Inside the Mind of Mike’s Visual Design

Today were preparing our package designs to be cut out on the Trotech laser machine. My package is ready to go, although my colors are a bit off, and I had a spelling error, I ran with it like I had something better to be doing. Welp, here we are. It cut the design out…

Several weeks ago, we were given an assignment to measure the windows out for the Veteran Club and create a 6-panel window cling of a flag. Being a Veteran myself, I had a good feeling about this project and what kind of flag the group would want. Guess what, I was right, my design was…

This Project has stressed me out, not because it’s difficult, but because I overthink things. I get too detailed when really it doesn’t matter. As a class, we drew paper slips on which campus building we were supposed to design. I happened to pick the EdWood building, a building that has the front entrance with…

Today I worked on my Portfolio Show Campaign, realizing now just how far behind I actually am. I took measurements for guest book and invites, I’ve looked through all the previous years and well I have a pretty good idea on what I’m doing I still need to buckle down get moving or I’m gonna…

Aaaaaagggggggghhhhhhhh……..The Self Promotion Video, this ought to be good. I’m excited to do this project. I always have big ideas in my head with video projects, but then I don’t know how to execute them properly by myself. That’s ok, though I bought a DJI drone not long ago and a gimbal that no doubt…

Today we went to JDS Industries here in Sioux Falls, SD. JDS has a massive warehouse here and is a major supply chain across the country. They specialize in laser engraving, printing, and design. They also handle everything in-house, from shirt printing, magazine printing, drinkware, and many, many more things. This was one of the…

This last week was filled with sports-related events for my kids. Frankly, my stepson is a monster in basketball, standing at just 6’5” @ 14 yrs old in the 8th grade. The kid just keeps growing nonstop, he’s taller than mom and dad and now stepdad, I swear were feeding him like a normal child.…

The weekends are the longest part of the week for me. My wife works, and between the two of us a blended family of 6 kids, and when you have homework and no one else to help with breakfast, lunch, dinner, let alone nap time for the youngest can be insane. It’s like a never-ending…

Today I used the Trotec Laser/ Engraver for the first time to design a pen that was given to us students. The Trotec machine uses a high precision focused laser beam to etch the design into the surface of whart ever matterial your designing. I chose to design a pen for my freelance photography business…

I have finally created a logo I’m proud of, and my classmates love it too. Wheeew, what a relief and empowering feeling that washes over you when your peers approve your work, and you finally get something nailed down. This logo will be the centerpiece for the rest of the design throughout the portfolio campain…

This week I’m working on my 10-piece ad campaign, and it’s been a struggle, too. What I initially came up with was for my freelance business, Loki Media, but the items I picked fell in similar categories, and frankly, mainly focusing on photography, there are only so many campaign pieces I can do. The motors…

This weeks been a long week but frankly I enjoyed it. Throught classes we have disscussed current projects and future projects. Right now im just trying to get my head in a good head space to brainstorm some ideas for the things I need to work on. One of those items being my logo design…

No School due to MLK day, so for me I’m working on class work for other classes and doing some design work for Redi Towing. A friend of mine works there and got me some experience redesigning a business card and a postcard in the future. I’m doing it for free, being a new designer,…

Well with 2026 kicking off strong, lets talk about whats to be expected. My business Loki Media has finally kicked off and is live, I’ll be freelancing once I graduate unless something catches my interest in the industry. I wouldn’t mind working for company that has similar intrest’s to me. My son has a surgery…

It’s crazy to think that two years have already come and gone, but I’m ready to graduate and move on in my new career. To say I’m not scared is an understatement. This is a new field to me and a specific field at that, so although I know I can do this, I’m nervous…

Today we visited cars for sale which is a web design industry for car dealerships. I can’t lie this place looks like a dream job. It’s clear the owner cares for his employees and has created a fun and engaging work atmosphere. Between pool tables, golf simulator, coffee shop, a slide to get between second…