Project 1: Poster Design for a Social Issue
**This blog post has some research / examples to help -> READ ME
**Class recordings / tutorials will go here after class:
Class recording from 2/27 – assignment #1 – illustrator / type & image / vector graphics recap – student examples: (this is the final tutorial for assignment 1)
Passcode: @4Do&HDL
Class recording from 2/20 – assignment #1 – illustrator / type & image / vector graphics recap – posted iterations / student examples:
Passcode: p7U$9ji=
Class recording from 2/13 – assignment #1 – photoshop / illustrator – finding research , creating graphic assets, working between Ps & Illustrator – Typography Intro:
Passcode: M7Ww&P9m
Class recording from 2/6 – assignment #1 – photoshop / illustrator – finding research , creating graphic assets:
Passcode: B9^h+yEb
Description:
Create a visually impactful poster that raises awareness about a current social issue of your choice (e.g., climate change, mental health, or equality). The poster should convey a clear message through visual hierarchy, typography, and color theory.
Anticipated Outcome:
A high-resolution, print-ready poster that communicates a compelling message and demonstrates mastery of composition, typography, and color.
Historical Design References:
- Swiss Style/International Typographic Style (e.g., Josef Müller-Brockmann) for clean and effective communication.
- Constructivism (e.g., El Lissitzky) for bold and dynamic messaging.
- Postmodern Design (e.g., Paula Scher) for expressive and experimental approaches.
Software: Adobe Photoshop / Adobe Illustrator
Process Steps:
Research & Ideation: Explore the chosen issue and audience. Gather reference images, keywords, and color palettes.
- Concept Development: Sketch initial ideas focusing on layout, typography, and imagery.
Digital Draft: Develop 2–3 variations in Adobe Illustrator (use Photoshop for raster based image making).
Feedback & Refinement: Present and share drafts to classmates / prof. for critique and refine the strongest concept.
Final Execution: Polish the design with precise alignment, consistent color, and print specifications.
Submission of Projects & Assignments: Share the final design work in your google drive folder, include all research images, sketches, production files and a preview image as a .JPG file –
Ryan_Seslow_Assignment#1.psd (.psd is a photoshop production file)
Ryan_Seslow_Assignment#3.ai (.ai is an illustrator production file)
Ryan_Seslow_Assignment#1.JPG
Ryan_Seslow_Assignment#1part2.JPG
Ryan_Seslow_Assignment#3.PDF
When your assignment / assignments have been completed please add them to your folder in our class Google Drive shared folder and e-mail me to let me know.
Please send me an e-mail when your work is ready for review – rseslow@bmcc.cuny.edu
