term 4 layout design info

We are to the point where we are ready to save our information graphics to our portfolios, and can move on to our next project, which is layout design.  As we learn about layouts and how to effectively fit design elements into a given space, we will be putting together a movie poster.  Saul Bass was a graphic designer who was also the father of animated/moving credits in films.  He also made iconic famous movie posters with his unique minimal style.  Students will be looking at some of the work of Saul Bass, then will choose a favorite movie of theirs to remake the movie poster for, but in the style of the great Saul Bass.  Projects will be 18 in by 12 in.  This will be a great project to allow kids great creativity to use appropriate space of a layout, appropriate color and type-face, as well as have exposure to a graphic design pioneer.  Some of the important terms we will discuss are layout, columns, horizon lines, gutters, margins, and grid.

Infographic

The next project for NPHS graphic design students is to create an information graphic.  Students will decide what topic they want to research, then collect their information and record their sources.  Once all of their information is assembled, they will sketch some layouts on how they wish to display the information.  Once their layout is approved, we will create them on the computer and post them to our portfolios.

Typography

Graphic Design students have been learning about typography.  Do the type-faces we use help or hurt the message we are sending with our design?  We looked at several examples, then students were to find a free-use image and put a saying or quote with it, using a minimum of 3 type-faces/fonts that are appropriate for the design.

Stationery

Now that we have finished up our logos in graphic design, we are ready to move on and apply our logos to different designs.  We will be using our logo to create an identity and apply it to the following: a business card, an envelope, and a letterhead.  The dimensions for the components are listed below.

Business card: 2 x 3.5 in.
Envelope: 9.5 x 4.125 in.
Letterhead: 8.5 x 11 in.

These three items should have similar theme and look like they match or belong together.  We also need to pay attention to function and design with these.

identity design

We have finished up our research papers and the design process and are now on to our first project.  Students are working on an identity design.  We researched what makes effective logos, then sketched logos of our initials.  Students will then create their design digitally, and we will incorporate it into a brand.  The sketches have turned out good, and I'm excited to see how these first projects turn out.

Term 4 Graphic Design 2016

We are at the last quarter of the school year, but just getting started on term 4 Graphic Design.  Students will start off with a research project learning the history, disciplines, and career paths of graphic design.  We will learn the design process steps which we will use for each of our projects this term.  Students will need a notebook/sketchbook and pencil every day in class.  Be ready to get to work Monday!

Last week for this term

Graphic Design will be finishing up projects next week, then will be introduced to their final project.  We will look at the First things First Graphic Design Manifesto.  Students will write a reflection paper about what the document means to them as young graphic designers.  Students will also create a typography project using the document, and will then write a reflection about their growth of learning in this class.  The paper will be due Thursday, then we will be off to new classes for the term.  This has been a great class, and the work these students have put in to learning to use Photoshop has really impressed me.