Saturday, March 28, 2009

Monday, March 23, 2009

Notes about portfolio review

Stan emailed this info to me about the upcoming portfolio review:

It's a good idea to just get them to put in their very best work from each class...if they need to rework anything they can do so for sure. I figure about 5 pieces from each class....plus if they want to show any animations they can burn a disc (make sure it works) and we'll have a DVD player in the review. Students can also put in their 3D packages if they want. Some have put them in boxes in the past to protect them or they can shoot photos of them instead. They can put most anything in the review, but only if they feel it's good. Don't let them edit too much out or else it will work against them. Must be representational of their 3 classes....they can also include some other work from photography or printmaking, etc. They should remember they are applying for GrD and keep the work focused on that.

Encourage them to have their names on the back of everything. To have their work in a portfolio or box of some kind...doesn't have to be expensive. Mostly for organization purposes.

They should know who is selected by Friday May 8th. I'll send out an email to everyone instructing students what to do about registration and all. Some students wondered if they should go ahead and register for other classes should they not get into the program. It wouldn't hurt to do so I guess and then they can always drop.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Graphic Design Inspiration

Really amazing work.

Graphic ExchanGE

Final Project: DVD and Poster Design

DUE: Monday, 04.27.09

Create a poster and DVD box set for a documentary on a Non-Profit organization or campaign. The poster should raise awareness of the organization's goals, and encourage readers to join the campaign or donate to the cause. Use type and imagery to convey the organization's message and spread awareness about the work they do. This will be your final project!

>> 20% of final grade

Here are some ideas for your organization/campaign:
International Rescue Committee
Doctors Without Borders
VH1's Save the Music
Peace Corps
UNICEF

Of course, there are so many others to choose from, so find an organization that you feel does work close to your heart, and research them. Find a project to which they commit their time and resources, and think up a documentary about it. Come up with a name, and start thinking about your concept!

Your poster will focus more on the cause or issue highlighted in your invented documentary film, but it will also mention the DVD as well. The DVD should be packaged in a creative manner, as if it were a special edition DVD that could be purchased (or be given as a donation/membership gift).

This is a project where you need to explore typography in a beautiful, expressive way while having it clearly communicate the message that is intended. Take all of the lessons that you've learned so far this semester and apply them to this project, where you are finally using typography in a real-world application. Before you begin your designs, look at some annuals and online for good not-for-profit design and creative DVD/CD packaging. Be open and experimental; in your project, typography should be the main design component. Craftsmanship will also play a prominent role in your grade for this project, so think about ways for your packaging to be super clean and professional looking.

We will talk about this more tomorrow, after the critique. Also, remember tomorrow, after the critique and discussion of the next project, we will go down to Clarissa's reception to show her our support. Have a great evening!

(Below are some poster examples I found online during a short search...)














Sunday, March 8, 2009

Project 03: Typographic Self Protrait

DUE: 03/23/2009

Design type specimens through the use of type as an image.

Take your name and a short signature phrase and explore one typeface “family” to create a self portrait made only with type (no lines at all). Layouts need to demonstrate the range of a type family in a variety of sizes. Remember, a typeface family is a font (such as Adobe Garamond) that has a variety of weights (light, book, semibold, bold, etc.) and styles (italics, small caps, etc.). Several are listed in the TWT book.

Steps:
1. Pick what typeface family you are going to use for this project.
2. Decide upon your "signature phrase". It can be a quote that is meaningful to you or something that you say a lot. It should be relatively short (no long poems or song lyrics).
3. Find the picture of yourself that you will form the base of this typographic self-portrait.
4. Start "drawing" with type! Be sure to use a wide range of sizes, weights, and styles to make your self-portrait.

Here are some examples (not from GSU):







Friday, March 6, 2009