Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Failures in Cosmetic Labeling

Nail polish seems to be the current product in the spotlight. There's news about the dangers of nail polish through various organizations, including the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, and, as seen with the link below, KQED Radio.
Toxic Chemicals in Nail Polish


Thursday, April 19, 2012

Current News

From my research, I learned that there are numerous online and print sources out there, they just need to be found. For example, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has a current, up-to-date website on news coverage of the cosmetic industry.


Monday, April 2, 2012

Bringing Awareness

Now that I've done a lot of research through literature and the internet, I'm beginning to brainstorm ways that I will be able to create an awareness campaign for my message. I came across a website with some great examples: Awareness Campaigns

Saturday, March 24, 2012

The Story of Cosmetics


Video link below:
The Story of Cosmetics

Not Just a Pretty Face

"This book should be read by women and men who have trusted, for too long, the companies whose products get inside their bodies and their minds, to the detriment of their health" Ralph Nader, consumer advocate

I just finished reading Not Just a Pretty Face by Stacy Malkan, the Communications Director of Health Care Without Harm and cofounder of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is a national coalition working to eliminate hazardous chemicals from personal care products.


Friday, March 23, 2012

Heroine

"Boutique for Ladies, Moms, and Babies" as the sign reads for Heroine. The perfect spot to target young women who would be interested in the health effects on babies in the womb. I placed a pile of surveys near the window hoping some customers will help me out.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Skin Cosmetic Database

I am excited to meet with Leeann Brown tomorrow. She is the press secretary at the Environmental Working Group, Oakland. As stated on their website, Skin Deep Cosmetics Database: "It's our mission at Environmental Working Group to use the power of information to protect human health and the environment. EWG's Skin Deep database gives you practical solutions to protect yourself and your family from everyday exposures to chemicals."

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

The Science of Phthalates

A few days ago, I was able to talk with Dr. Ted Schettler who is the Science Director at a nonprofit research institute called Science and Environmental Health Network. He has written one of the most complete summaries of human exposure to phthalates via consumer products. "Not Too Pretty: Phthalates, Beauty Products & the FDA"was published in 2002. You can click on the link below to see the full report.
Not Too Pretty

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

PERT

Realize Beauty

Amanda Foxon-Hill formally worked in the cosmetics industry, and is now devoted to sharing and educating the public about information on the beauty industry, natural cosmetics and science. She is based out of Australia. I have contacted her, and she is willing to help me out!
http://realizebeauty.wordpress.com/

Friday, February 24, 2012

Final Problem and Purpose Statement

Problem: Cosmetic companies mask dangerous chemicals known to cause health risks, specifically the compound phthalates, under the term “fragrance” without public knowledge.

Purpose: The purpose of the research was to develop public awareness on the true meaning of "fragrance" as used in cosmetics.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Possible Problem and Purpose Statements

1
Problem: Cosmetic companies mask dangerous chemicals under the term "fragrance" without public knowledge.

Purpose: The purpose of the research was to develop public awareness on the true meaning of fragrance, specifically on the chemical pthalates.
2
Problem: Pacific Truck Parts needs a revamping of their visual identity throughout their print and web collateral. 

Purpose: The purpose of the research was to develop a unified brand identity. 
3
Problem: The information system San Francisco has on what’s recyclable and compostable is too complex and confusing for a passersby.

Purpose: The purpose of the research was to develop a system in which information may be simply and accessibly given to our fast-paced society.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Introduction

Hello, welcome to my 505 semester long project!

Growing up in the small town of Pacific Grove, I knew I wanted to get into graphic design as a teenager in high school. With my love of magazines and books, I began to find a passion for page layout. A career path in graphic design became a set goal of mine after visiting the home of Sunset magazine. When deciding which college to attend, I knew SFSU would be the best choice for a place that holds so much opportunity (and now is an inspiration for me everyday). 
I am one semester away of completing my BS Visual Communications degree. Continuing with where I started, I am still very interested in print design, but I also am interested in furthering my knowledge of interactive design. 

My inspiration comes from the "places I've been, the people I've met, and the things I've done". I love exploring the city with the plethora of culture and art. The one place that has inspired me since childhood is nature itself. Being able to take a long hike while being surrounded by natural beauty brings me a calm mind, thus enabling me to dive into my own imagination.   

I wouldn't say there are specific influences on my work. When I visit an art gallery or a museum, and I see something that completely enamors me, I'll store it in the back of mind for later inspiration. Or when I stumble across a body of work that makes me stop for awhile to capture all the details, I become inspired to think in new ways. With all the information and work I have at my fingertips, there is so much that inspires me. 

The vision for my future is to be able to work in a collaborative work environment where the word "team" is important. I want to be able to go to work, and be inspired by the environment and the people around me. I would like to move my way up in such a company to a higher level position, like Art Director. Though, I don't want my work to be the only thing in my life.

Motivated
Open-minded
Organized
Creative
Softhearted
Adventurous