Spring

Alphabet Poster

 Summary:(Begin thinking of a topic, we will talk more about it on Saturday)

1. Choose 3 Topics for an ABC poster

2. Doodle some ideas on 3 pages

3. Make a list of words from A-Z, that fall within the topic.

4. Make more sketches

5. Check to make sure the text is age appropriate, use spell check.

6. Begin finalizing sketched ideas and concepts.

7. Create handmade mock up, we will pick the final design in class.

8. Begin building in illustrator.

9. One Tabloid page, vertically formatted, ai. file.

At first glance, coming up with a topic isn’t all that hard. The difficulty comes in choosing just the right angle for your topic.

To start this process, I recommend looking at recent ABC books on the market (within the past 5 years). Find out what’s selling and why.  A quick check of on line retailers for popular books can provide good ­­ideas and trends.

In general, the more specific you can get with your topic, the better. Instead of animals, choose a particular category of animals, such as those that live in a certain region, or those you might find at a zoo. Another general rule is to think globally.

It’s important to spend adequate time researching your potential topic to make sure you can actually write a complete alphabet on your topic. “A” though “D” may be easy, but what about “X” through “Z”? This, of course, is the downside of choosing a too-specific topic. But that’s where more research comes in, and that’s what we’ll talk about next time. 

Select the link below to see common words used by grade

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/basic-spelling-vocabulary-list

Publishers today are looking for a more sophisticated approach—one that really brings the alphabet to life for a young reader, or perhaps just helps that reader see it in a new way. One example is to make your way through the alphabet backwards. Another is to connect the alphabetical words in such a way that one logically leads to another. Alphabet books can either be nonfiction or fiction, but nowadays there needs to be some form of story involved. Gone are the days of simply listing words in alphabetical order, even if those words all center on a certain theme.

Sample artwork

April 15 Homework

Alphabet Project

1. Go to the Internet and search for alphabet books. All kinds, ones for adults and children.

2. In your sketchbook copy 4 different pages from the images you find on the web. Fill the page. 

3. If you have Alphabet books at home, you can use them to copy from. Try to find a wide style of sources that show different types. 

4. Below are sample pages from different books, DO NOT COPY MY EXAMPLES... find some of your own. 

5. Use pencil only, this is in preparation for the next project.
6. Make sure you save a copy of the original image you drew from, you can print it out when you come to class next week. If you are working from a book you have, take a picture on your cell phone or scan it. Then you can print out the image when you get to class next week.

7. Next week we will finish the box project and I will talk more about the next project.

4/1/17 Homework

Homework:
When we meet next on April 15, bring in the inked character that you designed for your product. We will work on converting your image, text and look at bar code design.
Have a great week off.

2017 James O'Keefe Comic contest winners

Presenting the 2017 James O'Keefe Comic contest winners

Thanks to Nick Sousanis for coming out and talking about his new book, Unflattening and Joe Field from Flying Color Comics for talking to our DVC students and encouraging them to keep being creative no matter what.

Select the link to see all the entries

http://jamesokeefeprize.blogspot.com/

Package Design

Next Saturday:

1. Critique your posters.

2. I will give you a little time to add some finishing touches and then we will begin our next project. (See Below) 

Project: Recreate a package design 

Do:

1. Chose an existing product. 

    (Have fun with the product you pick, it does not need to be boring...)

2. Empty the contents. 

        (Bring the empty packing to class next Saturday).

3. On a printed out copy of the 

regular box or long box, using your pencil, sketch out your concept for a new packaging design that is based on the product you have chosen. 

(You only need to pick one template).

4. Next Saturday, bring your empty package and concept sketch to class.

5. If you want to get ahead, do several versions of your package, maybe a character design for the product.

6. Before next Saturday, review the following link and videos.

http://designmadeinjapan.com/magazine/graphic-design/bringing-barcodes-to-life-barcodes-by-design-barcoder/

http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/LabelingNutrition/ucm2006828.htm

https://fnic.nal.usda.gov/food-labeling/general-information-and-resources

Copyright

https://creativecommons.org/

http://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?DB=local&PAGE=First

https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ40.pdf

Poster Project

Poster Project

Styles

* Art-Nouveau - characterized by the depiction of leaves and flowers in

flowing, sinuous lines, often influenced Japanese prints

* Cubism - fragmented collage and images, type used as abstract element

* Futurism - breaks traditional symmetrical layout, emphasized the power, force & motion of machinery

* Dada - experimentation  and randomness, frequently mixing fonts 

employing unorthodox punctuation

*Surrealism - the works feature the element of surprise, unexpected 

juxtapositions and non sequitur

*Constructivism - combine words and pictures into single element 

usually with political message (ex. Russian revolution posters)

*Bauhaus - techniques and materials employed especially in industrial 

fabrication and manufacture

* Swiss - uses grid, asymmetry and minimal type (often, helvetica)

* Psychedelic - malleable, distorted letter forms and organic expression

* Typographic Deconstruction - (battle between legibility and maximum 

visual impact  ex. Emigre Magazine)

* Punk - Rip, Torn, collage, breaking apart and reconstructing pre-made information


Details:

The information that you put on your poster is more or less up to you. 

However, it should fulfill the purpose of informing someone who may 

have never heard of this art movement. It should include at least 20 

words, the name of the movement, the date it started and at least one 

important artists or designer involved in the movement. The movement 

title should be a primary focal point in the design.

Steps:

1. Choose two style types based on the same theme. 
2. On separate pages in your sketchbook, Loosely sketch out some ideas you have for your two posters. Use pencil only
3. Before lunch today show me your two design ideas. Together we will pick one. 
4. For homework, research the information needed for your poster, add the new information and refine your poster concept. ALL RESEARCH MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE COMING TO CLASS. 

Project Requirements:

Poster should be 8X10 inches and the style of the design should reflect 

the movement

Poster design needs to include:

1. Your common "Metaphors Phrase"

2. The title of the movement 

3. The date it started, 

4. One key influential artist or designer 

5. A paragraph of text. Minimum of 20 words and maximum of 50 words.

6. Due end of class March 25.

3/11/17 Homework

Great job on your poster projects today!

Here are a couple:

Homework:

1. Go to the video tab at the top of the blog and watch the following 8 videos, they are the last 8 being displayed on the page. (They range in 30 sec. - 4 minutes in length.)  

Surrealism

Art Nouveau

Pop Art

Cubism

Psychedelic

Futurism 

Punk

Propaganda

2. Think about the stylistic differences between each movement. For the next project, you will create a poster in one of the 8 styles using the same Phrase/Metaphor that you used on this project.

3. As you watch the videos, write down some of the names they use in the videos so that you can follow up and check out the artists that shaped the artistic style you have chosen.

4. In your sketchbook, in pencil only, sketch a conceptual version (first draft),

of an idea for your poster. You may use the same symbols from this project, however they will need to be redrawn to match the style of poster you have chosen. 

Have a great week!

Metaphor

The Art of Metaphor

Common Metaphors

To Do: Pick one of the common metaphors below and Illustrate its meaning.

1. In your sketchbook, on one page, draw an idea cluster starting with your phrase at the center.

2. On a second page, locate and sketch simple objects that can symbolize your words in the same shape that your word cluster was designed in.

3. Next class we will transfer your ideas into illustrator.

Sea of grief - How and where does one come across a sea that is filled not with water, but with grief?

Fishing - It is not used to mean that the person is actually fishing; it is an expression which is used to signify that the person is looking for something that is difficult to obtain.

Success is a sense of achievement, it is not an illegitimate child! - The saying is used to reinforce the age-old belief that everyone wants to take credit for something that became a success, either by fluke or by conscious effort. On the other hand, no matter how much effort or creativity may have gone into an enterprise, the moment it is considered a failure, no one wants to take responsibility for it, much like an abandoned infant.

Broken heart - Your heart is not literally broken into pieces; you just feel hurt and sad.

The light of my life - The person described by this metaphor isn't really providing physical light. He or she is just someone who brings happiness or joy.

It's raining men - Men do not literally pour from the sky; there are simply an abundance of male suitors around at the time.

Time is a thief - Time isn't really stealing anything, this metaphor just indicates that time passes quickly and our lives pass us by.

He is the apple of my eye - There is, of course, no real apple in a person's eye. The "apple" is someone beloved and held dear.

Bubbly personality - A bubbly personality doesn't mean a person is bubbling over with anything, just that the person is cheerful.

Feel blue - No one actually ever feels like the color blue, although many people say they are "feeling blue" to mean they are feeling sad.

Fade off to sleep - You don't actually fade, you simply go to sleep.

Inflamed your temper - The news inflamed your temper is not a situation where there is any actual fire or flames, it is just a situation where someone gets mad.

Reeks of infidelity - When said about a cheating partner, this doesn't actually mean that there is a literal smell. Instead, it is just apparent that the person is cheating.

Rollercoaster of emotions - A rollercoaster of emotions doesn't exist anywhere, so when people are on a rollercoaster of emotions, they are simply experiencing lots of ups and downs.

Stench of failure - The stench of failure is strong, according to the common metaphor, but of course failing doesn't really smell.

2/25 Homework

Homework
1. In your sketchbook, neatly draw an infographic that describes how to make something. Try to not use any words, no ink, pencil only. We will work on them in class next Saturday. I suggest going on line and collecting source images that can be brought into Illustrator. As you build your graphic, think about composition and how your eye moves around the page. Information can be organized to help tell your story. 

How to make a sandwich

2. In your sketchbook, neatly draw 6 animals or insects of any kind. Organize the the drawings into a grid. Keep the drawings simple 
No color, go ahead and ink. See samples below.

Monster Drawing Event Coming Soon

Monster Draw: The goal for the event is to create and share drawing ideas and see some great movies with others. At different times the movie will pause and the drawing begins, the times for the drawing will range from 4 to 6 minutes. Bring your sketchbooks, pencils and pens. Admission is free.

2/11 Homework

Great job on the logo's

1. Please read the attached page and complete the research needed as explained on the handout.

http://portfolios.aiga.org/

2. In your sketchbook, neatly draw 12 tools that you would find around the house. Organize the the drawings into a grid. Notice how simply the drawings are done and how evenly spaced they are.
No color, go ahead and ink.

2/4 Homework

2/4 Homework
Nice job working on text today everyone. 
Here is the homework
1. In the Text book please read: 51-62 We will talk about it on Saturday.
2. Look at the logos of small businesses in the city were you live, when you find one that is really in need of some help, take a picture of it.
3. In your sketchbook draw 6 rectangles at 1"x 1 1/2". In each box draw an object that could be associated with the business you have chosen. Keep the drawings simple, even if you are not used to drawing, the important part is that you start building up your visual memory. 
(Example: For a hamburger stand, could draw a simple cow.) 
4. Next week in class we will redesign the logos you have chosen.

If you missed the first class, 

please watch the video below

1. Take notes on the 4 elements of good design as described by the speaker.
2. In your sketchbook draw 6 rectangles at 1"x 1 1/2" 
3. Look at the DVC website to find clues concerning how you would design a flag     for the college. Look at design, think about the naturally occurring landscape     and the school mascot as possible elements in your design.
4. In each rectangle design a different flag. (Use pencil only)
5. Next Saturday I will review them with you, we will pick the best one and create it in Illustrator.

Day 1

Wonderful Day Everyone!
Homework:
1. Next week bring your blank sketchbook, pencils and pens.
2. Bring a sample collection of all the letters of the alphabet on one page. You can go hands on, cut out the letters, glue them to the page or create a word document with a wide sample of letters, no two the same and with different colors.
3. Next week we will be talking about fonts.
4. Click on the video tab and watch the 3rd & 4th videos down from the top of the page. Both are about Typography. We will talk about them next week.

The images below show the parts of font.

Welcome