Development
Design Development
Contacting the ToDo Institute
Gregg and Linda Krech
Gregg and Linda Kretch founded the ToDo Institute over the 25 years ago and have been dedicated to introducing and advocating the uses of Japanese psychology ever since. The Todo Institute is a non profit center in Vermont, Canada that use the practice and philosophy of Kaizen, Morita Therapy and Naikan through workshops and online courses.
His work encourages a combination of the spiritual, psychological and practical; supporting individuals in developing gratitude, compassion, and engaging in meaningful action. I have been reading one of his many books “The Art of Taking Action” and believe his work will have an influence on the development of my magazine. Gregg Krech is a member of the North American Naikan Counsel and Editor in Chief for the quarterly journal “Thirty Thousand Days: A Journal for Purposeful Living therefore I felt it was important to contact him.
After a quick response via e-mail he expressed he was happy to help and so I have sent him an outline of my ideas, I am currently awaiting his response and feel very excited to recieve feedback from such an inspiration.
Digital Sample Design
PHOTOSHOP DESIGN
I used Photoshop to create my first few designs, I experimented with colour, text, composition and forms. I began with bright and bold colours drawing from my Pintrest board, using the idea of steps within the design, I then introduced a red circle and text to further a feel of Japan. I was impressed with the last design but felt I could explore further with the program, serif draw-plus as it is simpler to use for basic graphic design.
SERIF DRAW PLUS DESIGN
I quickly mocked up this design, creating some shapes and tones, I will keep editing this piece while figuring out what I want to differently in my next designs
I have chaned some colour and the font, I have learnt I want to use quite bold colours for a vibrant feel, I also want to use contemporary modern font so I will continue working with this in mind.
I began by drawing out simple mountain shapes, using the idea of traditional japanese nature as a theme for continuous change. I decided to continue playing with this design, applying different colours and details.
DEVELOPMENT
I added some beams of light and snowey tops on the mountain, I feel the design becomes fuller as I continued to implement colour. By the fourth design, I decided to explore options of transparency and layering to see what I could be done with these options. I feel these designs were successful for my first attempts and I’m glad I used this program as it was much easier to work with and become familiarised. I will continue producing in serif as I can work much quicker, saving time and unnecessary efforts however I will also later explore methods of hand drawn illustration and lino-print to maximise potential and experimentation.
FIRST DIGITAL DESIGNS
Kaizen 改善 Aesthetic
PINTREST BOARD – DEVELOPING AESTHETIC AND VISUAL THEME
I’ve scanned in some notes and rough designs, I created a pintrest board to contain my visual inspiration when designing, I will continue playing and drawing ideas but I want to begin familiarising myself with digital software to bring some of these designs to life.
Mental Health
Research of proffessional clinical exercises
These documents were supplied to a family member of mine by Trafford’s mental health team, we were given a range of carers file and the patient file – I am using the patient file to demonstrate effective work-sheets and advice, an example of what is proffessionally approved and effective.
There were some documents on mindfulness, breathing and meditation, the first recommended step to containing emotions and break downs. I can begin to develop these steps of recovery into the stages of light work (morita therapy), removing a sense of clinical intensity and providing encouragement through supportive, relaxed approach and aesthetic.
I feel by involving tasks like these, the individual is able to confront themselves, exercise kaizen and activate morita’s principles through non-medical, non-proffessional, response activity, encouraging all individuals the opportunity to continue improving themselves without a therpist, doctor, life coach or medication.
I will use the basic foundation of these activities through a conctemporary and modern aesthetic in order to create fun reflective activities for all people who wants to harness the best version of themselves.
FAYE TIKIC 