1. Working Knowledge of Graphic Design Software and Digital Tools 

• Mailchimp is an online tool that allows the user to create and send out emails to subscribers. On Mailchimp I have been able to create several emails for our monthly newsletter at the library. This is our October Newsletter for 2024. I use widgets within Mailchimp to add elements such as text, paragraphs, buttons and media.  

2. Elements of Design 

• The layout for the design has been similar in each of the designs as it is important for the readers to recognize the design as the library Newsletter. However, in this layout I have included a background image that does not distract against the content within the Newsletter. Another change I have included was to include more animations in the form of GIFs. Each of these animations was included to entertain and gain the attention of the audience. The Newsletter is formatted to be read through scrolling and if the audience wants to learn more information, they will click on the buttons associated with the item they are interested in.  

3. Creative Self-Expression and Originality 

• As I have gained more experience in animation I wanted to include more of it in this design. By including more of what brings me joy which is quirky and fun designs like animations I feel that I can make someone else smile through my designs. I have included much information about our libraries for the month of October, but I have always wanted to provide a teaser in my Newsletter designs as I feel that subscribers deserve to be in the library loop.  

4. Evidence of Thoughtful and Appropriate Critique Skills 

• Some feedback that I received regarding this design was about the need for more images of our programs at the library (Garcia, 2024). I agreed with David, and I decided to include outreach program images and images of the winners of a recent art competition (Garcia, 2024). I hope to get more images of our other library branches to include in future Newsletters as I enjoy sharing all the library has to offer our patrons.  

5. Evidence of Following Directions 

• I feel that sharing the news of the library is the main goal of the Newsletter. As I do try to include things that are new, but I also try and share resources that we have already had for some time to remind our patrons. I also try and give them information as subscribers to the Newsletter that they may not see on Facebook as most who subscribe to our Newsletter do not have social media. Because of this, I also try and create Newsletters that are user friendly in the sense that there is not too much reading to not lose their interest.  

6. Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail 

• Attention to detail in the Newsletter is presented in each design. As the header has started to include a custom banner to entice the reader to keep scrolling. While the footer provides information on how to contact the library or follow the library on social media. The library card promotion and Newsletter banner are also changed every month to reflect the activities and/or the season/holiday. Several resources are also provided in the Newsletter with a brief description of what is offered and an opportunity to learn more at the click of a button. Much of the images that are included in the Newsletter are also designs that are added in, for example, the “Legal Forms” is a GIF that was created on Canva. The Library Card promotion is also animated to draw in the attention of the audience.  

Reference

(Garcia, D, personal communication, October 5, 2024)