Dear Class,
This is a reminder that we will meet on Wednesday 5/22 for a final presentation of our final logo projects from 5:30 – 8pm.
PS – all completed projects (if they have not been submitted yet) and all revisions are due no later than Wednesday 5/22 at Midnight.
All of the class assignments with their specifications and submission details can be revisited on the Assignments Page Here <—
See you soon!
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
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
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
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.logodesignlove.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
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
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
Welcome to MMA100 Week #10
Here is this week’s useful information and class resources:
*Did you miss Week #9’s Post? Go Here
*Did you miss the Mid-term project’s assignment Details? Go Here
* On 3/20 – we went to visit the Animation Tech-Talk – What did you think about the talk? What did you learn from the event? Did one person or piece of advise stand out? Please leave a comment here!
The class critique for the Mid-Term Project will be held on Wednesday 4/3. We will dedicate the first half of class to lab work / working and printing our outcomes. I will give a demonstration on the process again.
**All students will print their work and pin it to the critique board by 8pm (even if your work is not complete, please print it out and pin it to the board)
**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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Graphic Designers – Lets take a look – Who’s work do you resonate with?
Michael Beirut – @michaelbierut
Dribbble – Graphic Design Community / Social Network
50 Amazing Graphic Designers You Should Know
Welcome to MMA100 Week #8 & #9!
Here is this week’s useful information and class resources:
*Did you miss Week #7’s Post? Go Here
*Did you miss Assignment #3’s Details – There are 2 part? Go Here
* On 3/20 – we went to visit the Animation Tech-Talk – What did you think about the talk? What did you learn from the event? Did one person or piece of advise stand out? Please leave a comment here!
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 – 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
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
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 ****
———— – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
**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
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:
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?
Welcome to MMA100 Week #5!
Here is this week’s useful information and class resources:
*Did you miss Week #4’s Post? Go Here
*Did you miss Assignment #2’s Details? Go Here
Project #2 Submission process – Elements & Principles: Send Via e-mail to rseslow@bmcc.cuny.edu
Both documents will be saved Via Photoshop – File -> Export -> Save for Web –> select jpg. **Please send no later than Friday 3/1/19
Assignment #3 Discussion – Class exercise :: Adobe Illustrator. Creating shapes with the shape builder tool. Working with layers, simplifying and reducing images. Working with color, locating color books and pantone colors.
Assignment #3 link to assignment sheet
Lab Tutorial – This week we will take a tour of Adobe Illustrator and practiced creating new documents and setting up our art boards for print production.
Color Theory!
Adobes awesome Color Wheel Simulator (must see)
Let’s take an additional tour with Adobe Wizard – Terry White
10 Things Beginners Want To Know How To Do (subscribe to Terry’s Channel!)
An Introduction to Typography & Its History – Letterforms / Designing with Type
Examples of Typography in Poster Design
**Must See – 1970 – NYC Subway – MTA – Graphics Standards Manual
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