Month: May 2022

The Stress of Something New!

On May 27, 2022

InDesign is one of the coolest, but most stressful applications I have ever had to use! Of course, it all must come with practice, but it is very stressful trying to learn how to work it at first. Especially when you have an assignment due and you didn’t plan your time accordingly throughout the day. However, I did enjoy it and believe that it is a vital tool to use while in the Public Relations Industry. You must be able to have some kind of creativity in your veins when being in the industry, so it is important to take time to practice and you can end up creating amazing designs through working in InDesign!

Adobe InDesign

Photoshop is another wonderful tool to use when trying to create designs. There are so many different tools that allow you to move things and take things away that you did not even know were possible. It is so amazing how you can completely change an image from a dark, gloomy photo to something beautiful and bright. Taking time out of your time day to watch and learn how to use this application is vital. It can be very difficult to work around photoshop without some sort of help. I recommend using the video that Adobe so kindly provides for you. It is a great tool and explains everything very thoroughly.

Adobe Photoshop

Always remember, a good design takes time. It WILL be stressful and you might feel like giving up, but just take a deep breath. Close your laptop and come back later. Your design will be there and so will fresh ideas. Watch some videos about how to elevate your designs and always take the time to learn new things. Start your work a few days in advance (unlike me) and make sure you like everything about your design. Finish it, and then come back. It is amazing how many different things our minds can come up with when we are doing laundry or the dishes.

Happy Designing!!!

The Beauty of Typography

By Channing Maddox Palacios

On May 24, 2022

In Reflections

Typography is one of my favorite things about creating graphic designs. Finding that perfect font that you feel conveys your message perfectly and effortlessly is such a rewarding feeling. Typography helps words come more to life when the reader is looking at the advertisement. Understanding how bold and large typography can make a message seem intense and action must be taken while more dainty and script can help make words be more meaningful and heartwarming.

Finding the right typography for your brand can be hard, and that is why it is so wonderful. I suggest taking that time to look at every font that you find interesting and try to find one that you feel represents yourself the best. I went back and forth for days trying to figure out what I felt fit my personal brand perfectly. I wanted the message to be clear as to what my brand was, but I also wanted my personality to shine throughout. It takes time and you have to allow that time to take its course to feel happy with your decision. I highly suggest using Canva to play around with different fonts and finding your right type of style. It is a fun way to get creative with your ideas.

If you choose to use two or more different types of typography, it is important that you use fonts that pair together well. Using two different type of script fonts can be confusing and difficult to find the information that people are looking for. The game Type Connection is a fun way to play around with different fonts and seeing what matches well together if you are having a hard time finding two fonts that you like. Here was my perfect match!

Typography can help make or break an advertisement so always play around with different types and find what you feel fits best with your vibe and brand, then sit on it for a few days and make sure you still love it! Make sure YOU love it before you put it on every part of your brand/company.

Heart Eyes for these Ads!

By Channing Maddox Palacios

On May 24, 2022

In Reflections

During long road trips, what is your favorite thing to do? Personally, I love playing the alphabet game. I think the best way to get all of your letters is by looking at billboards along the road. Do those billboards ever catch your eye for a little longer than most?

Unfortunately, I was not able to go out to take pictures of different billboards around my town as I am sick in bed at the moment, but here are a couple of my favorite billboards that are so pleasing to the eye.

This Dr.Pepper billboard by Lamar is just absolutely stunning. The powerful reds that allow the white lettering to pop is such a pleasing contrast on this ad. I may be a bit biased as Dr.Pepper is my go to drink no matter what time of day, but the balance throughout the billboard is a wonderful example of a near perfect billboard ad. The message can be easily read as people are going down the road quickly trying to get to their destination. The different elements throughout this billboard help unify everything to become one big art piece.

This billboard made by Luis F. Cavalcanti is made from pure kindness and trying to uplift people during dark times. We all know how difficult the last two years have been for everyone and while times are starting to become better, it will be a time that we will never forget. These types of billboards have become more common throughout the United States as people are just wanting to make others feel good. The gorgeous colors that compliment well, while also getting a clear and concise message across are working together in a great way. It can easily be read and the balance of space is used in an effective and efficient way. The rhythm between the lightning strikes throughout the billboard allow for a happy and energetic feeling.

As you will see in almost all of my post, I like to stay positive. I find that things are just as easily understood when you are looking at the positives more than the negatives. I love being able to see all of these different ads and finding my personal favorite parts of them rather than my least favorite.

Hello there!

By Channing Maddox Palacios

On May 21, 2022

In About

My name is Channing Maddox and I am a senior at the University of Oklahoma pursuing a degree in Public Relations and Nonprofit Organizational Studies.

I am an extravert that loves communicating with others and finding new innovative ways to handle whatever life throws at me. I enjoy meeting new people and forming connections with others that allows me to understand people more as individuals.

I love having the opportunity to be in the public relations industry. I enjoy helping clients stay in touch with the latest trend and finding new opportunities to reach out to different audiences than before. I want to watch my clients business grow and thrive while handling different things that happen along the way.

I chose to study public relations because of the endless opportunities that come with the industry. I was intrigued by the number of different things that one could do with just one degree. Once I learned more about public relations, I knew it was the right field for me to study.

My biggest motivation for public relations is knowing that PR professionals will always be needed in the world. New businesses and organizations are forming every day, and those people need qualified candidates to fill specific roles. Another part of public relations that motivates me is how I feel that one can never get bored in an industry like this. There is always something happening and always something that needs to be done.

I am a member of the Theta Gamma Chapter of Delta Delta Delta at OU. This year, I am the Alumnae Relations officer. Through my job, I communicate with alumnae to hold different events throughout the school year, as well as, communicate the wants and needs of the sorority to our alumnae board. I enjoy being able to represent my sorority to our alumnae and want those women to be proud of that their chapter has become. I am also the senior representative of the conduct committee and apart of the public relations committee portion of our philanthropy team.