Download PDF for application

Print hardcopy to turn in with your final portfolios.

http://bit.ly/eHDZNihttp://bit.ly/eHDZNi

Extra Credit

If you have gone to one of the two events (or both) and would like to submit something for extra credit, please do so by this friday, April 22nd. Extra credit assignments should be turned in via email only.


No extra credit assignments will be accepted after Friday at 4pm.


Let me know if you have any questions in regards to this.

Digital Archive CD / DVD

Digital Archive's are due on Monday, April 25

Please organize your files in a clear and understandable manner. Include 6 folders (Class Exercises, Project 1, Project 2, Project 3, Project 4, Project 5)

Follow this format:

1. Folder Name: Class Exercises - include all final PDF's of class exercises (5 total) - you should label each file according to the class exercise number.
2. Folder Name: Project 1: Word Semantics - include 2 final PDFs + supporting work
3. Folder Name: Project 2: Early Letterforms - include 1 final PDF + supporting work
4. Folder Name: Project 3: Midterm - include 1 final PDF
5. Folder Name: Project 4: Grid - include 1 final PDF of all 3 spreads + supporting work
6. Folder Name: Project 5: Brochure - include final PDF(s) of brochure design

Great work this semester!

Class Exercise #5 - Brochure Design

Hey folks,

Everyone who participated in the Brochure Exercise today received a [check plus] or 100% today.You should have a total of 6 grades that make up your class exercise grade. If you have any questions about your final class exercise grade, let me know.

No more class exercise assignments for the semester!

Individual Meetings for Project 3: The Grid Planned for April 11

On Monday we will have a work day - you should  plan to work the entire day in class. In addition to this, I will plan to conduct one-on-one meetings to discuss your GRID projects. As a class, I feel as though many important design concepts are still lacking with regards to working with grids. Because this is the case, I will push your final project 4 due dates up to April 18 - with the expectation that your work will be exceptionally better because you have more time to refine, review, proof read, examine, and analyze your own work. 

Remaining semester schedule:

April 11 - Work day Project 4 / Individual meetings Project 3 Review
April 13 - Work day Project 4
April 18 - Project 4 Due @ 11am
April 20 - Movie Day + Type Quiz Review
April 25 - Type Quiz + Turn in Final Digital Archive

Brochure Design Project

Purpose
This project will be an exercise in copy fitting, paragraph level formatting, running text and type hierarchy. You will design a brochure to brand a local event / business. You will utilize the same typeface “families” to create consistency across your double-sided tri-fold design.

Assignment
Choose an existing brochure design to redesign or create your own idea from scratch. Choose a location or event and collect images and copy relevant to your topic. Your design must be double-sided and consider at least two folds (i.e., tri-fold brochure design). Avoid “booklet” solutions.

Format
You will design one final mockup (full-scale) + 12’’ x 18’’ presentation boards

Schedule
MAR 28 Project Introduction / Show and Tell
MAR 30 Collect assets for design
APR 04 work day
APR 06 In progress critique – sketches, prototypes, research, assets
APR 11 work day
APR 13 Project Due: Critique @ 11AM

Examples
http://www.ourtuts.com/25-striking-brochure-designs/
http://naldzgraphics.net/inspirations/22-beautiful-example-of-brochure-designs/
http://www.youthedesigner.com/2009/03/25/15-delightful-brochure-designs/

Download standard templates here
http://www.printingforless.com/Brochure-Templates.html

Tri-Fold
A common size of most tri-fold brochures when they are opened or flat is 8.5" x 11", or a normal letter format. Other popular sizes are 8.5" x 14", 11" x 17" and 11" x 25.5". When using a tri fold brochure template, keep in mind that each individual panel is slightly different in width, with the "cover" panel being the largest (widest), to accommodate the other two folds. It allows for the other folds to tuck up neatly, ensuring a crisp finished product.

Z Fold
A Z-fold is represented by "back and forth" folds into three panels. As the name implies, with a z-fold brochure the paper is folded in alternating directions; when you look at the end of the folded piece, the namesake "Z" will appear. A Z-fold is a great choice to display chronological or step-by-step information, or with a design or image that spans the entire width of the paper; when opened, the z-fold "reveals" the brochure content well.

Accordion Fold
This type of fold usually has two or more parallel folds that result in the sheet opening like a fan. It is sometimes known as the Z-fold. Brochures are a great use for an accordion fold, and many types of maps use this fold as well, since a large number of panels can be folded in, accommodating a larger paper size and ultimately a lot more information in a standard finished size.

4 Panel Fold (or Double Parallel)
A 4 panel fold is created by folding the paper in half, then half again so that the folds are parallel to each other. This is done going from left to right, with the open end on the right-hand side of the folded brochure. The end product is a narrower piece, which is perfect for displaying information in tighter locations, such as tourist racks or information centers.

Quarter Fold
A quarter fold creates four "quarters" or panels of equal size where the folds are perpendicular to each other. Start by folding in half vertically then folding in half again horizontally. Also known as "right angle fold" or "french fold." The quarter fold on an 11" x17" brochure creates a convenient 5.5" x 8.5" finished size for mailing.

Gate Fold
While not as common as other folds, the (open or closed) gate fold offers a convenient finished size with a unique format when opened, revealing your design similar to two doors opening. In both open and closed gate folds, the left and right edges fold inward, and these edges meet in the middle of the page without overlapping. To create the Closed Gate Fold, the paper is then folded again down the middle, so that the folded edges meet. Menus and creative designs with wide visuals, such as architectural layouts and landscape images are well-suited for gate folds.

Half / Tri-Fold
This fold is perfect for newsletters. This is a great way to accommodate a larger sheet, in this case an 11" x 17", and fit it into a #10 envelope. Good uses for this fold would be city maps, real estate offerings and manufacturing product sheets, rich in content, specs and photos.

Grading Formula for Grid Project - Due Wed 3/23

A sneak peak into my grading formulas. Remember, I grade your work against yourself - so make sure to try and improve in areas where you may be lacking. Even if your work is still not "perfect," improvement counts!


Design Process and Exploration
COMMENTS: Have you included 20-25 Thumbnail sketches with final project? Have you done outside research showing me examples of publication design + editorial work that you like or don't like.
   
Required Elements + Typography (3 spread PDF)
COMMENTS: Are all required elements included in 3 page spread? (i.e., Text type, display type, heads, subheads, folios, illustrations, and captions are all included.) Is your text legible, readable, and demonstrate proper leading, kerning, justification, etc. Pay close attention to widows, orphans, hyphens. Spelling counts!

Design + Strong use of Grid (3 spread PDF)
COMMENTS: Are the spreads balanced, accessible, and demonstrate consideration of the reader? Do you show a strong understanding of how to use grids in design? Does each spread demonstrates the use of a 3-column grid to bring balance and structure to the design? Have you used the correct specs? (i.e., gutters, margins, etc.)
      
Craft / Execution of Presentation (12''x18'' Board)
COMMENTS: Is your craft perfect? Are the scratches, bubbles, alignment issues? Do the colors on the board project well? Have you executed the deliverables as asked? (i.e., 12''x18'' board, flush-mounted) Do you present your work well in final critique? Are you clear, concise, professional as well as prepared to discuss work?            

Effort and Participation
COMMENTS: Are you prepared for one on one meetings, in-progress critiques, and final critiques? Do you offer constructive criticism to peers during critiques? Do you participate in class discussions, exercises, etc? Are you consistently late or absent?          

Class Exercise #4

Designer Handout

Design a one-page 8.5''x11'' sheet describing a designer of your choosing. The designer should be a current working designer in the field with special focus in typography, editorial, publication design. Choose a designer that is local or global - however, make sure the designer's specialty is in topic with this class.

You will design a one-sided (portrait or landscape) design that shows examples of the designer's work, full name, biography + work list, etc. You will design a multiple column grid to layout your images and text. Think about how you can show an overview of information in a well designed format.

Choose your designer and post your decision to the blog. Do not choose a designer that has already been chosen by another student.

Deliverable

1. Print 20 copies of your handout (one handout for me, one handout for yourself, and 18 handouts for your classmates)
2. Prepare a 2 minute talk to introduce your designer to the class. 

Due Wednesday March 16

Introduction to Grids

1. Class Discussion on Chapter 4
2. Examples of the Grid - Powerpoint
3. Parts of a Page Handout

Project 3: The Grid

The Purpose of this project is to introduce the use of the grid in publication design and the many typographic decisions that must be made regarding the parts of a page. This project also puts into practice lessons learned from previous projects, such as columns, orphans and widows, display and text type, and working with imagery.

1. Review the Project Brief
2. Download project assets here

Sophomore Portfolio Review & Dropoff

Sophomores applying to the major will drop off their portfolios Friday April 29th between 10:00 and 1:00 in 468.

• Portfolios should contain all assignments and sketchbooks from GRD 3000, GRD 3150, GRD 3200. Portfolios MUST have the student's name securely affixed on the outside.
• Any packages, books, other 3-D comps from those classes in protective covers with names marked on outside.
• All submissions must include a one-page statement about their work and discuss why they have chosen to major in Graphic Design.
• All submissions must include a completed application form.

Application can be found on artspace > ApplicationforBFA_GRD.pdf

Important Documents for Midterm Challenge

Download the project brief here: Midterm Challenge Project Brief

Print the evaluation here: Evaluation form

Exercise 2 Redo

Some common errors that I am still seeing in text type layouts are

1. avoid hyphens at all costs.
2. avoid small words at the end of lines (i.e., the, and, of, etc.) in right / left alignments.
3. avoid large negative spaces (or holes) in justified alignments.
4. check, double check, and triple check margins, spacing, etc. 

I have emailed your redo PDF's back to you with grades + notes.

If you submitted a revised exercise 2, you should have 2 grades. One grade for the first submitted exercise and another grade for the second submitted exercise. Both grades are averaged together for a final grade.

Schedule for the next couple weeks

Here is the plan folks...

02.14
Happy Valentine's!

1. Discuss Exercise 3 (bring hard copies with crop marks) on 8.5''x11''
2. one on one meetings - review research / writing / etc. for project 2

02.16
Pin-up - at least 25 thumbnails. I want to see design ideas sketched out for symbol, display, text. I want to see design ideas for the backs of the postcards. Also consider layout of boards in composition. how will you order the designs, etc.

02.21
work from home (no class)

02.23

1. Midterm Evaluations
2. Project 2 Due at 11am - Critique
   Remember to bring all relevant work on 8.5''x11 sheets including, research, writing comps, design comps, sketches, etc. Preferably, staple together in a packet for easy transport. no sketch books please.

Feb 28 - March 4
spring break

Class Exercise #3

Purpose
To demonstrate a wide variety of ways to indicate paragraphs and to show how they affect the look and readability of the setting.

Assignment
Using a series of paragraphs, either of text of your own choosing or from the provided text document, create variations that treat the delineation between paragraphs differently. Create five alternative ways of indicating new paragraphs, ranging from conservative to outrageous. (In the last case readability is not an issue.)

To view exercise brief, click here.
For copy, click here.

Paragraph Indicators Lecture

Format
Set your document to 10 x 10 inches.

Due Monday, February 14
Bring a completed 5-page pdf to class (hardcopy with crop marks). Prepare to explain your designs to the class.

Examples? yes, please.

Working with Text Type

What is the difference between readability and legibility?

What are basic type settings? 

How do you create emphasis in typography?

Introduction to Project #2: Early Letterforms

Great job in Monday's critique! I'm excited to say that I think you are all starting to think conceptually about typography.

That being said, we will move right on in with your next project, Early Letterforms and Postcards. This project should be a lot of fun and will also be a nice introduction to copwriting as well.

The Plan

1. Research symbols
2. Finalize symbol 
3. Copywriting - 100 words
4. Start designing
5. Refine and Finalize 3 designs 
6. Print and Present

This project will be due at 11AM Wednesday, February 23.  Don't be late - we will start without you.

Download the project brief here.

Download the postcard example here.

For those of you preparing to submit portfolios to the graphic design program, I recommend you have your cards printed as well. It is always fantastic to have real comps of work to hold in your hand in addition to the boards you will submit.

Here are some online resources:
I'm a huge fan of moo.com - however, I don't believe you can have these printed oversized.
http://www.cafepress.com/ - another resource I've used for sticker printing - may work well for these.
http://www.vistaprint.com/
http://www.snapio.com/postcards/oversized
http://www.123print.com/Oversized-Postcards

Free Lynda.com access for the month of February

This is the lynda.com link that I told a few of you about. Lynda.com is an online resource that teaches computer software with video tutorials. I would suggest that every student enrolled in this class become familiar with the resource for help with Indesign. 

You can start accessing it now right here:

http://iplogin.lynda.com

Disclaimer: You must be using a PC/Mac on campus, or you own machine via CatChat, in order for it to work.

Typeface Examination

A Closer Look at Typefaces

Review Basic Type Concepts

Type Basics Part One

Word Experiment Examples

Revised Schedule

After the next few weeks we should be on track with the syllabus schedule. Thank you everyone for your patience and flexibility with the crazy start of the semester!

Below is a revised agenda for the next couple weeks.

01.26 WED:
2nd Exercise due via Email.
Pin-up Helvetica Random layout for class discussion.
Project 1: Review 25 thumbnail / sketches

01.31 MON:
Lecture / Discussion Chapter 1 Review
Project 1 Work Day

02.02 WED:
Lecture / Discussion Chapter 2
Read DWT5 23-60
Project 1 Word Day
Bring in sketches for composition design ideas

02.07 MON:
Final Critique for Project 1
Introduce Project 2: Early Letterform Postcard Designs

02.09: WED:
Lecture / Discussion Chapter 3
Read DWT5 62-79
In-class exercise: Paragraph Indicators

Why should we sketch?

What are some reasons for sketching in graphic design?
Composition planning...
Idea generating...

What else?

Some examples. yes, please. 

Type Measurement References

Type Measuring Cheat Sheet
Lecture "Picas - Points - Leading" & Discussion

Five Classic Typeface Exercise

Purpose: To introduce common ways of arranging type on a page and to understand how that decision affects typographic communication.

Assignment: Using the specifications below, set the copy for the five classic typefaces (found in the text document, proj1_text.doc).

Format:
Set your document to 10 x 10 inches.

Specifications:

1. Garamond: Justified.
Comp the word “Garamond” twice:
Once in 72-point Garamond display: U/lc.
Once in 72-point Garamond display: all caps
Set solid, 72 points baseline to baseline.
Flush left, rag right.
Comp Garamond text:
11/14 by 13 picas: justified.
Allow 72 points from baseline of display type to the baseline of first line of text.

2. Baskerville: Flush Left, Rag Right.
Comp the word “Baskerville” twice:
Once in 72-point Baskerville display: U/lc.
Once in 72-point Baskerville display: all caps
Set solid, 72 points baseline to baseline.
Flush left, rag right.
Comp Baskerville text:
11/13 by 20 picas: flush left, rag right.
Allow 72 points from baseline of display type to the baseline of first line of text.
Set as two paragraphs with one line between.

3. Bodoni: Flush Right, Rag Left.
Comp the word “Bodoni” twice:
Once in 72-point Bodoni display: U/lc.
Once in 72-point Bodoni display: all caps
Set solid, 72 points baseline to baseline.
Flush right, ragged left.
Comp Bodoni text:
12/16 by 18 picas: flush right, rag left.
Allow 72 points from baseline of display type to the baseline of first line of text.
Note: If you do not have Bodoni, use the Didot typeface instead.

4. Century Expanded: Centered.
Comp the word “Century” twice:
Once in 72-point Century display: U/lc.
Once in 72-point Century display: all caps
Set solid, 72 points baseline to baseline.
Display type should be centered.
Comp Century text:
10/16 centered by 24 picas maximum.
Allow 72 points from baseline of display type to the baseline of first line of text.
Note: If you do not have Century Expanded, use the Century typeface instead.

5. Helvetica: Random.
The display word “Helvetica” can be comped in any size and combination of upper and lowercase, roman or italic, extended or condensed, light or bold, etc. The Helvetica text can also be in any text size and leading, but the arrangement must be random, not justified; flush left, rag right; flush right, rag left; or centered. Type does not necessarily have to be in a single block but can be in multiple groupings.

Due Wednesday, January 26.
Email me your 5-page pdf by 11am, Wednesday, Jan 26. Bring a printed copy of your Helvetica page for Pin-up discussion and explain your random layout.

Reference www.designingwithtype.com/5 for examples

Project 1: Word Semantics

Due Wednesday, February 2.
 
Purpose
To explore and interpret typographic form to express meaning.
 
Assignment
Select four words and one phrase from the list provided and explore their expressive quality by manipulating the letterforms, spacing, composition, etc. Visually interpret each of your chosen words/phrases using only letterforms, punctuation and vector graphics. The resulting pictorial representation should parallel the common verbal meaning.

The best solutions not only enhance the word’s meaning but are clever and aesthetically pleasing. Sometimes an unexpected effect can be achieved when the typographic solution contradicts the meaning of the word, such as setting the word big with small type.
 
Specifications
Work only in black and white for four of your designs. You may incorporate color in the typographic phrase design, but you are limited to ONE additional color beyond black.

Choose one typeface to work in for all designs. You may use multiple styles of the face. You may choose from Garamond, Bodoni, Helvetica, Baskerville, Century Expanded.

Presentation
You will mount finished designs on 12’’x18’’ board, flush-mounted on white or black illustration board. You will compose your boards how you choose. However, everyone must use one board to present your 4 word designs and one board to present your phrase design. Your composition choices will be considered in final grade. You will present two boards on the due date.
 
Schedule
01.19    Introduce Project 1: Word Semantics
01.24    Brainstorming, sketching, post selected words and phrase to blog
01.26    25 thumbnails due – 5 sketches for each word design (total 20 thumbnails) + 5 sketches for phrase design
01.31    Refine designs
02.02    Project Due / Critique @ 11AM

Adjectives (Choose 2 words)
Distorted, hyperactive, glamorous, unstable, insecure, buoyant, fragrant, exuberant, arrogant, lachrymose, crystalline, fanciful, moody, balanced, meticulous, mysterious, sonorous, insane, gentle, organized, organic, curvaceous, mercurial, introverted, grandiose, turbulent, jocose, fierce, melodic, reckless, ethereal

Nouns (Choose 2 words)
metamorphosis, migration, evolution, vacuum, filigree, magnetism, electricity, magic, prism, feathers, levitation, gravity, charisma, technology, epicurean, glacier, comedy, blueprint, labyrinth, bubblegum, bliss, vegetation, terror, narcissism, shadow, hallucination

Phrases (Choose 1 phrase)
Time flies when you're having fun.
Beauty is only skin deep.
Better late than never.
As you sow, so shall you reap.
Cleanliness is next to godliness.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
Every cloud has a silver lining.
Dead men tell no tales.
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
Great minds think alike.
Love is blind.
Home is where the heart is.
When it rains it pours.
Don't cry over spilled milk.
Laughter is the best medicine.
Look before you leap.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Pride comes before a fall.
Snug as a bug in a rug
There is safety in numbers.

1/19 Agenda

1. Introductions / Review projects & syllabus
2. Lecture "Typefaces and Vocab" & Discussion
3. Review Ransom Note exercise
1. HW - scan, color fix and email to me by 1/24
4. *15 min BREAK*
5. Type Measuring Cheat Sheet
6. Lecture "Picas - Points - Leading" & Discussion
7. Introduce Project 1: Word Semantics
8. Review Project 1 Examples
1. HW - post to blog word & phrase choices by 1/24
2. HW - read chapter 2 DWT5

Ransom Note Exercise

Due Jan 19, Wednesday

Overview
Type conveys emotions and elicits reactions. Some typefaces are soothing while others seem to energize. This exercise introduces the design student to the wide world of fonts and their unique qualities. Choosing a typeface for a specific message will either enhance or diminish the intended communication. Think about each character you work with in terms of your design objective. Avoid letters from logos, such as the McDonald’s “M” or the Kellogg’s “K.”

Objectives

• To introduce skills in recognizing letterforms.
• To understand the emotive value of type.

Specifications & Materials
Trim white copy paper to 8 x 10 inches. Compose in horizontal format. Use a glue stick to adhere the characters. (Old magazines, glue stick, white copy paper, x-acto (for trimming) and/or scissors)

Process

1. Create a list of words that describe you –list at least 25 descriptive words before moving on to the next step. For example, my list might include passionate, sleepy, open-minded, or hyper.
2. Pick 2 words from your list that you feel best match your description AND would be fun to illustrate typographically.
3. Go through old magazines and cut out as many different letters as possible (i.e., different in face, size, color, styles, etc.) Find letters that spell out your selected words. However, do so with the intention of finding letters that match your intended communication. For “hyper,” you would find letters that convey motion, movement, and energy.
4. With your letters selected, sketch out some ideas as to how you will arrange your composition. Think about how the characters relate to one another, to the baseline, and to the page as a whole.
5. Glue your letters to your page (both words on 1 page and Remember your craftsmanship!) Again, think about how your letters work with each other, with the page, and with your intended meaning.
6. Analyze your letter and composition choices. Go through each letter and be prepared to explain why you selected it and what it says about you. For example, “The S in subdued is flat and has a thin stroke, which keeps it from overpowering other letters.”

Due: Wednesday, Jan 19
Turn in Ransom Note Collage - We will discuss the exercise as a group in class.Here are some examples of the exercise: http://www.designingwithtype.com/5/ransom.php

Please note that you are NOT writing an entire sentence like most of the examples here. You will simply compose your 2 selected words. If you would like, you can use background textures / patterns / colors to add to your composition but NO literal imagery (i.e., my dog, a book you like to read, etc.)

Some cool Websites for Inspiration and/or type Resources

http://ilovetypography.com/ - Lots of great articles about type - also a lot of links to other type resources.

http://www.fonts.com/ - mostly use to purchase fonts - but has some resources on it as well

http://www.typographyserved.com/ - a cool site for inspiration

http://www.rsub.com/typographic/ - cool resources - has some info on the history and evolution of type as well.

http://www.thinkingwithtype.com/ - great resource that works along with book recommended by Ellen Lupton called Thinking with Type

http://www.designingwithtype.com/home.html  - our book website, of course!


More to come as we progress in the class. Please feel free to comment with more resources or inspirations that you find and want to share regarding typography and font!

Snow Day! Syllabus and Other First Day Information

Hello designers,

I hope you have enjoyed your snow day today! I have linked the syllabus PDF to our blog as well the GSU Spring 2011 school calendar. Please read the syllabus before our meeting on Wednesday.

Also, make sure to read pp 1-16 of DWT5 (Designing with Type 5 by James Craig). If you haven't picked up a copy of the book yet - http://www.amazon.com/Designing-Type-Essential-Guide-Typography/dp/0823014134/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294690255&sr=8-1#reader_0823014134. We will do a short introduction on Wednesday and then move right into our first discussion / lecture.

If you refer to the syllabus there are some other books I would recommend as well but they are not required. 

looking foward to a great semester,
Cat

Previous GSU Typography Work

Some quick links to previous class work done at GSU.

Kim Alford - Fall 2009
http://gsugrdtypeka.blogspot.com/

Liz Throop - Fall 2009
http://grd3150.blogspot.com/

Paige Taylor - Spring 2009
http://typeptgrdgsu.blogspot.com/