12/29 CLASS RECAP / NOTES
8:25am: Arrived to class. Aside from instructor, only one there. What is it with people?
8:41am: Another student arrived. Instructor advised we’d be waiting for additional students.
8:44am: …and another. Then another.
8:55am: Class began. General overview and a syllabus was handed out. Schedule change: no class on Friday 01/02/09. Lecture.
What is graphic design? Translating words / concepts into visual medium.
Requires clear communication with client.
Ask the right questions to achieve the correct visual response.
Digital Media:
Raster vs. Vector
- Raster is pixel based. Size Limited. Jpg, Gif, Bmp.
- Vector is mathematical based. No limit on size.
- Anti-aliasing, raster based. Used to mimic rounded edge.
Lossy vs. Lossless
Printer’s Proof.
File formats, universal:
- .JPG / .JPEG - Joint Photographers Experts Group. RGB. 16.7 millions colors. Photos, gradations. Lossy.
- .TIF / .TIFF - tagged information file Format. CMYK. Lossless. Huge file size. For Print.
- .GIF - Graphic Interface or Interchange Format. 256 colors. For Internet. Line art but no gradation.
- .PDF - Portable Document Format.
- .EPS - Encapsulated Postscript File.
- .BMP / .DIB - Bitmap or Device-independent bitmap. Raster based.
- .PNG - Portable Network Graphics File. Support transparency AND 24bit color. Native format for Adobe Fireworks.
- .HTML - Hypertext markup language.
File formats, native:
- .AI - Adobe Illustrator.
- .PSD - Adobe Photoshop.
- .IND - Adobe InDesign.
- .FLA - Adobe Flash.
- .SWF - Adobe Shockwave.
Ruling Pen.
Technical pen.
Blue ruling.
Blue pencil.
Illumination calligraphy: first word of text larger than the other, embellish the text.
In today’s world, the challenge is to deliver a more compelling message. Anyone can have access to the tools.
Basic design cycle.
1. What are your restrictions?
a. Deadline.
b. Budget: Money, Time.
c. Reproduction. Multimedia.
d. Client specifications.
2. Where do you begin?
a. Meet with client. Communication is key.
b. Choose your direction. Based on specifications, questions asked, and your vision.
c. Outline payment and delivery. Legal guide for graphic designers.
3. Design(!)
a. Concept art / layout / blueprint, etc.
b. Create variations of initial design. Think of salsa: mild, medium, hot or safe, spicy, or sexy. Do not offer a variation of your work that you do not like. Offer only variations that you think are actually good and you like.
c. Submit to client for approval. Verify client specifications and/or obtain their new or revised specifications. Get all changes in writing. Email is ok, but Paper trails are your friends.
d. Re-submit final project with revisions.
Non-disclosure agreements.
10:05am: Break.
10:20am: Class resumed.
Concepts - where do your concepts come from?
They come from you.
They come from you client.
They come from your client’s customers.
You need to research your client and their competitors.
You need to research their audience.
You need to identify the major and minor groups. Trick is to focus to both but not turn off the major group or alienate the minor group.
Faux enthusiasm for client or client’s product. Interpersonal skills are key.
Organize: Ideas - > Idea file.
Research library/resources: Internet, Magazines, Books, Articles, Digital files.
Orphan works act.
Design basics:
- You should have a reason for everything you put into your design
Choosing a Format:
- What is the visual impact you hope to have on your audience?
- Choose format by how much information you’ll ultimately be including in the finished piece
- Its important to know the medium/media your working with and its dimensions.
- Use what you have and use whatever means you have to draw the attention
- What is the end use of the piece?
- What is the visual function of the piece?
Elements of design: Line, Page 24 of Design Basics for Creative Results
- Simplest of the design elements, indispensable.
- Line can have infinite variety
- The line you choose affects mood and theme of overall design. Solid and bold or dotted and thin.
- Lines can organize. You want to draw the audience in and direct them.
- Lines can add texture. Reinforce the idea.
- Consistency.
11:40am: In-class exercise.
Create graphic that uses line in design. Black and white, only. Adobe Illustrator CS3.
12:30pm: Class over.
Homework:
Read Design Basics for Creative Results
Tags: American Internation College: The Career Institute, class 1, day 1, ddes, foundation, graphic design, recap