Cynthia Oswald

What I Learned From The 100-Day Project

The Making of The Portals Collection:

25 Days of Minis dropping daily December 1-25, 2021

In May of 2020 I completed my Master of Fine Arts in Communication Design. During my three years of graduate school I spent time combining my love of design with fine art. How could I use each of my projects to blend my love of multiple mediums while communicating a message that has meaning to me? I took passion projects to the next level by blending my love of watercolor, branding, and surface design into projects that allowed me to use each of those skillsets.

Pictured above: A graduate project where I tied together a watercolor painting of root vegetables into a branding project to revive the Victory Garden. I created a logo, patterns, recipe cards, seed packaging, and an instruction booklet.

When I graduated in the middle of a pandemic I found myself really leaning into creating for art’s sake vs. communicating a special message. I’ve always seen so much magic in the movement and layering of shadows. When shadows overlap in nature compositions emerge that are playful, unintentional, surprising, and meditative. I had a desire to just add paint to the page with those thoughts in mind. I didn’t want a specific reference. I wanted to play. What emerged was a piece that I loved creating as much as I loved the final result—that was a new experience for me. I struggled through it but there were so many valuable lessons that I couldn’t experience by painting from a reference. It freed my hand to make decisions based on instinct and that was something I had previously resisted. Suddenly, I was able to create entire collections by thinking about a reference and using intuition to create the composition. It was a playful dance that I not only enjoyed, but it came to me much more naturally. Almost like learning to trust your intuition in any area of life.

Pictured above: A collection of fruit trees created using intuition to guide the composition.

I kept finding myself with a brush in hand—early in the morning, during Leona’s naps, and late in the evening—I was painting more finished works than ever before. I decided to finish off the last 100 days of 2020 with the 100 day project. I would complete 100 tiny watercolor painting—2.5″ x 2.5″. The entire collection would be based off of intuition—creating tiny original compositions using references in my mind. By day 9 a landscape emerged from the page, created from nothing except the references in my mind. They continued to unfold. Once in awhile I would take inspiration from a specific place but most of the composition emerged organically. What I realized is they all reminded me of some time and place that has made a lasting impression.

Cynthia Oswald Watercolor Landscape, Day 75 — Day 75: Sold

Cynthia Oswald Watercolor Landscape, Day 34 — Day 75: Sold

In those moments that I was isolated during the pandemic I found myself traveling through space and time to many treasured memories that brought me hope and a feeling of possibility. When it came time to decide what I would paint for the 25 Days of Minis 2021 Collection I decided to go back to the idea of these landscapes and dive a little deeper. I gathered resources from my travels and began thinking about why these moments matter so much to me. What do they actually signify? Why do they light me up? Much like traveling, I’m currently slowing down quite a bit to care for a newborn. In the quiet moments before Viola was born I traveled back in time to places that bring me hope, possibility, and a sense of peace. My goal was to recreate those feelings for my collectors. I hope you enjoy!

Demystifying (logo) file types

Do you know what type of logo you need?

So you had your logo designed and you are ready to share your new brand with the world … and then you send your business cards off to the printer, fantasizing about what it feels like to hand out these new, professional, branded cards… You finally receive the box in the mail only to feel disappointed when you open them and see a fuzzy-looking, crappy business card—to put it nicely—and you are left feeling defeated, confused, underwhelmed. Hopefully, the printer warned you of this prior to making the print run (as any good printer would). But if not, I wrote this for you.

I receive inquiries about recreating logo files often. And usually, it’s because a client doesn’t have all of the logo file types they need. So, I created this to help you get the files you need right from the start. (If you’re working with another designer, I suggest running the below list of file types by your designer to ensure you have each of them in the correct format as a final deliverable.)

Let’s start with the type of file the logo should originate from: AI or EPS

An AI file is short for Adobe Illustrator. If you’re paying someone to help you create a logo it should be created using a vector-based application, like Adobe Illustrator. A vector file is a file created using points and paths to render a shape in a mathematically and infinitely scalable format (imagine your logo on the moon!). This means that you can print them on a large sign, add them to a billboard, have them turned into embroidery, an animation, a special stamp, or perhaps a wax seal—the sky is the limit with vector files. You’ll want your designer to save the AI file as an EPS—that’s the file you’ll need for future printing projects. An EPS file stands for Encapsulated PostScript. It’s basically a fancy way of saying a vector file—or a mathematical formula that establishes points on a grid. Have I lost you yet?

Ask for a vector-based PDF file

While your designer is at it (still in Illustrator) ask for a PDF file. EPS files are needed for your brand library and future use, but chances are you won’t be able to open them from your computer (unless you have Adobe design programs). PDFs can also be vector-based files when saved from Illustrator or other vector-based software. Have your designer save the vector art as a PDF so you can view it from your computer. What is a PDF anyway? It stands for a Portable Document Format and was originally created by Adobe to enable users to open up different files across operating systems, programs, and now devices.

One more Illustrator-based file you’ll need: SVG

Next up on your list of Illustrator files is an SVG file. This happens to be my personal favorite file type because it has so much information packed into a small file size. This file type enables logos to come across crisp and clean across devices on the web. SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics—and is an XML-based vector graphic that can scale and be manipulated using code. Creating this file is as easy as hitting File > Save As > Format > SVG and, voila!, you will have the perfect file type for your web designer to render your logo online.

The final two file types to request: PNG & JPEG

These two files are good to have for your use on social media and other platforms that aren’t currently supporting SVG files. Both are rasterized files—meaning that they are converted into pixels. Pixel-based files cannot be scaled up/enlarged. It’s important to request a specific dimension for these files. For instance, if you are using a 50 x 50 pixel (px) JPEG file but the requirements are 250 x 250 px the image will be scaled x5 and will look pretty awful in return—in other words, pixelated. I like to send logo files that are 1000 px or more for the client’s library. That way they can reduce the size if needed but they are working with a larger file type to begin. Why do you need a PNG and a JPEG(JPG)? PNGs have the ability to save a transparent background. JPGs are similar to PDFs, in that anyone can open them. I use them as a last resort. Whatever you do—do not save over the files sent to you—get into the practice of “saving as” so you don’t lose that original quality.

Let’s recap …

If you are printing or rendering your logo in a tactile medium, it’s best to use an EPS file (it’s good practice to include the vectorized PDF file for viewing purposes). If you are sending your logo around to your social circles to celebrate the beautiful design, send along a PDF. If you are passing your logo off to your web designer, send them an SVG file. They may request a PNG or JPEG but ask them why they can’t use an SVG… after all you just spent time and money on your new logo design. Showcase it in the best possible light. Finally, when you add your brand to all of your social media and email marketing platforms, upload a PNG. On the odd occasion, you might need a JPG file, but this can usually be a last resort if you have all of the other file types listed above. (I anticipate that SVGs will be supported by most social platforms very soon, so once that happens, I would use SVGs instead.)

And here’s a quick cheat sheet for you:

AI/EPS: A Vector-based file that is scalable and can be used in a variety of formats (and sizes!) while still looking crisp and clean. It’s the most important logo file type to have!
Vector-based PDF: A vector file you can open on your computer if you don’t have Adobe Creative Suite programs
SVG: The best file type to use on the web
PNG & JPG: Rasterized files used in specific sizes for social and other small-scale places

I hope this helps. Here’s to beautiful logos, and having the right file types to showcase them! 🥂

Custom and Sustainable Packaging

How Packaging and Product Design can Support Sustainability:

Have you seen the viral April Fool’s Amazon prank? While hilarious, it’s also quite alarming. I’ll be honest, one of my first reactions was “wow … that’s a lot of wasted cardboard.” So it got me thinking—what are the environmental implications of our packaging and shipping? With a little research, you can see that every choice—from 2-day shipping to the physical space a container takes up—has an impact on our environment.

As the new year (and decade) approaches, I’m thinking about the ways in which my business can make a difference going forward. Choosing sustainable materials is at the top of my list. As a business owner, that means opting for soy-based inks versus petroleum, using 100% recycled paper, responsibly recycling electronics, choosing sustainable packaging, and being mindful of our overall purchases.

This year, I’ve collaborated on branded products and packaging. In doing this, I’ve learned that shipping containers and packaging produce a large amount of waste each year—especially over the holidays. One way to ensure you are reducing waste is by using a sustainably-minded company that produces ethical, environmentally-conscious materials to create your custom packaging.

One company that stands out to me—both in quality and consciousness—is Noissue. Maybe you’re already familiar with them and you’re nodding your head in agreement with me. Or maybe you’ve never heard of them, and (spoiler alert) I’m about to let you in on a little secret … they are amazing!

Noissue provides customizable and sustainable packaging options—allowing your brand to shine through while being mindful of the environment. They use soy-based inks, acid-free paper, and are FSC certified. They also created a program—Eco Packaging Alliance—which contributes to global reforestation by planting trees worldwide. Finally, they produce 100% compostable mailers! This means you can stick with your “no plastic” commitment while reducing the space that your shipping containers take up.

Like myself, you may be wondering if that means you need a compost in your yard. Then I remembered my grandmother storing food waste in the freezer, inside of an old milk carton. Once the milk carton was full she would dump it outside in her garden, cover it with soil, and then repeat the process all over again. There are a number of ways you can get rid of your compostable waste. For a few of my favorite resources see below.

Getting Started with Composting:

1. Simple Composting Methods: This article shares ways in which you can get started in your garden—much like my grandmother did. It also goes over the other ways that you can set up an actual compost—both indoor and outdoor.

2. What to do with your compost materials if you don’t garden: This article shares amazing ideas on what to do with your compost materials if you don’t have a space for them in your own backyard. Not listed in this article but also a great idea—check with your local township to see if they have a compost site.

3. Starting a compost at home: This article goes over the ways in which you can get started both small and large—indoor or outdoor. There are options for everyone.

I’m passionate about sustainability and my own environmental impact. Naturally, I was really excited to discover Noissue and to learn more about composting. I hope you can take this information and use it to make small changes that could have a huge impact in 2020—and beyond.

If you are interested in creating sustainable packaging for your business, then let’s chat! I’d love to brainstorm ideas with you.

Understanding Your Site Services

Better understand your website and what’s behind it:

One of the things I love about the web is how it changes and grows over time. It’s also one of the things that make it complex and hard to understand. While it can be confusing, and there are a lot of moving parts, there are also some constants. As a business owner and web designer, I value empowering my customers with the right terminology to understand their web services more fully. I like to compare a website to a physical space—think about your home address. The domain is your mailing address—you could have a PO Box or a mailbox at your physical location. Either way, it points to you. The hosting is the physical space that your home takes up—this would include the acreage and the square footage of your house. Security would be a security system, an added setup to protect your home, aside from your doors, windows, and locks. Since it’s all digital and not able to be seen in a physical capacity, it seems abstract. But when you break it down (and compare it to something tangible), it’s actually that simple. Your platform or CMS is like your design-build company or architect. The content featured is like the couch, coffee table, paintings, and other interior design elements—I think you get the point. Each page is a room in your home—serving a different function. The list goes on and on …

Below is a list I created for anyone hoping to understand their web services more fully:

Domain/URL: The domain name or URL is the actual address that is typed into a browser to locate your website. It’s actually pointed to an IP address but it is used to essentially brand your site by creating a name that memorable/recognizable versus sending someone to a bunch of numbers.

DNS: DNS or Domain Name System is a hierarchical naming system for devices and services connected to the internet. It’s essentially, how your domain gets its name.

IP Address: An Internet Protocol address (IP address) is a series of numbers assigned to any device connected to a network that uses the Internet for communication. The IP address is where the domain actually points to, and is generated by your host.

Host/Hosting Provider: A web hosting service is where your actual website is stored. Hosting providers create a server space for you to point your domain/URL and for your site, email, and CMS to function within. They also provide extra security features and often will allow you to register your domain all in one space. If you are looking for a reputable host I recommend Siteground.

FTP: FTP or File Transfer Protocol is a file delivery system by way of the internet. Your hosting provider will give you FTP access to your site files so you can add and change it at your leisure.

CName: A CName or Canonical Name is a way of mapping domain names to IP addresses. When you point your domain to a particular IP address or hosting provider you will need the CName of the host in order to effectively point your domain.

Content Management System (CMS): A CMS is a framework that allows users to create websites and build on them over time. In terms of websites, it allows users to manage and publish information on their site within a framework developed specifically for the chosen CMS. Examples of website content management systems include WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, and many others.

Control Panel: A control panel is located on with your hosting provider. It is an online user interface that provides tools for managing a website, the web hosting account, email, and other server/hosting options.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO): SEO is simply maximizing the number of visitors to your website by ensuring your site appears high on search engine results through quality content and proper site structure. Essentially increasing the quality and quantity of visitors to your site.

Responsive design: Responsive design is building your site to be flexible across devices. Ensuring your site design is not comprised by the screen size but flows naturally from one device to the next.

User experience (UX): In terms of web design UX refers to how humans interact with the site and flow from one place to the next. A good user experience would consider how users are navigating through the site and ensure they are easily able find what they are searching for.

Landing Page: A landing page is a single published page that is meant to achieve a particular goal—such a capturing a lead (or an email). Often a landing page will be attached to a marketing campaign that lives on social media or elsewhere and points users to the landing page to capture their information or promote a product or service.

Website maintenance: Site maintenance means regularly checking your website for updates, potential issues, and generally keeping it relevant and up-to-date.

Site back-up: A website back up is a copy of your website that can be used to restore your site should it be hacked or otherwise compromised. If you regularly update your site you should regularly keep a backup.

This is only a short—and growing list—of web terms. If there is something you are looking to understand better, not included above, reach out via email and I’ll update the list accordingly.

Emerging Media: Interactive Spaces, Essential Oil Product Display

Project Summary

The goal of this project was to create an interactive space featuring some of the benefits and ideas for how to use five different essential oils—lavender, grapefruit, rosemary, peppermint, and eucalyptus. There is little room on the packaging itself, and the font sizes are very small, so this was an effort to create a useful resource for consumers considering purchasing essential oils. I created watercolor illustrations for each oil on the display. I then used the watercolors as inspiration for the label design and the interactive space. The image was projected onto the frame once a user picked up one essential oil, showcasing the benefits and ideas for how to use that particular oil. The photocells read a higher light value once the essential oils were picked up, which triggered the projection to change. This was done using an Arduino and Processing. The code is below.

Background/Initial Idea

I originally wanted to use a Muse headset and diffuse essential oils depending on the readings from the headset. With some research, I quickly figured out this may have major kinks. The other issue was that I wanted to create something useful and visually pleasing. I went with the interactive product display instead.

original sketch for interactive display — Initial sketch for the display

Essential oils in display — Essential oils resting in the interactive display

Display frame interactive with projector — Essential Oils on interactive display, turned on

Peppermint Essential Oil display — Peppermint Essential Oil moved from photocell

One by one tested the photocells with the Arduino

Projector — Tested the designs on the projector

Eucalyptus Essential Oil moved from photocell

Grapefruit Essential Oil display — Grapefruit Essential Oil moved from photocell

Breadboard — One by one tested the photocells with the Arduino

Essential Oils Interactive Space — Essential Oils on interactive display, turned on

Lavender Essential Oil display — Lavender Essential Oil moved from photocell

Rosemary Essential Oil display — Rosemary Essential Oil moved from photocell

Tools used to complete this project

1. Arduino
2. Photocells
3. Projector
4. Laptop
5. Processing
6. Illustrator
7. Photoshop
8. InDesign

Code

Arduino:

int cell0, cell1, cell2, cell3, cell4;

void setup() {
// We’ll send debugging information via the Serial monitor
Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
// read all the values, save the result in their own variables
cell0 = analogRead(0);
cell1 = analogRead(1);
cell2 = analogRead(2);
cell3 = analogRead(3);
cell4 = analogRead(4);

// print the line over serial so processing can read it
Serial.print(cell0);
Serial.print(“,”);
Serial.print(cell1);
Serial.print(“,”);
Serial.print(cell2);
Serial.print(“,”);
Serial.print(cell3);
Serial.print(“,”);
Serial.println(cell4); // this one has to be a println so the line ends

delay(100);
}

Processing:

import processing.serial.*;

int lf = 10; // Linefeed in ASCII
String myString = null;
Serial myPort; // The serial port
int big;
float r;
PImage img;
PImage grapefruit;
PImage rosemary;
PImage mint;
PImage lavender;
PImage eucalyptus;

void setup() {

fullScreen();
// List all the available serial ports
printArray(Serial.list());
// Open the port you are using at the rate you want:
myPort = new Serial(this, Serial.list()[1], 9600);
myPort.clear();
// Throw out the first reading, in case we started reading
// in the middle of a string from the sender.
myString = myPort.readStringUntil(lf);
myString = null;
big=0;
r=0;
img = loadImage(“img.jpg”);
grapefruit = loadImage(“grapefruit.jpg”);
rosemary = loadImage(“rosemary.jpg”);
mint = loadImage(“mint.jpg”);
lavender = loadImage(“lavender.jpg”);
eucalyptus = loadImage(“eucalyptus.jpg”);
}

void draw() {
while (myPort.available () > 0) {
myString = myPort.readStringUntil(lf);
if (myString != null) {
println(myString);
String s = trim(myString);
if (s != ” “) {
try {
String[] values=s.split(“,”);

int zero = Integer.parseInt(values[0]);
println(“zero : ” + zero);

int one = Integer.parseInt(values[1]);
println(“one : ” + one);

int two = Integer.parseInt(values[2]);
println(“two : ” + two);

int three = Integer.parseInt(values[3]);
println(“three : ” + three);

int four = Integer.parseInt(values[4]);
println(“four : ” + four);

image(img, 0, 0);

if (zero>100) {
image(grapefruit, 0, 0);
}
if (one>100) {
image(rosemary, 0, 0);
}
if (two>100) {
image(mint, 0, 0);
}
if (three>100) {
image(eucalyptus, 0, 0);
}
if (four>100) {
image(lavender, 0, 0);
}
}
catch (Exception e) {
}
}
}
}

}

8 Important Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Web Designer/Developer

How to know if you’re hiring the right web developer:

I have always been intrinsically drawn to the beauty and freedom in artistic expression. Over time, that artistic expression has evolved to embrace the evolution and influence of technology, and it has taken my career down paths I never thought possible. When I was dreaming up my place in the world, I never imagined that my art would consist of HTML code, responsive design, CMS platforms, etc. In 2008, I took an evening class at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia that went over basic CSS and HTML. I was hooked. I loved the idea of creating interactive visuals that could grow and change over time. What I didn’t realize is how rapidly the changes would occur—making the possibilities almost endless. After 10+ years of experience working on websites, I have ascribed a particular set of steps and preferences that I implement when working on a site. Much like the possibilities of any medium, a website will look and feel different depending on who created it. That said, I’d like to share with you a few key questions that will help you find the right web designer/developer for your next project.

What platform will you be working within? What are the benefits and limitations of that platform? Nowadays, anyone can design a website using the page-building tools that are available. From WordPress to Wix, or Squarespace to Shopify—there are so many options available. Some of these tools are seriously awesome, while others can potentially cause long-term issues. No two are created equal, so depending on your product, service, or industry, you’ll want to work with someone who can help guide you and recommend the platforms and page-building tools that make the most sense for your unique needs. Before you begin any project, ask your potential web designer/developer what platforms they are experienced in. Share your website functionality and technical requirements with them, so they can suggest an appropriate platform. And listen for a clear explanation of how they have arrived at choosing their preferred platform for your site.

Do they have branding experience? If you are not a designer yourself, I highly recommend that you work with a web designer with some branding experience or a brand expert on their team. When you’re investing in a marketing tool for your business, it needs to represent your brand aesthetic. This means that it represents your brand voice and is cohesive with the rest of your marketing material. If you already have a style guide, you can pass that off to your web designer. If not, I recommend working with your web designer to start the project with a mood board to indicate color, fonts, photography, and illustration. In the absence of a style guide, this will provide the foundational look and feel for your project.

What does their process or methodology look like? Websites should not be created in a vacuum. Your site should reflect your business, and in order to do that, your web designer/developer will need to become very familiar with the work you are doing. This means that there should be multiple touchpoints, thoughtful conversations, in-depth collaboration, proactive communication, deadlines that are delivered upfront, and so much more. If your web designer can’t share with you their process or doesn’t include this in the original agreement, then my advice is simple … run for the hills. Likewise, you should prepare yourself to commit and stick to a schedule to ensure your goals are met.

What type of SEO implementation is included with the package? When it comes to your web content—imagery, copy, and user experience—each element should be looked at through the lens of an SEO strategy. Your designer should have a base-level SEO package built into your web design package. Ask them to explain what this looks like. Listen carefully … high quality, relevant content is the key driver to successful Search Engine Optimization. SEO implementation should continue after the site is launched and when new content is added to the site. Ask them how you can best ensure the continued optimization of your site long term.

What type of on-going support do they have? Who will make the changes? Websites are fluid—they can and should grow and change over time. You’ll most likely have new ideas for added content the minute you launch the site. How quickly are they available to make changes? Do they have monthly or quarterly support packages so you can reserve time in advance? If you or someone in your team would like to make changes to the site after launch, make sure this is a discussion point early on. They should be able to provide you with a tutorial that will help you understand the fundamentals needed in order to make changes to the content on your site or publish new content in the future.

What host do they recommend and why? No two hosting platforms are created equal. Your site speed is affected by many different components—the platform you’re running on, the size of your site, the interactive capabilities, and the overall form and functions. Your hosting account can make or break your website—literally—so you’ll want to ensure you are hosting your site on a trusted hosting platform, with excellent customer service, speed, and security. In addition to those features, it is always important to have a backup of your site. A good hosting platform will include a backup of your site, so double-check to be sure that feature is included. Two of my personal favorites are Rackspace.com (for multiple large sites) and Siteground.com.

What type of added security is available? Many hosting platforms have excellent security features built directly into their services. But to truly protect your site, prevent hacks, or reverse any damage caused by a site hack, you’ll need to implement a third-party security system. I like to compare this to a home security system. Is it mandatory to have a home security system? No. Will it protect you from break-ins or prevent damage. Yes. The same applies to our website. Your site might never get hacked, regardless of whether or not you have added security. But with malware and sophisticated site hacking nowadays, I strongly encourage all my clients to invest in added security—just in case. The security platform I recommend is sucuri.net. The good news is if something does happen to your site and you don’t currently have a system in place you can reach out to Sucuri and they will help you through the aftermath, getting you back up in running in no time.

What exactly is happening on the back end? In my opinion, it’s important for you to have control over your domain name, hosting, any added security or outside features, and access to your website files/backups. Imagine you had to contact your realtor every time you want to make a major change to your house. He or she would be in control of your insurance, your mortgage, your security system … you would be left in the dark without any control of your own property. The same logic applies to your website. You should own the domain, hosting, and added security so that you can make changes as your business grows and evolves over time. Transparency is key with your web services. If your web designer is reselling hosting to you, be sure to ask them what would happen if you ever wanted to move your site from their server. And make sure their contract specifies ownership details of everything that is “behind the scenes” of your website.

All in all, these questions will help you get the conversation started with a potential web designer and/or developer. Use them to spur helpful dialogue and to make sure you know exactly what you are getting. A good web designer will ask insightful questions in return to help you think through the content that should truly exist on your site. And they will bring much more to the table than user experience, SEO, and design. They’ll collaborate. They’ll guide. They’ll troubleshoot. And they’ll provide feedback, direction, visuals, and verbiage. And when you partner with the right web designer/developer, they’ll help you build a powerful marketing tool, extending beyond the device, and into the hands of your target audience.

What I Learned From The 100-Day Project

The Making of The Portals Collection:

25 Days of Minis dropping daily December 1-25, 2021

Demystifying (logo) file types

Do you know what type of logo you need?