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

Logo Critique

Interesting logo, but could use some fine-tuning. What's wrong with it?

Designing T-Shirts

A former student sent this link, for those of you who like to design t-shirts. (Thanks, ND.) Their website states that you can submit your design, get paid for each shirt sold, and retain full rights. The down side is that each design is a limited edition and only sells for 24 hours. But hey, it could be a way to get your designs out there…
www.teefury.com

Cap'n Crunch

Today a box of cereal caught my eye. Not because I was hungry or in need of a sweet fix (although this used to be my favorite cereal long long time ago), but because of its packaging.

This is what I remember when I was a kid:

This is what my kids remember (the illustration gives me the creeps for whatever reason):

And this is the new "retro" look that caught my eye today in Walmart:

How about you? Notice any logos that are getting facelifts this summer? Leave a comment and share how you've been busy observing these past few months…

Just another Sale ad?

Came across this ad in the LA Times. It took up 2/3 of the bottom half of the page. And it caught my eye. Can you figure out why? How many graphic reasons can you name?

Word Spacing

Came across this layout in the LA Times last month. Notice the tight word spacing between SHAPING and HOW. Super tight but still readable, right? NEVER be content with the way your computer spaces words. Always adjust for the best visual effect!

Keep in mind that a newspaper is being held at arm's length when it's read, so you can actually get away with tighter spacing as shown. Bottom line: the computer typically puts way too much space between words. As a graphic designer, feel free to close the gap!

Detergent doesn't have to be boring

Take a look at this "double truck" (2 facing pages) ad, found in People magazine. Font selection, contrast of type sizes (Fresh Air is much smaller and spaced out), type styles (lowercase Method logo combined with all caps), eye-catching colors.

Open leading and a headline in all lowercase has a casual feel.

Now read the body copy. Click to view larger. All lowercase with periods…gives a fun, non-traditional, almost rebellious feeling. This is emphasized in the written text which sounds young, anti-establishment funny. I just might buy this detergent! 

Leave a comment. What do you think?

Great Deal, Ugly Card

Lots going on. Do you see a glaring typo?

INCREDIBLE Website!

www.immersive-garden.com

Make sure you view this award-winning site with your sound turned ON. Go through every single page. It's hard to describe the feeling… but you'll feel it!

Horrible!

I've been noticing more and more ads (especially banners) like this at local Mexican restaurants. The pictures in the background are dominating the body copy. The designer thought if they used an outer glow and drop shadows, that the text would be more noticeable. And boring center alignment.

~Art~

Images & Text to Evoke Emotion

A student mentioned PSAs, or public service announcements. PSAs are usually broadcast on radio or TV, raising awareness about issues regarding various social issues: health, recycling, smoking, the environment, etc. The same PSA ideas of educating, informing and persuading can be powerful tools in creating printed pieces as well. Click here ivieawards.org to view a short video produced by a high school. Does it evoke, or bring up, any emotions in you? Does it feel like a call to action?

Amazing!

Inspiration for you Photoshop lovers. See what you can do, or at least see what this talented artisan does! Click here alltelleringet.com to see more.

Thanks for Sharing!

Thanks for sharing these with me, to forward to the rest of the class. Enjoy and be inspired!

This design and more typographic inspiration can be found at http://typenuts.com. Look closely at the ampersand above. It consists of characters only. Great technique to use for a typographic self-portrait!


Now see below for self-portraits from previous semesters. Click on images to view larger.

And now for more reading material…

Visit http://justcreativedesign.com to read these great articles. I especially agree with "Why logo design is not $5.00" and "10 words you need to stop misspelling" (includes it's and its!).

Submit tee shirt designs for $? Hmm, something to check out.

http://www.threadless.com/

Adobe Creative Suite at student prices. Hopefully they offer CS5 soon…

http://foundationccc.org

QuarkXPress was once THE program for desktop publishing. Retails for $799. Students can get it for $199??

http://8.quark.com/

Free clip art at http://www.vecteezy.com. This one is from Web Design Hot! Before using any "free" artwork, be sure to read the licensing information. All art has usage restrictions.

Do you see the individual 1, 9, 9, 9 in the design on the left?

Designers Simon Page, Moshik Nadav, Andre Roquette—see more work like this at Behance Network (do an Advanced Search for Typography). Website also has graphic design, illustration, packaging, photography and advertising samples…with an occasional piece that probably wouldn't get past US censors.

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Click Drop Cap Oops to see what NOT to do…

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Eye candy from Smashing Magazine's site: This shows a range of what you can do in Illustrator, from the more basic to how-in-the-world-did-they-do-that techniques. Click here for more: Smashing Magazine

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And now you can buy wallets that feature illustrations of up-and-coming artists. Click here for more: Poketo

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MORE BUSINESS CARD INSPIRATION

http://designm.ag/inspiration/double-sided-business-cards/

PHOTOSHOP SHORTCUTS

http://bluefaqs.com/2010/03/photoshop-shortcuts-the-fun-way/

FUN ICONS

http://weloveicons.com/category/mac/

REFLECTIVE TEXT IN ILLUSTRATOR

http://www.tutvid.com/tutorials/illustrator/tutorials/glassText.php

FREE BRUSH EFFECTS FOR PHOTOSHOP

http://www.brusheezy.com/

COMMUNICATING WITH CLIENTS

http://vimeo.com/9084072

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