Class 13: Project 5.2

In Class

For Next Week

  • Final, professional quality video(s) due in class Wednesday, May 2.
  • One 30-second video and/or multiple shorter videos. 

Optional

  • Additional campaign touchpoints such as print ads, social media ads, product giveaway mockups
  • Longer, director's cut.

File Types & Usage Guide

Less-technical notes.

 

.AI files

These are Adobe Illustrator files. These, you probably won’t be able to open unless you have professional design software. But if you ever work with another designer or sign maker, these are the files that they will want. These files can be enlarged to any size and still retain the highest quality.

 

.PDF files

These are used for printing shirts, posters, small signs, or anything that might get printed.

 

.JPG files

These files are used on screen. The HIRES are the high resolution versions which could be used to make flyers. The WEB versions are lower resolution, to be used on the web.

 

.PNG files

These files are for web use and/or email signatures. Unlike JPG files, PNG files can have transparency. Your web developer will use these. Some companies print from PNG files, but better to send PDF files.
 

.SVG files

These are vector files that can be used by skilled web designers.

 

Designer files

There’s a folder called “DESIGNER FILES”. These are Adobe Photoshop and/or Illustrator files. They require design software to open, but they are appreciated by sign makers or other designers who you may work with in the future.

 

1x 3x 4x folders

These folders are labeled with the size of the logo. This is usually only necessary for JPG and PNG files. 1x are a normal, thumbnail size, and 4x is four times the size.

 

Class 13: Project 5.1

In Class

  • Each student presents 2 concepts.
  • Create teams.
  • Align on a plan of action. 
  • Get started.

Inspiration: Webby-nominated vids

For Next Week

Present rough video(s) to class for feedback.

Your video may have multiple optional aspects (different endings, different songs). That is fine, and use the class for feedback.

If filming of certain scenes isn't complete, the video(s) must use images/sketches in those specific places in the video timeline, so the pacing of the video is fluid, with music/voiceover.

Note: Be clear on the history of VW, it's advertising campaigns, so your piece is either part of that lineage, breaks the mold, or references it intelligently.

Note: Longer form ads are powerful, too. If your group thinks a longer-form video is the right solution, we can discuss it.

Class 12: Project 5

It Hurts to Say "I'm Sorry"

Volkswagen was designed to be "The People's Car". A car was created to empower every German, and soon anyone in the world, with the opportunity to own a car. History of VW.

Volks = People / Wagen = Car
Archetype = Every Person

Dieselgate

The Volkswagen emissions scandal ("emissionsgate" or "dieselgate") began in September 2015, when the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that VW had intentionally programmed turbocharged direct injection (TDI) diesel engines to activate their emissions controls only during laboratory emissions testing which caused the vehicles' NOx output to meet US standards during regulatory testing, but emit up to 40 times more NOx in real-world driving. Volkswagen deployed this programming software in about eleven million cars worldwide, and 500,000 in the USA, in model years 2009–15. Wikipedia

There are now over 300,000 cars parked indefinitely in parking lots around the country, from Colorado Springs to Detroit.

 

Project: Bring the People Back

30 Second ad spot, and/or 3, 10 second ad spots to touch people's hearts and remind them that VW is the people's car. Not just a cool ad—it needs to change people's minds. 

Could be any type of video: live action, illustration/cartoon, kinetic typography, high production value, hand-held, phone resolution, basically any medium can be used to create this, as long as it tells a story.

The tone and content can be apologetic, funny, heartwarming—you decide.

Think about your ad as having more than one story and emotional arc. For example: the first 10 seconds could be funny, the second 10 seconds could be sobering, and the final 10 seconds could be a heartwarming payoff. 

Inpiration:

For Next Week

Create a mood board and story board for two different directions. You will have 1 minute or less to present each idea to the class. If there is a particular illustration style or song, be sure to include that in your presentation. For this assignment, you can make claims that aren't necessarily true. For example, you could say what VW will do with the 300,000 parked cars, and/or you can offer other incentives to potential or loyal customers. These false claims should be within the realm of believability.

The class will vote on the best ideas, and the following 2 weeks will be used to create these ads.

 

Final

Final, professional quality video(s) due in class Wednesday, May 2.

One 30-second video and/or multiple shorter videos.

Optional

Additional campaign touchpoints such as print ads, social media ads, product giveaway mockups

 

Class 11: Project 4.1 & 4.2

In Class

Design round 1/2 presentations of food brand.

For Next Week

Present:

5-min presentation of your food brand. Convince your investors that this is the best approach for expanding into Boulder market.

Read: 

Create:

At least 20 different 5" squares, using only color and shape. Each square must display an expertise with color interaction. Use Josef Albers as your inspiration.

 

Class 10: Project 4

Food Venue Branding

Brief: A popular, successful restaurant group from New York City is extending into Boulder. They specialize in various street food from around the world. Authentic, easy, accessible, exotic tastes from around the globe. Every dish is in-season and true to a specific country of origin. They use only the freshest fruits and vegetables and their menu changes often.

Solution: Recommend either a food truck or restaurant, and show how they can bring their authentic street food concept to Boulder. There are many food trucks and eating establishments in Boulder. How can this one stand out from the rest? Show how this restaurant connect with its audience with strong branding. 

Create & Design: 

  • Name
  • Logo
  • Menu
  • Exterior signage or truck exterior
  • Web home page and/or app

Details: The menu features a rotating selection of 3 salads, 3 appetizers, 3 main dishes and 3 desserts. For example, these could be one or one from Indonesia, two from Thailand, two from India, etc. 

Menu Inspiration | Concept Inspiration | Great Branding Experience Inspiration

Extra Credit: Design the inside of the restaurant, uniforms, check presenters, business cards, promotional posters, print ads, web ads, social media pages.

food-truck.jpg
restaurant.png

For Next Class, in 2 Weeks

This is an opportunity to design a restaurant that has a clear, strong brand that stands for something. The more concise and evocative, the better. It's ok to exclude certain types of people, as long as you appeal to an audience of raving fans.

Bring in a presentation that you can get extremely clear feedback on. Whether that is a combination of print and digital is up to you. Your presentation should be less than 5 mins. 

Playlist: Create a playlist of at least 10 songs that evoke the mood of this place. Is it anti-establishment (Rage Against the Machine), is it feminine and powerful (Lorde), is it hippy (Grateful Dead)… yes I realize these are very lame examples. Listen to these songs and related songs as you design.

Tone Words: Do the tone word exercise, whittling down from 75 to 3 tone words.

Mood Boards: At least one board for each tone word, plus boards for restaurants, menus, color palette and target audiences.

Naming: This article is an overly simplified version of naming, but a good start. Come up with at least 60 names, from various categories. Here's an ugly but clear breakdown of name types. Find at least 10 from each category. Whittle it down to your 3 best, then choose one.

Logo: Sketch at least 100 logos in your notebook. Try different pens, pencils, calligraphy marker, sharpie; try it big, small, microscopic; consider texture. Find 3 best and refine on the computer. 

Color: Pull at least 3 different color palettes from your mood boards. Consider using color as the main branding element.

Menu: Mock up a menu. Is it long and skinny, printed on paper, written in chalk, is it vinyl on a wall? How can it be usable, yet unique? Better yet, try the menu in a few different formats to see what works.

Any other touch points that you want to mock up, please bring those to class. We will do a design review, and then you will refine for your final presentation on 4/11.

Inspiration:

 

Class 9: Project 3.2

In Class

Share your solution and thoughts with 2 partners.

Remember, the design process is a sophisticated method of problem solving. Keep asking questions and refining. Consider your ideas as solutions to a problem.

Get as much actionable feedback as you can. 

Test your solution against these aspects of logo design:

  • Recognizable
  • Memorable
  • Versatile (all sizes and media)
  • Unique
  • Timeless
  • Aesthetically pleasing

Get InVision

Students sign up here with school email addresses. Code: 56-73-13-19  

This is for new accounts. If a student already has an account, just have them email me, (nadav@invisionapp.com) along with their expected graduation date, and I will make sure they get their upgrade.

 

For Next Week

5 minute presentation of your STUDIO brand. Can be Keynote, analog or both. Prepare your presentation to be convincing, and sell your solution as the best and only solution. Get us inspired, and then enroll us in your solution. Show how your solution functions in at least 5 contexts (printed materials, interactive, web, etc). 

In your online journal, have a cohesive branding project writeup, showing your process and your solution in multiple media. This is a good example. Post link to Slack.

 

 

Class 8: Project 3.1

In Class

Feel exercise.

Check out this nice project.

Read this book (and/or podcast): Rework

This inspiring HomePod commercial by Spike Jonze and FKA Twigs. What do you feel?

Critique round 1 designs.

Mockup demo.

Mockups are an easy way to simulate your idea, to easily explain it to a client or customer. 

Many phone mockups

Note: How Dan organizes projects: with Dan's file structure

Note: Design cheats

 

 

For Next Week

Refine designs based on feedback and inspiration.

Bring in at least 2 different, refined designs for round 2 design critique. Printed 11x17.

Create mockups in various media to show how your brand will connect with people across multiple platforms.  

Consider your tools: 

  • Brand elements: Color palette. How can color be used to maximum effect?
  • Iconography/Illustration: Is there a style of illustration or photography that can be used throughout the brand?
  • Type: Use iconic typeface(s). Note: Check out the resources page bottom right for free sample fonts which could work for this project.
  • Touchpoints:
    • Business system: business cards, letterhead, brochure, flyer, stickers, branded artifacts
    • Electronic media: website (header, footer, website illustration style), email template, screensavers
    • Environmental design: exterior/interior flags/signage, vinyl, 3-D objects, etc

 

 

 

 

 

Class 7: Project 3

Corporate Identity

Project: CMCI Studio

 

What: STUDiO is a cutting edge, cool, nationally-renowned school with a reputation which rivals and exceeds SVA, The New School, and Stanford's D-School.

The problem: Being part of a university, STUDiO needs to differentiate itself as a stand-alone school.

Values: A collective of thinkers and doers. We innovate at the crossroads of collective creativity, technology and design.

Theme: Start Here. Change Everything.

Position: STUDiO against university.

Solution: Create a set of branding materials that STUDIO and it's sub-brands can use across all media.

Motivational notes

  • "It takes a STUDIO"
  • "It's not a lecture hall, it's STUDiO. It's not class. It's STUDiO."
  • "Innovation is a mutation."
  • "REDESIGN YOUR FUTURE."
  • Studio-Based Learning

 

Project Deliverables

Logo: For STUDiO & Sub-brands

Brand Manual / Style Guide: Typefaces, colors, usage guides (details below)

Templates: Email, Print Posters, Web home

Environmental opportunities: how could our studio utilize this new branding?

  • TV/Video screen background
  • Studio walls/floors/ceiling
  • Vinyl
  • Social Media
  • 3-D elements (wood, 3-D printer, etc)
  • Animation
  • VR/AR
  • STUDIO Presents: Film/Project promos
  • Get creative!

Brand & Sub Brands

Screenshot 2018-02-28 08.58.14.png

Brand Manual 

  • Brand description & values
  • Usage of mark in all formats, sizes, color ways, print/web
  • Do's and don'ts
  • Tone words and don'ts
  • Colors
  • Typography
  • Example use cases
    • Event email
    • Event poster
    • Website home page
    • Etc

For Next Week

Research

  1. Visit and listen to all sites above

Content & Tone

  1. Create a list of word list of at least 50 words or phrases that represent the tone you think your project should communicate. Underline a selection of words that you think have potential.

  2. Choose at least 3 words from the underlined words in Step 1 and create a list of at least 25 words for each of the words (minimum 75 additional words). Underline the best words from the three new lists.

  3. Finally, choose 3–4 of your strongest underlined words for your key tone words. Aim for variety and don’t be afraid of contradiction (e.g. Explosive, Soothing, Collaborative). Avoid a grouping of tone words that are too similar (e.g. Clean, Simple, Minimal).

Mood Board

  1. Create a multi-page mood board that visually represents your tone words. Do this by creating a series of tabloid-sized artboards (landscape orientation) and placing 20–50 images (aim for about 6–12 images per page) of typography / design / art / photography / architecture / people / movies / cars / etc. that represent the words to you. These images will further clarify your intended visual tone, serving as inspiration for how you use colors, type, and layout to create your design. It is extremely important to avoid imitation when including images of graphic design. Your design should feel like an average of your mood boards and not look like any one piece in it.

  2. Create a pdf from your document

Sketches

  1. Create at least 100 pencil sketches of the logo. Test every solution you can, to plan your design and layout for two different solutions.
     
  2. Bring two solutions into the computer and refine.

Color Palette

  1. Create at least 10 color palettes options. Each one should have 1–2 primary colors and 3–5 secondary colors. 

Present

  1. Submit a PDF document to Slack before class starts. PDF Should contain:
  • Cover page
  • Tone words. Show all on one page, then a second page with only chosen ones.
  • Mood boards
  • A page showing photos of sketches
  • A page of color palettes, then a second page of two chosen palettes
  • At least two refined sketches, one concept per page. Multiple versions of each refined sketch are fine. Be sure to show how the brand works with and without the sub-brand elements.

Print

Print two 11" x 17" pages in color. One page for each of your two solutions. On each page, be sure to show the solution, the sub-brands, and color palette. We will put these up and have a blind critique.

Class 6: Project 2

In Class

Group presentations

Reflect on process so far:

  • Inspiration & Enrollment
  • The Power of Branding
  • Fundraising
  • Teamwork
  • Specific measurable results

Design critique

For Next Week

5-minute professional presentation to client. Clearly outline your group's: strategy, materials, efforts, and results.

Use: Grammarly (no more spelling or grammatical errors)

Listen: Design Matters

 

Your Well-Being

CU’s campus has a host of resources and professionals to counsel and support the emotional and physical well-being of our student community.

Many are listed here:  https://www.colorado.edu/safety/resources-services/search-category/crisis-support

There are also some helpful guidelines and tips here:  https://www.colorado.edu/disabilityservices/sites/default/files/attached-files/helping-a-student-in-difficulty1.pdf

Class 4: Project 2

Project Brief

CHOICE Humanitarian is a leadership development organization that works in remote villages in 7 countries worldwide (Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Kenya, and Nepal). CHOICE has over 35 years of experience ending extreme poverty, which is defined as living on less than $1.90 a day. By building strong local leadership, communities can develop their own goals, vision, and plan to work their way out of extreme poverty. 

 

CH-tagline.png

 

Goal

Raise at least $3k for a literacy project in Guatemala.

Videos

https://youtu.be/DNweLjOKK8Q (30 sec) 
https://youtu.be/wRrGv4mpgvg (60 sec)
https://youtu.be/dgwlBhdWI4M (3 min) 

Screenshot 2018-02-07 08.29.11.png

Articles

Fast Co
Windows

High Resolution Image

Dropbox Folder

About the Program

At http://accent.choicehumanitarian.org/ you can learn all about the actual literacy program, complete a demo, and learn more about how it works. Accent is the name of the program. Hopefully that website can help provide information for the first bullet point. 

The tablets are charged using some really cool battery packs. 

Fundraising Platform

Marissa will give a brief overview of how the fundraising platform works. Students should be able to create their fundraiser without having to dig into the admin side of things. They can see how at choicehumanitarian.rallybound.org. A button to "Start a Fundraiser" is there, and is very user friendly. Examples of other campaigns are also there. 

Example Program

One campaign you might see is the CHOICE 10K, which was our end of year campaign. Despite not hitting our goal, this campaign was actually extremely successful! It was our first time trying something like that and we look forward to replicating it at the end of this year. 

CHOICE Team

Should students desire to create something more like the CHOICE 10k campaign, they will be required to use admin permissions and will need to get in touch with Marissa. Please let Marissa know if you need more information regarding campaigns! 

Marissa Bernards
Brit Meyer

Project

    Remember: we are not just raising money or teaching literacy, we are unleashing human potential.

    Goal

    As a class, we will raise $3k in 3 weeks to help the project in Guatemala. The team who raises the most, wins.

    Each team will

    • Define and name a campaign.
    • Create an identity for the campaign (tone, messaging, colors, fonts, imagery).
    • Communicate that message throughout specific channels to achieve the project goal of raising money for this project in Guatemala.

    Platform

    Your team may choose to use Rallybound, a fundraising platform. You may also choose any other means, such as a sit-down dinner, a silent auction, you may stand on Pearl St… any method you choose.

    Basic Guide to Designing a Campaign

    For Next Week

    Bring to class:

    • 3 campaign ideas, loosely sketched out, named and defined. 
    • 1 campaign idea that your team is committing to.
    • Moodboard for this identity: tone, messaging, colors, fonts, imagery
    • Thoroughly sketched out strategy for communicating this message throughout specific channels to achieve the project goal of raising money for this project in Guatemala. Ex: if you choose social media, have a calendar of social media posts and platforms; if you will do a sit-down dinner, have the venue chosen, the invitations planned out (where they'll be printed, how they'll be distributed, etc)
    • Think everything through, basically.
    • Next week, your group will do a loose, 3-min presentation, and get feedback from the class.
     

    Class 3: Project 1

    In Class

    Design review of 'zines.

    Refine 'zines based on feedback.

     

    For Next Week

    Bring at least 1 final 'zine to class. 

    Photograph your zine portfolio-quality.

    5 minute presentation which shows your mission, process (both conceptual and physical), and distribution of at least 20 copies of your 'zine. More is better.

    Video with music is even better. Starting a revolution = extra credit.

     

    In Class

    Design review of 'zines.

    Refine 'zines based on feedback.

     

    For Next Week

    Fully refined your 'zine

    5-minute (exactly) presentation which shows your mission, process (both conceptual and physical), and distribution of at least 20 copies of your 'zine. More is better. Video with music is even better. Starting a revolution = extra credit.

    Details:

    Distribute & Document

    • Distribute at least 20 copies of your ‘zine.
    • Capture at least 5 photos and/or video which document the distribution.
    • Give at most 5 to friends.
    • Give at least 5 to strangers.
    • Leave at least 10 copies for anyone to find.

    Document the distribution with photos, videos if possible, and written commentary.
    Keep notes on what you hear people say (your peers, passersby, etc). Post these to your process book. 

    Present

    A 5-minute Keynote class presentation documenting your project. Submit your paper ‘zine in class.
    Post a link to your journal and a PDF of your presentation to our Slack channel.

     

    Process Book

    Create an online forum to track each project. Can be Squarespace, Wordpress, Medium, or other. 
    For each project, create a post about your progress in this class with at least 300 words and 3 images. Submit a link to your process journal on Slack.

     

    Due

    The presentation and process book entry are due in-class Wednesday, Feb 7 at 1:00 p.m.

    Class 2: Project 1

    In Class

    Peer review of 'zine cover.

    Discussion on grids

    Resource link: Canva

     

    For next week:

    "Final" version of your zine, due in class. Bring at least 5 copies, so we can mark them up. We will pass 'zines around and get peer feedback.

    Class 1: Project 1

    Project 1: 'Zine

     

    Part 1: Design

    • Values / Mission: why does this ‘zine exist? Must exist for something that you believe.
    • Masthead: name the ‘zine and create a customized masthead which reflects the values of the piece.
    • Imagery: may include photography, illustration, collage, art
    • Text: may include fiction, non-fiction, poetry, typographic experiments.
    • 8–12 pages: including a front cover, back cover, and 3–5 inside spreads.
       

    For Next Class

    • 3 Covers: Create at least 3 covers with very different visual directions. Bring one or more, printed at 8.5” x 11” for in-class review.
    • 3 Thumbnails: Create at least 3 drawings of the entire layout in pencil in your journal.
    • 1 Mockup/Maquette: Create at least 1 small-scale mockup of the layout by cutting and folding paper, and using pencil to wireframe the layout.
       

    Considerations

    • Consider the fold of the paper and continuity of content from page to page.
    • Consider creative binding methods: string, folding, stapling, gluing, etc
    • Consider an impactful front page that will draw attention in a busy environment such as a cafe.
    • Typography: Create continuity by using only 2-3 different typefaces. Or anarchy by using many. But do it intentionally. 
       

    Part 2: Distribute & Document

    • Distribute at least 20 copies of your ‘zine.
    • Capture at least 5 photos and/or video which document the distribution.
    • Give at most 5 to friends.
    • Give at least 5 to strangers.
    • Leave at least 10 copies for anyone to find.

    Document the distribution with photos, videos if possible, and written commentary.
    Keep notes on what you hear people say (your peers, passersby, etc). Post these to your process book. 

     

    Part 3: Present

    A 5-minute Keynote class presentation documenting your project. Submit your paper ‘zine in class.
    Post a link to your journal and a PDF of your presentation to our Slack channel.

     

    * Process Book

    Create an online forum to track each project. Can be Squarespace, Wordpress, Medium, or other. 
    For each project, create a post about your progress in this class with at least 300 words and 3 images. 

     

    Due

    The presentation and process book entry are due in-class Wednesday, Feb 7 at 1:00 p.m.

     

     

     

    Resources

    Grading Rubric

    — TOTAL 100 POINTS

    Each of the 5 class projects is worth 15 points.
    5 points: Ideation, creative thinking
    5 points: Aesthetics, compositional sophistication
    5 points: Technical execution
    Work is graded in your class presentation.
    For late work, 1 point is removed per day.

    Weekly journal is worth 10 points.
    5 points: Keeping current with weekly updates
    5 points: Effort, aesthetic, technical execution

    Attendance is worth 15 points.
    1 point for every day attended
    If you need to miss a day, you must communicate ahead of time or have a verifiable extenuating circumstance.

    Good Typekit Fonts

    • Acumin – Sans serif (huge family of fonts)

    • Stozl – Geometric Sans Serif

    • Basic Sans – Humanist Sans Serif

    • Omnes – Geometric Sans Serif

    • Kulturista – Slab serif

    • Chapparal

    • Rift – Cool condensed caps

    • Lapture

    • Aktiv Grotesque

    • Katarine

    • League Gothic

    • DIN

    • Proxima Nova – like Helvetica, industrial strength sans serif

    • Mrs Eaves – Serif

    • Mr Eaves – Sans

    • Dapifer – Slab serif

    • Bookmania – Fun, use sparingly

    • Franklin Gothic

    • Futura

    • Quatro

    Pro Type Foundries with Free Samples

    Grilli Type (Walsheim, American, Sectra)

    Sharp Type (Centra, Sharp)

    Commercial Type (Platform Bold)

    Colophon (Aperçu, Mabry)

    Klim (Pitch, Pitch Sans)

    Hoefler (Knockout, Gotham, Archer *no free samples though)