Illustrator 
11" x 17
February 24, 2016 

Using poems we wrote and arrange the words based on a grid. Project #3, Final Poem Composition, Mark Biddle, ART 3430 Typography
8
Johnson
Conference Brochure
Digital/InDesign/Illustrator 
8.5" x 11"
April 25, 2016

Using three different essays, that were provided, we were to design a bull length brochure. Final Project, Conference Program, Mark Biddle, ART 3430 Typography



























9
Johnson
10 of Spades/3 of Hearts
Digital/Paper/Photoshop/Illustrator
2.5" x 3.5"
April 15, 2016

Participation in the DOVAD Card project, opened to all students and faculty. Hosted by Brice Jones.





10
Johnson
Object Posters (Signifier & Signified) ART 3455
Digital/Paper/Illustrator
14" x 11"
April 15, 2016

Object posters that were designed based on an object and paring it with a word that describes what it is, what it does, what it's association is. Larry Clarkson, Design Theory ART 3455





11.
Johnson
Promotional Ad
2D sketch, Illustrator, print
44 x 14

February 20, 2017

Assignment in Design Theory, ART 3455
Tasked to construct a Design brief and form a design that meets the requirements of the brief