(GD : II 2)PROCESS

After the Presentation...

2008-12-08T16:19:00.002-06:00

It's done! I'm so glad I put as much work into this project as I have. The final pieces are convincing and viable and I am really proud of how they look and work together. I appreciate all of the comments and critiques I got today and look forward to seeing everyone else's presentations on Wednesday!

I'll post some photographs of the final pencil tin gift and branded art supplies soon.

Standards Manual: Final

2008-12-03T16:24:00.004-06:00

All that is left is to print the manual and bind it. It looks really similar to the other posts I've done but the backside of each page will be flooded with the dominant color of the page. This will make the piece interesting to look at from both sides.

System Application: Final

2008-12-03T16:10:00.005-06:00

This is the final design for my mailers for my system application. The full size is 6" x 6". It would serve as a postcard type mailer that would be sent to designers letting them know about the next Creativeright event. On the backside a block of text explains the exhibit in the same format as the letterhead done earlier. Here is a mock-up of the final Thank You card that goes inside the metal colored pencil tin. It thanks the individual for donating money to Creativeright and reiterates where the money is going. The card is made out of blue cardstock with a dark blue band with the Creativeright logo embossed in white. (This will only happen if my stamp comes in the mail, wish me luck!)

Graphic Standards Manual: Pages

2008-11-24T19:10:00.004-06:00

This is the work I have done so far on my Graphic Standards Manual. Each page correspond to a different aspect of the identity of Creativeright. The colors follow a simple spectrum and are only repeated if the area needs more space (i.e. the color section).

I'm really happy with how it is looking and once it is all put together, I think it will pretty interesting to look at as well as a good reference piece for a designer working on identity pieces.

System Application: Digital Mock-Up

2008-11-24T18:58:00.012-06:00

Here are a few mock-ups of the system application. It consisted of a series of mailers and thank you notes that would go to those that donate. Each series will have a piece in each color. In order to integrate my folder from my business system (it was the only piece that lacked a bar), I reflected that in the thank you notes. I did try adding the bar in the folder and it made the folder very unbalanced.

If I manage to find time and resources, I still want to include my idea of the branded pencil tin and notebook that would be included in the thank you package.

I would really appreciate feedback. This is due next week and I really want it to be a successful piece in my overall system and identity.

Graphics Standards Manual: Digital Rough

2008-11-17T20:40:00.004-06:00

Here is my refined digital rough. The symbol will be a white binding post that will somehow have the symbol on top. If anyone has any suggestions on how to do that, that would be great! It's a little small so go ahead and click on it to see it larger. The full size is 10" x 3.4". This size and format promotes the viewer to fan out the book and see each page. A fan book format also allows for quick reference to the material. I'll post each page as I finish them, but this is a look at the whole piece.
I'm trying to decide whether I should keep the corners square or rounded. Also, is there too much white space? I really like the white space but once it's fanned out, it might be too much.

Graphics Standards Manual: Sketches

2008-11-17T20:32:00.004-06:00

For initial sketches for the graphics standard manual for Creativeright, I wanted to do something a little bit different and creative. I thought about different formats, such as one that folded out from the center with a seal in the center, a tri-fold poster, swatch book, to a series of business card pieces. After talking with Ange, I decided to pursue the idea that reflected a color swatch book as the colors are so important to the images and identity.

Business System: Final

2008-11-15T19:40:00.005-06:00

These are pretty similar to the edits from the previous post. However, the color of the green is brighter, the address under the wordmark is bold and I spent more time refining the typography.

Ahh! Printing Troubles! Two different Office Max stores and Kinko's both could not print the sleeve correctly. Every time I tried to print it, the color had huge streaks in it and, for some reason, the "c" symbol showed up in a ghost affect on the opposite side of the logo. Does anyone have any input on how to fix these issues? The other pieces printed beautifully, hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Business System: Edits

2008-11-13T22:22:00.007-06:00

Here is the second ideation of the my business system. In critiques, it was mentioned by several people to focus on one of the images from my initial roughs. The image with the brightest color held the most attention and conveyed art well. While I was looking for additional images that fit the original, I began to develop the color scheme seen here. The three pieces I'm including in this system are a business card, letterhead, and a sleeve to hold them. The sleeve would then be given to the high schools.

This is pretty different from my roughs, so any additional suggestions or critiques would be great!

For those of you that like type...

2008-11-10T12:38:00.004-06:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyg/1033729476/

This has really nothing to do with my assignments, but it's still pretty cool. It's an image of the Martin Luther King Jr. High School in New York City. I wish I could do this to my house!

Business System: Digital Roughs

2008-11-03T19:36:00.006-06:00

I chose to create a letterhead, event mailer, and folder that would hold materials that would go to schools with information on the program. The first option utilizes the symbol as a dominant element in a black and white design. This idea uses typographic elements to relate to my audience and give a really clean look to the system. I plan on using the symbol as an embossing motif throughout, I just have to figure out how to do that.

The second option focuses more on the use of images from actual events juxtaposed with images of students and their artwork.

During my small group critique today a couple of really great ideas came up. It was suggested I push the shape of the folder to give a more creative edge while integrating strong splotches of color on the rigid black and white of the first option.

Standards Manual: Research

2008-11-03T14:29:00.004-06:00

These images come from the idenity manual the Communications team has been working on for the Solar Decathelon project. This is an earlier version, as our logo has since changed. I chose to include this example because it is an example of a concise manual. The following from STAR Data Services is about 30 pages and gets very in depth. The explain the width of the letterforms in the logotype and specific methods to scaling. The third image actually has a table showing where, when, and how the logo is acceptable to use. It is set up quite nicely, especially in the title pages. This, however, gets lost in the mass amount of text that follows.

The intentions for my Graphic Standards Manual will fall somewhere in between the utterly simplistic and overly elaborate. I want to reflect sophisticated style with an artistic feel.

Company Logo Design: Final Critique

2008-11-02T14:17:00.003-06:00

Wednesday's critique brought up many questions on the juxtaposition of my logotype with the symbol and the application of my logo. I've been working with the application and will upload those soon. As far as improvements on the logo itself, the question of color was brought up as well as further differentiation of my logotype from the Century Gothic I'd originally chose.

Business System: Initial Ideation Sketches

2008-10-25T10:40:00.004-05:00

The assignment was to hand-draw 5 options for our business system utilizing our finalized logo design. I was very excited to actually be assigned to not work on a computer. I actually got to use a pencil! These little sketches took quite a bit of time but I think it was worth it. After the one-on-one with Ange, it was clear that the first of my ideas worked the best, the others began to get really busy as more elements were added.

The first idea stays clean and reflects the logo in that way. Inside the black banner sits a cropped version of the logo. This idea helps to push the idea of creativity more. Including the different symbols appeals to my audience and gives the design a level of sophistication and craft.

I haven't quite decided what pieces I will be including in my business system. A mailer to be sent to event goers and maybe a name tag have been thought about, but it's still up in the air at this point.

Business System: System Research

2008-10-25T10:06:00.010-05:00

These three examples of business systems come from our text book for this class, Logos 01: an essential primer for today's competitive market. I chose them because each shows the wide array of pieces that can be included in a business system. The Heineken example especially shows the amount of pieces that can be created. Everything from t-shirts and CD jackets to stickers, lanyards and keychains. In the Mamamoto example, the pieces are similar in color but do no use the logo as a primary element as the smith&nephew example does.

I knew I didn't want to just use one source for my research so I expanded and looked in all of the Graphic Design books I had in my apartment. Over the past three years, I have acquired quite a few. After looking through all of them, I found the most success in the book I purchased for GD 1 last spring. The book is titled The Big Book of Graphic Design. I originally bought it because it is full of great inspiration, I had no idea the amount of business systems I'd find inside.

The image to the left is an example from the Ballet de Bim. I chose it because of the way the logo stays important even while the images change location and size.

This example comes from California College of the Arts. It shows examples of two letterheads and info cards. What was interesting to me the way the designer only used the top of the page to showcase the logo and other elements. The only thing that changes is the color of the paper in the info cards from the first example.

References:

Walton, R. (2007). The big book of graphic design. New York: Collins Design.

Logos 01: an essential primer for today's competitive market. (2007). Beverly, MA: Rockport Publishers.

Company Logo Design: Final Logo

2008-10-23T08:18:00.002-05:00

It's done! After a final class critique I went with the logo that fist best with the art and design side of my company. This logo reflects the design aspect through the use of the copyright symbol but still represents the aspect of creativity and art through the used of 45 degree angles throughout.

From the last critique I edited the wordmark through kerning and manipulating the letterforms away from the strict Century Gothic. At the ends of the curves in the C, E, R, and G I places a 45 degree cut to move the eye and make the type unique. I did the same to the C in the symbol.

In the end I am really satisfied with the finished logo. When I was doing the initial design I thought just black and white would be best and that is what I stuck with. It's clean and professional yet expressive and creative.

Company Logo Design: (Revised Design Brief)

2008-10-16T21:07:00.002-05:00

Check out my reevaluated Design Brief post! I felt it needed to be done as, not only did the name of my company change, it didn't reflect my audience as well as it should. I tried to increase the personality of the company but still maintain a professional voice and attitude.

Company Logo Design: 2-Refined Roughs

2008-10-16T20:52:00.007-05:00

Here they are! Finally, I'm down to two roughs. In our small group critiques as well as meeting with Ange, I decided these two were the strongest. It was getting to the point of over designing, so I just had to stop and being to put my ideas into context. I began to think of letterhead designs and from there my ideas really began to take on a tangible look. From those intial explorations, I am moving toward the second option. Separating the wordmark from the symbol presents many interesting options and opportunities.

With that said, I'm not at that point yet. The critique on Monday will solidify my final logo for Creativeright. Highly simplified symbol or the stylized artistic scribble, color or no color? We will see on Monday!

Company Logo Design: 5 Digital Roughs

2008-10-06T13:40:00.011-05:00

Moving on from the sketched I had done previously, I moved onto the computer to conceptualize and refine the designs further. The five roughs I chose to evolve reflected the sophisticated edge design professionals possess while relating back to the high school art programs.

The creative right idea came from the copyright of images as a design concept. This idea mixes with the connection to art supplies in schools are the word creative replaces copy.

This is designed to be read as 'ur creative right. It suggests the idea that it is an individual's right to be creative.

These two show the connection to an urban lifestyle. The money raised will go to art supplies for high schools in the Twin Cities and these reflect that.

The last logo is a more sophisticated take on art. The scribble reflects the idea of sketching. This is a step in the design process and so relates to design professionals.

Company Logo Design: Symbol/Wordmark

2008-10-04T00:23:00.008-05:00

100 symbols and 100 wordmarks, sounds like a large amount, an it definitely is. Breaking through those design blocks was difficult but as the ideas evolved the ending result was much better. Also, just sketching every little idea that came into my head was beneficial.

I originally focused on the art supply side of my company. After an individual critique with Ange, I began to focus more on the design side. She pointed out that it must appeal to the art and design professionals before the students and school officials.

There is still much work to be done in this preliminary phase and I'm excited to see what comes out!

Eagle Eye Screening

2008-09-25T22:53:00.003-05:00

Just got back from the Eagle Eye screening. It's a great film! Go see it! There is an interesting twist in the plot that I won't ruin but it's exciting and filled with action. The only thing that I didn't like was the connection that was associated with earlier films. I won't say what it is, go see it and you will see what I mean.

Eagle Eye Design Competition

2008-09-24T15:10:00.004-05:00

The Eagle Eye film is based on the concept of "big brother" and how he is always watching. This includes the potential danger of technology. It reflects that fear through the stories of two characters. For the premiere of the film, a design contest was held in which students were asked to submit a symbol, or other design that represented the film. The only direction that was given was to watch the trailer and then interpret the film in a visual way.

My entry consisted of two pieces. First, the poster to the left that depicts the feeling of fear knowing, although we cannot see these people, we know they are constantly watching us. The silhouetted figures and thick window panes reflect the trapped feeling that exists in this state of fear.

The second of the two entries is consists of logotype in which the unseen people that are "everywhere" are silhouetted in a blur behind the films logotype. This sort of suggests an other worldly feel. It also possesses an X-Files feel with the figures not completely rendered.

I ended up winning second place in the competition with the poster design. This is really exciting to know my design will be presented at the premiere of a real feature film. Eagle Eye is even a DreamWorks picture which is an incredible opportunity to even get the chance to be involved with.

Company Logo Design: Style Board

2008-09-24T00:55:00.004-05:00

The second section of the first phase of the Company Logo Design consists of a style board which reflects the potential company in a purely graphic way. It is not a digitally generated image, but more a compilation of found items that represent the style and attitude of the company.

I chose to use photographs, text and actual materials as my company is focused on raising money for the donation of quality art supplies. There are photographs of high school age children participating in some kind of art project juxtaposed to a photograph of an artistic event. In addition to the photographs, there is real paint splattered on the surface or the board and pastel rubbed on various areas around the edges. This reflects the materials that would ultimately be donated.

Company Logo Design: Design Breif

2008-09-23T21:42:00.005-05:00

From the research and critiques was created this design brief. It reflects the feelings, efforts and goals of my fictional company entitled.

Creativeright

It is the Creativeright of each and every student have an outlet for creative expression within his or her high school. This organization strives to enforce that idea by hosting events that translate to money and supplies for Twin Cities schools. More specifically, we hold art and design events to raise money for art supplies that we then donate to schools. These events include gallery receptions, lectures and other art and design events in which admission and donations will be collected.

In order to put on these events, we contact area vendors to donate what is needed for these events including refreshments, lecturers, and activities. We will create mailers, brochures, t-shirts and other print materials in order to spread our cause and promote our design events. These pieces will be sent to design firms, college campuses, art retailers, and the general public in order to effectively make our cause known.

The audience for this organization consists of area art and design creatives and professionals that want to help cultivate and advance creativity within Twin Cities schools while attending exciting and hip design events.

Copyright shows ownership and pride in one’s work. This audience recognizes and appreciates this ideal. The title Creativeright supports that idea while supporting the idea of helping others, especially those in a creative field such as art oriented high school students,. This in turn encourages attendance to the events and make this organization a creative and social success.

Although there are several art initiatives in practice within the art world that are geared towards getting art programs funded within schools, Creativeright is unique. “Rock the Arts” and “Americans for the Arts” programs act as advocates for local schools but do not offer a physical means with which to increase actual supplies in our schools. Creativeright successfully fills this niche by raising money that translates into quality art supplies for Twin Cities high schools.

Identity

The identity of Creativeright must possess sophisticated and smart design style in order to appeal to area design and art professionals but still reflect the philanthropic effort to raise money for art supplies in Twin Cities high schools.

Company Logo Design: Research

2008-09-20T16:25:00.006-05:00

This assignment begins with an example of the research I have done on the education industry. I am very passionate about art programs in middle schools and high schools. More and more funding for art programs are being reallocated for different programs such as reading and math help. The article on CNN.com explains the affects the recession and the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 on art programs. It describes the loss of experience and creativity as art education fades.

Also, in the article from boston.com it shows the benefits of art education. "In a recent study of several art classes in Boston-area schools, we found that arts programs teach a specific set of thinking skills rarely addressed elsewhere in the curriculum - and that far from being irrelevant in a test-driven education system, arts education is becoming even more important as standardized tests like the MCAS exert a narrowing influence over what schools teach."

From this research and my own feelings and opinions on art education, I decided to create a company/non-profit organization that focuses on fundraising to get art programs back into schools where they are rapidly disappearing. There are some organizations in action that support the influence and value of art in the lives of children and young adults. The "Rock The Arts" program celebrates art of young people and attempts to foster inspiration among this group. The Americans for the Arts and Keep Arts in Schools groups focus on creating awareness and advocacy for the need for arts education but do not present a way to actually raise money to do so.

The organization I plan to create presents a means for money to be raised through community events and fundraisers. These events, in addition to efforts to meet with school boards and state representatives, would help art programs stay in schools.

Logo Redesign Final

2008-09-15T20:57:00.004-05:00

This is the final design for our first assignment! It was really exciting project in that we were assigned to find disappointing logos and then choose one to redesign. The new Dakota Lettering logo now reflects the company's relationship to Sioux Falls, South Dakota with the Statue of David landmark, an artistic abstraction of the statue and a representation of the printer's primary cyan in the spot color used.

Milwaukee Brewers Logo

2008-09-10T12:59:00.003-05:00

The Milwaukee Brewers logo is strong due to the B and W shape that make up the image of the catcher's mitt. A symbol such as this can easily stand alone and be understood as a baseball team logo. Upon further study, the Brewers team is represented.

Back to Basics: Dakota Lettering Logo Re-Design

2008-09-10T12:39:00.003-05:00

Dakota Lettering is a company specializing in primarily screen prints,
vinyl transfers and embroidery on shirts, jackets, caps etc. With this in
mind, their target audience is both companies within the Sioux Falls, South
Dakota area as well as smaller groups including school teams and
individuals. Dakota Lettering has even worked on shirts for Sanford Health
down to a local race track. They strive to produce a quality product in an
efficient amount of time.

The logo I am recreating for Dakota Lettering conveys the connection to
Sioux Falls, SD. Dakota Lettering has been in business in Sioux Falls for
nearly thirty years and primarily works with clients from the Sioux Falls
area. Their attitude towards their work focuses on moving forward and
staying current. The current logo attempts to portray this idea with the
bold colors and type, but fails as the inconsistencies within the type and
symbol are seen.

Both the Statue of David and the registration mark designs utilize their
previous color palette but brings forth their modern thinking better.
Either logo could effectively relate to the Dakota Lettering brand as both ideas consist of logotype and a symbol. As their company grows they could utilize the symbol on its own to represent the company.

These ideas reflect the company's mission to quality and timeliness in that they are very clean which suggests professionalism that their original logo lacked. The connection to Sioux Falls also fits with the company's goals. Both ideas show the company as a producer of quality, which is what Dakota Lettering aims to do.

bad logos

2008-09-03T23:18:00.009-05:00

Painted Prairie is a company that personalizes products for their customers. This includes lunch boxes, dog bowls, mugs etc. They paint fun letters using simple paint pens in bright colors. The Painted Prairie logo does not fit that idea at all. It's tan and maroon colors suggest a country living idea. Script type does not fit the fun style but rather supports a formal and more sophisticated look. Also, the texture in the background is a textile. Painted Prairie work on plastics and ceramics, not textiles.

Moberly's is a printing company. It's hard to beleive but true. This would fit better with a mechanic than a printer. The overused and nostalgic type suggests a vintage and traditional style. A printer should provoke an idea of modernity and forward thinking.

This ISEP logo is for a school, but the viewer would never know it unless a lengthy description is included. In terms of design, it is alright, however, this logo does nothing for the company or its mission as an educational institution. The logo looks somewhat template-like in that this idea could suit a large amount of companies. This is a problem because if the logo lends itself so well to other companies, it makes it more difficult to effectively connect the logo to the school.

Dakota Lettering is a screen-printing company, this is obvious by the large t-shirt in the center of the logo. The worst part of this logo, by far, is the destruction of the type used. The letter-forms have been stretched lengthwise and smashed vertically. Also, the curved words do not follow the outline of the circle. In looking at the word "lettering" the G is much closer to the edge of the circle than that of the L.

First off is the Minnesota State Fair logo. With the muted color sheme and clipart imagry surrounding the logotype, it protrays a tacky and unsophisticated look.

first day, first assignment

2008-09-03T14:38:00.001-05:00

This is a new year and and a new process blog! This time it's Graphic
Design II the class is looking like an interesting course focusing on logo
and brand identity.

Our first assignment was is to search for bad logos and to articulate why
the logo is not working. I'm thinking of logos that consist of a block of
poorly set type in a disappointing typeface. Also, I'm thinking of logos
with a symbol that does not relate to the company or organization.