12.11.07 Graphic Design 1

On Thursday, we are going to mount and critique our animal logos, hand out the quiz, and do teacher evaluations.

Quiz is due Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 5:00PM. Slide it under the door if I am not in.

12.11.07 IC101

People, there were some questions on the final paper.

Four pages minimum.

Type size no bigger than 12 pt.

Take a position for or against.

If it does not exist already, propose your ideal solution. But make it realistic. If you want to give general amnesty to all and open the borders, tell us what the impact on the country would be in all aspects. (schools, neighborhoods, jobs, economics, etc.).

Cite your sources and make a bibliography page.

All this should be based on, and supported by, research. At least 5 different current articles. (within the last 6 months). Any other pertinent research from older articles (i.e., past presidential election), DVD's, books is appropriate.

You may hand in the paper tomorrow or by the end of day(5pm) Tuesday.

The Crossing Arizona and Destination America DVDs are on reserve in the library if you need to reference them for your paper. The first section of the Destination America DVD called The Golden Door is the one with the most relevance for our project.


Please remind me tomorrow to hand out the teacher evaluations tomorrow.

11.26.07 Graphic Design 2

Monday we worked in class on our magazines.

Homework:

• The subject of your magazine decided.
• Initial roughs for the masthead.
• Thoughts about typefaces for the heads, subheads, body copy, running headers and footers, etc.
• Initial thoughts on color palettes.
• Roughs of grid systems
• Beginning layouts
• Photography style
  

I know that we are at different stages with all of this stuff, but you should be well along with all of it by Monday for sure. Be prepared to give rationale for all of your choices based on your concept and subject matter.

11.27.07 IC101

We talked a little more about illegal immigration today in class and watched most of the documentary called "Crossing Arizona", a left of center documentary on the subject. I assigned the 2 halves of the room to research both the liberal and conservative positions on the issue.

Right half conservative
Robert, Bryce, Kayla, Ben, Alex, Alice, David T., Ja'Nae

Left half liberal
Dan, Chris, Kyle, Dave A., Kaitlyn, Ashley, Liz

Why do both sides believe what they believe? What are the contributing factors? I know some of you may be on opposing sides, but try to approach this problem from a non-prejudicial viewpoint. Make it a fact gathering mission, not a desire to prove something or someone wrong. We will all write a paper on this when we are done discussing, so cite your sources, make copies, save urls, whatever you need to write your paper later. I will put the dvd on reserve in the library after Thursday so you can refer to that as well.

You need to research NAFTA as well. What is it? Who created it? Who was running the country when it was implemented? What effects has it had on both sides of the border? Does it work?


Some things to think about-

• What is the social impact on the USA? In schools? In the workplace?
• What is the economic impact? How will this affect your parents? What about the cost of education for you? Your kids?
• Do you like the idea of education subsidies for grade school kids? College age people?
• Driver's licenses for illegal immigrants? Official ID's? What would that do to the cost of auto insurance?
• What are some immigration policies in other countries? What is the penalty for illegal immigration in Mexico? Sweden?
• What has the result of a loose border policy in France?
• What is multi-culturalism? How does that affect us here in our country?
• How do you feel about the water stations in the Arizona border?
• Have you ever gone without any luxuries? Do you have any idea what it might be like to not be able to afford medical care? Does that make a difference in the way you perceive people who want to come here?
• Where is your family from originally? When did they immigrate?

Do it right this time. You will be accountable for your research and we will have a discussion in class as well as a written paper at the end.

11.27.07 PM Graphic Design 1

Great job everyone on your word power logos! They turned out great. Get those thumbnails done for Thursday. Even if you are "not feelin' it". After you create a great product, it is all worth it.

11.27.07 AM Graphic Design 1

Well, I guess you could consider this a notification. The end of the semester is fast approaching. (5 class periods). Considering that only 3 of you had a final word power logo on the board this morning, out of 13, there are ten of you that are going to feel that on your grade. (Refer to late work policy in the syllabus). One of you had a start on the 50 thumbnails. (25 were due today). So you won't get points for those either. For some of you, this is an isolated incident, for several, this is the most recent in a long line of apathy towards the course. Now, I hate failing people. Especially people who I know can do good work. People like you. SO, pull yourselves together and finish out the rest of the semester strong. You might be able to rescue your chances.

For those of you who arrive late and leave early, here is the attendance policy from the syllabus-

Attendance:
This is a studio class. As such, attendance is required. Roll will be taken at the beginning of each class. You get 2 freebies, however, your grade will be affected beginning with number 3. Any student having more than 5 absences is subject to administrative withdrawal. What we cover in this class will be new to most of you, if you are not in class, you cannot receive the help you might require. Attendance includes: arriving on time with materials, making good use of class time, and working to the end of the period. Please keep open lines of communications with me.

Any questions, please let me know.

11.26.07 Internship Capstone

Ok. Let's start presentations on Thursday because someone has already begged off for tomorrow. Here's the list. We are going to do 3 a day to use fewer days. Let me know if this a problem for anyone.

Nov. 29
1. Alison Ayers
2. Emily Simons
3. Trip

Dec. 4
1. Della B
2. Jessica Neri
3. Christina D'Amore

Dec. 6
1. Kevin Hughes
2. Josie Lidke
3. Alison Friskey

Dec. 11
1. Kim O'Neil
2. Cory Cordiero

10.26.07 Graphic Design 1

Due tomorrow. 25 thumbnail sketches of your animal logos. Final word power logo.

11.26.07 IC101

I got a little behind. Sorry about that. I am busy trying to apply for another contract here, working on 2 freelance projects and hold my family together as well.

Right, so, tomorrow we need to nail down the particulars of the pennies for peace project. We really need to have a firm answer from the schools tomorrow.

We will also look into the immigration issue some more. The issue is a deep one and I would like to look into both sides of the argument. I will have some readings for you tomorrow that explore this more in depth.

Over and out.

Everything will be invented has already been

From Michael Michalko's blog on Amazon.com

Years back, some scientists visited a New Guinea tribe that believed their world ended at the nearby river. After several months one of the scientists had to cross the river to leave. When the scientist was safely across he waved, but the tribesmen did not respond because, they said they didn’t see him. Their entrenched belief about the end of the world distorted their perception of reality.

Most of us have difficulty in understanding how perceptions of reality can become so distorted. In a way, these distortions also occur in business where the entrenched perceptions of experts make it difficult for innovative and creative employees. In 1968, the Swiss dominated the watch industry. Enterprising inventors invented the electronic watch movement at their research institute in Neuchatel, Switzerland. It was rejected by every Swiss watch manufacturer. Based on their past experiences in the industry, they believed this couldn’t possibly be the watch of the future. Seiko took one look at this invention that the Swiss manufacturers rejected took over the world watch market.

When Univac invented the computer, they refused to talk to business people who inquired about it, because they said the computer was invented for scientists and had no business applications. Then along came IBM. IBM, itself, once said that according to their past experiences in the computer market, there is virtually no market for the personal computer. In fact, they said they were absolutely certain there were no more than five or six people in the entire world who had need for a personal computer. And along came Apple.

Fred Smith, while a student at Yale, came up with the concept of Federal Express, a national overnight delivery service. He wrote a paper detailing his concept. His professor graded it a C- saying that if Fred wanted a higher grade he would have to present a plan for a business that was feasible and possible. When Fred started Federal Express, virtually every delivery expert in the U.S., doomed his enterprise to failure. Based on their experiences in the industry, no one, they said, will pay a fancy price for speed and reliability.

I live near Rochester, N.Y., home of Xerox. Chester Carlson invented xerography in 1938. Virtually every major corporation, including IBM and Kodak, scoffed at his idea and turned him down. They claimed that since carbon paper was cheap and plentiful, who in their right mind would buy an expensive copier. A group of people created a small company funded by open-minded investors that eventually became Xerox. The investors all became multi-millionaires. When was the last time you saw carbon paper?

And, finally, my all time favorite example of expert thinking. In 1899 Charles Duell, the Director of the U.S. Patent Office, suggested that the government close the office because everything that can be invented has been invented.

These are examples of experts who could not see beyond what they had been taught and what had worked before. They could not conceive of product improvements, markets, or business innovations that were different from their experiences. They could not change the way they saw things. Whereas, creative people look at the same information as everyone else and see something different. Much of my work in creative thinking is based on changing perception, because if you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

11.14.07 Graphic Design 2

Good work on your projects people. Probably the most consistently strong body of work that a class has done for me so far. Be proud of yourselves for that.

Now, regarding the next project. Project brief is forthcoming. But, like I said in class, the project will consist of a magazine cover, table of contents and editorial spread. You will need to really focus now because this is a good amount of work to get done for the end of the semester.

Regarding the Shekerjian book, you should finish the book now. I will create a similar set of questions for the last section as I did for the first. As for the paper that more than half of you did not turn in. You have one chance to do that for a maximum of 40/50 points. We want to discuss on Monday, so if it's not in by then, you are out of luck.

Work hard and I'll see you Monday. Let me know if I can help you with anything.

12.13.07 IC101

So we decided on all three ideas. I will revise and get ready for final copy. Ben, you and whomever is on your writing team needs to be working towards having copy for as soon as we get home from the break. I am supposed to try and get a photo of my kids classroom. Those of you who are setting up the schools, we need to get a little more aggressive or we will find ourselves done with no place to put up our stuff but here on campus. Remember to try the libraries in Rindge, Jaffrey and Fitzwilliam if we don't get a good response from the schools.

Homework
The Majestic homework is due on Thursday. We cleared up some questions on the questions Tuesday.

You should also be researching the issue of immigration. Both legal and illegal. If you want to makes things interesting, find immigration policies for other countries, Mexico, for example. Maybe look into France and how their loose immigration policies have affected the stability of their country.

11.13.07 Graphic Design 1

Good start on your digital versions of the word power logos. I'm sorry that this part of the learning process takes long and you have to wait for me to get around to you in class. Be patient. It's really hard for me too, because I can never remember who has their hand up first and I am constantly telling people I'll be right over and then someone stops me and I help them and then the other person gets frustrated. Just know I am trying as hard as I can, and as we get more familiar with the software, there will be less and less waiting.

I am going to assign the animal logo project on Thursday. We really only have about 7 more class periods left and I would like you to get 4 solid projects out of the semester. Believe it or not, you have all come a long way with your skills this semester. The thing that is hurting some of you is craftsmanship. Take time, be careful, make light construction marks, don't try and cut through the mounting board on the first time. Use even pressure on the straightedge (ruler/t-square). A lot of this stuff takes practice and the more you use the tools, the better at it you will be.

Homework:
You should have read chapter 5
Have 2-3 digital roughs for the end of class Thursday

11.8.07 Graphic Design 1

So, I skipped the entry for last class because it was mainly the crit. Illustrator looks like fun, eh? It really is a powerful program. If you have questions about using the software, let me know. Initial roughs look OK. Don't be too predictable with your ideas. Find words that are less common. Be smart. Also, don't be afraid to consider the actual design space if it helps with your concept.

Homework:
Second 25 thumbnails (smart ideas)
Read chapter 5 in the Landa book

11.5.05 Graphic Design 2

Most of you are moving along nicely with your stuff. Let me know if you are stuck. Apparently I gave you an incorrect date for when your Uncommon Genius homework would be due. Oops. I told you the 11th, which is a Sunday, but what I meant was Monday the 12th, so, don't procrastinate. Get it done. I'd like to discuss in class as well as get your responses on paper.

11.1.07 IC101

Alright. We finished the Majestic in class. Let me know if you felt the film had relevance to our course content and if you enjoyed it. Thanks for the discussion as well. While I did a lot of talking there were some very valid points brought up by the class. I appreciate your contributions. It shows me you are beginning to find a voice. For those of you who underlined terms but did not look them up. That ultimately does not do you a whole lot of good. Please follow through now and be prepared to impress your peers with your in-depth knowledge of words like despotism and usurp. By the way, sorry Ashley you were right on with that definition. I knew you were right as you were saying it, but I was following the wrong thing in my notes. So thanks, and I 'm sorry about that. I'll be more vigilant in the future.

Friday we got some design templates started. Thanks to all those who came and participated. Your feedback was really valuable. Sorry that the conditions were not optimal for viewing and participating.

The other thing I need from you guys is someone who can be at the discussion panel tomorrow for sure and would be willing to introduce Greg to the audience. Any volunteers? Get back to be via email as soon as you can.

As we will be attending the event tomorrow and not meeting at our regular time please contact me with any concerns with the class. Thursday we will be doing registration stuff in class.

Points of clarification on the Majestic homework:
Answer all of the questions.
Define the list of terms

11.1.07 Graphic Design 1

Thursday we looked at full-sized tight comps. You should be on track to be done for Tuesday. Remember if it not on the board when we start the crit, it is LATE. Late work is graded and then dropped one letter grade for every day it is late starting on the day of the crit. Contact me with any remaining questions. Remember to refer to the assignment sheet for final details on the assignment. 14 x 20 inch board (the one I gave you was right around 15 x 20, so you will have to trim it down). Design goes at the top with 2 inch borders on sides and top. Remember you don't have to put a border on it, much like the finger print assignment. If it needs one, put one on. If the border is pretty well implied and it will not affect the pos/neg space in a negative way, leave it off. Once again, craftsmanship is key here people! Do not put a border around the small letterform at the bottom.

I introduced the next assignment in class as well. The word power logo. Be choosing your words with care and remember, as always, IDEA is king! No mediocre solutions will get you any notoriety. After the final crit on Tuesday for the type study, I will do a demo with Illustrator and you will work on your 50 thumbnails. Contact me with any questions.

10.31.07 Graphic Design 2

Thanks again for your participation in the Messiah poster contest. It was quite considerate of Provost Bell and Professor Brandes to come to class. When you see them, you might thank them for their time.

Your snowboard/skate deck designs are coming along well. Some of you need to step up your game a little bit. If you need help or want feedback outside of class, contact me fo an appointment. I can meet most days.

Two tight designs due plus initial designs for boots or wheels.

10.30.07 IC101

We nearly finished the Majestic today. Climax will be Thursday I guess. Please have the readings done. We will discuss Thursday as well as begin the design process for the posters. So, have your choices picked.

Those of you who missed Tuesday's class need to watch the movie through scene 30, "The Real World".

10.30.07 Graphic Design 1

People-
For those of you who did turn something in today, nice work. They are coming along nicely. For those of you who did not, ask yourself where your priorities are.

We went over chapter 4 today on typography. We discussed differences between typeface, type font, type family and type style. We went over the difference between calligraphy, lettering and type. Know the systems or conventions of type measurement, and the classifications of type. How do the Principles of design apply to typography. What are key issues of designing with type and type and image?

I will assign the next project on Thursday.

Homework:
10"x10" tight comp for Thursday.
Study chapters 4 and 6.

10.29.07 Graphic Design 2

My fellows designers, I saw much potential in the early sketches today. As you progress, put yourself into this piece. Remember, typography must be incorporated into the piece in a more meaningful way than just a logo. I also would like it to be more than a single word.


Due dates for tomorrow on this project:

• Minimum 5 Roughs due
• Choose direction and begin tight renderings for 2 versions

Here is the next assignment for Uncommon Genius. Write a 2 page paper on the single most important idea or concept you took out of section 2, and then expound on potential application of said concept in your life. Due Thursday, Nov. 11, 2007.

10.25.07 IC101

We watched the first half of the The Majestic yesterday. We will finish it and begin discussion on Tuesday. Read the assignment. Pay particular attention to your rights and privileges as citizens of the USA and how it ties into the film.

I will figure out when we will meet to do the design of the posters.

Also, our meeting place for Transformers needs to be moved. If anyone has suggestions, let me know.

10.25.07 Graphic Design 1

All right my friends, most of you did great with the 10 roughs. Push the designs we talked about and be ready for Tuesday. Ink. Half size at least. 2-3 tight roughs.

Also, read chapter 6, and forget about the quiz next week. I changed my mind. You already read Chapter 4 on typography, so will go over that next week. The quiz will be after that sometime. Pay special attention to the parts of the letters on page 78. I will copy that page for the quiz and you will need to fill in the blanks. The rest will be short answer. I will narrow down what will be on the quiz and post it here in the near future.

10.24.07 Graphic Design 2

Great job on the final posters everyone! I met with the committee and they were blown away by the quality of the posters. They went on and on about what a strong group of posters there was this time around. So I want to say again, thank you for your hard work. I believe next Wednesday will be the day that they announce the winner and present the prizes for the top 3 poster designs.

Now, regarding the new project, I sent around the brief yesterday. If you have any questions, let me know. On the brief, I said 5 different directions. That might mean 5 roughs or 25 roughs. So, minimum 5. Maximum...? Why don't you work on loving the process with this project. Instead of trying to come up with ideas to finish a project, work on coming up with ideas because you want to be a great designer. Do it for the love of the process. Do it because it is fun, or because you want to succeed after you leave here. Getting the grade should not be your driving force at this point, being great should be.

Good design doesn’t come in a flash of inspiration. You have to spend a substantial amount of time to realize a good and unique design idea. You also have to have lots of ideas. There are always many “right” answers. But you can’t stop with the first idea. What is the second one? What other great ideas are there just below the surface? What wonderful thing will occur to me if I spend an extra 15 minutes thinking about it? When you have five or ten options, you can feel confident that the solution you finally decide to go with is the best one.
-Stephan Farber

10.23.07 IC101

Good discussion yesterday in class regarding poster layout. You all need to decide on 3 posters to revise and finalize. I need a couple of people to write final copy for the poster after we decide on direction. Let me know if you are willing to be one of those people. Liz, Ja'Nae, Ashley, Chris, Dave A., and Kyle have all taken an active role in this project besides the concepting stage, so I would like some of you that have not participated as actively to step up for this stage.

Also, you need to read pages 69-82. The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, The Bill of Rights for Tuesday.

10.23.07 Graphic Design 1

Good job on your roughs. Make sure that the 10-12 due tomorrow are done in ink, and anything that is supposed to filled in with black is. They need to be 5 x 5 inches. Read chapter 4 for tomorrow. Quiz is next Tuesday.

Be sure and check the inspiration links when you get a moment.

10.21.07 Graphic Design 2

Hey. The Messiah posters are coming along nicely. Finals are due Wednesday, mounted on 14x20 inch black mounting board which is just outside my office door. If you missed class or didn't turn in your assignment today, you need to get it to me as soon as possible or else it will not be considered for the presentation.

I will introduce the new assignment on Wednesday. Let me know if you are dying to do a particular project.

Jay

10.18.07 IC101

Each group needs to have 5 good concepts and sketches for posters for Tuesday. Also the schools should be contacted by Tuesday so we know where we are going to hang these posters.

Turn in your current event from last week unless you did another one. Then pick your favorite.

Remember, we are meeting in Crestview 110 Tuesday.

10.18.07 Graphic Design 1

Sorry about Tuesday. I was trying to get rid of my cold once and for all. Thursday we critiqued our final Fingerprint assignment and started the Type Study assignment. 50 roughs are due Tuesday.

10.17.07 Graphic Design 2

Well, at this point, time is short. I don't know yet if we can get another day, so work hard and smart. If you need to speak with me, you know how to get in touch with me. At this point, plan on having a real tight final draft on Monday. If we get until Wednesday we will have time for one more round. I'm trying to get Prof. Brandes to come and respond personally, but I'm not sure if it will work out yet.

I will introduce the next project on Tuesday.

10/15/07 Graphic Design 2

Your information hierarchy was better today. Remember, the point of a poster is to draw the viewer in from a distance, not have the viewer read all of the details from a distance. Draw them in with imagery and headline, and then make your secondary info clear and easy to read. Go back and look at the good poster samples you brought in. Search for other good examples. Be inspired by what you see. (But be careful not to rip off someone's image or concept.)

This project will probably be due in a week. Maybe a day or two more. Design is your major people. Put some blood, sweat and tears into this. Set up your schedule assuming that all of your time will be used doing design homework, then fit your other stuff in around that. If you want help, come and see me. If you don't communicate with me, I can't help you.

Let's see a tight revision of your best one or two directions for Wednesday.

You can ALL can pull this off. Remember...

Good design doesn’t come in a flash of inspiration. You have to spend a substantial amount of time to realize a good and unique design idea. You also have to have lots of ideas. There are always many “right” answers. But you can’t stop with the first idea. What is the second one? What other great ideas are there just below the surface? What wonderful thing will occur to me if I spend an extra 15 minutes thinking about it? When you have five or ten options, you can feel confident that the solution you finally decide to go with is the best one.
-Stephan Farber

10.11.07 Internship capstone

Thank you Alison A. and Emily for your presentations. Both very informative and strongly delivered. If anyone has more questions to ask either presenter that you didn't think about yesterday, bring them on Tuesday. Rocco will be presenting Tuesday and we should have some time for more q&a after he is done.

One thing I would like everyone to mention is the size of the agency/group you interned with and the chain of command within that group. Every experience will be different that way and I would like you all to be aware of issues and problems in each arena.

Continue to bring relevant stuff to share with the group. I think it is really beneficial and it helps to expose us all to what else is going on out there in the industry and beyond. Also, keep checking the inspiration links and if you want me to add one, send it along.

10.11.07 IC101

We finished our discussion on the Barber and Putnam articles. Thanks to those who spoke up. I think the morals/ethics conversation is worth pursuing more, or maybe we should do a paper on it. I'll think about that. You all have already done some initial legwork on it.

Regarding the civic engagement project, time is getting tight now if we really want to raise any money. So, meet with your groups before Tuesday, analyze your research and come up with some concepts for us to review in class. If you need help with this, email me. What I suggested in class was to look into pakistani culture, muslim culture, geography, language, writing, religion, climbing culture, anything that you think might spark ideas for an interesting design on the posters. Review the 3 Cups book. Be thinking of the posters as you review. Think about imagery, about Mortensen, about the people, the region. See if there are quotes that you would like to use on the poster. Try and have some sketches done so we can all try and visualize what you are thinking. They shouldn't be perfect, but should give us an indication of information and placement/layout.

I will probably bring my computer to class on Thursday or the following Tuesday after we have nailed down direction and we can can start building our designs in class.

10.11.07 Graphic Design 1

Final fingerprint assignments are due on Tuesday at the beginning of class. If you don't remember my late policy, re-read the syllabus.

After the crit of the fingerprint assignment, I will introduce the new assignment.

Bring your sourcebooks for me to review on Tuesday as well.

10/10/07 Graphic Design 2

Finals of the self-portrait were due today. Thanks for the good work. Generally they turned out great!

The Messiah posters really need to progress between now and Monday. A some of you are on track. 5 or 6 of you really need to show me stuff before Monday. Have your top 2 designs tight for Monday. Paying particular attention to information hierarchy and organization.

Please read the first half of section 2 in the Shekerjian book by October 24. Pages 83 through 128.

10/9/07 IC101

We finished The Truman Show in class today. Because very few people were willing to discuss the film in conjunction with Plato and The Matrix, I will draw up some questions and ask you to respond to them.

The discussion on the Putnam article was much better, however. Thanks for your participation. We will continue that discussion as well as look at the honor code and the Barber article on page 44 in the reader.

We should also discuss your progress on the Pennies for Peace project and determine next steps.

Don't forget your current event for next Tuesday. Make sure it is a significant event. It should impact your town, state, country or world in consequential way. There have been too many light events turned in.

10/9/07 Graphic Design 1

You should be narrowing down your designs to the top one or two based on our discussions today. Final is still due next Tuesday the 16th. Black ink on illustration board. I will cover any details about the final on Thursday that might be unclear. Be sure and ask.

Take home quiz is due back on Thursday, beginning of class. Please don't try and turn it in late. Because it is a take home, late quizzes will not be accepted.

I will also introduce the next project Thursday.

Read Chapter 4 in Landa for Tuesday next week.

10.4.07 IC101

Today we watched the first installment of The Truman Show. You need to be thinking of how the film relates to Plato's Allegory, The Matrix and the overall scope of what we have been talking about in class. There will be follow-up.

We will discuss Putnam and the response by Hill on Tuesday given time after we finish the The Truman Show. Hill article is forthcoming via email.

10.4.07 Graphic Design 1

Good progress in class today. I think most everyone is on track. You should have 3 good solid roughs, about half size on white paper for Tuesday. If you have been working primarily on tracing paper, photocopy your designs onto white paper. It is much easier to see them on the board.

The final will be due October 16. I will show you how to transfer your final designs to the illustration board on Tuesday. I will also hand out project 2 so that you can start on that.

Quiz on Chapters 1-3 in the Landa book is on Tuesday. There will be short answer and matching vocabulary. It is not an easy quiz, so study. If you followed along in discussions marking your books or taking notes, you should not have any problem.

10.3.07 Graphic Design 2

Alright. Your responses to the questions from Uncommon Genius were due this morning before class. Thanks to those that responded. I will read the responses and grade them. For those that didn't respond, and there were 8 of you, you need to make an appointment to see me please.

Ok. You need to have 3 solid roughs for next Wednesday. Anyone who was not prepared with good sketches for today needs to show me something by Friday. You know who you are. I added a new link to the inspiration category today. Check it out. Called book autopsies..

10/2/07 Internship Capstone

Sorry for not finishing your papers. I will have them soon. Pester me for them. Schedule for presentations is as follows:

October 11 (Thursday)
1. Alison Ayers
2. Emily Simons

October 16 (Tuesday)
Out Sick

October 18 (Thursday)
1. Rocco Tripaldi
2. Brian DellaBernarda

October 23 (Tuesday)
1. Jessica Neri
2. Christina D"Amore
3. Kevin Hughes

October 25 (Thursday)
1. Josie Lidke
2. Alison Friskey

October 30 (Tuesday)
1. Kim O'Neil
2. Cory Cordiero

Be sure to compile your stuff for your presentation.

10/2/07 IC101

So, we broke up into 4 groups to start the creative process. We are concepting and creating posters and signage for our Pennies For Peace drive. Remember, your audience is largely women and children. Keep that is mind as you concept. Also, peruse the literature on the P For P website. Consider the history, geography and location of the region. Think about your education and what it means to you. Potentially what doors it may open for you. How your life is easier because of education. Look at Muslim tenets. Find out what their writing looks like.

Groups are as follows:

Group 1
Kyle, Alice, Jami, Kaitlyn

Group 2
Rob, Chris, Ja'Nae, Alex

Group 3
Kayla, Dan, Ben, David T.

Group 4
Ashley, Liz, Dave A., Bryce

Please have met before Thursday for an initial meeting. I am looking at Oct. 18 for a brainstorming session as a group where we will look at everyone's concepts and make some decisions regarding direction.

Critical thinking papers are due THURSDAY.

Write up on faculty show piece is due in lieu of the current event next Tuesday.

10/2/07 Graphic Design 1

You should be composing the sections that you traced. 5 are required for Thursday. Remember the rectangular proportions. Final live area is 9x14. If you are struggling with that, make a rectangle to half-size and use it as a reference.

Quiz is next Tuesday on Chapters 1-3 in the Landa book.


I should look at sourcebooks next week as well. Let's do that Thursday the 11th. You should have 10 things for each week so far. 40 total.

10/1/07 Graphic Design 2

Hey. So we decided that, due to Fall Break Day, our final self-portraits will be due on Wednesday, October 10. Keep working. If you need more feedback or more direction. Ask.

I handed out the brief for the Messiah poster today. Read it carefully. All except the process paragraph. I forgot to delete that from a previous brief. Oops. I will email out a revised brief today. 20 sketches due Wednesday still.

Don't forget research.

Final posts are due before Wednesday morning. Sorry about having to create a Gmail account to post. I was unaware of that requirement, however, it is my favorite email utility.

9.27.07 Graphic Design 1

Alright-overall the type tracings looked good. A couple of them look exceptional. Nice work.

Just like the type tracing assignment, we will be looking at balance and positive/negative relationships with the fingerprint assignment. We will also consider movement, flow, rhythm, etc. Scale and dominance as well.

We discussed the principles of design today.
• balance
• emphasis
• rhythm
• unity
• correspondence/
• continuity
• grid
• alignment
• flow

You should be familiar with all of the key concepts from chapters 1-3 for our quiz on Oct. 9th.

Have your big sheet of tracing paper filled with sections of your fingerprints for Tuesday. Different parts and sizes to give yourself the biggest variety of stuff to work with.

9.27.07 IC101

The critical thinking discussion went a little better today, but you are still not participating like you need to be. How do we achieve that participation?

I do appreciate those that really took the time to read, mark your books up, and participate in today's discussion. All 4 or 5 of you. It makes a big difference. Thank you!

As for the civic engagement project, please advise as to who is doing what and the next steps the group is moving forward with. That can happen right here. Just post a response to this post.

I want you to be thinking of an issue or cause that you are really passionate about for future use in class. Try and come up with it by next class period. Don't neglect your papers. They are due next Thursday the 4th.

Inspiration

I found a nice blog today with tons of beautiful imagery. You all should check it out.

http://desiretoinspire.blogspot.com/

9/26/07 Uncommon Genius 4

Stated simply, it is that creative efforts are neither glib, nor ignorant, but rather stem from a solid base of knowledge...It’s from giving oneself over to the doing that the creator accumulates an intimate fund of knowledge that will inform his efforts. It is through the doing that he exposes the knotty tangle of relevant questions...It is in the act of doing that he opens himself up to the unanticipated directions that may lead him to something new, something useful, something beautiful, something creative. (Shekerjian pg, 74). How are you preparing yourself to be a creative person? Has your liberal arts education contributed to your creativity? Respond to the above quote.

9/26/07 Uncommon Genius 3

“To take on risk, you need to conquer fear, at least temporarily, at least occasionally. It can be done, especially if you look outside yourself for a strong ledge to stand on, at least temporarily, at least occasionally.” (Shekerjian pg. 31) What risk are you taking on? When you need a ledge, to what/whom do you turn?

9/26/07 Uncommon Genius 2

The main premise of part one of Shekerjian’s book is stated on page 1. She says, “The trick to creativity, if there is a single useful thing to say about it, is to identify your own peculiar talent and then settle down to work with it for a good long time. Everyone has an aptitude for something. The trick is to recognize it, to honor it, to work with it. This is the way creativity starts.” Clarify. Do you agree? How does the sentence gel with the title of the section.

9/26/07 Uncommon Genius 1

In the intro section entitled “In The Beginning”, on page xvii, Shekerjian starts to investigate the idea of creativity and the qualities of a creative person. One of the ideas she brings up is that, “A creative person is one who enjoys, above all else, the company of his own mind.” What is your interpretation of that sentence? Clarify what you think she means. Just as important, do you agree/disagree? Why?

9/26/07 Graphic Design 2

I am really thrilled about your roughs for your typographic self-portraits. For the most part, they are better than I imagined. Good work!

The discussion on poster design was kind of quick, but I think we covered the relevant points. Take some time this weekend and do some searches for posters online. Not kitties and puppies and stuff, but actual posters that promote. Music/band gig posters are everywhere. Movie posters intrigue me as well. One of my favorite sites for posters is http://www.theheadsofstate.com Print some examples and bring them in to discuss.

For Monday, be sure to have a tight rough of your portrait. I will hand out a brief for the Messiah poster and we can spend a little time discussing artwork and copyright issues.

Please respond to the Uncommon Genius questions before the start of class next Wednesday, Oct. 3.

9/25/07 Internship Capstone

Today in Internship Capstone we met and turned in our first draft of our paper. I attempted to outline the paper how I would write it. Hopefully that cleared up any remaining questions as to content and/or structure. As I have said before, I have never seen one of these papers, so I have no preconceptions as to what to expect. This may work in your favor. The purpose of this paper is to quantify your internship experience. Not only that, but so you have something to compare against. It will also help your peers in their search as well. We will meet again next Tuesday, October 2 to hand back drafts and determine schedule of presentations. Let’s discuss your other pertinent artifacts from other courses that you think will be beneficial to you in the future.

Be sure to research portfolios and presentation cases a little bit. Ask Prof. Block what he is going to use next semester and if you all can weigh in the selection. Also, be thinking of the digital component of your portfolio.

Feel free to post interesting things here that you find that have relevance to us.

9/25/07 IC101

Today in IC101, I put off the discussion on critical thinking because of lack of participation. Like I said, there is nothing precious about your textbooks. mark them up and annotate them so that you know what questions you have and what you want to contribute. SO, that means that Thursday we WILL discuss both critical thinking pieces from the tapestry reader. Be prepared to contribute in a meaningful way to the discussion.

We also talked through the civic engagement project with the class and determined that Beth Norton, Ashley Waltz, and Liz Ashkins will do some initial research by checking out the available resources. They will report their findings to the class on Thursday and we will continue discussion regarding the scope of the project and narrow the direction. Please share any ideas or suggestions you have regarding the project here, or bring them up in class.

Be thinking of the 2nd outside event you want to attend, and plan accordingly for the Sex, Alcohol and a Million Decisions forums next week. Monday and Friday. See the document I sent previously for exact times and locations.

Please remember to email me the question you are going to answer by class time on Thursday. They are in the Chafee article on page 26 in the IC reader. The paper is minimum 2 pages, but if you have more to say, by all means, say it. There is no maximum length on this paper.

Let me know if I have forgotten anything.

9/25/07 Graphic Design 1

Today in Graphic Design 1 we turned in our art influence papers, continued work on the type tracing project, (due this Thursday, Sept. 27) and received our first major project (Fingerprint assignment).

The type project is due at 9:40 for the am class, and 2:40 for the pm class. Done in black ink on the 11x17 white paper I provided in class. As I mentioned several times in class today, the design studio is usually open M/W from noon to around 2, and is usually free after 4:30ish each day until 6:30/7ish. If you cannot accommodate those times, Campus Safety has a list with your names that give you clearance to be in the studio.

Regarding the Fingerprint Project, it is worth 100pts. I will record points for each step in the process, so please keep up. If you get 100pts on the final, but lose 30 because you didn’t keep pace and turn things in on time, you could really take a hit. Remember to keep in mind the final size of the project, so you can work within the prescribed proportions. Please have your fingerprints and and have them enlarged for class on Thursday.

Regarding the discussion. We covered the first half of chapter 3 in the Landa book. That included the formal elements of graphic design.
Namely:
• Line
• Shape
• Value
• Texture
• Color
• Format

We will cover the second half on Thursday. Principles of Design.

Quiz on chapters 1-3 in Landa will be on Tuesday, 10/9.

Let me know if I have left anything out.

9.24.07 Graphic Design 2

Today we worked in class on the 3 roughs. You should definitely have your paragraph of rationale written now and be using that as your foundation. If you find your design straying from that, analyze why. Go with whichever is most true to you and your vision of self or the way you would like people to perceive you. Don't distort (stretch or squish) any of the letterforms. You can flip, rotate, and create a mirror image, but let's keep the integrity of the letterforms.

For Wednesday, the 26th have 3 tight roughs done and ready to look at by 9am. If you are done, show up at nine. If you have work to do, I better see you at 8! Wednesday I will have questions for you based on the reading in Uncommon Genius up to page 79, or the end of section one. Be prepared to contribute to a discussion on posters (chap. 8 in Landa) on Wed. after we look at roughs.

Let me know if I have missed anything or if you understand something differently.

9/19/07 Graphic Design 2

Graphic Design 2-
Today in class we looked at initial rough sketches for our typographic self-portraits. You were supposed to have 3 good sketches of yourself so that you could begin experimenting with type solutions. However, as I have never taught this assignment in a classroom situation, that didn't go as well as I had hoped. So we looked at some examples of the assignment to help clarify and open up the creative conduit. You seemed to understand it a little better by the end of the class, and most people made a good start.

For Monday you should have a written paragraph of what you are trying to portray in your portrait and why you are approaching it the way you are. We will read those while analyzing your 3 roughs on Monday. The roughs do not need to be in a finished state, but we should be able to see a distinct direction. You should also be reading Uncommon Genius in preparation for discussion in class. You should be through pg. 79 by Thursday. On Thursday I will give you a set of questions derived from the basic tenets of the book. You will need to answer, in essay format, 3 of the 5 questions. We will then discuss in class your responses.

You also need to read Chapter 8 in the Landa book for Wednesday.

9/20/07 IC101

IC101
Today in class we broke into small groups to critically analyze the TeaCh Goals and the Statement on Liberal Learning from the 2007 Tapestry Reader. There were varying levels of participation. Many of you were much too quiet. Remember, there is a participation grade associated with the course. In the future, you might use this venue as a way to boost your participation grade by posting to the blog any responses you might have to future discussions in class.

Tasks and Info
We will go over learning styles stuff next Tuesday in class. Make sure you have read and completed the Amos article from the 07 reader. Also, you will want to hang on to the extra handout I gave you for discussion in class. Also please read pages 21-24 in the 07 Reader. It is a short article on critical reading and analysis.

I will return your questions to you Tuesday as well for use in class. Please hold on to them and bring them with you to classes.

Last thing, we talked about maybe taking a night next week to watch a film. We need to figure out a location where we can watch the film that still allows food and sodas. Let me know if you have suggestions.

9/21/07 Graphic Design 1

Graphic Design 1 (am & pm)-
Today we discussed the reading from Universal Traveler. The afternoon class was far more prepared and willing to talk about the excerpt. We had a meaningful chat and respondents offered clear, well-formed comments. The morning class will need to write a one-page, single-spaced response paper to the article detailing how they foresee the principles discussed in the article affecting their lives. Not just in respect to art, but in daily life as well as prospective employment.

We discussed chapter 2 from the Graphic Design Solutions book(hereafter referred to "the Landa book") as well. Both classes were better prepared for this discussion. The main ideas and concepts to remember from the discussion include:
• the creative brief
• the difference between strategy and concept
• the analytical process used to determine the strategy
• the types of questions asked • processes and phases of solving a design problem, including, but not limited to:
a. understanding the problem
b. gather information
c. thinking by sketching and writing
d. self-editing (both sketches to roughs, and roughs to comps
• production-understanding that it is the technical process by which a digital file gets prepared for final output by whatever means determined in the creative brief.

Remember, the designer has two goals: communicate the correct message to the audience, and make create a design with enough visual impact to stand out amongst all of the mediocre work out there.

We also talked very briefly about the visual differences in type and the secondary meaning they bring to a design solution. (First being the literal meaning of the words themselves.)

We began working on a type tracing assignment. This comprises gathering interesting samples of all different styles of typography from magazines, internet or other sources, composing the samples into a well-balanced design on a sheet of 11x17 paper, and then inking them in. This is not due Tuesday, but noticeable progress should be made on it.

Follow-up tasks:
• Read Chapter 3 in the Landa book
• Make progress on the type tracing project
• Finish research paper due on Tuesday, September 25