Blog Has Moved!

My updated blog can now be found at www.observedesign.wordpress.com/.

Close-Up of Burger King Coupon

If you couldn't see the Burger King coupon that I talked about in class, here's a close-up along with some observations. Click on image to view larger. Leave a comment for the post below (Observing 7UP) for participation points.

Observing 7UP

It's crazy how many times sodas get a new look. Do you remember any of these? Just goes to show how much money they have—reprinting soda cans, bottle labels, carrier boxes, trucks, vending machines, signage, not to mention corporate stationery, employee uniforms and other paraphernalia.

Here's even more redesigning! These two variations are for different countries. Can you guess which one is for the United States? For more interesting before-and-after comparisons of corporate and brand identity, click here to visit underconsideration.com. And click here to check out 7UP's bouncy website.

So which of 7UP's many logos appeals to you? Besides the way it tastes, could a soda's logo and packaging prompt a shopper to choose one soda over another? Leave a comment.

1st Day of Class

Congratulations, you made it through your first day of class in Graphic Design I!

The homework has been uploaded to Talon Net. Download the Illustrator file from the Announcements section. Or read the post below if you want to create your own file.

So what did you learn on Friday? List three or more things by leaving a comment below. Be sure to sign your name so you're not just "Anonymous."

Art 184 Homework 1

LAYER 1

Design your name (first and last), using a favorite typeface. Design it as much as you'd like, using your knowledge of small caps, open/closed letterspacing, contrasting type sizes. Imagine you are creating a logotype of your name to use on stationery. Black and white only.

Include a brief explanation of why you like the typeface you used.

The first layer of your Illustrator document should be designed well. Not with borders and images everywhere, but with your name and explanation placed on the page as if you were designing a layout. Think of contrast, white space, alignment. If you're not familiar with these terms, we'll discuss in class.

LAYER 2

Tell me about yourself…at least what you want me to know about you. Here are some ideas to get you started:

What school did you attend before Cerritos College? Is this your first year in college? Did anyone else in your family attend college? Is college what you expected?

What interests you besides graphic design? What other majors interest you? (Our feelings will NOT be hurt if you choose a different major.) What do you hope to accomplish in class this semester? What type of project would you like to do?

You can also mention hobbies, sports, favorite music, favorite food, etc.

LAYER 3

Briefly list your computer skills. Mac or PC? CS3, CS4, or CS5? Rate your skill level for Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, or other:

0–no experience at all

1–some experience

etc

5–expert

OPTIONAL

If you know how, place a picture of yourself on one of the layers.

DUE DATE

Upload your completed file to Talon Net BEFORE Friday, January 21.

184 Class Syllabus

›➤ Course Description

This is an introductory class in graphic design. We will focus on basic fundamentals of design and layout, and explore the design industry’s standards in graphics software: Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop). The semester consists of projects, reading assignments, exercises (in and out of class) plus extra credit options to give you an overview of the design field.

›➤ Class Conduct

1. Class begins at 9:00 and ends at 3:00.

2. Silence your cell phones and pagers. Be considerate. No texting during class!

3. Attendance is mandatory to pass this class. Each absence will result in deducted points from each project grade. 3 tardies are counted as 1 absence.

If you are absent, it is your responsibility to:

• notify instructor

• get lecture/study notes from another student

• arrange to turn in your completed assignment on due date

• request any handouts when you return to class

Note: Late projects result in a lower grade, and no projects result in a 0. However, a low grade is better than no grade. So even if your project is not finished, COME TO CLASS ANYWAY! You will get credit for attendance and class participation.

4. Personal internet usage (Facebook, Twitter, IM, etc) is forbidden during lab time.

5. Do not eat in computer lab.

6. Missing/damaged work is not excused. Save often!

7. Turn off computer monitors during lectures and critiques.

8. Log out and shut down at the end of class.

›➤ Grading Policy

Class participation and attendance can raise (or lower!) your grade. Final grade is determined by individual effort, homework, class exercises, projects, and a written final exam which counts as half a project. Late projects are lowered 1/2 to one full grade at instructor’s discretion.

›➤ Supply List

Bring these supplies to every class. You can find the textbook at the campus bookstore, or you can search DealOz.com to compare prices at different online stores. If you can’t afford the book, you can share a student's book in class.

TEXTBOOK

ISBN 0-321-44176-1

ONE FOLDER

WITH POCKETS & FASTENERS

FILLER PAPER

COLLEGE/WIDE RULE, 3-HOLE PUNCH

FLASH DRIVE

ANY SIZE/BRAND