Last Class, At Last

Hey there, remember that tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 8th is our last class. What's going on? Easy: 1. Final presentations of your mood boards. Have your PDFs on the server BEFORE class starts. 2. Celebratory grub. Bring a drink and a couple bucks if you didn't donate last week. We know who you are. 3. Final projects are due. If you're handing in late or revised work, it better be tomorrow night or you're outta luck.

That is all.

Good day.

creating a good mood board

http://www.from-the-couch.com/post.cfm/title/creating-an-effective-mood-board

Fun design posters

Love these design posters that I found in the Communications Arts Design Annual. They gave me a good laugh!

Pleasing Punctuation

I'm totally geeking out over this poster! Ampersand is one of my favorite words.

(I picked it up at http://www.lunarize.com/demogallery/profile.php?id=21)

Design site

Hey, here's a design site I liked.
http://www.designflavr.com

Cool Type Website

Hey guys,

You should check this site out. It's interesting.

Friends of Type

Mood Matters

Here are some things I found on Mood Boards.... Some good stuff on what to include, how to create etc.

http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2008/12/why-mood-boards-matter/

http://www.from-the-couch.com/post.cfm/title/creating-an-effective-mood-board

http://www.olioboard.com/boards

http://www.mostinspired.com/blog/2009/09/16/mood-board-101-branding-and-image-development/

"Vintage" posters

These FAKE vintage posters are awesome! They were created by a design studio in Brazil 

called Moma Propaganda.  It makes you wonder if this is what it would have been like if our 

grandparents had social networking back in the day. . .

No Class

Remember, no class on Wed, November 24.

Work on your mood boards for December 1.

Over the break, I want EVERYONE to post something to the blog.

EVERYONE.

Links

Links for mood boards.

Get 'em here. Post 'em here.

FFFFound

flickr

stumbleupon

designcrush

thedieline

welovetypography

designiskinky

behance

commarts

theserved

designm.ag

morguefile

notcot

amybutler (vintage fabric)

apartmenttherapy

designsponge

noupe (InDesign helps)

naxmix

ted

Help with the Pattern Project

What are the steps that everyone is using to get started on the pattern photos?

Do I mask off the area that I want to paste the pattern in and then paste the pattern in that?  How do I form the pattern to the shape of the shirt, bedspread, or bag?

Pattern Project

Pattern project is due on Wed.

Drop jpgs into the Pattern_Project_E_FINAL folder, inside the Documents on the server.

We'll display them on screen Wed night.

There are instructions in that folder for how to label your files.

You'll be docked if your files are not in there before class starts.

Seamless Patterns

Hey guys!

Maybe I am the only one having trouble with these, but I found a great youtube video for some help (if needed):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDZIuS3hpKM

Help!

This question is actually for Dan's class so those of you that have already had him can really help.  We are doing the project right now that you have to create your own 9 characters.  I need to know how to create the grid on the computer.  He said you start by making the grid on your computer and then use it to finish your designs. I cannot for the life of me figure out how to make a grid that won't print so PLEASE help if you know! Thanks so much!

Patterns

Next week, bring in 3 (count 'em, three) patterns.

These need to be seamless patterns, which means that they're created as pattern swatches, like we did in class. We shouldn't be able to tell where they repeat, hence the word: seamless.

Don't worry about printing or mounting. Just bring them to show digitally.

Pass this on to those who weren't in class.

Also, remember, photocomposite is due next Wed, the 10th.

I saw this and I have to share. Just go here and type in your address.

Worth 1000

http://www.worth1000.com/contests/26024/band-name-literalisms-7

Just one of the galleries of a pretty sweet photo composite website. If anyone is interested they hold contests frequently for themed composites.

04: Photo Composite

Final Due Nov. 10

Objective:

The objective of this assignment is to increase knowledge and skills in Photoshop, using multiple photographs to create a single image.

Due Oct 20: 3 concepts / sketches to discuss in class.

Due Oct 27: revised / final concepts and photos to work on in class

Requirements:

You are required to photograph your own images.

Final file must be printed and mounted, at least 10".

Edible business cards

http://www.bestbusinesscard.net/unusual-business-cards-10-edible-card-ideas

I would love my business card information printed on an almond!

Here is my daily inspiration slash obsession.

NotCot.org

It has graphic design, architecture, fashion, packaging, and lots of bueno stuff.

I saw this today:

http://designlenta.com/post/print-advertising-cornichon/

There are a couple others.

Using luminosity to copy textures

Hey guys, I know of this website that many of you guys might already know (and forgotten).
Here's the website link:

http://www.planetphotoshop.com/

Here you can find a lot of good tutorials, and the guy who gives them is pretty good at explaining stuff. There I found this tutorial that uses the luminosity of objects to copy textures and reflections (for underwater stuff? maybe or fabrics ?) He uses a mug but you could try it with whatever.

http://www.planetphotoshop.com/graphic-on-mug.html

Good Luck!

Very cool/inspirational photo manipulations!

http://www.alltelleringet.com

Check it out! He was obviously influenced by M C Escher. I love many of his ideas and its fascinating to try to figure out how he made these images.

?

Does anyone remember what a gutter in indesign is?

Raven

What Type are you?

http://www.pentagram.com/what-type-are-you/

Brand New

Great site about branding—rebrands, in particular.

BrandNew.com

Go there. Be inspired.

Graffeine

From Dan Evans...

\\\\\\\\\\ GRAFFEINE...

The AIGA U of U Student Group is pleased to announce “Graffeine” … a

24-hour “design-off” done for a real client in the community. All Graphic

Design students are invited to participate.

Project Oreintation: Saturday, October 16 at noon in room ART 273, the client

will be in attendance to answer questions and give direction.

Social: Monday, October 18 at 7:30 pm in room ART 273, and continued at 9:30 at

the Urban Lounge

More information:

Student Show

Grain edit exploration

Thanks for the cool site Adrianna- I went to the website and started reading an interview on this guy:

http://shop.lumadessa.com/

Weekly iphone wallpapers

Here is the interview: http://grainedit.com/2010/02/17/josh-brill-studio-visit/

Love it. He is making a weekly piece based off of the flora fauna series.

Found this and wanted to share...

http://grainedit.com/

A quick plea

I've been all but bedridden since late Tuesday, and seeing as we're now going into Fall Break, the timing couldn't have been worse. Would anyone be willing to talk with me over email/etc about what I missed in this class and others?

intresting picture found on line

Redesign Blog

The link above is a design blog by my old classmate and friend. We had several classes together at the Art Institute.

Riley (the blogger) attempts to post everyday a redesign of something he finds that day. Anything from a billboard to hairspray bottle. The goal is to complete the redesign in an hour or less.

I have to admit that the redesigns aren't that impressive. But the fact that he is doing this is inspirational. The daily experience will, without a doubt, accelerate his ability in the long run.

I talked to Riley the other day about this blog. He says he's having a hard time maintaining it with his busy schedule. I bet every one of us has a busy schedule too. Even doing something similar to Riley's blog but only once a week would be great too.

This would also be an excellent example of hard work/dedication for a resume!

Class on Wed the 6th

I've gotten a couple emails from students requesting help on some of our projects and on projects that you're working on in Carol or Dan's class. This is fine, I'm happy to help out wherever I can. I'm going to dedicate almost all of this next Wednesday night, Oct. 6th to lab time where you can bring in any assignment that you're working on. I'll try to get to everyone, whatever you want help with. I want to make sure you feel like you're learning your way through the design apps and doing okay in this class.

It is important to note that you should be spending at least 8-12 hours each week outside of this class doing these assignments. I can tell who puts in the time and who doesn't, and I'm going to be much more likely to help you out if I can see that you're putting in your time and effort.

So bring in your questions. Also, bring in progress on your InDesign catalog spread. We'll be digging into those more.

03: InDesign/Catalog

Due Oct. 20

Objective:

The objective of this assignment is to increase knowledge and skills in InDesign by recreating an existing catalog spread.

Choose a catalog spread that has various photos and plenty of text. Do not use a magazine spread. After mounting the spread to board, draw in any apparent grid lines and measurements. These will help you set up your grids and guidelines in your InDesign file.

Once you've made your measurements, open a new InDesign file. Make sure that you create it based off of the size of your catalog spread. Drag your guide lines in place and use them for reference as you place in photos and text boxes. As you insert your text, stylize your it to look like the printed catalog. Eventually you will apply paragraph and character styles to your text.

Requirements:

Turn in a printed catalog spread with marked grid and guidelines.

Text needs to have paragraph and character styles applied where applicable.

Photos need to be inserted (you may use alternate photos if you can't find originals).

Printed/mounted final.

Assignment

Hey guys I was sick last week. It would be great if someone could let me in on the assignment?

I mounted some magazine articles... but don't know what to do with them now...

oh god i cant stop crying ;;

Thomas Broome

I ran into this artist's website and if you are interested in Typography (I am) I really suggest you check out his website! CLICK HERE

Here is a little taste of what you'll see

Graphic Design Resume

I've been getting together a portfolio and resume to submit to get an internship, and a couple of things I've found online have been quite interesting.

http://www.youthedesigner.com/2008/04/29/the-graphic-design-resume-guide/

http://www.lifeclever.com/the-7-deadly-sins-of-resume-design/

Cool Artist

Ford Smith is more of a fine artist then a graphic artist but some of his designs are awesome. His use of color, pattern, and line could easily be used in graphic design. Ex:Mosaic Impulse and Endless Possibilities.

Raven

InDesign Keyboard Shortcuts

Here's a link to a pdf of InDesign keyboard shortcuts.

Enjoy. I'll look for one for Illustrator and Photoshop as well.

If you find and post them before me... you're cool.

Influence

In doing some research for a project I'm working on, I found these. I love the textures and the aged feel. Check out this site, you'll love it.

Just click on something you like and go.

The Dieline

One of my favorite sites: The Dieline.

Go there. Be inspired. Don't be lame.

Illustrator Problems?

Hey y'alls. Some of you have written me about problems with your Illustrator files—not being able to fill in your shapes. Hope this helps...

Your shapes probably aren't actually shapes. They're just lines. Remember, a shape won't be whole until you complete it, like a circle or blob or something. This means that you have to end your shape on the same point that you started it on.

To illustrate my point, draw a new shape. Make a circular blob. Make sure your last pen point is exactly on your first pen point. When you hover over the first point, you'll notice a small circle icon pop up next to your pen. This icon means that you will close/finish your shape when you click. This is what you want. Now you can change the fill color.

If you don't close your shapes, they're just lines, and when you try to color them, or fill them, the shapes go wonky because they want to connect the first and last points.

See the Illustrator file on the server labeled shapes_test.ai. It's saved as CS, so you should be able to open it.

Hope this makes sense.

Inspiration

Since you guys completely suck at posting stuff to this blog, here's something I found that you might like. I try to keep a good stack of bookmarks of great design studios out there.

Here's one. Chen design.

They do great work, although the site could use some improvement.

Holler back with some of the great design you're coming across.

Studio Tour at LithoFlexo

Got this from Dan Evans:

////

Studio Tour at Litho-Flexo Grafics…

The U of U AIGA Student Group would like to extend an invitation to ALL students in the graphic design program to attend our first studio tour. We have arranged a tour of the LithoFlexo Grafics printing facility on Tuesday September 28th at 1:30pm. Space is limited, so please reserve your place ASAP!

Call or email Ryan Francis: jibbn@yahoo.com, 801-230-8585

LithoFlexo Grafics is one of Salt Lake's largest and most advanced large format commercial printers. Their services range from fine printing to labeling to packaging. The tour will start in their prepress department and continue through the entire production process explaining both lithography and flexography printing.

////

AIGA National offering discounted student membership for limited time!…

AIGA is committed to increasing student involvement in the design community. To make membership even more accessible to students, for six weeks only, full-time students can join or renew online for just $50. This is the same discounted rate that most of our current student members paid last year. Now, you have another chance to get that VERY low rate.

This national student membership drive will occur from mid-September thru October 31. Simply go to my.aiga.org to sign up and save!

Once you sign up and you have received confirmation and your member number, please let Dan Evans know, so he can add you to the official student group roster.

Homework

Hey, I just had a question about the homework. We're supposed to bring in a catalog, right? And are we supposed to do something to it before, or is that during class? Thanks

Hey guys,

I haven't been able to come to class because I've been sick and then got my wisdom teeth pulled. So I need a little help getting caught up. Can anybody just give me kind of a basic outline of the steps that they used? I know that we are supposed to start with tracing our image, can anyone kind of explain how to do that to me?

Thanks so much!

Back in Action

Hey guys, sorry I've been out of touch over the last few days. I'm on my way back from the Tetons. Summited The Grand. See you in class tomorrow night with your illustrations ready to show and work on.

Illustrator Examples

Hey guys.

Here are a few samples that I found on http://vector.tutsplus.com.

Not all of these are necessarily created the way you'll be doing yours, however, they are good examples of the final illustration. Skim through the tutorials and you'll find some nice nuggets.

Also, help out the ones who missed class last Wed.

Holla back.

How to Draw A Realistic Vector Light Bulb From Scratch | Vectortuts+

How to Create a Lustrous Electric Guitar | Vectortuts+

How To Create a Sleek DVD Player with Adobe Illustrator | Vectortuts+

How To Create a Steel Wristwatch in Corel Draw | Vectortuts+

Tracing a Vector Face From a Reference Photo | Vectortuts+

Illustrator Project

Hello Everyone,

I had to change my picture for the Illustrator project, I was looking for some info on this picture for the project. What do you guys think?

Thanks,

Daisy

Web Inspirations

Just a couple of websites I usually find a lot of inspiration:

http://imprint.printmag.com/

Here, there are a lot of sub-categories- everything from photography to typography.

http://www.woostercollective.com/

I am sure most of you know about this site, but still... It's awesome.

http://dailyartmuse.com/

This is a blog, focused mainly on arts and crafts (but the textures, shapes and materials could give you ideas for projects etc.)

Good ol' days

Ever since I started our first Photoshop assignment (I chose to use old playing cards as inspiration) I have been enchanted by "old-style" art. Here is a website I found that features a small collection of other sites that use this style. There's even the beginnings of a collection of old-style type. Enjoy!

http://www.allthingsoldtimey.com/

-Jonathan Gracey

Just a Tool

Below is an excerpt I recently read in a book called Graphic Design—The New Basics. It's very appropriate as you begin your graphic design career.

...

Before the Macintosh, solving graphic design problems meant outsourcing at nearly every stage of the way: manuscripts were sent to a typesetter; photographs—selected from contact sheets—were printed at a lab and corrected by a retoucher; and finished artwork was the job of a paste-up artist, who sliced and cemented type and images onto boards. This protocol slowed down the work process and required designers to plan each step methodically.

By contrast, powerful, off-the-shelf software now allows designers and users of all ilks to endlessly edit their work in the comfort of a personal or professional workspace.

Yet, as these digital technologies afford greater freedom and convenience, they also require ongoing education and upkeep. This recurring learning curve, added to already overloaded schedules, often cuts short the creative window for concept development and formal experimentation.

In the college context, students arrive ever more digitally facile. Acculturated by iPods, Playstations, and PowerBooks, design student command the technical savvy that used to take years to build. Being plugged in, however, has not always profited creative thinking.

Too often, the temptation to turn directly to the computer precludes deeper levels of research and ideation—the distillation zone that unfolds beyond the average appetite for testing the waters and exploring alternatives. People, places, thoughts, and things become familiar through repeated exposure. It stands to reason, then, that initial ideas and, typically, the top tiers of aGoogle search turn up only cursory results that are often tired and trite.

Getting to more interesting territory requires the perseverance to sift, sort, and assimilate subjects and solutions until a fresh spark emerges and takes hold.

...