2nd Semester Graphic Design Final Blog

Designer Poster & Paper

1. The goal of this project was to research a designated designer and write about how he/she influenced the design world. I had Paul Rand, designer of the Ford and ABC logos. We also were to design a poster that would be displayed at the Nelson Atkins museum. 

2. The entirety of this project took quite a while. It was more or less two months.

3. Some of the challenges I faced were cutting out the image of Paul Rand in Photoshop and cutting out his logos as well. That was the hardest part of the project.

4. I was given feedback on the order of information on the poster, so I changed the hierarchy of the address, phone number, etc.

5. I got better acquainted with Photoshop and learned how to create an appealing poster for people visiting the museum.

6. I changed the fonts around a couple of times until the handwritten style matched the theme.

7.  I'm proud of this project, as it looks like an exhibit I would want to go see.

Typography Quotes

1. The goal of this project was to pick four of your favorite quotes and turn them into a design that you would put on your wall.

2. This project took around a month to complete.

3. I faced challenges on deciding what color combinations to use.

4. I learned more about illustrator and how to arrange typography in certain ways. I also learned to put emphasis on certain words in the poster.

5. I was given feedback on the color on certain posters; I needed more variety.

6. So, I changed the Steven Spielberg & Mel Brooks boards to resemble a more lively color scheme.

7. I'm proud of these posters as these are some of my favorite quotes and I feel that the typography matches with the tone.

Logo Rebrand

1. For this project, we were to find a small company whose logo could use some rebranding. I chose C3 Marketing, my aunt's company.

2. This project lasted from the middle of April until the end of this year.

3. I faced challenges regarding which black concept logo to rebrand in color and sometimes faced challenges in finding sufficient mockups.

4. I learned a lot more about mockups in Photoshop and how to design a letterhead, business card, and envelope in case I need to do that in the future.

5. I was given feedback on my color rebrand of the C3 logo, so I made it simple, sticking with two colors.

6. I didn't change much. The one thing I could remember for next time would be to decrease the margin in the letterhead.

7. Because I had a personal tie to the company, I really liked this project and the result that followed. I feel that C3 Marketing has some decisions to make regarding their logo!

Use of Time

1. I feel that I have used my time in graphic design efficiently, as I finish my work on time, turn it in to the right location, etc. When I'm done, I check with Mr. Mason for his opinion and then wrap up things from there.

2. If I finish early, like I said, I check with Mr. Mason and make corrections based on the feedback. After that, I upload it to Behance. I make sure everything looks coordinated and clean on bechance.

3. If there is a project that I cannot simply get done in class, I make sure to work outside of class. This wasn't the case for this semester, but last semester I worked on my vector outside of class.

Strengths & Weaknesses

I feel that my strengths and simplicity and cleanliness with designing a logo. For instance, I implemented these strengths while designing the Paul Rand poster and my C3 color rebrand. As far as areas for improvement, I could continue to get more familiar with Photoshop and the wide variety of tools in Illustrator. To improve this, I could work on other projects outside of class.

Summary

1. The project I loved most about the semester would have to be the C3 Marketing rebrand. Since my aunt is the head of the company, I wanted to design something tangible for her to look at and see what I'm doing in school.

2. I would change my typography posters (certain ones) if I had the chance. Changing the color schemes would be on my agenda.

3. I learned a lot more about graphic design and I feel that this class is valuable to what I will be doing later on. The number one thing I learned: DON'T use computer-generated fonts. Don't. Unless it's for a paper, don't. 

4. I would like to set a goal to implement my skills learned this year into my video projects later on. You know, the next movie to shatter the box office. Be ready.

5. Graphic design is certainly useful in all aspects, and I can use that to my advantage to make my video portfolio even better.

Marks & Symbols Blog

Summary

Regarding marks, I learned about the six different types: symbols, pictographs, letter marks, logos, combination marks, and trademarks. Symbols have no type used. Pictographs are public symbols used for language barriers. Lettermarks form the company name in type. Logos use words in type to identify a company. Combination marks are a symbol and logo used together. Finally, trademarks are all of the marks mentioned above. Symbols should be easy to read, identifiable, and simple. They should be easy to mass produce as well!

Symbol & Logo

Symbols do not have type used. An example would be the Dell symbol. Logos, on the other hand, use words in type. An example would be the Exxon logo. A logo and symbol put together is called a combination mark. Nike is an example of a combination mark.

Three Facts

1. Easy identification - The symbol should be easy to recognize and recall!

2. One color - The symbol should have just one color, unless it is needed for enhancement. One color is easy for distributing and printing.

3. Heavy weight - Heavy marks are usually simpler. They offer more contrast and stand out more than thinner-weighted marks.

Favorite?

The best fact I learned was to be simple. A logo, such as Nike or Adidas, is easy to recognize because it is only one color and has a heavy weight. It is not abstract. The simplicity of a logo is easier to mass produce and will save a company money, which, in the long run, makes you, the designer, more money. Crazy logos with tons of color do not stand the test of time. I will definitely implement this idea in to making logos for the future.

Conclusion

A symbol or mark is very critical to a company's success. Nike is so successful because their swoosh is so recognizable. Simplicity and cleanliness of a design is definitely something to keep in mind.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off Trailer

Overview

For this project, we were to recreate a movie trailer based on a movie that takes place in high school. Our group chose "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". I was the director, Aidan was the cinematographer, and Dee was the art director.

Process

We first created a shot for shot storyboard, which helped a lot. We also wrote a script and created a production schedule. Then, we filmed at school and at Aidan's house. There were several locations and actors that we had to work with. Regarding post production, it took about a week to edit.

What I Learned

Now I know how to create a movie trailer! It's a lot harder than you think. There are so many shots that go in to one trailer. And, it ends up only being one to two minutes! I also am (slowly) getting better at color grading and I learned how to overlay flicker footage on the trailer.

Improvement & Next Time

The audio was hard to work with, as an inconsistency in mics led to poor audio. Other than the audio quality, we didn't have much other feedback. For next time, we will make sure to use ONE (good) microphone to capture audio. Audio is important, people.

Overall

I feel like our group put a lot of work in to this project. It was a lot of fun to capture a variety of different shots, and it was cool to see it all put together in editing. I can't wait to see what we do next!

Typography

Typography Videos

In the informational videos, I learned about the distinction between serifs and san serifs. Serifs are the letters that have "feet", and san serifs do not. I also found that "kerning" is the adjustment between spaces of letters, and tracking is the overall adjustment. Before the videos, I had heard of those terms but never knew what they meant. Finally, I learned about the five alignment types: flush left, flush right, justified, centered, and random or asymmetrical.

The Big Idea

The most important idea I took away from the videos would probably be the difference between serifs and san serifs. Although I had heard of these terms, I didn't fully understand what each of them where. Also, serifs can fall in to two categories: unbracketed and bracketed. Unbracketed serifs have a ninety degree angle with the feet, whereas bracketed have a curved feet transition.

10 Golden Rules You Should Live by When Combining Fonts

The first rule is choose complimentary fonts, meaning that you should choose a font that is lighthearted and fun if you are designing a birthday card, for example. With that font though, you should also pick a simple font for information so it is easy to read. The second rule is to establish a hierarchy, which means that your title font should be larger on the page than your information. The third rule is to consider context and who your audience is. This could be a standard font, for example, if you are trying to apply for a job. Fourth, you should mix san serifs and serifs, because they are opposite of one another. Fifth, create contrast; whether that be color or font. Sixth, don't create conflict with your fonts. Consider the weight and such when deciding and which fonts work well together. Seventh, avoid fonts that are too similar. Pretty cut and dry. Eighth, use fonts from the same family, just different weights or sizes. Ninth, limit your number of fonts. Don't have sixteen different fonts on a page.... it's just too confusing. And last, practice. You'll get better and pairing fonts with experience.

3 Key Points

The third rule in the article about considering context is very important to typography. It is important to know your audience and design something that is appropriate and appealing to them. Another important rule would be the contrast. You shouldn't have a black font on dark blue background. Instead, you should have a white font to contrast. Finally, use fonts from the same family is important because it is easier to read and different weights and sizes are enough different to make the design look good.

Favorite Thing About Typography? And Conclusion

The most important idea I read would have to be the context information. It is very important to hold your audience's attention. Choosing a font for the correct occasion can, in the future, help out clients and please customers. I feel that, although the videos helped visualize the information, the article painted a clearer picture about typography. 

Music Video

Overview

For this project, we were to create a video based off a real music video. We chose "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire. I was the editor, Aidan was the director, Brady was the cinematographer, and Seth was the art director.

Process

We decided to film in the green screen room in order to key out the background layer. Our group ended up using all the help we had and assigned certain people to a role in the video. We also used the tools we had in the room to create the panning shots. After about 2 hours of filming, we called it a wrap.

What I Learned

I learned a ton from this project. First of all, I became more familiar with using the DSLR camera and tripod. And second, I became more comfortable with Adobe Premiere as well. I learned how to use the echo effect, which makes the people in the video look wavy. It turned out to be really cool, and somewhat similar to the original music video.

Improvement & Next Time

The only negative feedback we received were our costumes. Mr. Cooper suggested we go to a thrift store and get disco 70s clothes to match the theme. So, next time, we'll do just that.

Overall

I think our group did a really great job on this project. We varied the shots, which made the video more interesting to watch. We also closely replicated the original video, although not exactly. Overall, I'm proud of what our group created and am looking forward to the next project.

Semester Graphic Design Reflection

Fall Racoon & Postcard

The project was to create a raccoon using the tools in Illustrator. It took about two to three weeks to finish the entire raccoon and its background. Certain tools in Illustrator were often challenging and difficult to work with, being the hardest part of the project. I learned about new tools and how to create certain shapes and I was given feed back on my postcard. I ended up changing the text in the snowman postcard to say, "And a Happy New Year!". I was really pleased with this project; especially the postcard aspect of it. 

Chiefs Infographic

The project was to create an infographic on a certain topic, using the tools in Adobe Illustrator. I chose to compare to Chiefs players. It took about two to three weeks to make the whole design as well. I had to update the stats every week, so you could say that might be challenging. The hardest part, in my opinion, was cutting the players out in Adobe Photoshop. I learned more about Photoshop, though, and also got more familiar with the tools in Illustrator and what an impact a non-computer based font has on the overall design. I was given feedback on my arrange of the player's names and positions, so I switched them around, making it look better. I really enjoyed this project and I feel like my design is simple, yet informative and right to the point.

Vector Portrait

And finally, for this project we were to create a vector of ourselves using the pen tool in Adobe Illustrator.  It took about three weeks to complete. Some of the challenges I faced were in making the hair (especially) and making the shadows (around my neck). I learned more about the pen tool and also learned that making a vector is not an easy task. I wasn't given much feedback, but I did add a gray background to make the design pop out. I liked this design because it looks clean. The process was a long one, but the final result was what I wanted.

Time Management

I feel like I have used my time in class effectively, as I usually finish the project somewhat early. I used the extra time to create each Behance cover photo and mockup to make my profile look great. I stayed after school at least three days to finish my vector design, so I feel like that built my skills and helped me to finish on the deadline. 

Strength

I am definitely better at some tools than I am others in Illustrator. I am also more familiar with Illustrator than Photoshop, so that has definitely helped my designs. I like to be simplistic, so I feel like that is a good strength to have when it comes to design. I maximize these strengths by carefully creating my Behance portfolio to look clean and simple.

Weakness

Some of the areas needing improvement would definitely be the use of Photoshop. I'm not very familiar with it (although we completed tutorials at the beginning of the year). To improve this weakness, I used Photoshop in my infographic project to create pngs of the players.

Summary

The best thing about this semester was easily the infographic. We got to choose our topic, so that made it more enjoyable. I also liked trying to create a design similar to what you see on ESPN or SportsCenter. One thing I would change is the raccoon postcard. I would work to make the tree look more realistic. Also, the original raccoon background could stand some work. I could have created a tree or something to place next to the raccoon. The number one thing I learned this semester would be the use of outside fonts to create your design. I mean, I can TELL if someone using a computer generated font for their design. I made sure to use unique fonts in all of my projects. One goal for next semester would be to get more familiar with Photoshop, integrating the photos I get from it into my design. I enjoyed the projects we did this semester, and can't wait to see what's next.

ONW Now Sophomore Edition

 

Overview

For this project, we were to create an ONW Now news segment as a sophomore journalism class. We were split into two teams and were assigned roles. I was a part of the production team, which was in charge of the lower thirds, graphics, intro, and outro. 

Process

For our intro, I decided on the theme of "The Office", a popular sitcom. We were assigned characters and filmed almost all of the intro in class. The next day, I went outside in cold, cold weather and filmed the opening shots of the school. In editing, I modeled of "The Office"'s intro and made it somewhat similar. I used graphics at the end to show that it was a sophomore edition. 

What I Learned

I learned about creating an effective intro and became more familiar with Adobe Premiere regarding graphics. I also worked with others to create each shot, modeling of "The Office" intro. Finally, I had a different experience using handheld for the camera, as that was the style in "The Office". 

Improvement and Next Time

I could have used a better font or color corrected some of the shots better. I also could have included shots of everyone (even though I listed them at the end). For next time, I will spend more time color correcting and on fonts/graphics. 

Overall

I think we did quite well in creating an effective and fun intro. I think it really captured what video class is all about: learning and having fun. I will continue to build on my Premiere skills throughout the year as well!