2018 term 2: week 2: Photoshop and Project Planning

We are already through 1 week in our design classes, here is what we have going on this week:

Graphic Design 1:  Students have finished their research of careers and topics in graphic design.  I was really impressed with the work the students turned in so far!  We then discussed the design process that we will be using in our class this term with all of our projects.  The first project we will work on is an identity design with our initials.  We looked at examples of logos while playing a logo game, then came up with a list of rules to keep in mind when creating an effective identity design.  Students then sketched out ideas for logos they want to make for their next project.  We got class feedback, then drew a draft down on paper.  Before we create our logo on the computer, we are spending a week or so getting to know the digital tools we will be using in the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite.  One tutorial this week will involve turning a picture of a pumpkin into a glowing jack-o-lantern.

Graphic Design 2:  Students are finishing up their project proposals and time-lines.  This week, we will be starting to assemble our mood boards/project boards.  These will be sources of inspiration and focus for our projects this term.  Students will be collecting assets of similar work and putting it onto a collage along with the sources of where they found their information.  Once they get this finished, we will start the long process of working on our term projects!

2018 term 2: week 1: Getting Started

We are already into term 2!  Here is what is happening at NPHS in Graphic Design and Advanced Graphic Design:

Graphic Design students will be getting signed in to their computer accounts and familiarized with classroom expectations and procedures.  We will then start researching various career fields in graphic design.  Students will create a paper that covers their findings and will turn this in by the end of class on Friday.

Advanced Graphic Design students will also be getting familiarized with expectations and procedures.  Students will be creating a term-long project of their choice.  This first week will be used for brainstorming ideas, and writing their project proposal for what they will be working on for the next 9 weeks.  The project proposal will be due to me on Friday.

I'm looking forward to getting to know everybody in class and can't wait to see all the great things you create!

2018 term 1: week 9: advanced designs

The term is already about over!  Students have their environmental designs turned in.  This week, we will be working on a variety of advanced designs.  Some of these designs include Photoshop photo manipulations, animated cinemagraphs, and 3D model designs.  Students will be finishing this course with an understanding of graphic design, the design process, and with a digital portfolio with reflections and their projects.

2018 term 1: week 8: environmental design

Graphic design students are learning about the elements of photography, then are doing a variety of environmental designs with photographs that demonstrate different elements.  These activities will really allow students to start using the full potential of Photoshop.

2018 term 1: week 7: layout design

Students in graphic design turned in their infographics last week and we will be starting layout designs.  We will look at magazine advertisements, then will create a magazine cover.  Once finished with this, we will make a minimalist design or a Saul Bass style inspired movie poster of our favorite movies.  We are getting very close to the end of the term, so it will be important to stay working hard on these last few projects and finish the term with all quality work in our portfolios.  Have a great week!

2018 term 1: week 6: Infographics

Graphic design class is just about done with their typography.  We will create our own typeface using https://www.calligraphr.com/en/ as a resource.  We will then take our best work, write our reflections, and upload it to our online portfolios.  Next we are going to work towards a standard that deals with understanding copyright laws and free use guidelines.  We will tie this in with infographics.  Students will create an infographic using free use images (we will evaluate the user licences to determine if we can use the graphics or not), and students will also include a sources section of where they find their information for their infographics.

2018 Term 1: Week 4: Branding

Hard to believe we are already at mid-terms and have parent-teacher conferences this Thursday evening!!  Students have turned in their assessment on the design process and the identity design.  This week we will be working on our business stationery, then will turn in our branding guides to finish up the week.  Projects have been good so far, and I'm looking forward to visiting with you all at conferences this Thursday!!