PROJECTS

Due: January 15
Using Adobe Illustrator and the design principles discussed in the article Unifying Principles of Design, create a minimum of two non-representational compositions for each principle listed below.

This assignment focuses on abstract visual organization, not illustration, symbolism, or imagery. All designs must communicate the principle through form, scale, spacing, color, and composition alone.

Design Principles to Explore

Create two designs for each of the following principles:

• Repetition

• Variety

• Rhythm

• Balance

• Emphasis

• Economy

Total minimum: 12 compositions

Format Requirements

• Each design must be 8" × 10"

• Use a mix of portrait and landscape orientations

• All work must be created as vector artwork in Adobe Illustrator

• Designs must be non-representational (no objects, icons, symbols, letters, or imagery)

Guidelines

• Focus on clarity over decoration

• Avoid textures, filters, gradients, and unnecessary effects

• Use color intentionally and sparingly

• Each design should clearly demonstrate one dominant principle

• The principle should be recognizable without explanation

Submission Requirements

• Export each design as a JPG

• Resolution: 300 dpi

• Color mode: RGB

• File naming format:
  LastName_Principle_01.jpg
  (example: Smith_Balance_02.jpg)

• Submit all JPGs and .AIs to the class Google folder under assignment 1. 

AI Use Policy

This assignment is designed to build foundational visual thinking skills.

• AI-generated imagery is not permitted

• All visual work must be original and manually created

Due: February 10th
Using Adobe Illustrator, create logo designs for the three companies listed below and prepare them as if you were presenting to a client. For each company, you will develop three distinct logo concepts (9 logos total). These should be clearly different approaches, not minor variations.

This assignment focuses on illustration fundamentals, visual clarity, versatility, and professional presentation. The goal is to produce work that could realistically be used in a professional portfolio. Use this time carefully.

Design Goals:

Each logo should be

• Simple – Easy to read and understand

• Versatile – Works in color and black & white

• Scalable – Clear at very small and very large sizes

• Memorable – Distinct and recognizable

• Relevant – Appropriate for the company and audience

Company Briefs:

• Twitch
  Industry: Music / Entertainment
  
  Twitch is a contemporary music and entertainment company focused on products and experiences for teenagers and young adults. The brand should feel energetic, current, and culturally aware, with an emphasis on youth culture, music, and entertainment. The logo may suggest movement, sound, rhythm, or intensity, but should avoid feeling childish or dated.

Considerations may include:

• 1. 1. youth-driven aesthetics

     2. music, performance, or media culture

     3. energy, motion, or disruption

     4. adaptability across merchandise, digital platforms, and live events

• On-Electro  
  Industry: Industrial / Engineering Services

On-Electro is an industrial company providing services and products for electrical and mechanical engineers. The brand should communicate precision, reliability, and technical competence. The logo should feel professional, durable, and timeless rather than trendy or decorative.

Considerations may include:

1. engineering, systems, or infrastructure

2. efficiency, accuracy, and trust

3. clarity and legibility in technical environments

4. usage across equipment, documentation, and industrial signage
   
   

• Good Lunch
  Industry: Food / Hospitality

Good Lunch is an urban restaurant located in the financial district of a large city, serving office workers during the weekday lunch rush. The brand should communicate speed, consistency, and quality without feeling corporate or flashy. The name is intentionally straightforward, signaling reliability and ease rather than luxury.

The logo should feel:

1. speed and convenience

2. quality and consistency

3. urban context

4. usage on menus, storefront signage, and takeout packaging
   
   

What to Show (Client Presentation):

For each logo concept, include:

• Black & white version

• Color version

• The logo shown at multiple sizes

• Two real-world application (menu, storefront, skateboard, packaging, etc.)
  Mockups may be simple. Focus on clarity and usability.

Submission Format:
Submit one PDF per company (three PDFs total). Organize each PDF clearly, as if sending it to a client.

Each PDF should include:

• • Three logo concepts

  • Color and black & white versions

  • Multiple scale examples

  • One contextual application per logo

  • Submit all .PDFs and .AIs to the class Google folder under assignment 2. 

In-Class Presentation:
You will present your logos to the class.

For each company:

• Briefly describe the brand

• Walk through the three logo options

• Explain the thinking behind each

AI Policy:

• AI-generated imagery and AI-assisted logo creation are not permitted.

• AI may be used only for text-based clarification (definitions, terminology, references)

• All logos must be original and manually created in Illustrator

ASSOCIATED LINKS:

• Logo Range

• Brand New

• The Art of the Logo

• What makes a good logo

• Identity Design

• Valuation of your logo design 

• Presentation of Logos

Due March 12th
For this assignment, you will design and present branding and packaging for a fictional product. This project simulates a client pitch. Your goal is to present a clear, compelling brand and packaging concept using digital visualization tools. Students are expected to conduct basic research and allow that research to meaningfully inform branding and packaging choices. Avoid clichés or superficial “rustic” aesthetics. Packaging may be traditional or experimental, but it should respect the product’s origin and narrative.

Below are the two companies you can choose from:

• Fizzle
  Industry: Beverage / Energy Drink

Fizzle is an energy drink company founded by two young women based in Boston. Unlike many American energy drinks, Fizzle is designed for international audiences, particularly European markets where energy drinks are consumed less frequently and often viewed with skepticism.

The brand should feel measured, intelligent, and contemporary, avoiding the aggressive, extreme-sports aesthetics common in U.S. energy drink branding. Instead, consider subtlety, restraint, and cultural sensitivity.

Students should consider:

• how energy drinks are perceived outside the U.S.

• differences in taste, portion size, packaging, and branding

• alternatives to high-sugar or hyper-caffeinated messaging

• a brand voice that feels intentional rather than loud
  
  

• La Castellana
  Industry: Coffee / Agriculture

La Castellana is a coffee company based in El Salvador. The brand should be informed by research into Central American coffee culture, including the history of coffee production, growing regions, harvesting methods, processing, and the people involved in its production.

This is not a generic coffee brand. Design decisions should reflect an understanding of:

• El Salvador’s coffee-growing history

• the geography and climate of the region

• traditional and contemporary coffee production methods

• ethical, cultural, and economic contexts

Project Overview

You will design:

1. A brand identity (logo and visual system)

2. Graphics applied to a product container or delivery system

3. A packaging concept that communicates how the product is sold, used, or experienced

Packaging does not need to follow traditional formats. Bottles or coffee bags are acceptable, but you can explore alternative or novel packaging ideas appropriate to the product.

Tools & Workflow

Packaging must be digitally simulated.

You may use:

• Adobe Illustrator

• Adobe Photoshop (including product mockups)

• Adobe Dimension

• Cinema 4D (optional, for students with prior experience)

• Other software

No physical fabrication is required.

I will demonstrate:

• Adobe Dimension workflows

• Photoshop product mockup techniques

You may choose the tool(s) that best support your concept.

Presentation Requirements (PDF)

You will submit a single PDF presentation that communicates your concept as if pitching to a client.

Your PDF should include:

• Brand introduction

  1. Product name

  2. Target demographic

  3. Slogan

• Logo presentation

  1. Logo shown clearly

  2. Black & white and color versions (if applicable)

• Packaging visualization

  1. Graphics applied to the container or system

  2. One or more assembled views

  3. Clear sense of scale and material

• Design rationale

  1. A short written explanation describing:

     • the branding idea

     • the intended audience

     • why the packaging format was chosen

Clarity and communication matter more than polish.

Requirements & Constraints

• Packaging should logically accommodate:

  1. multiple units of the product, or

  2. a complete retail serving

• Designs should be physically plausible, even if speculative

• Visualizations should clearly show how the product is encountered or used

AI Use Policy

AI tools may be used in a limited way for this assignment.

Allowed:

• Research and background information

• Brainstorming slogans or brand language

• Generating supporting imagery (similar to stock photos)

Not Allowed:

• AI-generated logos, typography, or brand marks

• AI-generated layouts, packaging designs, or full compositions

• Using AI to replace design decisions or authorship

All final branding, packaging, and layouts must be created and composed by the student  using Illustrator, Photoshop, Adobe Dimension,     and/or Cinema 4D.

ASSOCIATED LINKS:

• Pinterest - Package Design

• Ephemera: Swedish Soft Drink Labels

• 40 Creative Box Designs

• Pop Art - The brilliant redesign of the soda can tab.

• Design Review: Squirt

• Packaging Design: Creating Folding Cartons and Set-up Boxes 

• Box Styles for Custom Folding Cartons

• CONCEPT - idea, intention and meaning. Does the artwork clearly communicate something to other viewers?

• CREATIVITY - originality of thought and expression. Does the artwork show innovation and uniqueness? Did the artist solve the given assignment problem in an expected or unexpected way.

• COMPOSITION - arrangement and organization of elements. Has the artist carefully considered elements such as balance, proportion, texture, color, shape, and positive/negative space and user navigation?

• CRAFTSMANSHIP - attention to detail. Does the artist skillfully construct the work? Are all details carefully finished and/or intentional-looking?