Introviews:
Pick a classmate to interview, and answer the following questions:
What name do you prefer to go by?
What are your preferred pronouns (he/him/his, she/her/hers, they/them/theirs)?
Where did you go to high school?
What is one of your favorite examples of graphic design (logo, movie poster, etc.)?
Once you've finished your interview, use the information you collected to fill out one of the Introview slides.
All slides will be shared with the class.
Assigned: Brandthropology (Part 1):
Take a trip to your local supermarket, convenience store, bodega, etc. and find two products that belongs to your assigned category (see link below), but are significantly different from each other either in appearance or content (for example: a bag of Kettle chips vs. a bag of Lays or a bottle of Mountain Dew vs. a bottle of water).
Your category assignments are here.
Once you have identified your two products, take a photo of each one. Make sure the photo is of the front of the product, and that the packaging is clearly visible and well lit. Bonus points for taking additional photos of the back and sides of your products.
Due next class.
Scavenger Hunt:
Break into groups and find one example for each of the following elements and principles of design:
Line
Shape
Color
Space
Contrast
Emphasis
Balance
When you have found your designs, place them in the class scavenger hunt presentation along with:
What the design is (a logo, a piece of furniture, a typeface, etc.)?
Who is the designer and/or company that created the design?
What element or principle does this design best represent?
Assigned: Brandthropology (Part 2):
Look at the packaging design of the your two products.
How are the elements and principles of design being used in the packaging design of the two products?
Do you think one of the products is using the elements and principles of design better than the other? If so, which one, and how?
Fill out a slide with your responses (be sure to include an image of your products) and be prepared to discuss your observations.
Due next class.
Assigned: Brandthropology (Part 3):
For this final installment of Brandthropology, you will analyze the packaging design of your two products to determine their intended audience/consumer.
Try to answer the following questions:
Based only on the packaging design, who do you think is the intended audience for each product?
How is design used to signal the intended audience/consumer of each product?
Fill out a slide with your responses (be sure to include an image of the product) and be prepared to discuss your observations.
Due next class.
Scavenger Hunt:
Break into groups and find one example for each of the following icons:
An icon that represents an object.
An icon that represents an action.
An icon that represents an idea or concept.
When you have found your icons, place them in the class scavenger hunt presentation along with answers to the following prompts:
What does the icon represent (an object, an action, an idea)?
What makes the icon effective?
Name one element or principle of design used by the icon.
Assigned: Icontrast (Part 1):
For this assignment we will be creating sets of icons that represent opposites or dichotomies (up vs down, big vs small, near vs far, and so on). In order to keep things fair (and interesting) we will be conducting a draft in class with each student selecting two pairs of opposites from the spreadsheet below. Each pair of words can be selected by up to two students. If you miss the draft, please email or message me right away to be assigned two of the remaining word pairs.
Your spreadsheet link is here.
Next, create at least ten sketches for each of your opposite pairs (so ten sketches of "up vs down" and ten sketches of "big vs small"). When working on your sketches, try to think about all the different ways that you can communicate the idea behind the opposites (for example: an arrow pointing up for "up" and an arrow pointing down for "down").
Each set of sketches must be on its own sheet of paper (an 8.5x11" sheet of printer paper is ideal). Number each sketch and take a picture. Repeat this process until you have sketches for both opposite pairs (a total of 20 sketches). You should have at least two pages with corresponding photos. Do not label your sketches with the name of the opposite pairs since we will be guessing the pairs in class.
When creating your sketches, keep in mind that your final icons will need to fit inside a 100x100 pixel square, so you may want to avoid creating sketches that are too detailed or are very wide or tall. Each sketch should only take a minute at most. If you find that you are spending more than a minute on a single sketch, stop, and move on to another one. The goal of this exercise is speed and simplicity.
Upload all of your photos to the class presentation below.
Due next class.
Assigned: Icontrast (Part 2):
Select one of your sketches from Part 1, and create a version in Illustrator using only the shape tools. Layering shapes on top of each other is encouraged, but the final designs must be black and white only. When you are satisfied with your design, export it as a png file. Place your exported png file in the class presentation.
Due next class.
Assigned: Icontrast (Part 3):
For Part 3 we will be drafting two more opposite pairs. However, this time the dichotomies are more complex (order vs chaos, loud vs quiet, and so on) and will require more creativity to depict as icons. Just like with Part 1, we will be conducting a draft in class with each student selecting two pairs of opposites form the spreadsheet below. Each pair of words can be selected by up to two students. If you miss the draft, please email or message me right away to be assigned two of the remaining word pairs.
Your spreadsheet link is here.
Next, create at least ten sketches for each of your opposite pairs (so ten sketches of "order vs chaos" and ten sketches of "loud vs quiet"). When working on your sketches, try to think about all the different ways that you can communicate the idea behind the opposites (for example: a grid of equally sized squares for "order" and a random array of different sized squares for "chaos").
Each set of sketches must be on its own sheet of paper (an 8.5x11" sheet of printer paper is ideal). Number each sketch and take a picture. Repeat this process until you have sketches for both opposite pairs (a total of 20 sketches). You should have at least two pages with corresponding photos. Do not label your sketches with the name of the opposite pairs since we will be guessing the pairs in class.
When creating your sketches, keep in mind that your final icons will need to fit inside a 100x100 pixel square, so you may want to avoid creating sketches that are too detailed or are very wide or tall. Each sketch should only take a minute at most. If you find that you are spending more than a minute on a single sketch, stop, and move on to another one. The goal of this exercise is speed and simplicity.
Upload all of your photos to the class presentation below.
Due next class.
Assigned: Icontrast (Part 4):
Select one of your sketches from Part 3, and create a version in Illustrator using only the shape and Pathfinder tools. Remember, when using the Pathfinder tools the goal is to have the fewest shapes possible. Just like Part 2, the final designs must be black and white only. When you are satisfied with your design, export it as a png file. Place your exported png file in the class presentation.
Due next class.
Assigned: Icontrast (Part 5):
For Part 5 we will be drafting two final opposite pairs. This time the dichotomies are the most complex and abstract (isolation vs community, reality vs illusion, and so on) and will require a lot of creativity to depict as icons. Just like with Part 1 and 3, we will be conducting a draft in class with each student selecting two pairs of opposites form the spreadsheet below. Each pair of words can be selected by up to two students. If you miss the draft, please email or message me right away to be assigned two of the remaining word pairs.
Your spreadsheet link is here.
Next, create at least ten sketches for each of your opposite pairs (so ten sketches of "mind vs body" and ten sketches of "reality vs illusion"). When working on your sketches, try to think about all the different ways that you can communicate the idea behind the opposites (for example: a silhouette a single figure for "isolation" and a group of figures holding hands for "community").
Each set of sketches must be on its own sheet of paper (an 8.5x11" sheet of printer paper is ideal). Number each sketch and take a picture. Repeat this process until you have sketches for both opposite pairs (a total of 20 sketches). You should have at least two pages with corresponding photos. Do not label your sketches with the name of the opposite pairs since we will be guessing the pairs in class.
When creating your sketches, keep in mind that your final icons will need to fit inside a 100x100 pixel square, so you may want to avoid creating sketches that are too detailed or are very wide or tall. Each sketch should only take a minute at most. If you find that you are spending more than a minute on a single sketch, stop, and move on to another one. The goal of this exercise is speed and simplicity.
Upload all of your photos to the class presentation below.
Due next class.
Assigned: Icontrast (Part 6):
Select one of your sketches from Part 5, and create a version in Illustrator using only the pen tools. Remember, when using the pen tool the fewer anchor points you use, the smoother your lines will be. Just like Part 2 and 4, the final designs must be black and white only. When you are satisfied with your design, export it as a png file. Place your exported png file in the class presentation.
Due next class.
Assigned: Icontrast (Final):
Using the icons you have created in the previous check-ins, create a set of icons that meet the following criteria:
Each icon must be clearly recognizable as the opposite of its partner (this can be done by using similar shapes, or employing principles like symmetry and contrast).
Icons should be as simple as possible with an emphasis on using the fewest possible shapes.
In addition to each pair needing to be visually linked, all three sets (six icons total) will be graded based on their visual similarity.
All three sets (six icons total) must be black and white only, and fit inside a 100x100 pixel square.
All three difficulty levels must be presented in your final icon set (so one set of icons from the "easy" list, another set of icons from the "medium", and a third set of icons from the "hard" list).
When you are satisfied with your designs, export them as a png file. Place your exported png file(s) in the class presentation.
In addition to the png file, you must upload an Illustrator file with all six of your icons inside the artboard. The file must also contain all of your work from Parts 1 through 6 as well as any other work you created when producing this assignment. If your file has not been uploaded by the start of class, or is missing any of these components you will lose points.
You can review the rubric for this assignment here.
Due next class.
Group Critique
This is an opportunity to present your work and receive feedback from your peers. Remember, if you are unable to attend class you are still responsible for submitting your work on time. Please contact me if you have any questions about submitting your work.
Assigned: Branded (Part 1):
For this assignment you will be developing a brand that will include a logo, wordmark, and colors. Your brand can either be based on a personal interest, hobby, or business idea or it can be for a fictional organization (corporation, government agency, country) that you create.
Once you have come up with your list of potential brands, create a short list of (at least five) attributes that you envision each brand possessing.
Here are some examples:
A graphic design studio - Attributes: Creative, Young, Geeky, Curious, and Perfectionist
A school of magic - Attributes: Eldritch, Competitive, Chaotic, Gothic, and Eccentric
A pizza shop - Attributes: Friendly, Fun, Artistic, Local, and Funky
We will discuss your brands and at least one of the attribute lists in class.
Due next class.
Scavenger Hunt:
Break into groups and find one example for each of the following branding concepts:
A brand that represents a lifestyle or mindset
A brand that represents a place, government agency, or person
A brand with a large amount of equity.
A new brand or rebrand.
When you have found your brands, place them in the class scavenger hunt presentation along with answers to the following questions:
What is the brand, and what concept does it represent?
What is the brand narrative?
Is the brand effective or ineffective, why?
Be prepared to discuss the brands you selected with the class.
Assigned: Branded (Part 2):
Select one of your brands and create a collage (containing at least ten images) for each of the attributes you want associated with your brand. When selecting images, do not include images with text, and do not label your slides with your attribute (we will trying to guess each attribute in class). Each collage will take the form of a presentation slide which will be discussed in class.
Due next class.
Scavenger Hunt:
Break into groups and find one example typeface for each of the four major type categories (Serif, Sans Serif, Script, and Display). Use the "More Fonts" tool in Google Sides to add your typefaces directly from Google Fonts (we will go over how to do this in class). As an added challenge, you cannot use any typeface that is being used by another group.
When you have found your typefaces, type out each name on a separate slide using that typeface (so if you select Helvetica, write out the name Helvetica in Helvetica font). In addition to the typeface examples, please answer the following questions:
What category does this typeface belong to?
How would you describe the typeface, what does it express?
Where does this typeface belong, where does it not belong?
Be prepared to discuss the typefaces you selected with the class.
Assigned: Branded (Part 3):
Select three unique typefaces that you think best represent your brand. These typefaces should be downloaded from Google Fonts, Font Squirrel, or an affiliated site (I do not recommend using sites like dafont or 1001freefonts). Once you have selected your fonts, create an Illustrator file and use the Type tool to write out your brand concept (design studio, bakery, greenhouse, etc.) or brand name (World of Woodcrafts, Cheeses of Nazareth, Curl Up & Dye, etc.). If you haven't decided on a brand name yet, this is a good opportunity to get some feedback on any ideas you may have.
When writing out your brand concept or brand name, try to use the largest font size possible (72 points is a good target), and be sure to use black text on a white background. In addition to your selected fonts, please label each typeface using the default Illustrator font (Myriad Pro) or the unobtrusive typeface of your choice.
When you are satisfied with your fonts, export the artboard as a png file and present them in a single presentation slide. Be sure to include the name of each typeface.
Due next class.
Assigned: Branded (Part 4):
Using your collages for inspiration, create a color palette of at least two, and no more than five colors that express the attributes of your brand. When you have selected your colors, present them in a single presentation slide. Be sure to include the color formulas for RGB, CMYK, and hexadecimal color.
Due next class.
Scavenger Hunt:
Break into groups and find one example for each of the four types of logo discussed in the lecture (symbol, lettermark, monogram, and wordmark). As an added challenge, you cannot use a logo that is being used by another group.
When you have found your logo examples, answer the following questions:
Who does the logo belong to?
Is the logo a symbol, lettermark, monogram, or wordmark?
How does the logo effectively use the elements and principles of design?
Be prepared to discuss the logos you selected with the class.
Assigned: Branded (Part 5):
Based on the branding work you have done so far, and the name you have created for your brand, sketch out at least 10 logo concepts (symbol, lettermark, or monogram only) for your brand.
When sketching out your designs, refer back to the attribute boards you created in Part 1. Try to find ways to present those ideas in your logo. If your brand attributes are "quirky, fun, and expressive" your logo should communicate these ideas.
Once you've finished your sketches, number them and photograph the sheet(s). Upload the photo(s) onto a single presentation slide.
Due next class.
Assigned: Branded (Part 6):
Based on the feedback you received in class, create a draft of your logo (either symbol, lettermark, or monogram) and wordmark in Illustrator. Your logo and wordmark should incorporate your brand colors.
When creating your wordmark your text must be graphically enhanced or altered in some way. Just typing out the name of your brand isn't acceptable (this isn't Avatar).
Finally, the logo and wordmark need to be visible on both light and dark backgrounds or have separate versions for light and dark backgrounds.
When you are satisfied with your design, export it as a png file and present it on a single presentation slide.
Due next class.
Assigned: Branded (Final):
Create one-sheet style guide for your brand. A successful style guide will include the following:
A logo that can be displayed on both light and dark backgrounds or two versions of the logo suitable for light and dark backgrounds.
Official colors (including RGB, CYMK, and Hexadecimal color values).
Official typeface/font (be sure to include the name).
The brand guide should fit on a 8.5"x11" (landscape) artboard. When you are satisfied with your designs, export them as a single png file. Place your exported png file(s) in the class presentation.
In addition to the png file, you must upload an Illustrator file with your style guide inside the artboard. The file must also contain all of your work from Parts 1 through 6 as well as any other work you created when producing this assignment. If your file has not been uploaded by the start of class, or is missing any of these components you will lose points.
Due next class.
Group Critique
This is an opportunity to present your work and receive feedback from your peers. Remember, if you are unable to attend class you are still responsible for submitting your work on time. Please contact me if you have any questions about submitting your work.
Scavenger Hunt:
Break into groups and find two examples of "good" typography and two examples of "bad" typography. Your examples can come from anywhere, but they must be unique with no repeats between groups. When you have found your examples, place them in the class scavenger hunt presentation along with answers to the following questions:
Is this an example of "good" or "bad" typography?
What makes it "good" or "bad"?
If the typography is "bad", what changes could be made to improve it?
Be prepared to discuss the typography you selected with the class.
Assigned: Just My Type (Part 1):
For this assignment you must design a full page ad promoting a widely available typeface. Just like the Icon Tell A Story assignment, we will be conducting a draft in class with each student selecting a typeface from the spreadsheet below (if you miss the draft, please email or message me right away to be assigned one of the remaining typefaces):
Your spreadsheet link is here.
However, before you can start designing your ad you must first do some research. Please answer the following questions in the class presentation:
Who was the person and/or group responsible for designing the typeface?
When and where was it created?
How is it described, and what qualities does it have?
What makes the typeface unique or different?
What families, categories, or classifications does the typeface belong to?
Based on your research, draft the following copy (in layout design copy is a term used to describe written content) for your ad:
At least three taglines for your typeface (a tagline is a short sentence or statement that expresses a key idea or feeling).
Optional: A short persuasive paragraph that encourages people to use your particular typeface. Be sure to emphasize the things your typeface does well, anything exciting or noteworthy about it's history, and/or what makes the typeface unique or special.
All of your copy should be created in Illustrator on an 8.5"x11" artboard in your typeface and export it as a png file. Be sure to include the png on a separate slide immediately after the slide with your answers to the research questions above.
Due next class.
Scavenger Hunt:
Break into groups and find one example of each of the following layout design principles:
Uniformity
Contrast
Negative Space
Grids
Your examples can come from anywhere, but they must be unique with no repeats between groups. When you have found your examples, place them in the class scavenger hunt presentation along with answers to the following questions:
What principle is this an example of?
What makes this layout interesting or compelling?
Are there other principles being used in the example, what are they?
Be prepared to discuss the layouts you selected with the class.
Assigned: Just My Type (Part 2):
Based on your the feedback you received in class, sketch out at least three layouts for your ad. Your design can feature whatever graphics you choose, so long as they are created in Illustrator by you (no photographs, no clip art, no existing designs). You can also choose to only use your typeface. Since these sketches are to be drawn by hand, don't worry about reproducing your typeface. Instead, focus on the layout and how the various elements will appear on the page.
When you are satisfied with your sketches, photograph them and place them on a single presentation slide.
Due next class.
Assigned: Just My Type (Part 3):
Based on the feedback you received in class create a draft of your ad in Illustrator. A successful draft will include the following features:
Be 8.5" wide by 11" tall (ie portrait orientation) and use CMYK color.
A rough mockup of your chosen graphics.
The name of your typeface (as the headline).
Your tagline.
*OPTIONAL* A body paragraph (either based on the text you created for Part 1, or some form of Lorem Ipsum).
All text must be in your typeface, but different styles (italic, bold, etc.) are acceptable.
When you have completed your draft in Illustrator, export it as png files and present it on a single presentation slide.
Due next class.
Assigned: Just My Type (Final):
Based on the feedback you have received in class, create a final version of your poster. A successfully completed assignment will include the following features:
Be 8.5" wide by 11" tall (ie portrait orientation) and use CMYK color.
Graphics inspired by the history and qualities of the typeface or created using various examples of your typeface.
The name of your typeface (as the headline).
Your tagline.
*OPTIONAL* A body paragraph promoting the typeface and encouraging the reader to use it.
All text must be in the featured typeface, but multiple styles (italic, bold, etc.) are acceptable.
When you are satisfied with your designs, export them as a single png file. Place your exported png file(s) in the class presentation.
In addition to the png file, you must upload an Illustrator file with your ad inside the artboard. The file must also contain all of your work from Parts 1 through 3 as well as any other work you created when producing this assignment. If your file has not been uploaded by the start of class, or is missing any of these components you will lose points.
Due Next Class.
Group Critique
This is an opportunity to present your work and receive feedback from your peers. Remember, if you are unable to attend class you are still responsible for submitting your work on time. Please contact me if you have any questions about submitting your work.
Assigned: Final Portfolio (Prep):
For your final assignment, you will be creating a portfolio featuring all of your work from the past semester. This includes Brandthropology, Dicontomy, Branded, and Just My Type. You can view a selection of past portfolios here, here, here, and here.
However, before we start working on our portfolio drafts, it's important to do some preliminary work first. When you look at the example portfolios, notice how they all use color, typography, layout, and graphic elements in a very deliberate and intentional way. With this in mind, spend some time reflecting on what you want your portfolio to look like, and assemble the following elements in an Illustrator artboard:
At least two typefaces.
A large, expressive typeface for your headings
A small, easy to read typeface for your body text (paragraphs, labels, etc.)
In addition to these two typefaces, you may choose to include a sub-heading typeface or additional supporting typefaces. However be aware that using too many typefaces can have a negative impact on the composition of your portfolio.
A color palette consisting of no more than five colors.
At least two layout sketches (can be hand-drawn or created in Illustrator).
One layout sketch should focus on combining images of your work along with text.
The other layout sketch should focus on graphics and text, like a cover page or a page that marks the transition between one section and another.
Please note that your portfolio should have more than just two layouts, so when developing your sketches it is best to focus on broader themes rather than specific details.
Sketches and/or drafts of any supporting graphical elements (can be hand-drawn or created in Illustrator).
If you are thinking about incorporating any graphical elements (abstract geometric forms, illustrations, etc.) into your portfolio, this is an opportunity to get feedback on your ideas and designs.
Any other materials that want to share with the class.
This can include inspirations for your portfolio and reference material you are looking to use when creating your design.
When you have made your selections and are satisfied with your sketches, export them as a single png file. Place your exported png file(s) in the class presentation.
Due Next Class.
Assigned: Final Portfolio (Draft):
For your final assignment, you will be creating a portfolio featuring all of your work from the past semester. This includes Brandthropology, Dicontomy, Branded, and Just My Type. You can view a selection of past portfolios here, here, here, and here.
A successfully completed final portfolio will include the following:
A cover page.
The cover page should have your name, the semester, and a title
An intro page.
The intro page should have a paragraph introducing yourself and your work.
Content pages for each of your assignments.
This includes: Brandthropology, Dicontomy, Branded, and Just My Type.
Each content page should also include a brief description of the assignment and how you chose to approach the assignment.
For additional points you can include sketches and other draft material you created when working on your assignments.
A back cover or "outro" page.
It helps to have a page at the end of your portfolio to let your audience know they've reached the end. You can include a message (The End, Fin, etc.), contact information, acknowledgements, or just have a continuation of your front cover design.
In addition to their content, portfolios will be graded based on use of typography and color, layout, and the overall cohesiveness of the design. When you have completed your final portfolio draft, export it as a pdf and place it in the Final Portfolio folder in your shared Google Drive folder. Be sure to label your file as a draft and not the final.
One final note: the more detail you can provide on your portfolio draft, the easier it will be to revise your design for our final critique.
Due Next Class.
Due Today: Final Portfolio (Draft)
Group Critique
This is an opportunity to present your work and receive feedback from your peers. Remember, if you are unable to attend class you are still responsible for submitting your work on time. Please contact me if you have any questions about submitting your work.
Assigned: Final Portfolio:
Based on the feedback you have received in class, revise your draft portfolio and submit your Final Portfolio.
When you have completed your final portfolio, export it as a pdf and place it in the Final Portfolio folder in your shared Google Drive folder. Be sure to label your file as the final.
In addition to the pdf, you must upload the Illustrator file you used to create your portfolio to your Google Drive folder. Please be sure to convert all your text to outlines before saving your final file. This file must contain all of your portfolio pages as well as all other work you created as part of the assignment. Each assignment must also be presented as Illustrator objects. Using png files for portfolio content is unacceptable (except for Brandthropology). If your file has not been uploaded by the start of class, or is missing any of these components you will lose points.
Due Class 27.
Studio Time
This is an opportunity to work in class and receive feedback on work in progress. Please feel free to share your work and ask questions. Sharing techniques and tips is encouraged.
Studio Time
This is an opportunity to work in class and receive feedback on work in progress. Please feel free to share your work and ask questions. Sharing techniques and tips is encouraged.
Due Today: Final Portfolio
Group Critique
This is an opportunity to present your work and receive feedback from your peers. Remember, if you are unable to attend class you are still responsible for submitting your work on time. Please contact me if you have any questions about submitting your work.
End of Semester Curriculum Survey
Thank you all for a great semester! In order to keep improving the class, please take a moment to complete the GDI curriculum survey. This is your opportunity to give me feedback on the course with an emphasis on the material covered in class (and how it was covered). I am very interested in your feedback (good and bad).