Tag: bmcc

*Important – MMA100-Remote Class Continuity Plan-Forward Motion ->

*Important – MMA100-Remote Class Continuity Plan-Forward Motion ->

Dear MMA100 Students – Please read this entire post as it holds information that will be used from here until the end of our semester.

(There is a lot to read here, so please take your time. I will be reading through it with you during our first few remote video classes together, posting it to blackboard and also sharing the link here on our class website.)

**Info on getting yourself the Adobe Software  –> GO HERE <—

First and foremost, How are you all doing? Please leave a comment below if you wish. 

From here on in, please know that I am here for you in any way that you need me. Nothing is mandatory going forward with our class. Everything is flexible and we will all need to express what we need individually to continue on. Every student will do the best that they can with the means that they have to keep up with our class, however, this is all in context to keeping themselves and their loved ones safe first and foremost. Our health comes first. Physical, mental and emotional health always comes first. I am 100% available to help from e-mail, text and video chat meetings should you need extra help with anything. We will get through this time together.

*Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me – rseslow@bmcc.cuny.edu – I am here to help you get what you need to complete our course to the best of your abilities.

Moving forward, the transition to online teaching will not be too difficult for our course. I will make video tutorials, and help you get access to adobe software and even wifi – we are already well versed in the function of the course format and the class website that we use. Our class website is our main hub! We have completed a series of site-on -scene photoshop software demonstrations – (and will proceed with adobe illustrator) so the second half of our class is focused on us practicing those skills, design techniques and processes with the creative tools (this might mean some alternative tools for us, I will be posting the info soon) I will be performing and recording the new class demonstrations so that we can all follow along with and revisit the videos as many times as we need to. We have the rest of the semester to work on this at our own pace.
Delivery Methods of the Class Instruction:
REMOTE / ONLINE
My plan is to replace the usual site-on-scene campus lab sessions that met once per week with Zoom video chat sessions during the same normal class times of 5:30pm -9pm on Wednesdays. This gives students the ability to attend the video class sessions at the same normal class time – if you can. (No one is loosing points if they can not make it, or if they do not have the technology to do this – we will find alternative methods for those who need them) – If you can not attend the video sessions at all, I will post them to our class website – https://openlab.bmcc.cuny.edu/mma100-spring2020-seslow/ – so that you can review them when and how you can. This will help cover the new demonstrations for assignments, troubleshooting and critiques of our work.

**Info on getting yourself the Adobe Software  –> GO HERE <—

I will conduct our class online during our normal class-time remotely via the video chat application ZOOM  (zoom is FREE) – I will sync this with our class website. This will be the main place / space for all course content, assignments, student work, course information, lessons, videos, and resources. I will also cross post the information to blackboard as a back-up.

**Please download the Zoom App for your phone and or your laptop / desktop computers – You can join in from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device: (having a good wifi connection is advisable if possible but it also works over cellular data)

U.S Providers Offering FREE Wi-Fi or Special Accommodations for 60 Days :

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kjVFeWefjnEfUrCR2yXxOvsp6_rDOfaMivUEiaBreiA

Here are the scheduled up and coming Zoom meetings:

Prof. Ryan Seslow’s MMA100 Graphic Design Classes
Starting March 25th, 2020 @5:30 PM

Join the Zoom Meeting via URL here:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/321612199

Join the Zoom Meeting via Meeting ID: 321 612 199

March 25th, 2020 @5:30 PM

*April 7, 2020 @5:30 PM (this is a Tuesday that follows a Wednesday class schedule – so we will meet in zoom)

(cuny spring break is now 4/8 – 4/10)

April 15th, 2020 @5:30 PM

April 22nd, 2020 @5:30 PM

April 29th, 2020 @5:30 PM
May 6th, 2020 @5:30 PM
May 13th, 2020 @5:30 PM – last Zoom class

All student work is due no later than Wednesday May 20th, 2020 @9:30 PM

Join the Zoom Meeting via URL here:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/321612199

Join the Zoom Meeting via Meeting ID: 321 612 199

 

Class Schedule:

Wednesdays -5:30 – pm – 9:10pm – remote video classes via zoom – this will cover demonstrations of software, and also present relevant content for the projects we are working on. You can also share your screen and ask questions.

How will students submit their work: (past and present)

Students will submit work to me via e-mail, google drive, dropbox or wetransfer.com or any other method that makes it easy for them to submit the work. If you have completed projects #1 & 2 – feel free to send them to me when you can. ( Keep in mind, some files are large, if the files exceed 20 megabytes they will not reach me on the bmcc server – in that case use free sources like google drive, dropbox or wetransfer.com.)

Projects / Assignments:

We will focus on another 2-3 projects, which includes a final project that will display a sum total of the skill sets that we have and will continue to cover. I will place an emphasis on a class collaboration with adobe photoshop and illustrator skills along with how to make a pdf. portfolio of the semesters completed work. Projects can always be found on the assignments page

**Info on getting yourself the Adobe Software  –> GO HERE <—

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions that you have. Im here to help – rseslow@bmcc.cuny.edu

Be well and please stay safe.

Ryan

 

Weeks #4, 5 & 6!

Welcome to MMA100 Weeks #4, 5 & 6!

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

Last week we began our class by re-capping the previous week’s class discussion about project #1. We printed our post cards in the format displayed below – I demonstrated the process for creating the suggested lay out. We discussed our results by pinning them up on the discussion board.

 *Please e-mail project #1 (postcard)  to me as a .JPEG file. – rseslow@bmcc.cuny.edu – if your file is too large for the bmcc e-mail server, use a free service like – https://wetransfer.com 

Class Exercises: Assignment #2 -(Part 1)

This is a 2 part project. 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.

Assignment Specifications: Students will generate a series of visual examples and solutions to define, communicate and illustrate the vocabulary of the elements & principles of design. Each term will display a visual image example using the vocabulary below:

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)

Elements & Principles Vocabulary (HERE – Links to an external page.)

Elements – Color, Line, Mass, Movement, Space, Texture, Type & Value

Principles – Balance, Contrast, Direction, Economy, Emphasis, Proportion, Rhythm & Unity

Size: – 8.5″ X  11″ – The final design will be 2 composite designs of 8 squares composed and arranged by each student. (2 files will be created – one for the elements of design and 1 for the principles of design)

Process:  Part 1 – Student will first create a balanced layout in adobe photoshop. Images will be found from research and investigation via the Internet and class resources. Each term for the elements of design will be illustrated and applied by cutting, formatting and placing the examples into a composite (the example below is simply one example, you will create your own)

Part 1A- Students will generate their own examples of each term using techniques learned in class with photoshop.

R&D – Where will you find visual inspiration and research?

Add your links to the comments section below.

Production: Students will prepare their final works in screen resolution format and  application on the web (RGB).

Lets look at where we find image resources and referencing.

Part 2 of the project will be introduced in class tonight – 3/4/20.

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

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Outside of class study –

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/

Week #3

Welcome to MMA100 Week #3!

We’re BACK!

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

We will begin tonight class 2/19 by completing our Postcard design project, prepare it for printing, print and critique the completed works as a class. I will give a demonstration on how to prepare your design for print using the example below as a guide.

We will discuss the submissions of your finished projects and how to send them to me via e-mail. We will discuss the maintaining of your data and how to keep it safe and easy to access.

Tutorial – Getting further acquainted with Photoshop –

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Designer Inspiration? Who’s who in the field?

50 Graphic Designers We all Should Know About 

Who is Aaron Draplin?

Resource :: What are some of today’s trends in Graphic Design? Lets take a look at this video below.

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Assignment #2 Discussion – The Elements of Art & Principles of Design

The Elements & Principles of Design are the governing vocabulary that define, illustrate and communicate how Graphic Design functions all around us. These terms are of great value and importance as they 

The Elements of Design:

Color – typically known as hue. This word represents a specific color or light wavelength found in the color spectrum, ranging circularly from red to yellow, green, blue and back to red.

Line – is a line just a series of points? Or is it the best way to get from point “A” to point “B”? As a geometric conception, a line is a point in motion, with only one dimension – length. Line has both a position and a direction in space. The variables of line are: size, shape, position, direction, number, interval and density. Points create lines, lines create shapes or planes and volume.

Mass – Here, mass is interchangeable with volume. A mass is a solid body or a grouping of visual elements (line, color, texture, etc.) that compose a solid form. Volume is a three-dimensional form comprising length, width, and depth. Three-dimensional forms contain points (vertices), lines (edges), and planes (surfaces). A mass is the two-dimensional appearance of a three-dimensional form.

Movement – Also known as motion. This element portrays the act or process of changing place or direction, orientation, and/or position through the visual illustration of starting or stopping points, blurring of action, etc. This is not animation, although animation is an end product of movement, as well as other elements of design.

Space – A two-or three-dimensional element defined by other elements of design.

Texture – A technique used in two-dimensional design to replicate three-dimensional surfaces through various drawing and media techniques. On three-dimensional surfaces, it is experienced by touch or by visual experience.

Type – Also known as typography, and it is considered an element in graphic design. Although it consists of elements of design, it is – in itself – often an element in the form of visual communication.

Value – Another word for the lightness or darkness of an area. Brightness measured in relationship to a graded scale from white to black.

The Principles of Design:

The principles of design are applicable to all design disciplines including – but not exclusive to – architecture, art, graphics, fashion, industrial design, poetry, writing, and web design.

The principles of design are tools used to format the elements of design.

Balance – The elements of design converge to create a design or arrangement of parts that appear to be a whole with equilibrium.

Contrast – The “automatic principle.” Whenever an element is placed within a format, contrast is created in the various elements. Can be emphasized with contrast in size, shape, color,

Direction – Utilizing movement to create the visual illusion of displacement.

Economy – A principle operating on the “slim.” Especially important when dealing with clients, where their product or service is more important than the elaboration of design elements. Can also be considered “precise,” or “simplistic.” Or, it can be considered great design.

Emphasis – Also known as dominance. This condition exists when an element or elements within a visual format contain a hierarchy of visual importance.

Proportion – A two- or three-dimensional element defined by other elements of design.

Rhythm – A recurrence or repetition of one or more elements within a visual format, creating harmony.

Unity – Oneness, Harmony, The condition of completeness with the use of all visual elements within a format.

Week #1 – Welcome to MMA 100 – Spring 2020

Welcome to MMA 100!

Please be sure to bookmark our class website and make sure that you are properly able to access it. You can always refer to our website for the week to week calendar of classwork, class lectures, resources, assignments and deadlines.

**Please review the course syllabus here**

Week 1 – What is Graphic Design?
Class introductions, who’s who here this semester? Introduction to our course work and our learning potentials together.

Design Solutions: Strategy, Concept, Design, Execution & Production
Exploring the Design Process: Thumbnails, Roughs & Comps.

Software skills – Adobe Photoshop and navigating around the Mac

Logos by Paul Rand

What is Graphic Design?

“Graphic design, also known as communication design, is the art and practice of planning and projecting ideas and experiences with visual and textual content. The form it takes can be physical or virtual and can include images, words, or graphics. The experience can take place in an instant or over a long period of time. The work can happen at any scale, from the design of a single postage stamp to a national postal signage system. It can be intended for a small number of people, such as a one-off or limited-edition book or exhibition design, or can be seen by millions, as with the interlinked digital and physical content of an international news organization. It can also be for any purpose, whether commercial, educational, cultural, or political.” Via – Juliette Cezzar

Video Definition – https://vimeo.com/10532686

Great explanation of Graphic Design, but what about the speed of the video??

Poster Design by Milton Glaser

The History of Graphic Design – We will be exploring and referencing Design history in our class. Lets explore these two references below over the course of this week.

Design History.org – http://www.designhistory.org

Key Moments in Graphic Design / Timeline – https://www.thoughtco.com/key-moments-in-graphic-design-history-1697527

Logo rough by Carolyn Davidson

Class Discussion: What is the Design Process? How do designers create strategies? Move from research to sketch, roughs and comps? What do these terms mean?

Thumbnails – Simply put, thumbnails are small sketches. Projects always begin with thumbnail sketches. No matter how tempted you are to get working with the computer and its software right away, thumbnail sketch practice is essential in the design process. Each project will require 3-5 thumbnail sketches. This practice will keep your idea muscles sharp!

Examples of Thumbnail Sketches

Roughs – Roughs are full scale renderings of your selected thumbnails. They are sized to the specific dimensions of your project. Roughs are about making the needed revisions and necessary decisions to meet the many challenges you may discover in the process.

Examples of Roughs & Comps – What is the visual difference between a rough and a comp?  Lets find examples together.

Comps –  (short for comprehensive) or a final comp, is the plan and official map that is ready for production. It is ready for publishing on the web, or print production with a printer or printing company. The comp is ready to  share with your client (or your professor 🙂 as it will fully communicate all aspects of your project and assignment.

Assignment #1 (Part 1) – Post Card Design – Photoshop

We will be designing a standard sized Postcard to promote and communicate one of the following messages below (students must choose one)

1– A cause or message that you are passionate about –

OR

2 – An up and coming event that you would like to promote

Assignment Specifications:

Size: The final design will be 4″ X 6″ in size. (Students should decide on the arrangement of the height and width, will your postcard be a horizontal or vertical image? You will be designing both the front and back side of the post card with the full intention of mailing it so space must be allotted for the address and postal stamp.

Process: 

R&D – Where will you find visual inspiration and research? Flickr? NYPL Digital Archives?

1 – Thumbnail sketches – Students will generate a series of 2-3 thumbnails sketches using a pencil / pen and their sketchbooks to brain storm and illustrate their process before the application of using photoshop. Students will experiment with various image manipulating techniques and styles to develop contrasts and visual interest.

Production:

Students will prepare their final work for both print out up in (CMYK) as well as presentation and application on the web (RGB).

Due dates for our next class week: 

What images will you be referencing and using? Where did you find them? Are they free to use, if so, how do you know? Please bring all of your resources and research to class. Thumbnail studies and a rough lay out will be due at the beginning of our next class 2/6 – @5:30pm