Graphic Design
Week 1 - Sept 2 - 5
Thursday:
Intro - Hello, about me, the lab and the program.
Read the syllabus (Do this on your own)
Friday syllabus test.
Notes - This is a note taking place. The goal is to learn things here. That means being able to do something without any help. If you find you can't remember how to do things - take notes, I do.
Read all links. Links are red text.
Sample Files: You can download or copy from this web page when you need them.
What is Graphic Design? Watch this video. Then watch THIS ONE. Write what you find out on the white board.
Online Website - Almost everything you do in class will be put on your website for critique and grading. We will go over how to do this in class. If you don't want your site to be able to be found on the internet I will show you how to do that. Be sure to write down your user name and password somewhere. If you forget them you will need t rebuild the site - not fun.
Sample Here
Website Requirements - Look at the sample above. I want your navigation set up the same way. Assignments, Journal, DOW's, Portfolio. We will go over how to do this in class. Your site address should be: firstnamelastnamegd.weebly.com. If that name is taken see me for help. If you don't want your website to be searchable by Google or other search sites I'll show you how to set it up that way.This is a professional website, not a personal website. It is a place for me to evaluate what you are learning and potential employers or colleges to see what you are capable of.
Building your Weebly website. We will all do this together.
(Do this on your own)
Click here to set up your site.
Click here to watch a video that shows you how I want you to set up your class site. When I made it there were more pages available to you. You can only have four now. Make them: Assignments, Journal, DOW's, Portfolio. Four pages.
Click here to see some Weebly tips.
_
Andrew White's Graphic designers portfolio on You Tube - Check it out : ) (Do this on your own)
Mac 101 (desktop, hard drive, Mac and PC similarities and differences, managing your student account). (Do this on your own)
Intro to Graphic Design Applications - You will be using Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign this semester.
(Do this on your own)
Photoshop will mostly be used for image manipulation. It is primarily a raster program. You will use this program to crop, color correct, re-size and combine images.
Illustrator will be used to create vector artwork as well as designing single page projects. Some good raster vs vector info. Read it.
InDesign will be used to make multi-page documents like magazines, electronic and print books. You will combine things you have worked on in Photoshop and Illustrator in InDesign.
After Effects is a motion graphics program. We will use it to animate your designs.
Pretty good reel HERE.
(Check this out - super cool! (Do this on your own)
Video about color. (Do this on your own)
Seating charts.
Intro - Hello, about me, the lab and the program.
Read the syllabus (Do this on your own)
Friday syllabus test.
Notes - This is a note taking place. The goal is to learn things here. That means being able to do something without any help. If you find you can't remember how to do things - take notes, I do.
Read all links. Links are red text.
Sample Files: You can download or copy from this web page when you need them.
What is Graphic Design? Watch this video. Then watch THIS ONE. Write what you find out on the white board.
Online Website - Almost everything you do in class will be put on your website for critique and grading. We will go over how to do this in class. If you don't want your site to be able to be found on the internet I will show you how to do that. Be sure to write down your user name and password somewhere. If you forget them you will need t rebuild the site - not fun.
Sample Here
Website Requirements - Look at the sample above. I want your navigation set up the same way. Assignments, Journal, DOW's, Portfolio. We will go over how to do this in class. Your site address should be: firstnamelastnamegd.weebly.com. If that name is taken see me for help. If you don't want your website to be searchable by Google or other search sites I'll show you how to set it up that way.This is a professional website, not a personal website. It is a place for me to evaluate what you are learning and potential employers or colleges to see what you are capable of.
Building your Weebly website. We will all do this together.
(Do this on your own)
Click here to set up your site.
Click here to watch a video that shows you how I want you to set up your class site. When I made it there were more pages available to you. You can only have four now. Make them: Assignments, Journal, DOW's, Portfolio. Four pages.
Click here to see some Weebly tips.
_
Andrew White's Graphic designers portfolio on You Tube - Check it out : ) (Do this on your own)
Mac 101 (desktop, hard drive, Mac and PC similarities and differences, managing your student account). (Do this on your own)
Intro to Graphic Design Applications - You will be using Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign this semester.
(Do this on your own)
Photoshop will mostly be used for image manipulation. It is primarily a raster program. You will use this program to crop, color correct, re-size and combine images.
Illustrator will be used to create vector artwork as well as designing single page projects. Some good raster vs vector info. Read it.
InDesign will be used to make multi-page documents like magazines, electronic and print books. You will combine things you have worked on in Photoshop and Illustrator in InDesign.
After Effects is a motion graphics program. We will use it to animate your designs.
Pretty good reel HERE.
(Check this out - super cool! (Do this on your own)
Video about color. (Do this on your own)
Seating charts.

DOW - Ray Gun (Design Of the Week) Write at least 50 words describing what you do or don't like about the design. Use at least 3 of the design terms from the list below. The more terms you use and understand the smarter you will get. Include a copy of this picture with your critique. Make the picture about 2 inches wide. Put it in the DOW section of your website.
Check out the sample.
Check out the sample.
Terms to use: center of interest, typography, type, text, grid, tracking, leading, warm colors, cool colors, primary colors, texture, line, shape, form, balanced, unbalanced, movement, pattern, repetition, rhythm, variety, unity, positive space, negative space. Look up the terms on the internet. Ask me if you have any questions.
Elements and Principles of Design - CLICK HERE (Do this on your own)
We will be spending a few days working with Photoshop. If you are new to Photoshop this will be difficult. There is too much to remember without taking notes. You can use notes on any tests or quizzes.
Friday: Friday:
Enter "What I learned this week" info on your website. Make this at least 25 words. It should be a summary of everything you learned not just one thing. Don't include images. (Do this on your own)
Cool quote:“A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away”
— Antoine de Saint Exupéry
Elements and Principles of Design - CLICK HERE (Do this on your own)
We will be spending a few days working with Photoshop. If you are new to Photoshop this will be difficult. There is too much to remember without taking notes. You can use notes on any tests or quizzes.
Friday: Friday:
Enter "What I learned this week" info on your website. Make this at least 25 words. It should be a summary of everything you learned not just one thing. Don't include images. (Do this on your own)
Cool quote:“A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away”
— Antoine de Saint Exupéry
Week 2 - Sept 18 - 11
Monday:
Graphic Design Examples - Find 10 examples of graphic design (Google graphic design examples, click on "images" to see image results. Be sure to download the full sized image not the thumbnail). Drag them or save them to a folder on the desktop. Class discussion. (You do this on your own)
Photoshop for graphic design: You need to be able to:
Make a new document (8.5 x 11 inches, 250 ppi)
Use the zoom tool
Understand how layers work
Re-size photographs
Manipulate text (family, style, size, color, leading, kerning, tracking
Make boxes
Make lines
Exercise: Make a new document 8.5 x 11, 250 ppi in Photoshop. Add a picture that is 5x4 inches (also 250ppi). Place the name of the object at the top with a colored box behind it. Put some body text (gibberish) below the picture. We will do the first one together. Do 2 more. Use a different picture for each. Experiment with different font families, sizes, leading kerning tracking, etc. (You do this on your own)
Be sure you put what you leaned each week on your Weebly website. (You do this on your own)
Graphic Design Info.
The goal is to communicate a message. Everything in the design should help to communicate the message. If something is distracting from the message, don’t include it. If something is distracting from the message, don’t include it. If something is distracting from the message, don’t include it. (Yes I meant to write that 3 times : )
Elements and Principles of Design - CLICK HERE Read and understand. (You do this on your own)
Leading, kerning, tracking info. (You do this on your own)
Leading, Kerning, Tracking Assignment - Define each of the 3 terms in your own words. Put the information in the, "What I Learned This Week" section of your website. (You do this on your own)
Concepts to learn: Using the type tool, using the character panel, font family, style and size, leading, kerning and tracking, changing colors and opacity, rotating objects, using layers, making lines and shapes.
Graphic Design Examples - Find 10 examples of graphic design (Google graphic design examples, click on "images" to see image results. Be sure to download the full sized image not the thumbnail). Drag them or save them to a folder on the desktop. Class discussion. (You do this on your own)
Photoshop for graphic design: You need to be able to:
Make a new document (8.5 x 11 inches, 250 ppi)
Use the zoom tool
Understand how layers work
Re-size photographs
Manipulate text (family, style, size, color, leading, kerning, tracking
Make boxes
Make lines
Exercise: Make a new document 8.5 x 11, 250 ppi in Photoshop. Add a picture that is 5x4 inches (also 250ppi). Place the name of the object at the top with a colored box behind it. Put some body text (gibberish) below the picture. We will do the first one together. Do 2 more. Use a different picture for each. Experiment with different font families, sizes, leading kerning tracking, etc. (You do this on your own)
Be sure you put what you leaned each week on your Weebly website. (You do this on your own)
Graphic Design Info.
The goal is to communicate a message. Everything in the design should help to communicate the message. If something is distracting from the message, don’t include it. If something is distracting from the message, don’t include it. If something is distracting from the message, don’t include it. (Yes I meant to write that 3 times : )
Elements and Principles of Design - CLICK HERE Read and understand. (You do this on your own)
Leading, kerning, tracking info. (You do this on your own)
Leading, Kerning, Tracking Assignment - Define each of the 3 terms in your own words. Put the information in the, "What I Learned This Week" section of your website. (You do this on your own)
Concepts to learn: Using the type tool, using the character panel, font family, style and size, leading, kerning and tracking, changing colors and opacity, rotating objects, using layers, making lines and shapes.

DOW - Lyons Tea ( Design Of the Week) Answer the following questions. Include the questions with the answers in the DOW section of your website.
What is this design trying to get you to do?
What color theory do you see?
What decade do you thing it was made? Why?
What year was the company founded?
Include a copy of the design, the questions and answers in the DOW section of your Weebly site. Present it in a way that looks professional. You ARE a graphic designer ya know : )
Due the end of next week. (You do this on your own)
What is this design trying to get you to do?
What color theory do you see?
What decade do you thing it was made? Why?
What year was the company founded?
Include a copy of the design, the questions and answers in the DOW section of your Weebly site. Present it in a way that looks professional. You ARE a graphic designer ya know : )
Due the end of next week. (You do this on your own)
DOW 1 and 2, be sure your website is caught up. Be sure I have your correct address. Be sure you watched all the videos and read all of the links on Monday and Tuesday (all red text are links).
Friday:
Sampling colors, deleting solid colored backgrounds behind images, making colored backgrounds in Photoshop.
Magazine Cover Assignment - Put this assignment on your Weebly site. Turn on the light box option and label it: Designed by your name. Example Here. As with all assignment in here, if you finish your assignment. make another copy and try different things. Art isn't like math. There is more than one right answer. If you have time keep trying new things. The more you design, the better designer you will be.
YOU NEED TO HAVE AT LEAST 40 WORDS ON THE COVER! (You do this on your own)
Enter "What I learned this week" info on your website. Make this at least 25 words. It should be a summary of everything you learned not just one thing. Don't include images.
Cool quote: "I would show my my jobs to my mother, and she would always say the same thing: “That’s nice dear.” And then she would say, “Did you write it?” or “Did you do the drawing?” or “Did you take the pictures?” I’d always answer “no,” then I realized the problem. My answer was then, “I made this happen. It’s called design.”
— Brian Webb
Friday:
Sampling colors, deleting solid colored backgrounds behind images, making colored backgrounds in Photoshop.
Magazine Cover Assignment - Put this assignment on your Weebly site. Turn on the light box option and label it: Designed by your name. Example Here. As with all assignment in here, if you finish your assignment. make another copy and try different things. Art isn't like math. There is more than one right answer. If you have time keep trying new things. The more you design, the better designer you will be.
YOU NEED TO HAVE AT LEAST 40 WORDS ON THE COVER! (You do this on your own)
Enter "What I learned this week" info on your website. Make this at least 25 words. It should be a summary of everything you learned not just one thing. Don't include images.
Cool quote: "I would show my my jobs to my mother, and she would always say the same thing: “That’s nice dear.” And then she would say, “Did you write it?” or “Did you do the drawing?” or “Did you take the pictures?” I’d always answer “no,” then I realized the problem. My answer was then, “I made this happen. It’s called design.”
— Brian Webb
Week 3 - Sept 14 - 18
Monday:
Continue working on Magazine assignment. Save a jpg version of your file. Upload it to your Weebly website. Watch a tutorial video HERE.
Watch these videos. (Do this on your own)
Advertising video
Good mag cover video 1
Good mag cover video 2
Read all links. Links are red text. At some point I will give you some sort of quiz over the links. Read or watch them.
Change your browsers download preference.
For Chrome: Go to preferences, choose settings, then scroll down to show advanced settings, scroll down to downloads, click on change, choose desktop.
For Firefox: Go to preferences, choose general, then downloads, save file to, choose desktop.
Look up the word "copy" as it pertains to graphic design.
Continue working on Magazine assignment. Save a jpg version of your file. Upload it to your Weebly website. Watch a tutorial video HERE.
Watch these videos. (Do this on your own)
Advertising video
Good mag cover video 1
Good mag cover video 2
Read all links. Links are red text. At some point I will give you some sort of quiz over the links. Read or watch them.
Change your browsers download preference.
For Chrome: Go to preferences, choose settings, then scroll down to show advanced settings, scroll down to downloads, click on change, choose desktop.
For Firefox: Go to preferences, choose general, then downloads, save file to, choose desktop.
Look up the word "copy" as it pertains to graphic design.
Skateboard Assignment - Template here - Design at LEAST 3 skateboards using Photoshop brushes. You can also use other PS tools (text, boxes, etc.)This is one website where you can get the brushes. Another one HERE. Be sure you are in the BRUSHES section. Put these on the assignment page of your website. Make the background of the skateboard files transparent. Save them as .png files.
To see larger sample click on image.
To see larger sample click on image.
Visual Hierarchy - When you look at a design you tend to read things in a particular order. That order in determined visually using variations in scale, value, color, spacing, placement, and other signals. The most important information should be read first, second most important second, etc.
Concepts to learn: Transparency, resizing, designing with a grid.
Read this from Vanseo Design (Do this on your own)
and this from Web Style Design, (Do this on your own)
and even this about El Lissitzky, (Do this on your own)
Concepts to learn: Transparency, resizing, designing with a grid.
Read this from Vanseo Design (Do this on your own)
and this from Web Style Design, (Do this on your own)
and even this about El Lissitzky, (Do this on your own)
Check this guy out, the master of typography-David Carson. (Do this on your own)
Check these posters out.
Hierarchy exercise 2: Put this on your exercise page on your website. Name it Hierarchy Exercise 2.
Take facts about you: name, age, birthday, address, favorite color, height, hobbies, etc.
Arrange them on 45 or -45 degree angles. Only 45 or -45 degree angles. No 90 degree or other angles. Use different size and weight text. Use the same font family. Use different styles. No lines or boxes. Be creative. Make it 6 x 6 inches.
Check these posters out.
Hierarchy exercise 2: Put this on your exercise page on your website. Name it Hierarchy Exercise 2.
Take facts about you: name, age, birthday, address, favorite color, height, hobbies, etc.
Arrange them on 45 or -45 degree angles. Only 45 or -45 degree angles. No 90 degree or other angles. Use different size and weight text. Use the same font family. Use different styles. No lines or boxes. Be creative. Make it 6 x 6 inches.
Hierarchy Exercise 3: Put this on your exercise page on your website. Name it Hierarchy Exercise 3.
Take facts about you: name, age, birthday, address, favorite color, height, hobbies, etc.
Arrange them on 0, 90 and -90 degree angles. Only 0, 90 or -90 degree angles. No 45 degree or other angles. Use different size and weight text. Use the same font family. Use different styles. You CAN use boxes boxes in your design. Be creative. Make it 6 x 6 inches.
Take facts about you: name, age, birthday, address, favorite color, height, hobbies, etc.
Arrange them on 0, 90 and -90 degree angles. Only 0, 90 or -90 degree angles. No 45 degree or other angles. Use different size and weight text. Use the same font family. Use different styles. You CAN use boxes boxes in your design. Be creative. Make it 6 x 6 inches.

DOW - NOTLO (Design Of the Week)
What is this design trying to get you to do?
What color theory do you see?
What decade do you thing it was made? Why?
Do you thing the font family is important to the design? Why?
Include a 3 inch copy of the design, the questions and answers in the DOW section of your Weebly site. Present it in a way that looks professional. You ARE a graphic designer ya know : )
Due the end of next week.
What is this design trying to get you to do?
What color theory do you see?
What decade do you thing it was made? Why?
Do you thing the font family is important to the design? Why?
Include a 3 inch copy of the design, the questions and answers in the DOW section of your Weebly site. Present it in a way that looks professional. You ARE a graphic designer ya know : )
Due the end of next week.
Designing with a grid:
Designing with a grid: Order out of Chaos ,Consistency and Unity , The Grid System
Look at the illustration below. The top example was arranged using a grid and the bottom one without a grid. Grids are used to organize bits of information. The boxes in the example could be boxes of text or images. A grid arranges all of the elements of the design to create an organized composition. A grid creates order out of chaos. It imposes consistency and unity.
Designing with a grid: Order out of Chaos ,Consistency and Unity , The Grid System
Look at the illustration below. The top example was arranged using a grid and the bottom one without a grid. Grids are used to organize bits of information. The boxes in the example could be boxes of text or images. A grid arranges all of the elements of the design to create an organized composition. A grid creates order out of chaos. It imposes consistency and unity.
Grid exercise 1: Make a letter sized document. Create a variety of boxes like the example above. Line them up using a grid. I'll show you how in class. Put this on your exercise page on your website. Name it Grid Exercise 1.
Grid Exercise 2: Make a letter sized document. Add some images about the same size as the boxes. Also add text boxes with random text. Use the text boxes just as you would the shapes. Line them up using a grid. I'll show you how in class. Put this on your exercise page on your website. Name it Grid Exercise 2.
Friday: Work on current assignments.
Enter "What I learned this week" info on your website. Make this at least 25 words. It should be a summary of everything you learned not just one thing. Don't include images.
Cool quote: “Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication”
Leonardo da Vinci
Grid Exercise 2: Make a letter sized document. Add some images about the same size as the boxes. Also add text boxes with random text. Use the text boxes just as you would the shapes. Line them up using a grid. I'll show you how in class. Put this on your exercise page on your website. Name it Grid Exercise 2.
Friday: Work on current assignments.
Enter "What I learned this week" info on your website. Make this at least 25 words. It should be a summary of everything you learned not just one thing. Don't include images.
Cool quote: “Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication”
Leonardo da Vinci
Week 4 - Sept 21 - 25
Week 5 - Sept 28 - Oct 2
Update your website. Make everything correct.
If you have a design or image that has white on the edges you need to place a border around it (not the skateboards, make the white, clear). The white background bleeding into the white background of your web page does not look good.
Weebly can easily do this for you.
Import the design or photo into your Weebly page. Select the image to bring up the image editing options. Make sure Lightbox is on. Click on ADVANCED. Select a border and border color. Experiment to find the combination that works best for your design.
Example: No border on the left (bad) border on the right (good)
Weebly can easily do this for you.
Import the design or photo into your Weebly page. Select the image to bring up the image editing options. Make sure Lightbox is on. Click on ADVANCED. Select a border and border color. Experiment to find the combination that works best for your design.
Example: No border on the left (bad) border on the right (good)
Review grids and rotating text (Wednesday last week).
Start working in Illustrator.
What is Illustrator
Why Illustrator
Raster vs Vector
Illustrator basics: new documents, file management, placing graphics, scaling graphics, link vs embed, using text, simple shapes, using layers, fills and strokes, lines, select/direct select tools, pathfinder tools.
Some videos I made:
Starting an Illustrator project
Using text in illustrator
Making lines and shapes in Illustrator
Placing images in Illustrator
Some videos I found online:
Illustrator Interface
Setting up a new document
Drawing with Illustrator
Using the Blob and Eraser Tools
Creating Objects with the Shape Tool
Using the Appearance Panel
Cropping with Clipping Masks
Cropping with Opacity Mask
All of the Adobe Illustrator videos here
Start working in Illustrator.
What is Illustrator
Why Illustrator
Raster vs Vector
Illustrator basics: new documents, file management, placing graphics, scaling graphics, link vs embed, using text, simple shapes, using layers, fills and strokes, lines, select/direct select tools, pathfinder tools.
Some videos I made:
Starting an Illustrator project
Using text in illustrator
Making lines and shapes in Illustrator
Placing images in Illustrator
Some videos I found online:
Illustrator Interface
Setting up a new document
Drawing with Illustrator
Using the Blob and Eraser Tools
Creating Objects with the Shape Tool
Using the Appearance Panel
Cropping with Clipping Masks
Cropping with Opacity Mask
All of the Adobe Illustrator videos here
Add an exercise page to your website after the assignment page.
Check this out about the pathfinder tool. Really powerful tool in Illustrator.
Packman Exercise: Experiment with Pathfinder tools. Make a Pacman. Make an evil Pacman : ) Don't put these on your website.
Watch this about the blob brush BEFORE you do the snowman exercise..
Snowman Assignment
Tips: You can make your own snow flakes or use the snow brush. To use the snow brush: Select the brush tool. Go to the brush panel (click on WINDOW on the top of the screen, then brushes). Select the preferences (little lines at the top right of the brushes panel), go to: Open brush library, then Decorative, then Decorative scatter. The snowflake brush is at the bottom of the brushes. Click on it. Paint with the brush. You should see a sea of snowflakes.
To make the bottom snow, use the blob brush. To trim it use a clipping mask. Put a rectangle over the part you want to keep.Select the rectangle, select the snow (both need to be selected). Go to: object, clipping mask, make. Bingo.This will go on your website in the assignment section. The title will be: Snowman. Caption it: Designed by your name.
Tips: You can make your own snow flakes or use the snow brush. To use the snow brush: Select the brush tool. Go to the brush panel (click on WINDOW on the top of the screen, then brushes). Select the preferences (little lines at the top right of the brushes panel), go to: Open brush library, then Decorative, then Decorative scatter. The snowflake brush is at the bottom of the brushes. Click on it. Paint with the brush. You should see a sea of snowflakes.
To make the bottom snow, use the blob brush. To trim it use a clipping mask. Put a rectangle over the part you want to keep.Select the rectangle, select the snow (both need to be selected). Go to: object, clipping mask, make. Bingo.This will go on your website in the assignment section. The title will be: Snowman. Caption it: Designed by your name.
Hierarchy/Grid Assignment - Get a visually interesting photo from the internet. Add words that describe it. On the one I did I Googled , "facts about cows". Place them using everything you have learned the last couple of weeks. Use different angles, weights, colors, sizes, shapes. lines, transparency, etc., to add visual interest and control what is read first, second, third etc. Leave some negative space. Use a grid. Don't use too many techniques in this assignment. Pick and choose the ones that create the best design. Only use techniques you now know. Make it letter sized. Put this in the assignment section of your website. Name it Hierarchy/Grid Assignment.
Things I will look for when grading this:
Can I easily read the text? The whole point of GD is communicating a message.
Is it a good quality image (high enough resolution). Try to have the small side at least 1000 pixels.
Are elements lined up using a grid?
Do the colors work well together? Are they based on some established color theory?
Have you used leading, kerning, and tracking as well as you can?
Are you using the best fonts for your design? The correct size? Body text should USUALLY be 12pts. Don't make text smaller than that. You can make some of the text larger.
Does your hierarchy make sense? Do I read the most important thing first? Second most important thing second, etc.
Does this look professional? Like something a professional designer would have done.
MUST BE DONE USING ILLUSTRATOR - Click on the picture to see a larger version.
Things I will look for when grading this:
Can I easily read the text? The whole point of GD is communicating a message.
Is it a good quality image (high enough resolution). Try to have the small side at least 1000 pixels.
Are elements lined up using a grid?
Do the colors work well together? Are they based on some established color theory?
Have you used leading, kerning, and tracking as well as you can?
Are you using the best fonts for your design? The correct size? Body text should USUALLY be 12pts. Don't make text smaller than that. You can make some of the text larger.
Does your hierarchy make sense? Do I read the most important thing first? Second most important thing second, etc.
Does this look professional? Like something a professional designer would have done.
MUST BE DONE USING ILLUSTRATOR - Click on the picture to see a larger version.

DOW - 08 (Design Of the Week)
What is this design trying to get you to do?
What color theory or color theme do you see?
What decade do you thing it was made? Why?
Do you thing the font family is important to the design? Why?
What do you think about the tint of the photograph (person)?
Do you think it would look better with a different tint? We will try it in class and see. Download file here.
Include a 3 inch copy of the design, the questions and answers in the DOW section of your Weebly site. Present it in a way that looks professional. You ARE a graphic designer ya know : )
Due the end of next week.
What is this design trying to get you to do?
What color theory or color theme do you see?
What decade do you thing it was made? Why?
Do you thing the font family is important to the design? Why?
What do you think about the tint of the photograph (person)?
Do you think it would look better with a different tint? We will try it in class and see. Download file here.
Include a 3 inch copy of the design, the questions and answers in the DOW section of your Weebly site. Present it in a way that looks professional. You ARE a graphic designer ya know : )
Due the end of next week.
Friday:
Had a family emergency. Work on the current assignment. See you Monday.
Enter "What I learned this week" info on your website. Make this at least 25 words. It should be a summary of everything you learned not just one thing. Don't include images.
Had a family emergency. Work on the current assignment. See you Monday.
Enter "What I learned this week" info on your website. Make this at least 25 words. It should be a summary of everything you learned not just one thing. Don't include images.
Week 6 - Oct 5 - 9
Monday:
Read about this 8 step graphic design process. Create a word document that lists the steps a couple of sentences that summarizes each step. Have your name, class and period on the top of the document. Start with the Gather step, end with the Revisions step. That means you will only be listing 6 steps. Load the file on your exercise page under the title heading: Process. Use the FILE not the DOCUMENT element.
Do this BEFORE you start the assignment below.
This is one I developed for a web design class. Also applicable for graphic design.
Do this BEFORE you start the assignment below.
This is one I developed for a web design class. Also applicable for graphic design.
Color Wheel Assignment - Make a color wheel that illustrate: complimentary colors (red/green, blue/orange, yellow/purple), warm colors, and cool colors. You MUST create this with Photoshop or Illustrator in class. Label them (warm. cool, comp, etc.) Keep the layered file. This needs to look professional. Save it and put a jpg version on your website in the Assignments section. You can not steal images from the internet. Make this yourself. Title this: Color Wheel.
Sample Here
Finish this by the last day of week 11.
Sample Here
Finish this by the last day of week 11.

DOW - 7up (Design of the week)
What is this design trying to get you to do?
What color theory or color theme do you see?
What decade do you thing it was made? Why?
Is this a balanced or unbalanced composition?
If it IS balanced, is it symmetrical, or asymmetrical?
When is the last time YOU had a 7up?
Why do they call it 7up?
Include a 3 inch copy of the design, the questions and answers in the DOW 5 section of your Weebly site.
Due the end of next week.
What is this design trying to get you to do?
What color theory or color theme do you see?
What decade do you thing it was made? Why?
Is this a balanced or unbalanced composition?
If it IS balanced, is it symmetrical, or asymmetrical?
When is the last time YOU had a 7up?
Why do they call it 7up?
Include a 3 inch copy of the design, the questions and answers in the DOW 5 section of your Weebly site.
Due the end of next week.
A lot of the websites are a mess. Make yours look like the sample: same page order, have lightbox turned on for all images, put black borders on images with white backgrounds, titles should be capitalized, only required assignments on the site, your name and class as a header on all pages. Look at the student example and copy that. Sample student website here
Angry Bird Assignment
Read the Angry Bird Tutorial
I did this in about 20 minutes. You can too!!! Just follow the tutorial step by step.
Don't give up!!!!!!!
FYI, A few steps were left out of the tutorial, watch the video or ask for help.
This will go in the Assignment section of your website.The title will be: Angry Bird. Caption it: Designed by your name.
Make it a thumbnail about 2 inches wide. Turn on the light box option
I did this in about 20 minutes. You can too!!! Just follow the tutorial step by step.
Don't give up!!!!!!!
FYI, A few steps were left out of the tutorial, watch the video or ask for help.
This will go in the Assignment section of your website.The title will be: Angry Bird. Caption it: Designed by your name.
Make it a thumbnail about 2 inches wide. Turn on the light box option
Things I look for when I grade this:
Is it proportionally similar to the original?
All elements placed in the correct place? (The eyes AREN'T in the center horizontally for instance, How much of the beak is covering the eyes, etc.)
Are the colors similar?
Did you include ALL of the shadows (people always forget the beak shadow : )
You Don't NEED the background color. Make the background whatever you think is appropriate.
Is it proportionally similar to the original?
All elements placed in the correct place? (The eyes AREN'T in the center horizontally for instance, How much of the beak is covering the eyes, etc.)
Are the colors similar?
Did you include ALL of the shadows (people always forget the beak shadow : )
You Don't NEED the background color. Make the background whatever you think is appropriate.
Friday: Work on current assignment.
Enter "What I learned this week" info on your website. Make this at least 25 words. It should be a summary of everything you learned not just one thing. Don't include images.
Enter "What I learned this week" info on your website. Make this at least 25 words. It should be a summary of everything you learned not just one thing. Don't include images.
Week 7 - Oct 12 - 16
Monday: Work on Angry Bird. After that ketchup week.

DOW - Purple (Design Of the Week)
What is this design trying to get you to do or think?
What color theory or color theme do you see?
Is this a balanced or unbalanced composition?
If it IS balanced, is it symmetrical, or asymmetrical?
Does it use serif or sans-serif fonts?
When would you use one (serif or sans-serif) over the other?
I don't know is not the correct answer. Do some research.
What is this design trying to get you to do or think?
What color theory or color theme do you see?
Is this a balanced or unbalanced composition?
If it IS balanced, is it symmetrical, or asymmetrical?
Does it use serif or sans-serif fonts?
When would you use one (serif or sans-serif) over the other?
I don't know is not the correct answer. Do some research.
CD Cover Assignment using threshold command - These will go on your website in Assignment section. One finished cover due.
Extra Credit Assignment 1 - Only do this if you are done with EVERYTHING, all assignments and exercises, all what I learned this weeks and all DOW's.
Put it in the assignment section.Title it: Extra Credit 1.
Extra Credit Assignment 2 - Only do this if you are done with EVERYTHING, all assignments and exercises, all what I learned this weeks and all DOW's. Put it in the assignment section. Title it Extra Credit 2.
Extra Credit Assignment 3 - Only do this if you are done with EVERYTHING, all assignments and exercises, all what I learned this weeks and all DOW's. Put it in the assignment section. Title it Extra Credit 3.
Extra Credit Assignment 4 - Only do this if you are done with EVERYTHING, all assignments and exercises, all what I learned this weeks and all DOW's. Put it in the assignment section. Title it Extra Credit 4.
Extra Credit Assignment 5 - Only do this if you are done with EVERYTHING, all assignments and exercises, all what I learned this weeks and all DOW's. Put it in the assignment section. Title it Extra Credit 5.
If you would prefer to do an extra credit project of your choosing, ask me FIRST.
Put it in the assignment section.Title it: Extra Credit 1.
Extra Credit Assignment 2 - Only do this if you are done with EVERYTHING, all assignments and exercises, all what I learned this weeks and all DOW's. Put it in the assignment section. Title it Extra Credit 2.
Extra Credit Assignment 3 - Only do this if you are done with EVERYTHING, all assignments and exercises, all what I learned this weeks and all DOW's. Put it in the assignment section. Title it Extra Credit 3.
Extra Credit Assignment 4 - Only do this if you are done with EVERYTHING, all assignments and exercises, all what I learned this weeks and all DOW's. Put it in the assignment section. Title it Extra Credit 4.
Extra Credit Assignment 5 - Only do this if you are done with EVERYTHING, all assignments and exercises, all what I learned this weeks and all DOW's. Put it in the assignment section. Title it Extra Credit 5.
If you would prefer to do an extra credit project of your choosing, ask me FIRST.
Watch this to see how to join paths to create longer paths and shapes. Watch/Learn/Use : )
Wednesday: Symbols in graphic design are very important. Read this.
Thursday: Work on Road Sign Assignment. No school Friday or Monday March 16.
Enter "What I learned this week" info on your website. Make this at least 25 words. It should be a summary of everything you learned not just one thing. Don't include images.
Watch this about converting corner points to smooth points. Very helpful technique. Be sure to drag in the same direction as you did when you created the original shape. If you don't, the path will twist. I'll show you this in class. Hard to explain in words.
Watch these two videos. From the school the Road Sign assignment came from.
Week 8 - Oct 19 - 23
Monday: Work on Road Sign Assignment.
Road Sign Assignment - Create a series of road signs. A road sign is something you can read and understand in 2 seconds or less. I'll give you the file in class. You have to use Illustrator and you can only use black (or the same yellow as the sign to create negative space). Don't type words, add pictures. or spread peanut butter on them : ) - symbols only. Don't recreate the sample. Come up with your own symbols. This needs to look professional. Use the pen tool and the pathfinder panel. Be very careful about drawing freehand. Only do it if it is the BEST way to illustrate what you are doing, NOT because it is EASY. These should look like real street signs.
Download the template HERE
This will go on the website in the Assignment section. Title it: Road Sign Assignment.
Make it a thumbnail about 2 inches wide. Turn on the light box option
Download the template HERE
This will go on the website in the Assignment section. Title it: Road Sign Assignment.
Make it a thumbnail about 2 inches wide. Turn on the light box option
Click here to check out Richard Wilde.
Elements and Principles of Design Assignment
Make your own list using the terms on the page here: Elements and Principles of Design - CLICK HERE
After you make the list, find a photo or design example for each term online. Be sure the picture is not bigger that 1 inch in width on your web page. Turn on Light Box so the viewer can see a larger version. I'll show you how to do this in class. Retype the description from the link above in your own words. Don't plagiarize. DON'T copy and paste. If you retype it you will learn something, if you copy and paste you won't. Make a new invisible page on your website. Create a link to in from you assignment page. I'll show you how to do this in class. The page should NOT be in your link menu.
Sample Here
Due by the end of week 10.
Make your own list using the terms on the page here: Elements and Principles of Design - CLICK HERE
After you make the list, find a photo or design example for each term online. Be sure the picture is not bigger that 1 inch in width on your web page. Turn on Light Box so the viewer can see a larger version. I'll show you how to do this in class. Retype the description from the link above in your own words. Don't plagiarize. DON'T copy and paste. If you retype it you will learn something, if you copy and paste you won't. Make a new invisible page on your website. Create a link to in from you assignment page. I'll show you how to do this in class. The page should NOT be in your link menu.
Sample Here
Due by the end of week 10.
Tuesday: Cool Illustrator tips. Click Here.

DOW - The Dance (Design Of the Week)
What is this design trying to get you to do or think?
Is this a balanced or unbalanced composition?
If it IS balanced, is it symmetrical, or asymmetrical?
Does it use serif or sans-serif fonts?
How do you think it was made?
What is this design trying to get you to do or think?
Is this a balanced or unbalanced composition?
If it IS balanced, is it symmetrical, or asymmetrical?
Does it use serif or sans-serif fonts?
How do you think it was made?
Color Wheel Assignment - Make a color wheel or color wheels that illustrate: complimentary colors (red/green, blue/orange, yellow/purple), warm colors, and cool colors. You MUST create this with Photoshop or Illustrator in class. Label them (warm. cool, comp, etc.) Keep the layered file.
Save it/them and put it/them on your website in the assignment section. This needs to look professional. You can not steal images from the internet. Make this yourself. Put it on the assignment section of your website.Title it, yes you guessed it, "Color Wheel" : )
Sample Here
Finish this by the last day of week 11.
Use these settings for the color wheel document. In Photoshop go to FILE>NEW and set it up like this. Click the image to see a larger version.
Save it/them and put it/them on your website in the assignment section. This needs to look professional. You can not steal images from the internet. Make this yourself. Put it on the assignment section of your website.Title it, yes you guessed it, "Color Wheel" : )
Sample Here
Finish this by the last day of week 11.
Use these settings for the color wheel document. In Photoshop go to FILE>NEW and set it up like this. Click the image to see a larger version.
Enter "What I learned this week" info on your website. Make this at
least 25 words. It should be a summary of everything you learned not
just one thing. Don't include images.
Friday:
Week 9 - Oct 26 - 30
Tuesday: If you are finished with everything, do one or more of these illustrations.
Wednesday: Work on current and past assignments.
DOW - Spooky World (Design Of the Week)
What is this design trying to get you to do or think? Is this a balanced or unbalanced composition? If it IS balanced, is it symmetrical, or asymmetrical? Is the text easy or hard to read? What do you think about the colors they used? What would you have done to make this a better design? Why do you think all the ads are on the poster? |
Julian Opie Assignment - Illustrator portrait in the style of Julian Opie. Find a headshot of an actor, sports person, anybody you are interested in.Place it in Illustrator and trace it. Watch the videos for additional info.
Put this assignment on your Weebly site. Make it a thumbnail about 2 inches wide. Turn on the lightbox option.
Some samples. Watch these tutorials: Part 1 and Part 2
Put this assignment on your Weebly site. Make it a thumbnail about 2 inches wide. Turn on the lightbox option.
Some samples. Watch these tutorials: Part 1 and Part 2
Click on image to see larger version.
Thursday: Work on current and past assignments.
Friday:
Enter "What I learned this week" info on your website. Make this at least 25 words. It should be a summary of everything you learned not just one thing. Don't include images.
Enter "What I learned this week" info on your website. Make this at least 25 words. It should be a summary of everything you learned not just one thing. Don't include images.
Week 10 - Nov 2 - 6
Monday: Composite Assignment ONLY if you are all caught up on everything. If you do not do this assignment it won't be included in your grades. Use Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday to get caught up.
Composite Assignment -
Put the psd in a folder on your desktop.
Also, save a jpeg version and put it on your website.
Selecting with a quickmask
Sample Files: You can download or copy from this web page when you need them.
Apple Roar tutorial video:
Video Here
In the videos they use the pen tool to make the selection. Use a quick mask instead. Also instead of using the eraser, use a layer mask or soft edged eraser.
Combine them as outlined in the YouTube videos.
Composite Assignment -
Put the psd in a folder on your desktop.
Also, save a jpeg version and put it on your website.
Selecting with a quickmask
Sample Files: You can download or copy from this web page when you need them.
Apple Roar tutorial video:
Video Here
In the videos they use the pen tool to make the selection. Use a quick mask instead. Also instead of using the eraser, use a layer mask or soft edged eraser.
Combine them as outlined in the YouTube videos.
Check this guy out.
Thursday: Artists Palette exercise - Create a 8.5 x 11 Illustrator document. Find three painters whose work with color you admire. Some good ones are: Matisse, Monet, vanGogh, Munch, Dali, Magritte, etc. Do some research. Find three paintings and sample the colors to color the letters of your first or last name. Choose a thick font. Lay it out and title it as I did in this example. Put this in the Assignment section of your website as a lightboxed thumbnail. Title it: Artists Palettes.
Click on the thumbnail to see the larger version.
Click on the thumbnail to see the larger version.

DOW - EA
What do you think about this? Do you like it? Not like it? Use at least 25 words in your answer. How do you think some of the techniques were done?
What do you think about this? Do you like it? Not like it? Use at least 25 words in your answer. How do you think some of the techniques were done?
Friday:
Enter "What I learned this week" info on your website. Make this at least 25 words. It should be a summary of everything you learned not just one thing. Don't include images.
Enter "What I learned this week" info on your website. Make this at least 25 words. It should be a summary of everything you learned not just one thing. Don't include images.
Week - 11 - Nov 9 - 13 :: No school Wednesday
Check out some of the video tutorials here:
What is InDesign Used For?
InDesign Basics
Working with Text
Working With Color Swatches
Color Swatch Video
Another Color Swatch Video
Managing Pages
Master Page Info
Transparency
Threading/Linking Text Boxes
Text Wrap, Shapes, Special Effects, Transparency
Text Around an Object
To Make Text Fill a Custom Shape
Adding Page Numbers
Paragraph and Character Styles
Paragraph Style Video
Content Collector Tool
What is InDesign Used For?
InDesign Basics
Working with Text
Working With Color Swatches
Color Swatch Video
Another Color Swatch Video
Managing Pages
Master Page Info
Transparency
Threading/Linking Text Boxes
Text Wrap, Shapes, Special Effects, Transparency
Text Around an Object
To Make Text Fill a Custom Shape
Adding Page Numbers
Paragraph and Character Styles
Paragraph Style Video
Content Collector Tool
Adding Images to InDesign - There are a few different ways to do this CORRECTLY. Both start with putting the image in the same folder as the InDesign file.
Method 1 - Open the image in Photoshop. Crop it to the size you want it to be at 250ppi. This is what we have been doing in Photoshop and Illustrator. The down side to this method is you need to know what size the image needs to be BEFORE it goes in InDesign.
Method 2 - Put a picture frame where the image will go (see illustration below to find frame tool). With the frame selected, go to FILE > PLACE. The picture will now be in the box, but it is probably WAY too big. To move it within the frame, grab the double circles (see illustration below) and drag it. To resize the picture to fit in the frame go to OBJECT>FITTING. Try the different options. The frame will act as a crop box This method is confusing at first but will give you the most options.
Click on thumbnail to see a larger version.
Method 1 - Open the image in Photoshop. Crop it to the size you want it to be at 250ppi. This is what we have been doing in Photoshop and Illustrator. The down side to this method is you need to know what size the image needs to be BEFORE it goes in InDesign.
Method 2 - Put a picture frame where the image will go (see illustration below to find frame tool). With the frame selected, go to FILE > PLACE. The picture will now be in the box, but it is probably WAY too big. To move it within the frame, grab the double circles (see illustration below) and drag it. To resize the picture to fit in the frame go to OBJECT>FITTING. Try the different options. The frame will act as a crop box This method is confusing at first but will give you the most options.
Click on thumbnail to see a larger version.
Method 3 - Go to go to FILE > PLACE. You will see a thumbnail image where your cursor is. If you click, it will place the image the size that the image actually is. If you click and drag, you can make it any size. This works fine if it is placed smaller than it actually is, but if you need to drag it larger, it will get ugly. Find a higher resolution image. To resize AFTER you place it, hold down SHIFT and COMMAND as you drag the corner.
InDesign exercises - Practice these until you can do them without any help. When you take a class the goal is to LEARN things, not just TRY them. Taking notes is always a good idea.
We will have a test over these when we are done. If you have notes that YOU created you can use them for the test. We are ALL going to learn these things. You know you have learned something when you can do it without any help from anyone.
1. Basic Flyer - Add a picture, headline text and body text, you know the drill, the same thing we did in Photoshop and Illustrator. The goal is to see what is the same and what's different about these 3 programs in the context of this exercise.
Tip: To resize a picture AFTER you place it in InDesign - Hold down, shift and command and drag a corner. Don't put your cursor in the center of the picture when you move it.
2. Artists Palette - Do the artists pallete exercise we did in Illustrator with InDesign. After you sample the color make a new swatch. Then apply the color with the swatch. Be sure you know how to add and remove swatches.
3. Threaded Text - Make multiple text boxes. Place threaded text in them.
4. Multi-page Document - Make a 5 page document. Type the words: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3 etc, in the center of each page.
5. Character Styles - Create and apply 3 different character styles to some text on a page in InDesign.
After you have applied them, change them in some way to see the magic.
6. Paragraph Styles - Create and apply 3 different paragraph styles to some text on a page in InDesign.
After you have applied them, change them in some way to see the magic.
7. Master Pages - Create and apply 3 different master page elements to the multi-page document you made above.
After you have applied them, change them in some way to see the magic.
8. Adding Page Numbers - Create 6 pages that are auto numbered.
From my graphic design notes (notes are good).
Adding Page Numbers in InDesign
Go to the master pages.
Drag a text box in the corner where you want the number to go. The text curser should be blinking in the box.
Go to TYPE>INSERT SPECIAL CHARACTERS>MARKERS>CURRENT PAGE NUMBERS
If you want it on both sides (you do), hold down OPTION and drag a copy to the other side.
If the number is BEHIND an image on the page, go back to the master pages, create a new layer above the original layer, cut and past the number boxes on that layer.
Changing Where page #1 Starts (page 1 is never the cover, usually the third page is page 1).
Select page where you want 1 to be in pages panel
Go to pages menu items (stack of lines at top right of panel)
Uncheck ALLOW DOCUMENT PAGES TO SHUFFLE
Select NUMBERING AND SECTION OPTIONS
Select START PAGE NUMBERING
Type in 1
You need to know what points and picas are. Designers use these when talking about type and spaces.
Points and Picas - Read this
1 Pica=12 points
There are 72 points in an inch
1 Pica =1/6 of an inch
Six Page Exercise: Put this on your website in the Exercise section.
I'm not looking for good design on this. You are just practicing the concepts.
1. Pick a topic. Find 4 photos that illustrate that topic.
2. Make a folder for the project. Put the pictures in the folder.
3. Create a 6 page document with 2 columns.
4. The project needs to include: a cover with a picture, 2 - 2 page articles with headings, picture and threaded body text. Headings and body text need to be based on styles, an ad on the back cover.
5. Page numbers that start on page 2 (the second page of your project will have a 1 in the corner. You need to do this with the masterpage function, don't just type in the numbers.
Before you upload the exercise, call me over. I will have you change the color of you Heading and Body styles. If that doesn't work you will need to make it work.
Save it as an interactive SWF file and put it in the exercise section. In Weebly, make it 500px x 324px or export it from InDesign that size.. We will go over how to do this in class.
Don't spend a lot of time on design. This is an exercise. The cover and ad should only take 5 minutes. After this exercise I will have you do a magazine assignment that will look good.
We will only spend one or two periods on this.
We will have a test over these when we are done. If you have notes that YOU created you can use them for the test. We are ALL going to learn these things. You know you have learned something when you can do it without any help from anyone.
1. Basic Flyer - Add a picture, headline text and body text, you know the drill, the same thing we did in Photoshop and Illustrator. The goal is to see what is the same and what's different about these 3 programs in the context of this exercise.
Tip: To resize a picture AFTER you place it in InDesign - Hold down, shift and command and drag a corner. Don't put your cursor in the center of the picture when you move it.
2. Artists Palette - Do the artists pallete exercise we did in Illustrator with InDesign. After you sample the color make a new swatch. Then apply the color with the swatch. Be sure you know how to add and remove swatches.
3. Threaded Text - Make multiple text boxes. Place threaded text in them.
4. Multi-page Document - Make a 5 page document. Type the words: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3 etc, in the center of each page.
5. Character Styles - Create and apply 3 different character styles to some text on a page in InDesign.
After you have applied them, change them in some way to see the magic.
6. Paragraph Styles - Create and apply 3 different paragraph styles to some text on a page in InDesign.
After you have applied them, change them in some way to see the magic.
7. Master Pages - Create and apply 3 different master page elements to the multi-page document you made above.
After you have applied them, change them in some way to see the magic.
8. Adding Page Numbers - Create 6 pages that are auto numbered.
From my graphic design notes (notes are good).
Adding Page Numbers in InDesign
Go to the master pages.
Drag a text box in the corner where you want the number to go. The text curser should be blinking in the box.
Go to TYPE>INSERT SPECIAL CHARACTERS>MARKERS>CURRENT PAGE NUMBERS
If you want it on both sides (you do), hold down OPTION and drag a copy to the other side.
If the number is BEHIND an image on the page, go back to the master pages, create a new layer above the original layer, cut and past the number boxes on that layer.
Changing Where page #1 Starts (page 1 is never the cover, usually the third page is page 1).
Select page where you want 1 to be in pages panel
Go to pages menu items (stack of lines at top right of panel)
Uncheck ALLOW DOCUMENT PAGES TO SHUFFLE
Select NUMBERING AND SECTION OPTIONS
Select START PAGE NUMBERING
Type in 1
You need to know what points and picas are. Designers use these when talking about type and spaces.
Points and Picas - Read this
1 Pica=12 points
There are 72 points in an inch
1 Pica =1/6 of an inch
Six Page Exercise: Put this on your website in the Exercise section.
I'm not looking for good design on this. You are just practicing the concepts.
1. Pick a topic. Find 4 photos that illustrate that topic.
2. Make a folder for the project. Put the pictures in the folder.
3. Create a 6 page document with 2 columns.
4. The project needs to include: a cover with a picture, 2 - 2 page articles with headings, picture and threaded body text. Headings and body text need to be based on styles, an ad on the back cover.
5. Page numbers that start on page 2 (the second page of your project will have a 1 in the corner. You need to do this with the masterpage function, don't just type in the numbers.
Before you upload the exercise, call me over. I will have you change the color of you Heading and Body styles. If that doesn't work you will need to make it work.
Save it as an interactive SWF file and put it in the exercise section. In Weebly, make it 500px x 324px or export it from InDesign that size.. We will go over how to do this in class.
Don't spend a lot of time on design. This is an exercise. The cover and ad should only take 5 minutes. After this exercise I will have you do a magazine assignment that will look good.
We will only spend one or two periods on this.
Magazine Assignment sample by Stevie Swartz
10 Page Magazine Assignment
Requirements:
10 pages, 2 columns of text on each page (except advertisements and cover), body text 12 points.
The magazine needs to be made with InDesign, the ads need to be made with Illustrator.
Include at least 2 advertisements made with Illustrator. These need to look like real ads for real products, not joke products. They should have something to do with the topic of your magazine.
At least 2 articles (title and at least one picture for each article). The titles for the articles will be on the magazine cover. Look at real magazine articles for layout ideas and article locations.
Click here and here and here for some good article layout ideas.
Be sure the first page of each article has a different layout, don't make them all the same.
Be sure you start with high resolution images.
Be careful using outlines on shapes and text. Also be careful using gradients.
Include page numbers via master pages except the cover and ads. Page one should be the second page of your magazine(watch the tutorial video or read the instructions above.). Adding Page Numbers
At least one master page element on each page (page numbers don't count). Look at real magazines for ideas.
Use paragraph and character styles ON ALL TEXT (except ads and cover). When you are finished I will ask you to change all of the body text and some of the article headings. It needs to be done with styles. If it doesn't work you will not pass the assignment.
All article headings need to be based on character styles.
The cover, advertisements, and article titles need to be real text, meaning real words that make sense, not filler text.
Article body text can be filler text.
Back cover needs to be an ad.
This needs to look professional, like a real magazine. Remember to use half inch text guides around the edges of pages and ads.
See me and ask questions if this isn't clear. The goal is not to be funny. The goal is to create a professional looking magazine. If I think what you are doing is inappropriate or unprofessional you will need to redo the assignment.
You can't use anything you have previously made in class.
How to start: Read the instructions. Pick a topic you are interested in. Research (Google) magazine articles and magazine spreads. Come up with professional looking design ideas. Not the basic ideas we did on the exercise. When in doubt, run the idea by me. Create the 10 page document, add placeholder descriptions of pages (I'll go over this is class) pick some article topics, find pictures that illustrate the article topics, think of at least 2 ad ideas. Find images for the ads. One of the ads will be on the back cover. Check with me frequently to be sure you are on track. Reread the instruction to ensure you are not leaving anything out. This will be a 300 point assignments (regular assignments are 100, Dow's 20, journal 20).
This will go on your website in the assignment section as an interactive Flash assignment with page curl. Title it, you guessed it, Magazine.
Mr. P.
When in doubt, ask me for help, not the person next to you, they need to work.
Remember, I'm the art director, client, boss, and teacher all rolled into one. You are designing what I think is good, not what you think is good.
When you THINK you are done:
Before you call me over go through this check list - CLICK HERE
1. Call me over and show it to me. I will probably have some suggestions. After I tell you everything looks good...
2. Export it out of InDesign. Go to FILE>EXPORT>Decide where you want to save the file. In the format section choose: Flash Player (SWF). Click SAVE.
Use the settings in his screenshot.
Click to see larger image
Requirements:
10 pages, 2 columns of text on each page (except advertisements and cover), body text 12 points.
The magazine needs to be made with InDesign, the ads need to be made with Illustrator.
Include at least 2 advertisements made with Illustrator. These need to look like real ads for real products, not joke products. They should have something to do with the topic of your magazine.
At least 2 articles (title and at least one picture for each article). The titles for the articles will be on the magazine cover. Look at real magazine articles for layout ideas and article locations.
Click here and here and here for some good article layout ideas.
Be sure the first page of each article has a different layout, don't make them all the same.
Be sure you start with high resolution images.
Be careful using outlines on shapes and text. Also be careful using gradients.
Include page numbers via master pages except the cover and ads. Page one should be the second page of your magazine(watch the tutorial video or read the instructions above.). Adding Page Numbers
At least one master page element on each page (page numbers don't count). Look at real magazines for ideas.
Use paragraph and character styles ON ALL TEXT (except ads and cover). When you are finished I will ask you to change all of the body text and some of the article headings. It needs to be done with styles. If it doesn't work you will not pass the assignment.
All article headings need to be based on character styles.
The cover, advertisements, and article titles need to be real text, meaning real words that make sense, not filler text.
Article body text can be filler text.
Back cover needs to be an ad.
This needs to look professional, like a real magazine. Remember to use half inch text guides around the edges of pages and ads.
See me and ask questions if this isn't clear. The goal is not to be funny. The goal is to create a professional looking magazine. If I think what you are doing is inappropriate or unprofessional you will need to redo the assignment.
You can't use anything you have previously made in class.
How to start: Read the instructions. Pick a topic you are interested in. Research (Google) magazine articles and magazine spreads. Come up with professional looking design ideas. Not the basic ideas we did on the exercise. When in doubt, run the idea by me. Create the 10 page document, add placeholder descriptions of pages (I'll go over this is class) pick some article topics, find pictures that illustrate the article topics, think of at least 2 ad ideas. Find images for the ads. One of the ads will be on the back cover. Check with me frequently to be sure you are on track. Reread the instruction to ensure you are not leaving anything out. This will be a 300 point assignments (regular assignments are 100, Dow's 20, journal 20).
This will go on your website in the assignment section as an interactive Flash assignment with page curl. Title it, you guessed it, Magazine.
Mr. P.
When in doubt, ask me for help, not the person next to you, they need to work.
Remember, I'm the art director, client, boss, and teacher all rolled into one. You are designing what I think is good, not what you think is good.
When you THINK you are done:
Before you call me over go through this check list - CLICK HERE
1. Call me over and show it to me. I will probably have some suggestions. After I tell you everything looks good...
2. Export it out of InDesign. Go to FILE>EXPORT>Decide where you want to save the file. In the format section choose: Flash Player (SWF). Click SAVE.
Use the settings in his screenshot.
Click to see larger image
After you have saved your magazine as a SWF file, open the Weebly editor.
1. Drag the Flash widget icon to where you want your magazine to be (Week 11).
2. Click on the icon to bring up the options. Change the size to 1024px by 768px.
3.Upload your SWF file (click on the SWF file in the window. Be sure the file has the SWF extension..
Click to see larger image.
1. Drag the Flash widget icon to where you want your magazine to be (Week 11).
2. Click on the icon to bring up the options. Change the size to 1024px by 768px.
3.Upload your SWF file (click on the SWF file in the window. Be sure the file has the SWF extension..
Click to see larger image.
Design of the Week 10 - Your choice (pick an example of graphic design that you like)
Answer these questions:
1. What color theory or color theme do you see?
2. What is this design trying to get you to do or think?
3. Does it use serif or sans-serif fonts?
4. What do you like about the design?
Include a 3 inch wide copy of the discussion design in the Weebly DOW page. Due by the end of next week.
Answer these questions:
1. What color theory or color theme do you see?
2. What is this design trying to get you to do or think?
3. Does it use serif or sans-serif fonts?
4. What do you like about the design?
Include a 3 inch wide copy of the discussion design in the Weebly DOW page. Due by the end of next week.
Friday:
Enter "What I learned this week" info on your website. Make this at least 25 words. It should be a summary of everything you learned not just one thing. Don't include images.
Week 12 - Nov 16 - 20
Week 13 - Nov 23 - 25 :: No school Thursday and Friday
Monday: Work on 10 page magazine.
Tip: Go to VIEW>SCREEN MODE>PREVIEW to see your Indesign project without the guides. Go to VIEW>SCREEN MODE>NORMAL to bring them back.
Tip: Go to VIEW>SCREEN MODE>PREVIEW to see your Indesign project without the guides. Go to VIEW>SCREEN MODE>NORMAL to bring them back.
Tuesday: Click here for the college tip of the week.
Wednesday: Work on magazine.
Thursday: Work on magazine.
Friday: Work on magazine. If you are done work on the next weeks assignments.
Enter "What I learned this week" info on your website. Make this at least 25 words. It should be a summary of everything you learned not just one thing. Don't include images. This will be the last one this semester.
Week 14 - Nov 30 - Dec 4
Concert Poster Assignment - Do this OPTIONAL assignment ONLY if you are all caught up on everything. If you do not do this assignment it won't be included in your grades unless you ARE caught up. Use this week to get caught up.: Include at least two bands, the location, date(s), ages able to attend, ticket information, and anything else you think is important. Needs to be classroom appropriate and what I consider professional. Make it 8.5 x 11. You can use Photoshop, Illustrator or a combination of both. Do some research for ideas. Use what you have learned this semester. Put this in the assignment section of your website. Title it: Concert Poster Assignment.
Enter "What I learned this week" info on your website. Make this at least 25 words. It should be a summary of everything you learned not just one thing. Don't include images. This will be the last one this semester.
Week 15 - Dec 7 - 11
Monday: Business Card Assignment - Due last day next week. Create a business card for yourself and your graphic design business or some other business you are interested in, using the template below. Must include: business name, your name, contact phone number, business address.
Research for ideas. Make at least 3 different versions of each idea.
Do this like a professional designer would. Refer to week 6 and your design process.
Some good information HERE.
Download template HERE.
Research for ideas. Make at least 3 different versions of each idea.
Do this like a professional designer would. Refer to week 6 and your design process.
Some good information HERE.
Download template HERE.
Tuesday: Animated GIF Assignment - Due last day next week. Create an animated GIF. Do something new and original. Check out the links below for different techniques.
Technique 1
Technique 2
Good information HERE.
Technique 1
Technique 2
Good information HERE.
Enter "What I learned this week" info on your website. Make this at least 25 words. It should be a summary of everything you learned not just one thing. Don't include images. This will be the last one this semester.
Week 16 - Dec 14 - 18
Monday: Billboard Assignment - Due last day next week - Put this in the assignment section of your Weebly site. Title it: Billboard Assignment. Your mission is to design a billboard in Photoshop that looks like it was made in the fifties. Do some research to get ideas. It must include text. You can use the copy, but not the actual image of the words. The final image will be black and white. The file tat will go on the billboard needs to be 5 x 2.5 inches, 100ppi. Paste your file (can be designed in any program, export as jpeg) into this stuffed Photoshop file. Use the linked file, NOT the sample below. The linked file has the saved selection. I've saved a selection for you to help trim your file to size. We will go over this in class.
MAKE 2 COMPLETELY DIFFERENT VERSIONS OR TWO DIFFERENT BILLBOARD DESIGNS. Put them both on your website in the assignment section.
Title them: Billboard Assignment.
MAKE 2 COMPLETELY DIFFERENT VERSIONS OR TWO DIFFERENT BILLBOARD DESIGNS. Put them both on your website in the assignment section.
Title them: Billboard Assignment.
Click on example image to see larger version.
Tuesday: College tip of the week - Click Here
Click here to check out Richard Wilde.
After you are are done with two different billboards that I think are great, do the Circles exercise. These exercises are a great way to exercise your creative muscles. The are the same activities that the students do at the School of Visual Arts in New York.A student example is on the wardrobe door next to the Respect sign.
After you are are done with two different billboards that I think are great, do the Circles exercise. These exercises are a great way to exercise your creative muscles. The are the same activities that the students do at the School of Visual Arts in New York.A student example is on the wardrobe door next to the Respect sign.
Wednesday: Between now and the end of the semester I want you to work on your creativity. You have learned to use some grafic design software. Now you need to learn to use it creativity. You need to be able to fail to be creative. Experiment, evaluate, experiment again.
Thursday: Work on current assignments.
Friday: Billboard Assignment due.
Enter "What I learned this week" info on your website. Make this at least 25 words. It should be a summary of everything you learned not just one thing. Don't include images.
Week 17 Dec 21 - 25 :: Break
Monday:
Cereal Box Mock-up Assignment - Due last day next week. Put this in the assignment section of your Weebly site. Title it: Cereal Box Assignment - In Photoshop, design the front and left side for a cereal box. You can redesign cereal that exists or you can make up your own. Make a new file in Photoshop 8.25 x 11, 220 ppi, for the front of the box, and for the side make a document 2.25 x 11, 220 ppi. Make this look as professional as possible. I'll give you an image of a 3 dimensional blank cereal box. Download image here. You will design the front and side and wrap those graphics around the box. I'll show you how to do this in class (edit, transform, distort, and drag the corners). If you have time, do more than one.
This need to look professional (what "I" consider professional), like something that would be placed on the store shelf. Do some research.
Things to include: cereal name, company name, graphics or pictures, nutritional info, weight, etc.
This need to look professional (what "I" consider professional), like something that would be placed on the store shelf. Do some research.
Things to include: cereal name, company name, graphics or pictures, nutritional info, weight, etc.
Friday: Website Check: Be sure Journal, DOW's, and the assignment section are up to date.
Enter "What I learned this week" info on your website. Make this at least 25 words. It should be a summary of everything you learned not just one thing. Don't include images. This is the last one.
Week 18 - Dec 28 - Jan 1 :: Break
Work on your portfolio
The only way to get something in the grade book is by using a grade change slip. Pull the assignment you need graded up on your website (not the editor). Have the slip filled out (except the grade part). Call me over to grade.
The only way to get something in the grade book is by using a grade change slip. Pull the assignment you need graded up on your website (not the editor). Have the slip filled out (except the grade part). Call me over to grade.
Monday: You have 3 assignments listed this week. Do what you have time to do. If you have unfinished assignments work on those first.
Icon Assignment - Create 4 or more icons for a smart phone. You pick the aps. Must be designed using only illustrator. Must be able to be "read" at a typical icon size.These need to be original designs. Don't just copy what someone else has done.
Icon Assignment - Create 4 or more icons for a smart phone. You pick the aps. Must be designed using only illustrator. Must be able to be "read" at a typical icon size.These need to be original designs. Don't just copy what someone else has done.
Logo Assignment
Option 1 - Redesign a logo for a company You need at least 2 ideas (that is a total of 2 finished logos). This must be done with Illustrator. You can not include any pictures. You can use text but you don't need to.
Option 2 - Create two different logos for you. Examples HERE and HERE This must me done with Illustrator. You can not include any pictures. You can use text but you don't need to.
Here are some good links to get you started. Be sure you read them. It is part of the assignment. Reading is good. It is a way to learn stuff. Learning stuff is good : )
Option 2 - Create two different logos for you. Examples HERE and HERE This must me done with Illustrator. You can not include any pictures. You can use text but you don't need to.
Here are some good links to get you started. Be sure you read them. It is part of the assignment. Reading is good. It is a way to learn stuff. Learning stuff is good : )
Tuesday: Obama style poster. You pick the person you want to make a poster about. CLICK HERE for instructions.
Wednesday: Postcard Assignment - Design a 6 x 4 inch. 200ppi postcard in Photoshop.
1. Research some postcard ideas (Google is your friend).
2. Determine what text will be on the card - Usually a city, state, or country,.
3. Start building in Photoshop. If you want to make old style block postcard text watch this tutorial I made (no sound). You don't NEED to do this, but your design needs to look like a postcard and it needs to be "appropriate". Download a postcard font HERE
Watch this video
4. When you are done, save as a jpeg, upload to your Weebly site. Title it: Postcard Assignment.
1. Research some postcard ideas (Google is your friend).
2. Determine what text will be on the card - Usually a city, state, or country,.
3. Start building in Photoshop. If you want to make old style block postcard text watch this tutorial I made (no sound). You don't NEED to do this, but your design needs to look like a postcard and it needs to be "appropriate". Download a postcard font HERE
Watch this video
4. When you are done, save as a jpeg, upload to your Weebly site. Title it: Postcard Assignment.
Click on thumbnail to see larger version.
Thursday: I swapped out 0's in the grade book with 25% scores.
Some scores stayed the same, some went up as much as a whole grade.
Merry Christmas.
Some scores stayed the same, some went up as much as a whole grade.
Merry Christmas.
Friday: Cool Graphic Design poster with career info. Click the image to see larger version.
Full size file here if you want to read the small print.

designposter.jpg | |
File Size: | 163 kb |
File Type: | jpg |
Week 19 - Jan 4 - 8
Work on your portfolio
The only way to get something in the grade book is by using a grade change slip. Pull the assignment you need graded up on your website (not the editor). Have the slip filled out (except the grade part). Call me over to grade.
The only way to get something in the grade book is by using a grade change slip. Pull the assignment you need graded up on your website (not the editor). Have the slip filled out (except the grade part). Call me over to grade.
Monday: Work on current assignments.See list from last week.
Pretty cool program for a designer. It will turn a photograph into a painting. You can also use it's painting and drawing tools to create your own art.
Painter 5 Essentials, Click here to check it out.
Painter 5 Essentials, Click here to check it out.
Wednesday: All work needs to be turned in by the end of Wednesday Jan 21.
Thursday:
Click HERE for college credit at Clover Park.
Friday: Work on old and current assignments.
CLICK HERE to see examples of student design work from UW.
Cool design company in Seattle. This could be YOUR life. Click here to check it out.
Work on your portfolio
All work needs to be turned in ASAP.
Week 20 - Jan 11 - 15
Monday: Get everything in the grade book ASAP!!!!!
The only way to get something in the grade book is by using a grade change slip. Pull the assignment you need graded up on your website (not the editor). Have the slip filled out (except the grade part). Call me over to grade.
The only way to get something in the grade book is by using a grade change slip. Pull the assignment you need graded up on your website (not the editor). Have the slip filled out (except the grade part). Call me over to grade.
iMovie Tutorial - This is long but good.
Scratch site - Click to register and learn.
Garage Band - Click to learn.
Scratch site - Click to register and learn.
Garage Band - Click to learn.
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Week 21 - Jan 19 - 22 :: No school Monday
Last week
Wednesday - Finals for periods: 1, 2, 3. Your portfolio is your final. We will look at them in class.
Thursday: Finals for periods: 4, 5, 6. Your portfolio is your final. We will look at them in class.
Friday: Check your grades. Clean off your desktop. Be sure to empty the trash.
LAST DAY!!!!!!!! Out at 10:45!!!!!
Wooo Hooo!!!!
Thursday: Finals for periods: 4, 5, 6. Your portfolio is your final. We will look at them in class.
Friday: Check your grades. Clean off your desktop. Be sure to empty the trash.
LAST DAY!!!!!!!! Out at 10:45!!!!!
Wooo Hooo!!!!