ASSIGNMENT 8: 3 LOCAL EVENT POSTERS

You need to create a PSA (public service announcement) in a form of a poster for a local event. You have to create a series of three posters which can be developed into a campaign later on if you wish. The topic is open to anything that interests you. Pick something that hasn’t been played out before i.e. “Don’t kill whales”, “People against oil spill”, etc. If you are passionate about a big topic like that, you run a risk of competing with a big crowd of people. An additional part of this project is development of some merchandise that can go along with the campaign, such as: t-shirts, hats, badges, stickers, mugs, etc.

Objectives:

1) Find an appealing and effective way to communicate your message.

2) Create awareness of the event/campaign in the way that would spark enthusiasm in those who come across it. i.e. take an action, come to the event, donate money, etc.

3) Think big when it comes to merchandising the event... sometimes it can get as far as attracting sponsors who would be able to help and advertise your cause.

Process:

1) Go out into your neighborhood and see what’s been going on while you were sitting in front of your computer and checking facebook.

2) Find local events or groups that need exposure.

3) Create 3 posters and collateral merchandising that could advertise the cause.

For this project you are allowed to use your type skills and incorporate color and graphics.

You are expected to have 3 finished posters and be ready to present by next class. You may bring in previous drafts if you find it necessary or relevant for discussion. Please post the progress on your personal blog and comment on each other’s work.

FOR INSPIRATION PLEASE REFER TO:

Behance network members portfolios: http://www.behance.net (Print design).

AIGA design archives: http://designarchives.aiga.org/#/home

The class blog: http://intermediatewithgen.blogspot.com/

(more can be found on the students blogs from previous years).

Some swipe & Inspi

From Donghee Choo

From Nick Misani

From Dieline Archives

ASSIGNMENT 7: BRANDING & PACKAGING

For this project you will be creating and developing a branding and packaging system, something that looks great in any designers’ portfolio. This project will create opportunities for those of you who love to be creative with type and color. These elements are key when it comes to attracting a potential buyer to your product because it will ensure a sale, profit for your client and another dollar in your pocket.

Objectives:

1) You should be able to tackle a big branding project because they happen very often in the design world.

2) You should be able to recognize what are the best solution for branding and packaging different products. i.e. lipstick and hammer packaging will not be branded in the same font with same graphic elements.

3) Ability to create custom typography and graphic elements is a huge bonus in this project. Anyone can type a brand name in Helvetica and leave it at that; but only a great designer can give that brand a unique flavor that would differentiate it from the next guy on the shelf.

Process:

1) Go to a thrift shop.

2) Pick up three items for under $25.

3) Research existing packaging and branding for chosen objects.

3) Package objects together as a set with the same branding, tag system, box, bag, wrapping tissue, sticker, etc.

You are expected to have a finished set done and be ready to present by next class. You may bring in previous drafts if you find it necessary or relevant for discussion. Please post the progress on your personal blog and comment on each other’s work.

FOR INSPIRATION PLEASE REFER TO:

Senior design blog: http://whitespacefpo.blogspot.com/ (student blogs from previous years).

The class blog: http://intermediatewithgen.blogspot.com/ (student blogs from previous years).

AIGA design archives: http://designarchives.aiga.org/#/home

ASSIGNMENT 6: iPHONE/iPAD APPLICATION

Your assignment is to concept and design an iPhone or an iPad application. As we know the design world is developing fast and a lot of it is going digital. So it is vital to have variety in your portfolio which possibly might include digital applications for various devices.

Objectives:

1) Create an awareness of your chosen topic by creating an iPhone or an iPad application.

2) Get familiar with the digital medium, something that is very “in style” nowadays. It is in demand by a lot of employers and gets a positive reaction when presented in designers’ portfolios.

3) Give your portfolio versatility.

4) Broaden your field of trade outside of just print.

Process:

1) Narrow down your topic.

2) Do in depth research on the chosen topic. Think of it as becoming an expert in something in order to try to explain it to others.

3) Gather swipe from iPhone app library, and your own iPhone. See what interests you, what grabs your attention, what works and what doesn’t.

4) Create your own application and a navigational wire frame.

You are expected to have a finished application design along with a wire frame done and be ready to present by next class. You may bring in previous drafts if you find it necessary or relevant for discussion. Please post the progress on your personal blog and comment on each other’s work.

FOR INSPIRATION PLEASE REFER TO:

Senior design blog: http://whitespacefpo.blogspot.com/ (student blogs from previous years).

The class blog: http://intermediatewithgen.blogspot.com/ (student blogs from previous years).

AIGA design archives: http://designarchives.aiga.org/#/home

Swipe and inspi