OVERALL PROGRESS

Overall the design side of the project is completely resolved and there are no new elements planned. All of the written content is also done. What remains to be accomplished still are the odds and ends and making sure that everything is in place, is proofread, and is prepared for printing.

WEB SITE

The web site is not just a marketing piece that talks about the book. It is a supporting piece that, first of all, makes some of the content from the book available to everyone — it explains DNA basics, inheritance, gene and cell therapy and the importance of knowing family history.

Secondly, it gives people resources that enable them to address their own questions about genetics and about health. Thirdly, it talks about clinical trials, explains their benefits and risks and lists websites that give people the opportunity to participate in one.

Similarly to the book, the site also shows people's stories that describe their experiences with genetics.

ELEMENTS

I am currently finishing up the last corrections and modifications on the book and then having it proofread. I am also putting the final touches to the web site and checking it before publishing.

When it comes to marketing materials, the design of businesscards, postcards and posters is done and they are ready for printing. There are also two other marketing items in the making, that I do not want to disclose at the present time.

PROGRESS

Have not posted anything for a while now, but the work on the book and all the other elements has been progressing in a good pace. I must admit, I much prefer doing the actual working on the project than describing and talking about it. I'll try to rectify some of that now, by talking about what has happened during this time.

PROGRESS. WEEK 5

The progress on the book is going good.  I am managing and addressing all aspects of it at the same time so that the written content, diagrams, communication and photography all are taken into account, developed and integrated in a cohesive whole.

There is still a long way to go, but I like the direction I am heading. 

THE BOOK

The first thing I decided to tackle for this project is a book. One that addresses both of my goals: 
1) Removing confusion about gene and cell therapy and creating a positive impression of the field 
2) Increasing the number of people volunteering in clinical trials by explaining the process, making it transparent and understandable to potential participants


By concentrating on the pure content, communication and visual aspect of the project that is addressed in this format, I am also preparing the elements that will later be used both in the web environment and in printed collateral.

SEARCH

I am happy to say that the search for advisors turned out to be very successful. Hearing their thoughts, opinions and advice keeps me improving and perfecting the aspects I am having trouble with. I am lucky and grateful to have the opportunity to work with them.

PROGRESS

At the present moment I'm in the process of talking to a few people in the hopes that they will consider giving me their guidance in this process. I am looking for two advisors. One for the design aspect of the project and another for the content/science aspect of the project.

PROJECT

I posted a short Project Summary for a fast overview of the project. For a deeper look, here is also Project Description.

MY BACKGROUND

I went to International Higher School of Practical Psychology in Latvia for my undergraduate degree and I studied Digital Design. While there, I became inspired and passionate about design, wanting to continue to go further on this path. Right after finishing I put together a portfolio and applied to the Academy of Art University for a MFA in Graphic Design. I moved out to San Francisco about two years ago and since then have been taking classes at the Academy, working, and last Summer interning at a Global creative and brand-engineering agency ATTIK. It's been an eye-opening and inspirational journey so far and presently I am at a point where I can start working on my Thesis project.

ABOUT THIS BLOG

Connecting Genes is a blog that reflects the process of creating a Graphic Design Masters Thesis project on the topic of Human Genetics.