Intermediate Computing for Design // Making the Brand CDs

The fifth and final project for Intermediate Computing for Design was to create a band name, band logo, and CD package design based on a classmate. They all drew names out of a bowl, and then interviewed that classmate to gain insight about their tastes in music and more. Then the designer student had to research that person’s favorite bands and genres to get an idea of how logos and CDs look for inspiration. The student could choose to implement original photography and/or illustration with or without an image of the person they were basing their designs on. All students used online templates to design, print, and piece together their packaging inside a clear jewel CD case, and learned how to print on printable CDs. They were allowed to use Placeholder Text (aka Dummy Text) for large amounts of copy such as lyrics. The more realistic they built this project, the better the outcome. It was a big challenge! This was their first project involving logo development, “client” experience, and packaging design. They worked very hard on this extensive project.

Below are photographs of CD packages that were turned in. All have aspects to be improved upon for their portfolio, but overall I was very pleased with their results!

* I have permission from my students to promote their work on my website.

by Bethany Smith // based on Connor Booth

by Cara Moore // based on Darby Taylor

by Carly Bond // based on Gerald Wicks

by Connor Booth // based on Stephen Latham

by Darby Taylor // based on Cameron Colemon

by Gerald Wicks // based on Imani Smith

by Imani Smith // based on Bethany Smith

by Kate Webb // based on Trent Furr

by Laura Leigh Hicks // based on Sarah Ferguson

by Ques Nevels // based on Cara Moore

by Sarah Ferguson // based on Carly Bond

by Stephen Latham // based on Kate Webb

by Taylor Knight // based on Laura Leigh Hicks

by Trent Furr // based on Taylor Knight

And our end-of-the-semester class pictures together by a student’s request. (I should have made this a regular activity every semester for all my classes.)

My dog Bailee was a critique day guest 🙂

Intermediate Computing for Design // Nature Posters + Blufish Visit

The fourth project for Intermediate Computing for Design class was to create two poster designs for a fictional lecture called “Nature as Design.” One had to be done using Illustrator, and the other using Photoshop and InDesign. The challenge was to design two posters that have a cohesive, complimentary style and will catch the public’s eye. Using different software to create the same effect for different posters also helped inform the students the differences between the programs’ capabilities.

This project was their first project dealing with typography. Students were also required to print their designs on special textural and/or colored paper ordered online. Most students chose to order from Neenah or French. As this was their first time printing on paper other than Epson, they had to make adjustments in relation to image color and contrast.

Below are photographs of posters that were turned in. All have aspects to be improved upon for their portfolio, but overall I was very pleased with their results!

* I have permission from my students to promote their work on my website.

by Laura Leigh Hicks, cream paper

by Laura Leigh Hicks, cream paper

by Connor Booth, white dimpled paper

by Connor Booth, white dimpled paper

by Gerald Wicks, cream speckle-toned paper

by Gerald Wicks, cream speckle-toned paper

by Bethany Smith, pink speckle-toned paper

by Bethany Smith, pink speckle-toned paper

by Kate Webb, silvery pearl paper

by Cara Moore, cream linen paper

by Cara Moore, cream linen paper

by Carly Bond, cream dimpled paper

by Carly Bond, cream dimpled paper

by Trent Furr, green speckle-toned paper

by Trent Furr, blue speckle-toned paper

Also a big thanks to Blufish design studio in Starkville, MS for allowing my class to tour their firm, learn about their business, what to expect in the workplace outside of school, and ask questions. It was a delightful, informative visit!

Intermediate Computing for Design // Reinterpret a Cliché

The third project for Intermediate Computing for Design class was called Reinterpret a Cliché. Imagery seen too frequently is often not seen at all. This is the case with overused design symbols and everyday objects. Overuse renders them ineffective, and they lose their power to communicate. It is the function of the designer to revitalize these clichéd symbols and objects by interpreting them in individual and personal ways.

Students picked 6 of the following 12 examples of typically clichéd objects to be reinterpreted:

1. Heart
2. Key
3. Apple
4. Sun
5. Stars
6. Mouth
7. Light Bulb
8. Tree
9. Cloud
10. Eye
11. Rose
12. Nuts & Bolts

Then they chose a theme all 6 illustrations would have in common. Not only were they to work stylistically, but conceptually, as well. The final product had to be black & white. They scanned their sketchbook designs into Photoshop or Illustrator to continue rendering them to completion, either using the Pen Tool or Live Trace option.

Below are some designs that were turned in. All have aspects to be improved upon for their portfolio, but overall I was very pleased with their results!

* I have permission from my students to promote their work on my website.

by Bethany Smith; insects

by Cara Moore; flowers

by Carly Bond; fairy-tales

by Connor Booth; under the sea

by Gerald Wicks; Harry Potter

by Imani Smith; dancers

by Ques Nevels; fighters

by Sarah Ferguson; fruits & veggies

by Stephen Latham; bit-syle Mario characters

by Taylor Knight; stereotypes

by Laura Leigh Hicks; facial hair

Intermediate Computing for Design // How’d They Do That

First let me say WOW! I have 780 followers that are keeping up with my blog. I am astounded and humbled. Thank you for taking an interest in the artwork done by me and my students.

This class’s second project was called How’d They Do That.  Using Illustrator, they had to find a way to combine a typeface number with an animal in a creative way. All the shapes had to be pen-tooled, based on their original sketches.  Only two Pantone colors could be used, but were allowed to use the shades and tints of those Pantone colors. (What are Pantone colors? Watch a video HERE. Also see a delectable video of how ink is made HERE.) This project was good practice in demonstrating forced connections– taking two unrelated concepts and forging a relationship between them. This kind of conceptual thinking helps to broaden their skill in producing thoughtful, well-designed logos.

Below are some designs that were turned in. All have aspects to be improved upon for their portfolio, but overall I was very pleased with their results!

* I have permission from my students to promote their work on my website.

6 by Bethany Smith

6 by Cameron Coleman

5 by Cara Moore

6 by Connor Booth

9 by Trent Furr

2 by Gerald Wicks

9 by Imani Smith

6 by Laura Leigh Hicks

7 by Ques Nevels

6 by Taylor Knight

Intermediate Computing for Design // Oh What a Character

It is a brand new semester!

Intermediate Computing for Design is for students who submitted their portfolios for the graphic design review in November and were accepted into the program.  All of these students took my Intro to Computing class in the previous semesters. The last time I taught Intermediate was 2 years ago and I really enjoyed it, so I am excited to have the opportunity again.

Their first Intermediate project was called “Oh What a Character!” They found an image online of a celebrity, changed it to black and white, placed it in Illustrator, and worked on top of it like a template to create their own caricature of the person.  The requirement of the illustration?  It had to be completed using a maximum of 7 letters and 2 symbols in black only from one typeface on their computer.  Yes, a typeface!  They could rotate and resize typeface items as needed.

Below are some designs that were turned in. All have aspects to be improved upon for their portfolio, but overall I was very pleased with their results!

* I have permission from my students to promote their work on my website.

Jackie Chan by Ques Nevels

Princess Diana by Cara Moore

Miley Cyrus by Carly Bond

Bette Midler (Hocus Pocus) by Connor Booth

Chance the Rapper by Darby Taylor

The Weekend by Gerald Wicks

Connor McGregor by Trent Furr

Intermediate Computing for Design // Making the Brand CDs

The fifth and final project for Intermediate Computing for Design was to create a band name, band logo, and CD package design based on a classmate. They all drew names out of a bowl, and then interviewed that classmate to gain insight about their tastes in music and more. Then the designer student had to research that person’s favorite bands and genres to get an idea of how logos and CDs look for inspiration. The student could choose to implement original photography and/or illustration with or without an image of the person they were basing their designs on. All students used online templates to design, print, and piece together their packaging inside a clear jewel CD case, and learned how to print on printable CDs. They were allowed to use Placeholder Text (aka Dummy Text) for large amounts of copy such as lyrics. The more realistic they built this project, the better the outcome. It was a big challenge! This was their first project involving logo development, “client” experience, and packaging design. They worked very hard on this extensive project.

Below are photographs of CD packages that were turned in. All have aspects to be improved upon for their portfolio, but overall I was very pleased with their results!

* I have permission from my students to promote their work on my website.

FRONT by Anna Zollicoffer // based on Erin Frazier

BACK by Anna Zollicoffer // based on Erin Frazier

INSIDE by Anna Zollicoffer // based on Erin Frazier

OUTER FOLDOUT by Anna Zollicoffer // based on Erin Frazier

INNER FOLDOUT by Anna Zollicoffer // based on Erin Frazier

FRONT by Aubrey Pohl // based on Brittany Roberts

BACK by Aubrey Pohl // based on Brittany Roberts

INSIDE by Aubrey Pohl // based on Brittany Roberts

OUTER FOLDOUT by Aubrey Pohl // based on Brittany Roberts

INNER FOLDOUT by Aubrey Pohl // based on Brittany Roberts

FRONT by Brittany Roberts // based on Keats Haupt

BACK by Brittany Roberts // based on Keats Haupt

INSIDE by Brittany Roberts // based on Keats Haupt

OUTER FOLDOUT by Brittany Roberts // based on Keats Haupt

FRONT by Erin Frazier // based on Anna Zollicoffer

BACK by Erin Frazier // based on Anna Zollicoffer

INSIDE by Erin Frazier // based on Anna Zollicoffer

OUTER/INNER FOLDOUT by Erin Frazier // based on Anna Zollicoffer

FRONT by Ian Green // based on Paige Knapp

BACK by Ian Green // based on Paige Knapp

INSIDE by Ian Green // based on Paige Knapp

INNER FOLDOUT by Ian Green // based on Paige Knapp

FRONT by Jeremy Childress // based on Austin Thomas

BACK by Jeremy Childress // based on Austin Thomas

INSIDE by Jeremy Childress // based on Austin Thomas

OUTER FOLDOUT by Jeremy Childress // based on Austin Thomas

INNER FOLDOUT by Jeremy Childress // based on Austin Thomas

FRONT by Kelsey Bishop // based on Marianna Myrick

BACK by Kelsey Bishop // based on Marianna Myrick

INSIDE by Kelsey Bishop // based on Marianna Myrick

OUTER FOLDOUT by Kelsey Bishop // based on Marianna Myrick

INNER FOLDOUT by Kelsey Bishop // based on Marianna Myrick

FRONT by Layne Smith // based on Kelsey Bishop

BACK by Layne Smith // based on Kelsey Bishop

INSIDE by Layne Smith // based on Kelsey Bishop

OUTER FOLDOUT by Layne Smith // based on Kelsey Bishop

INNER FOLDOUT by Layne Smith // based on Kelsey Bishop

FRONT by Logan Sanders // based on Tori Holmes

OUTER/INNER FOLDOUT by Logan Sanders // based on Tori Holmes

OUTER FOLDOUT by Logan Sanders // based on Tori Holmes

FRONT by Marianna Myrick // based on McKinley Ranager

BACK by Marianna Myrick // based on McKinley Ranager

INSIDE by Marianna Myrick // based on McKinley Ranager

OUTER FOLDOUT by Marianna Myrick // based on McKinley Ranager

INNER FOLDOUT by Marianna Myrick // based on McKinley Ranager

FRONT by McKinley Ranager // based on Aubrey Pohl

BACK by McKinley Ranager // based on Aubrey Pohl

INSIDE by McKinley Ranager // based on Aubrey Pohl

OUTER/INNER FOLDOUT by McKinley Ranager // based on Aubrey Pohl

INNER FOLDOUT by McKinley Ranager // based on Aubrey Pohl

FRONT by Paige Knapp // based on Jeremy Childress

BACK by Paige Knapp // based on Jeremy Childress

INSIDE by Paige Knapp // based on Jeremy Childress

Intermediate Computing for Design // Nature Posters

The fourth project for Intermediate Computing for Design class was to create two poster designs for a fictional lecture called “Nature as Design.” One had to be done using Illustrator, and the other using Photoshop and InDesign. The challenge was to design two posters that have a cohesive, complimentary style and will catch the public’s eye. Using different software to create the same effect for different posters also helped inform the students the differences between the programs’ capabilities.

This project was their first project dealing with typography. Students were also required to print their designs on special non-coated textural and/or colored paper ordered online. Most students chose to order from Neenah. As this was their first time printing on paper other than Epson, they had to make adjustments in relation to image color and contrast.

Below are photographs of posters that were turned in. All have aspects to be improved upon for their portfolio, but overall I was very pleased with their results!

* I have permission from my students to promote their work on my website.

by Layne Smith, grey paper

by Jeremy Childress, speckled creme-toned paper

by Keats Haupt, grey paper

by Erin Frazier, yellow-toned paper

by Brittany Roberts, light grey paper

by Anna Zollicoffer, white column paper

by McKinley Ranager, pearly white paper

by Kelsey Bishop, white column paper

by Austin Thomas, white paper

by Logan Sanders, white column paper

by Ian Green, vector image redo as an exercise to demonstrate what he learned after the project critique

Intermediate Computing for Design // Reinterpret a Cliché

The third project for Intermediate Computing for Design class was called Reinterpret a Cliché. Imagery seen too frequently is often not seen at all. This is the case with overused design symbols and everyday objects. Overuse renders them ineffective, and they lose their power to communicate. It is the function of the designer to revitalize these clichéd symbols and objects by interpreting them in individual and personal ways.

Students picked 6 of the following 12 examples of typically clichéd objects to be reinterpreted:

1. Heart
2. Key
3. Apple
4. Sun
5. Stars
6. Mouth
7. Light Bulb
8. Tree
9. Cloud
10. Eye
11. Rose
12. Nuts & Bolts

Then they chose a theme all 6 illustrations would have in common. Not only were they to work stylistically, but conceptually, as well. The final product had to be black & white. They scanned their sketchbook designs into Photoshop or Illustrator to continue rendering them to completion, either using the Pen Tool or Live Trace option.

Below are some designs that were turned in. All have aspects to be improved upon for their portfolio, but overall I was very pleased with their results!

* I have permission from my students to promote their work on my website.

by Anna Zollicoffer, countries

by Aubrey Pohl, houses

by Austin Thomas, smoker stereotypes

by Brittany Roberts, childhood

by Erin Frazier, technology

by Ian Green, instruments

by Jeremy Childress, mechanical

by Keats Haupt, fashion

by Kelsey Bishop, ocean

by Layne Smith, ironic characters

by Marianna Myrick, fruit

by McKinley Ranager, animals

by Tori Holmes, tarnished and broken items

Intermediate Computing for Design // How’d They Do That

This class’s second project was called How’d They Do That.  Using Illustrator, they had to find a way to combine a typeface number with an animal in a creative way. All the shapes had to be pen-tooled, based on their original sketches.  Only two Pantone colors could be used, but were also allowed to use the shades and tints of those Pantone colors. (What are Pantone colors? Watch this video HERE.)

Below are some designs that were turned in. All have aspects to be improved upon for their portfolio, but overall I was very pleased with their results!

* I have permission from my students to promote their work on my website.

8 or “Sneight” by Aubrey Pohl

2 or “Two-can” by Brittany Roberts

3 by Jeremy Childress

8 by Kelsey Bishop

5 by Layne Smith

7 by Marianna Myrick

3 by McKinley Ranager

6 by Paige Knapp

7 by Tori Holmes

0 by Logan Sanders

Intermediate Computing for Design // Oh What a Character

This semester another new-to-me course I am teaching is Intermediate Computing for Design.  This class is for students who submitted their portfolios for the graphic design program review in November, and passed.  Most of these students were in my Intro to Computing class I posted about last semester.

Their first Intermediate project was called “Oh What a Character!” They needed to find an image online of a celebrity, change it to black and white, place it in Illustrator, and work on top of it like a template to create their own caricature of the person.  The requirement of the illustration?  It had to be completed using a maximum of 7 letters and 2 symbols from one typeface on their computer.  Yes, a typeface!  Only black letters and symbols were allowed, and they could rotate and resize them as needed.

Below are some designs that were turned in. All have aspects to be improved upon for their portfolio, but overall I was very pleased with their results!

* I have permission from my students to promote their work on my website.

Elvis Presley by Tori Holmes

Jim Carrey by Layne Smith

Tyra Banks by Keats Haupt

Paul Giamatti by Ian Green

John Lennon by Erin Frazier

Sarah Paulson by Brittany Roberts

Bob Dylan by Austin Thomas

Lucille Ball by Anna Zollicoffer