Graphic Design

Apprentice

Overview: 
Good Day Class, This week we will be having a focus on Graphic Design, a subject I am particular fond of. Graphic Design is a very broad category because Graphic Designers take inspiration from almost every area of art and organize it in new ways for many different purposes. Like other arts it takes training, practice and a think out of the box mentality. We all start somewhere in this process, some not so good at it as other (take for instance my Cheerio Ad) but you can get great at it just like everything else you work hard towards.

My objective this week is for each of you to gain some understanding of the principles of graphic design and have a better understanding of what can make a good design versus not so good. Like all art it is usually opinions and styles but designers have a very powerful impact on the world as they learn the basic elements and principles of design and use them well.

Study/Learn

Study the info-graphics below on the elements and principles of design. Choose one or two or all of the elements and principles of design and find an example of good and bad use of that element in real life to share with the class. You could bring a print out from online, a photograph you took of a sign or billboard, or printed piece like packaging or a mailer. Be prepared to explain why you chose it and what elements it is or isn't using in the design. (write your thoughts down if you need to articulate it more than saying "this stinks and this doesn't")

Know/Understand

• Using the elements of design, create an 11 x 17 poster for your favorite band or musical group. You can lay it out on the computer or do everything by hand, it's up to you. (I would definitely sketch out your ideas before going to computer though) Do some research and find some existing posters. Please do your best quality work. Good design takes time, so don't wait until the last minute to do this. I am not assigning reading so use that time to show us something creative.If you do not have a way to do it on computer you may need to cut and paste, fine tune with colored markers or whatever medium you may choose.

Become/Serve
• Take one day and write down all the visual things you see where a graphic designer was involved (Billboards, company logos, car logos, etc.) See how many you can find and bring the list to class.

Journeyman

Know/Understand
Design a logo for yourself. It could be your name or an awesome company or non profit organization you've always wanted to start. Watch this video on logo basics. (I used a young person to explain this so you could relate more to her than to an old boring guy) Follow the steps mentioned
1-List of describing words on the feelings you want to get out of it
2-List of words relating to your logo.
3-Sketch, sketch, sketch ideas. (At least 10-20 for starters)
4-Go to computer and layout what you have sketched.(If no computer make sure you do it with the right colors and make it as sharp as you can for presentation. 

THE TRAITS OF A GOOD IDENTITY MARK:
 1-Positive Association
2-Easily Identifiable
3-Highly Memorable
4-Unique
5-Effective when reduced
6-Reproducible in a variety of materials
7-Positive Direction
8-Effective in Black and White
9-Clearly symbolizes the companies line of business
10-If abstract mark it should convey the idea
11-Credible, Stable, Trustworthy

Bring your final logo in color to class mounted to presentation board. We will do a real live critique of the logo in front of the whole class. You will be describing your concept and the elements of design you used Write down notes if need to so you sound super fancy.

Become/Serve
Print out the words Typography below on 8.5"x11"
With pencil Trace them both and replicate them both on the same piece of paper. (The words should be large enough to fill the entire 8.5"x11" sheet, so make sure it doesn't print really small). Use a ruler for guides, a very sharp pencil or a graphic pencil to get the edges absolutely as perfect to the original as you can. Bring to class we will see who's is the most perfect to the original.

Master

Know/Understand
Go to a grocery store, walk up and down all the aisles. Find the product you feel has the most beautiful package and graphic design. Buy it and bring it to class. (I will get one too) We will have an academy award trophy for the person who gets nominated and has the most votes on their package. Lets have some fun on this one. 

See you guys Thursday.