The written word has been a part of human design since the first clay tablets were scratched with cuneiform in ancient Mesopotamia. The form of language is as important as the form of letters or images. In digital media this idea is encapsulated in the mantra "Content is King!". And in fact, it is King.
Content is what the "Information Superhighway" is all about, and media in general is no different. Without something to say, media is as purposeful as wallpaper. Even fine art conveys a message, proving that content doesn't have to be about text. On this site for example, content is about both text and images, and the design that marries the two. And like a marriage, good design relies on their being as little conflict between the two as possible. Each has their space, each has its job to do, and yet they compliment each other perfectly.
As with art and design, content must be made to suit the surroundings it is placed in. This means not just setting the right typeface, or collapsing the margins. It also means making sure the work is presentable and well written. Most designers aren't poet laureates, but at the very least they can get an idea across clearly and without too many spelling and grammar mistakes. In this section I take the focus off of the design, and put it onto the content in order to show that as a student, I have the ability to write as well as design.
JR Ryan (Curriculum Vitae)
As I'm already getting personal with my essays I might as well segue into the next section with this copy of my CV to provide a better understanding of my background. This is a brief summary of my official work experience, but as a student of the "School of Hard Knocks" I feel I have to point out that life experience doesn't count as a job listing. Thank god the school understands it's value or I wouldn't have a chance.
Bath Spa application
This is the application essay I produced for Bath Spa itself. I though this would be a particularly appropriate addition since not everyone who may be reading this page will have had the opportunity to read my application. This essay answers the question "What are my reasons for wanting to take this course in the first place?".
Joseph Campbell discussions
As a techie and a new media/digital designer I have a passion for the internet. I am also a passionate writer and in particular I enjoy writing about topics that have to do with religion, philosophy, and philosophical science. My interest in these topics is so great that I actually became an ordained minister as a way to mark the weight of their meaning to me.
In trying to find a way of bringing these two passions together, I became a contributor to an online forum in late 2002. Dedicated to the study and further exploration of mythic imagery as it relates to world religion and the human psyche, the Joseph Campbell Foundation hosts a huge range of topical discussions. Each one delves into the depths of heavily academic subjects such as Jungian Depth Psychology, Archetypal Imagery, psycho-spiritual experience, mythological allegory and its place and use throughout history, comparative religion, and most importantly the work of Professor Joseph Campbell and his contemporaries (Maslow, Frasier, Adler, Jung, Watts, Suzuki, et al).
In the years I have been a member in this community, I have become one of the most prolific contributors, posting well over 700 short essays. Some range from no more than a few lines responding to previous posts to 10 or 20 pages extended over several posts. Most are two, three or more pages long.
It isn't common in most forums to post cited work, but it is common at the JCF to post linked supporting material and properly quote authors as they are mentioned. The tone is still somewhat dialogue, but it is as academic a discussion as you will find anywhere web or otherwise.
I have taken a few of my favourite (and least confusing when taken out of context) posts and placed them in a word to read, but again, please note these are portions of discussions and should be regarded as such. If you would like to view the thread each post came from just click the link under the title of each article.
If you'd like to read more of my posts, or want to know more about about Joseph Campbell and the foundation you can access the site at www.jcf.org. Note: Although many of the topics are of a religious nature, examining the beliefs and imagery of the worlds religions, it is not a religious site in any way and I encourage anyone who is interested in human intelligence, psychology, art and imagery to drop by for a look.