Update

Got some good feedback from Prof. Anderson, which is a relief.
I was really happy with what I had, but I wanted to make another model.  Which, by the way, is not so simple.  I've never used sculpey so I didn't realize how tough it was to mold.  I made this one a bit bigger.  I actually think this one is more successful than the first.

Made the sun on top of pyramid.  Acts also as a pull to open the box.

This model is longer and taller than the first, but the ring is still able to stand up in the center.

My primitive model of the outside container.  This will be disposable.
Has cutouts  on the sides that resemble the geometric shapes found in aztec art,
it also looks like the pyramid.  Really driving it home.

Third Assignment

Packaging.

In line with my theme and ad, I wanted to use the pyramid image in my packaging.  I started off with a pyramid ring box of chipboard that hinged open.  Didn't love it.  Didn't hate it.
At Utrecht after 45min and 3 different employees asking if I needed assistance, I left the store with some sculpey bake clay and an experimental vibe.
This is what came about.

Carved and hollowed.  Just a little bit of gold paint on the apex which is also embossed with the sun logo.

The ring fits perfectly into a slot so it stands independently.

 

Edit

I tried to edit the second project a bit using computer programming, to try to make it look somewhat more of my original vision.  Also tweeked a few things here and there.

Second Assignment

Branding.  Ad campaign.

I tried my hand at watercolor and in retrospect I probably should have practiced a bit, before going to the nice paper.  The ring sort of gets lost in all the colors.  I wanted the colors to fade away from the ring, but it somehow all ended up the same shade.  I should have made it bigger too.

On a high note, I did sort through my selling point.  The ring represents in a way the search for gold and wealth by the conquistadors, namely Cortes (hence the name of the fake company) in the city of gold - El Dorado.  The ring is catered toward wealthier individuals who are well travelled and appreciate the cultural aspects of this piece of jewelry.

The First Assignment

Postcards.

I wanted to convey the idea that this ring had history.  It's not just a piece of ornament, but can also transport you to a specific region and time period.  

I think I was a bit overly complex with the idea.  I tried to suggest "wearing history", but it probably wasn't translated very well by my use of the abstract hands. 

The Muse

It was my mother's.
Working on projects with this ring as my product should be fun, but I hope by the end of the semester I won't be tempted to throw it in the garbage disposal.

The end of summer.

See, Saw

I was asked to See what's out there in terms of other sketchblogs and what I Saw was impressive.  There are a lot of talented people on this rotating ball.

The blog I enjoyed most I think was by Lydia Velarde, a San Diego artist (Arty Velarde).  Her entries are lighthearted and fun.  Imagine your everyday situations, conversations, random thoughts characterized; Your life as you live it in cartoon form, a picture book really.  One post pictured her experimentation with 5hour energy drink.  Very little descriptive blurb, the cartoon speaks for itself, tells the story.  The drawings aren't amazingly complex or even well drawn (definitely not showcasing the extent of her talent) but they are humorous and relatable and "it is, what it is", nothing more nothing less.
I actually like this entry a lot.  There's no shame in bending the truth.