Tag: bmcc

Week #14 – The Final Project / Full Lab Session

Dear Students – Today, Wednesday 5/8 is our last working in class-Lab session. We will devote it to working on our final project.

Please remember, next Wednesday 5/15 – all CUNY students will follow a MONDAY class schedule to make up for the snow day.

**We will meet on Wednesday 5/22 for a Final Presentation of our final project from 5:30 – 8pm. This is mandatory.

 

Welcome to MMA100 Week #14

Here is this week’s useful information and class resources:

*Did you miss Week #13’s Post? Go Here

  1. ZINE collab! – If you haven’t already, Please print your Type project –
    at the 11″X17″ tabloid layout size we have discussed. (I have about half of the classes work at this point)

2. FINAL Project TIME!                             **FINAL PROJECT  – Logos and Visual Identity**

Assignment specifications – 

Part 1 – Students will create a fictional company. The company can produce any kind of product or service that you wish. Students will generate a description about the company, its products and services. The company will need a new logo and visual identity created from scratch to help bring its presence to life.

Part 2 – Creating a design brief and doing the research – Now that you have decided on the type of company, its products and services, who is the competition out there that already exists? What do those logos look like and are they effective? Who are your companies customers? What is the age range of your customer? Where will they find your business? Online or offline? Describe why. The more you know about your business, its products and services (and the believe in them) the more you can offer a solution to your client. A logo is usually the first thing that they will see. How will you grab their attention with your companies visual identity?

Part 3 – Sketch and development. Watch Draplin’s video (see the link below.) He has a great style and technique for the process. Create a series of sketches in pencil. I suggest making small thumbnail sketches as we have discussed in our class.

Part 4 – Iterations, variety and development, using art boards and making decisions on type, colors schemes and scale.

Part 5 – Production and application. Formatting business cards, letter heads and related usage for both print and the web.

**We will be using Adobe Illustrator for this project from start to finish.

Inspiration, Resources & helpful Info can be found in Week 13’s post here

Week #13 – Type to ZINE to Final Project!

Welcome to MMA100 Week #13

Here is this week’s useful information and class resources:

*Did you miss Week #12’s Post? Go Here

Part 1 of class – Complete and print your Type project –
Students will create a new 11″X17″ tabloid layout set for print in Adobe Illustrator. Students will apply a series of their designs from part 1 into a collaborative magazine for print and the web.

Typography Assignment – PART 2 – (as discussed in class on 4/10 and will continue on 4/17)

We will have a class critique on the Wednesday after spring break. A printed version of this assignment will be presented by each student. You will select two of your designs from Part 1 and print them as a single tabloid page.

Students will create a new 11″X17″ tabloid layout set for print in Adobe Illustrator. (You may use use multiple art boards to create iterations) Students will apply a series of their designs from part 1 into a collaborative magazine for print and the web.

*Student submissions of the completed project:

Students will submit both Part 1 & Part 2 of the project to me via e-mail saved as a .PDF file. Please send to – rseslow@bmcc.cuny.edu no later than Friday 5/3/19

 

                            

**FINAL PROJECT Information- Logos and Visual Identity**

Typography in Logos, Symbols, Icons & Pictograms, creating a logo design brief, process & final production.

What is Visual Identity? Brands and Branding, research, discovery and process?

What is a logo? – Great Definition here – https://logogeek.uk/logo-design/why-logos-matter/

What is branding? – Great Definition here –  http://blog.creativelive.com/personal-branding-debbie-millman/

Assignment specifications – 

Part 1 – Students will create a fictional company. The company can produce any kind of product or service that you wish. Students will generate a description about the company, its products and services. The company will need a new logo and visual identity created from scratch to help bring its presence to life.

Part 2 – Creating a design brief and doing the research – Now that you have decided on the type of company, its products and services, who is the competition out there that already exists? What do those logos look like and are they effective? Who are your companies customers? What is the age range of your customer? Where will they find your business? Online or offline? Describe why. The more you know about your business, its products and services (and the believe in them) the more you can offer a solution to your client. A logo is usually the first thing that they will see. How will you grab their attention with your companies visual identity?

Part 3 – Sketch and development. Watch Draplin’s video below. He has a great style and technique for the process. Create a series of sketches in pencil. I suggest making small thumbnail sketches as we have discussed in our class.

Part 4 – Iterations, variety and development, using art boards and making decisions on type, colors schemes and scale.

Part 5 – Production and application. Formatting business cards, letter heads and related usage for both print and the web.

**We will be using Adobe Illustrator for this project from start to finish.

Below are a series of helpful resources to explore the world of logos, branding and identity. The videos and podcasts below are super helpful and applicable.

Aaron Draplin, the logo Master – Draplin’s official website – http://www.draplin.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOPA0NaeTBk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9lBlD04sDs

Some history, the video below has context – >

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3jTSB2ez-g

(This is a great informative Video on Logo Design by definition and application!)

Adobe makes great tutorials  – This is a great beginner video using illustrator – https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/how-to/logo-design.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukkbaOV3N78

Tutorial to follow along with.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7bs7ef66Kg

Tutorial to follow along with.

Logo Inspiration Galore, Resources:

https://www.logolounge.com/

http://logooftheday.com/

https://logogeek.uk/

https://www.logodesignlove.com/

https://identitydesigned.com/

Great resources from Logo Geek – https://logogeek.uk/logo-design/resources/

Podcast:

Logo Geek – https://logogeek.uk/ – podcast website – https://logogeek.uk/podcast/

**Student Resources & Examples – What are some of your favorite logos and brand identities? Share a few examples in the comments section below by using a URL.

Assignment #5 – Type & Typography

Assignment #5 – Type & Typography

PART 1 – Assignment 5 – Poster Design with Type & the Alphabet.

**This Project’s Resources & Inspiration can be found in Week #11&12’s Blog post here

Create 3 (YES – three variations)  a new poster design series using and applying balanced typography in adobe illustrator. Students will generate and demonstrate both a balanced and unconventional composition using each individual letter of the alphabet. (A-Z) The examples above are just a few potential ways to display style, simplicity, order and efficiency. A demonstration will be given in class.

Size requirements – 8.5 inches -X- 11 inches (or larger – 11″ x 14″)

Typefaces – Limit yourself to no more than 2-3 different fonts and 4 color values.

Step 1 – Find and discover your own inspiration and share the URLs in the comments section HERE. Each student will add 2-3 URLS of their inspiration in the comment section before starting this assignment.

Things to consider – Layout & balance – Using rulers, guides and grids. Free transformation & typesetting style.

*COMPOSITION and command over the picture plane and its chosen dimensions.

Part 2 – Students will create a new 11″X17″ tabloid layout set for print in Adobe Illustrator. Students will apply a series of their designs from part 1 into a collaborative magazine for print and the web.

Typography Assignment – PART 2 – (as discussed in class on 4/10 and will continue on 4/17)

We will have a class critique on the Wednesday after spring break. A printed version of this assignment will be presented by each student. You will select two of your designs from Part 1 and print them as a single tabloid page.

Students will create a new 11″X17″ tabloid layout set for print in Adobe Illustrator. (You may use use multiple art boards to create iterations) Students will apply a series of their designs from part 1 into a collaborative magazine for print and the web.

*Student submissions of the completed project:

Students will submit both Part 1 & Part 2 of the project to me via e-mail saved as a .PDF file. Please send to – rseslow@bmcc.cuny.edu no later than Friday 5/1/19

Week #11 & #12 – Typography

Welcome to MMA100 Week #11 & #12

Here is this week’s useful information and class resources:

*Did you miss Week #10’s Post? Go Here

**Lets talk about Exporting work from Illustrator into high resolution .JPG images that work best on the Web**

Week #11 –  TYPOGRAPHY – Applying type to images, fonts, typefaces, composition, formatting and output for print & the web..

(click the images below to enlarge)

Typefaces and Fonts are built out of shapes and forms. Integrated with color and interesting compositions they become a powerful tool for creative output and the ability to solve design problems through visual communication.

Resources: https://www.creativebloq.com/features/font-types-a-designers-guide

Video Resources to explore:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOgIkxAfJsk&t=20s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZl5I_mbnwE

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Assignment #5 – PART 1 –

Assignment 5 – Poster Design with Type & the Alphabet.

Create 3 (YES – three variations)  a new poster design series using and applying balanced typography in adobe illustrator. Students will generate and demonstrate both a balanced and unconventional composition using each individual letter of the alphabet. (A-Z) The examples above are just a few potential ways to display style, simplicity, order and efficiency. A demonstration will be given in class.

Size requirements – 8.5 inches -X- 11 inches (or larger – 11″ x 14″)

Typefaces – Limit yourself to no more than 2-3 different fonts and 4 color values.

Step 1 – Find and discover your own inspiration and share the URLs in the comments section below. Each student will add 2-3 URLS of their inspiration in the comment section before starting this assignment.

Things to consider – Layout & balance – Using rulers, guides and grids. Free transformation & typesetting style.

*COMPOSITION and command over the picture plane and its chosen dimensions.

Step 2 – Students will create a new 11″X17″ tabloid layout set for print in Adobe Illustrator. Students will apply a series of their designs from part 1 into a collaborative magazine for print and the web.

Typography Assignment – PART 2 – (as discussed in class on 4/10 and will continue on 4/17)

We will have a class critique on the Wednesday after spring break. A printed version of this assignment will be presented by each student. You will select two of your designs from Part 1 and print them as a single tabloid page.

Students will create a new 11″X17″ tabloid layout set for print in Adobe Illustrator. (You may use use multiple art boards to create iterations) Students will apply a series of their designs from part 1 into a collaborative magazine for print and the web.

*Student submissions of the completed project:

Students will submit both Part 1 & Part 2 of the project to me via e-mail saved as a .PDF file. Please send to – rseslow@bmcc.cuny.edu no later than Friday 5/3/19

BMCC Digital Fabrication Workshop – Wednesday 4/17 – 2-4 PM!

The BMCC Media Arts & Technology Dept. is having a digital fabrication workshop on Wednesday April 17th at 2-4 PM. All students are welcome!

Information and registration is in the link below.

https://makerspace-workshop.eventbrite.com​

Mid-Term Project

Mid-Term Project 

Poster Design. We will bring together the applications of composition, image and typography.

Museum Exhibit Poster (examples will be shown in class – as well as a series of Illustrator vector demonstrations)

Choose one or more of these styles/movements of art to create a poster using a SELF-Portrait:

POP ART, SURREALISM, MEXICAN MURALISTS AFRO-FUTURISM, ANIME/MANGA, POLITICAL ART, FAUVISM, AFRICAN MASKS, ANIME, VIDEO GAMES or (Another Style Not Listed Here or create a Hybrid using 2 or more styles)

Process: Research! Find and discover a series of images and references to work from. Your research should inspire you! Create a new project folder titled “Mid-Term-Project” – save these images to your project folder. Create your self-portrait in the style of the Art Movement that you chose for a Museum Exhibition. It should be obvious which style you picked WITHOUT seeing the title.

*Your self-portrait IS the artwork for the poster campaign that you create for the exhibit. You must design the poster in 2 sizes – one landscape and one portrait orientation. I suggest 11” x 17” (or slightly smaller)

Your self-portrait must first be drawn in Illustrator and can be brought into Photoshop later for manipulation, (like adding blended color, additional imagery or effects.) After you illustrate your self-portrait, you’ll create the actual poster for the ex­hibit.

Specifications: The museum having the exhibit you’ve chosen is: SAM, Seattle Art Museum. Find out more about the institution at this website: https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/visit/seattle-art-museum

For the midterm project please use the SAM logo as it is: (attached as a download link here) *feel free to re-render the logo on your own if you wish. (This does not mean change it)

You may use any of the tools in Illustrator that we’ve learned or explored and also find and experiment with new ways to draw. You can work from a photo in Illustrator as demonstrated in class.

Do the Portrait First. Then compose the poster. :))

Minimum required copy/text for the poster is:

New Voices Exhibit

April 15th – May 30th 2019

Opening Reception, April 20th 7PM-9PM

https://www.seattleartmuseum.org

*(and the SAM logo of course)

Fonts and colors – are entirely student choice. Students may ADD additional copy, but may not delete from the minimum above.

Class Work Sessions and Critique – In class lab work sessions will be next week 3/20 – 5:30pm – 7pm (tech talk ) and 3/27 – 5:30pm – 9pm – We will be printing our works in progress and discussing them on the critique board. The Class critique & evaluation for the Mid-Term Project will be during the second half of class on Wednesday 4/3.

***Updated – Final submissions of your two posters created in Illustrator will be saved and printed via .pdf file format (and I would like a .JPG file version saved via Photoshop – I will demonstrate on 4.3) both files will be  e-mailed to me by Sunday 4/7/19 – rseslow@bmcc.cuny.edu ****

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Research / Inspiration / Tutorial – Check out these links below:

 

Art Movement Resources: 

https://www.theartstory.org/section_movements.htm

https://mymodernmet.com/important-art-movements

 

 

Week # 7 – Illustrator Continued & Mid-Term Project Discussion

Welcome to MMA100 Week #7!

Here is this week’s useful information and class resources:

*Did you miss Week #5&6’s Post? Go Here

*Did you miss Assignment #3’s Details – There are 2 part? Go Here

Inspiration – The NYC Transit Authority Graphics Standard Manual – Leave a Comment!

Assignment #3 has a second part to it, please navigate to the assignment page to view and complete the project. Lets print your work and pin it up on the critique board tonight 3/13. (I will demonstrate this in class)

We will have a class discussion about the completed work.

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Mid-Term project Discussion – Lets Design a Poster. Lets bring together the application of typography and imagery.

Museum Exhibit Poster (examples will be shown in class – as well as a series of Illustrator vector demonstrations)

Choose one or more of these styles/movements of art to create a poster using a SELF-Portrait:

POP ART, SURREALISM, MEXICAN MURALISTS AFRO-FUTURISM, ANIME/MANGA, POLITICAL ART, FAUVISM, AFRICAN MASKS, ANIME, VIDEO GAMES or (Another Style Not Listed Here or a Hybrid)

Process: Research! Find a series of images and references to work from. Save these images to your project folder. Create your self-portrait in the style of the Art Movement that you chose for a Museum Exhibition. It should be obvious which you picked WITHOUT seeing the title.

Your self-portrait IS the artwork for the Poster campaign you create for the exhibit. You must design the poster in 2 sizes – one landscape and one portrait orientation. I suggest 11”x17” (or smaller)

Your self-portrait must first be drawn in Illustrator and can be brought into Photoshop later for manipulation, like adding blended color, photos or effects. After you illustrate your self-portrait you’ll create a poster for the ex­hibit.

The museum having the exhibit you’ve chosen is: SAM, Seattle Art Museum. Find out more about the institution at this website: https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/visit/seattle-art-museum

For the midterm project please use the SAM logo as it is: (attached as a download link here) *feel free to re-recreate the logo on your own if you wish.

You may use any of the tools in Illustrator we’ve learned or explore and find new ways to draw. You can work from a photo in Illustrator as demonstrated in class. DO THE PORTRAIT FIRST. Then make the poster.

Minimum required copy/text for the poster is:

New Voices Exhibit

April 15th thru May 30th 2019

Opening Reception, April 20th 7PM-9PM

https://www.seattleartmuseum.org

*(and the SAM logo of course)

Fonts and colors – are entirely student choice. Students may ADD copy, but may not delete from the minimum above.

Class Work Sessions and Critique – In class lab work sessions will be next week 3/20 – 5:30pm – 7pm and 3/27 – 5:30pm – 9pm – We will be printing our works in progress and discussing them on the critique board. The Class critique & evaluation for the Mid-Term Project will be on Wednesday 4/3.

***Updated – Final submissions of your two posters created in Illustrator will be saved and printed via .pdf file format (and I would like a .JPG file version saved via Photoshop – I will demonstrate on 4.3) both files will be  e-mailed to me by Sunday 4/7/19 – rseslow@bmcc.cuny.edu ****

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**Need Inspiration? Check out these links and tutorials below:

http://designbeep.com/2012/08/08/26-best-adobe-illustrator-portrait-tutorials/

Art Movement Resources: 

https://www.theartstory.org/section_movements.htm

https://mymodernmet.com/important-art-movements

 

Inspiration – The NYC Transit Authority Graphics Standard Manual

Dear Students,

Please click the link below to explore a great piece of both NYC and Graphic Design History.

Behold,  The NYC Transit Authority Graphics Standard Manual

https://daringfawnyball.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/nyctamanual.pdf

Designed by Massimo Vignelli and Bob Noorda, Unimark, 1970

I would love to hear your reactions and feedback in the comments section below! Each student will leave a comment this week.

**after you “post” your comment I will have to manually approve it – you may not see it show up right away.

Some Questions to ponder and react to:

  1. What is your general feedback on the manual? Do you like it? Dislike it? Please Explain. Do you find it to be well designed, illustrated and clear in its application?

2. The manual was published in 1970. Does it still hold up for today’s world?

3. What is missing or should be added for today’s world of NYC Transit?

4. What additional questions are you left with?

ANIMATION TECH TALK on 3/20 – @7pm – Mark your Calendars

The BMCC MEA department will host an Animation Tech Talk on Wednesday, March 20th at 7 PM. Four animation professionals will participate and share their experience with students.
​
ANIMATION TECH TALK
 
Wednesday, March 20th at 7 PM 
Room N451, 199 Chambers St.
Come hear professionals discuss their experience in animation and motion graphics. Speakers include:

Moderator: Jamal Sullivan

*Food and drinks will be served*

Week #4

Welcome to MMA100 Week #4!

Here is this week’s useful information and class resources:

*Did you miss Week #3’s Post? Go Here

*Did you miss Assignment #2’s Details? Go Here

*Did you e-mail project #1 (post card)  to me as a .JPEG file? If not, please do!

We will begin tonight class 2/20 by re-capping last week’s class discussion about project #2. I will demonstrate the process for creating the suggested lay out in project #2’s description

Lets look at where we find image resources and referencing.

Class Exercise: Assignment #2 – (Part 2)

Working with Photoshop. Lets apply additional layers, filters and image manipulating techniques to customize our progress. Class demonstrations with layer styles and creating filters.

Working from the original psd. document / template that you have created in part 1 of this assignment, students will use and apply additional layers to enhance and manipulate their image selections for the Elements & Principles of Design.

Outcome – Students will save two variations of the project as a photoshop psd. file as well as exporting the files as a .jpeg for the web (demonstration in class)

Assessment of the project: How has illustrating the vocabulary with images helped your understanding of each term? Discussion follows.

Lets look at COLOR-

Color Theory – (Image via Arhaus‘  via Justcreative)

The link below was published via – JustCreative.com – This is great guide to understanding color in design with an emphasis on logos, identity and branding.

http://justcreative.com/2018/02/19/color-psychology-in-logo-design-branding-explained/

I highly recommend visiting and learning from JustCreative.com aka – Jacob Cass – Jacob is an amazing graphic designer and conduit of great design resources.

Video Screenings –

Photoshop Tutorial – The top 10 Things photoshop Beginners Want To Know How To Do

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqKHo1Q7OMc

I love and recommend Terry White’s Youtube channel. He is an Adobe software wizard! Subscribe here.

Who is Michael Bierut and Why is he important? Please watch the video outside of class this week and respond in the comments section below)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUxWjZcAfvA

What is GESTALT and why is it important in Design? An introduction.

https://www.canva.com/learn/gestalt-theory/