Introduction To The Graphic Arts GRA217.6b

GRA 345.1 - Cool Designs!

2010-10-30T19:11:00.024-04:00

GRA 345.1 - Banksy!

2010-10-26T18:00:00.000-04:00

El País

GRA 345.1 - Blog #11

2010-10-26T09:23:00.011-04:00

Meet a couple of my students!!

Even in the classes that I teach in the elementary school, I have noticed how much the children are influenced by American media. Little girls had pencil cases, pencils, necklaces, shirts, shoes, backpacks, lunchboxes, notebooks and agenda books with either the Jonas Brothers, Hannah Montana, Shrek or SpongeBob’s face on it.

Everyone, including the teachers, asked me whether I know Hannah Montana when I told them my name. Boys and girls sang Lady Gaga songs while working on class activities. One teacher also had one class sing a Beatles song to me (even though they come from English media).

I noticed that silly bands (colourful elastic bracelets that come in all different shapes) have come from the United States into Spain. It is hugeeeeeee here. There have been several times while I was teaching and the other professor had to take the silly bands away from the students. During breakfast break, girls and boys sit in circles trading silly bands with each other. Although they may be disruptive to the kids, I have found it a good tool to teach kids the names of the animals, instruments or whatever else the silly bands may be in English. I also learned from the students as well while playing with the silly bands. Lagartija = lizard!

My Senora loves the Beatles and raved about them when we were talking about music. She also told my roommate and me about how much she loves Frank Sinatra and Whitney Houston. When she was doing laundry, I put Frank Sinatra on my iTunes for about an hour and she was so happy! Even some bars and discotecas go the entire night only playing American songs! The Spanish television has quite a few American shows dubbed in Spanish. On Sunday, Senora and I watched American movies all day. It is crazy to see that Spain is trying to, in a way, catch up to American media and become as fast-paced and up-to-date with the newest trends and fads. Spanish media seems to try to imitate American media in order to jump on the bandwagon.

SpongeBob in Sol! Mickey Mouse in Plaza Mayor AND Parque de Retiro!

GRA 345.1 - Blog #10

2010-10-26T09:16:00.004-04:00

I was walking around Sol one day and stumbled upon a small movie theatre. They had several film selections, but it was weird to see that most of them were American films. To add on to that, they all had Spanish titles and some were translated poorly or written in a way that made it sound silly. The one movie that most of my peers in my Mare Nostrum group in Spain pointed out, and made fun of, was Zac Efron´s movie “Charlie St. Cloud” because its Spanish name was “Siempre a mi lado.”

I went to my first movie theatre in Spain this past weekend near my house, which was near the Metro stop Concha Espina. There, I bumped into one of my eight year old students that I teach at Colegio Pintor Rosales. I ask him and his little buddies what movie they were going to watch. They replied, ¨¡GRU, mi villano favorito!¨ I had just seen that film at a drive-in movie right before coming to Spain and wondered to myself, at that moment, whether I would still understand or find the movie as funny if I had seen it in Spanish. My friends and I laughed at that name just because it was so unexpected. It is far from its American name, “Despicable Me.”

At the theatre, we watched a Spanish film called “Didi.” While watching it, I really enjoyed it because the scenes were captivating. I wanted to know what would happen next to this girl who left her life in Spain to become an actress in the United States. I REALLY liked the movie…until my friends and I walked out of the movie theatre and we all asked ourselves and each other what that movie was about. None of us had any idea what the point of that movie was at all. The movie showed a girl´s life journey, but it did not have any substance nor meaning. The movie wasn´t really about anything nor did it have a point. If it were to have a point, however, it would probably be that the only way for a girl to have a successful career is to sleep with old, rich men. Also, there was probably a nude or sex scene every other few minutes. Usually in the United States, films limit such scenes to a minimum. Anyway, now, I can kind of understand why not many people enjoy Spanish movies. They tend to convey dark themes (the movie had a really sad and depressing ending) and may not successfully present it in a way that keeps the audience intrigued the entire time. Whenever Spanish cinema comes up at our dinner table conversation, my Senora never fails to repeat how much more she enjoys American films than Spanish ones.

When we first went into the movie theatre on a Saturday evening, there were only four other audience members. Most of them were around their late fifties to sixties years of age. I cringed a little because my friends would not stop talking during the movie, and speaking loudly and eating their food loudly, jaja. When the movie was over, I was surprised to see how many more people were waiting outside than when we first arrived. The main demographic included families and younger kids in elementary or early middle school age. I am sure that most of them were there to see one of the American movies, whether it was “Despicable Me”, “Letters to Julia” or “Social Network.”

GRA 345.1 - Blog #9

2010-10-22T20:08:00.009-04:00

It is 12:18 A.M. on a Friday night and I am currently sitting next to my Señora on the couch watching talk shows. These are so…tacky! They seem to be really cheesy andsilly, but, at the same time, they appear to be a lot of fun.

During dinner, we watched a program that had gossip about celebrities as well as news about the world. The most recent story just on the show was about how Michelle Obama's wardrobe is starting a trend all around the world. I saw similar stories about her in the United States before coming to Spain. Just like in the United States, the host was an attractive female with long hair and a very nice fitting red dress, who is very outgoing and playful. The backgrounds of the set are bright, colorful and very attention grabbing.

I think the previous show was a Spanish talk show similar to Jerry Springer in the United States. It had women trying to figure out who the fathers of their babies were. There was lots of yelling/screaming, physical fighting, crying and tension, just like in talk shows in the United States. Within 2 minutes, the women may have dropped the word “puta” at least five or six times, haha. Again, this comes down to the lack of censorship inSpanish media. Nobody is afraid of offending anyone. If the women trying to figure out their babies’ daddies were in English, I think half the conversation would have been bleeped out. The Spanish show we are watching now is asking people a certain series of questions and giving them a Lie-Detector test, which is how Jerry Springer figured out whether the fathersof the babies cheated on thewives or not and vice versa.

A difference I did see between talk shows in the United States and in Spain is that Spanish television seems to be more relaxed and less formal. Although serious shows do exist on Spanish television, the talk shows have hosts dancing, singing, talking on their cell phones while on air and doing whatever else they pleased. It seems that the Spanish hosts really don’t care what they do or what the talk about. They do not worry about being politically correct as in the United States. In the United States, everybody fears being politically incorrect in chance of being sued, losing viewership or receiving negative reviews. I also saw Spain’s MTV version of College Spring Break and students going crazy while on vacation.

Something odd that I noticed was that all the commercials have people and announcers speaking Spanish, but all the background songs are in English! This was the same for one of the gossip/news programs because it played English songs while airing clips of the Principes de Asturias. Of all the authors, doctors, journalists and what not who won, the fútbol players still received a lot more air time than the king, queen, prince or princess who were there handing out the awards.

My Señora loves the serious political debates on television as well as English movies on televsion all throughout Saturdays and Sundays. She keeps telling me how bad Latin American telenovelas and movies are, though.

GRA 345.1 - Blog #8

2010-10-22T19:46:00.010-04:00

Whenever my roommate and I finish dinner with our Señora and host sister, who is 28 years old and also speaks English, we talk about our days and whatever other topics come up in conversation. Last night, we shared YouTube videos with each other. YouTube is a huge sensation and a very effective way of reaching people all around the world. A lot of people post videos and become famous (such as pop singer Justin Beiber) or people who post videos to share with family (Charlie Bit My Finger). I asked her abouta video one of the teachers I teach with told me about – La he liao parda. I did not understand a lick of it until my hostsister explained it phrase by phrase. THEN Ithought it was hilarious! My roommate and I then showed our host family videos suchas Charlie Bit My Finger, Scarlet Takes a Tumble and Old Man Gets Hit By Bike.

La he liao parda: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICQrvG6jfOA

Charlie Bit My Finger: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OBlgSz8sSM

Scarlet Takes a Tumble: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIwTYL1fwJk

Old Man Gets Hit By Bike: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ghs3Cr2gWTQ

I think it’s awesome how it does not matter what language YouTube videos are in because people can understand enough/get a general idea through the occurring actions. It is still the same thing that makes people laugh such as in Video 1, the manner in which people speak and their facial expressions. Video 2, little kid gets hurt and then laughs again. Video 3, someone falling and getting hurt. Video 4, another person getting hurt.

Some things are universal – like a smile or a laugh. No matter where people are in theworld, we all experience the same emotions. I have seen here that people in Spain behave more or less the same as people in the United States. At Colegio Pintor Rosales, where I teach, the kids ages three to twelve are no different from any in the United States, except for the language they speak and maybe sports they play. They still cry, scream, hit each other, laugh, jump, run, have too much energy, rebellious and are loud and are learning. We may have different laws, rules and fashion, but we still all deal with happiness, sadness, anger, pain, grief, love, etc. We even have economic crises in common!

GRA 345.1 - Blog #7

2010-10-18T19:39:00.003-04:00

I think I have become immune to a form of media that is constantly around me just because it is constantly running and I have subconsciously learned to tune it out – the radio. My Señora constantly has her small little black radio turned on in the apartment whenever she is cooking, cleaning, doing laundry or just hanging around the house. The radio is her main source of information. She informs us about the weather almost everyday as well as news going on in the world. The time when the radio came in most handy was when my roommateand I were trying to find out what time and where the military parade was going to be held in Madrid. She listened to the radio, badabing badaboom, and we knew where to be and at what time as well in order to get good standing areas to see the parade!

It is cool to see how technology has evolved in Spain as well as in the U.S.and in the rest of the world. Here, my Señora, who is about 68 years old, relies on the radio for all her information and entertainment from listening to music. My friends who were born and still live in Madrid (around 20 – 28 years old) constantly tell me about how they have satellite or cable TV to watch football games, music videos and other TV shows. Younger people in Spain and in the U.S. utilize television and computers as their main source of media to obtain information. The older audience relies more on newspapers and radios because many do not have an understanding of the newest technology. Just last night, my host sister missed dinner because my Señora’s cousin, who is 70something years old, couldn’t figure out how to use the computer.

Another fun face: this past weekend I went clothes and shoe shopping around my area. Out of the 6 stores we went to, 6 of them played all American songs. I never realized the influence of American music in Spain, especially in the discotecas. I think the most authentic Spanish song I have heard so far has the lyrics, “No quiero agua. Yo quiero bebido.”………Yeah. I thinkit is crazy that even though I’m living in a different country, I still feel so at home knowing Lady Gaga, Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montana will never leave Spain. Ever.

GRA 345.1 - Blog #6

2010-10-18T19:08:00.008-04:00

Yet again, I am surprised to see how unaffected Spanish people areby nudity in public. There are large Calvin Klein billboards placed everywhere of an attractive girl only in her underwear. I usually see it near the Metro or bus stops, which is strategic because these areas grab the most viewership. When I was at the military parade the other day, the same advertisement stood right in front of us…along with numerous families with young children. I know that even at my age now (20 years old), my parents would choose a different location to view the parade just because of this image.

I also made a trip to El Corte Inglés and of course there was an ad of a many that was probably 20 stories high. It was plastered on the entire side of El Corte Inglés advertising Fernando Verasco, who is probably the eighth best tennis player in the world. Don’t get me wrong - I am not complaining about the billboard by any means! I love how everything in Spain is so blunt and forward. The people who live here are so open that they accept what others say or display without being offended.

There have been billboards all throughout the Metro stations and also on lampposts for Concha Velasco’s La vida por delante at the Teatro La Latina. I’m not sure what the show is about, but I infer that it should be pretty interesting judging by the image of a half-naked older woman. Again, advertisement designers are very open and unafraid of offending anyone or of shocking the public.

There is a Mario Testino flyer in the middle of our billboard at the Instituto Internacional that shows the top half of a naked woman. I think it is tasteful, especially with the black and white effect. We are all mature enough to handle and appreciate this image, but I definitely think this would receive some eyebrow-raising in the United States if it was out in the open and posted all over campus.

When I was in Barcelona, I saw this pink sign on lampposts along La Rambla, which indicated that there are fines for public urination. I don’t think I have seen anything in the states so prominent about peeing in public. I think it is hilarious especially because they put so much thought into it as to making it pretty and attractive to the eye.

GRA 345.1 - Blog #5

2010-10-18T17:57:00.005-04:00

Today when I was on the bus on my way to school, I noticed something I never would have thought I would see in a million years…a NO SMOKING sign. Later, I saw another "no smoking sign" in a supermarket. I have heard some rumors about banning smoking in bars and clubs. I found some news articles online describing how smoking is banned from public transportation and work places such as school, but small bars, restaurants and clubs have an option whether or not to put the rule into action.

I found an English article online about smoking and compared and contrasted it to a Spanish article – I took more of the aesthetic aspects into consideration rather than the content in the written articles. I noticed some differences and similarities between the layouts of each website.

English: http://costablog.com/2010/09/17/spains-smoking-ban -to-enforce-or-not-is-the-question/

Spanish: http://www.elpais.com/articulo/espana/Trafico/avisa/fumar/puede/matar/segundos/elpepiesp/20100827elpepinac_11/Tes

I find the Spanish article easier to navigate and focus because the English article immediately bombards the reader with advertisements and links to other websites. The English website was more cluttered and all those advertisements were very distracting while trying to read the article.

In the English one, there are 3 ads even before the article itself begins. More than one-third of the webpage is full of some type of promotion. Also, the English includes a graphic image in the article to make it more interesting and appealing to break up thetext. There arewords and phrases in bold to grab the reader’s attention of the main ideas.

In the Spanish one, there are quite a few advertisements, but the article remains the main focus of the webpage. The promotions are organized around the article as opposed to the English one where the ads are actually intrusive and interrupt reading the article. It appears that Americans rely more on the images to decipherthe news story whereas Spaniards rely more on actually reading the information.

GRA 345.1 - Blog #4

2010-10-04T12:44:00.005-04:00

On Wednesday, the 29^th of September, the national strike of Spain took place. However, my Señora told me ahead of time that we would not see much difference in our neighborhood. The only differences I noticed was a couple closed restaurants and a few delays of busses, but I still arrived to school on time without having to leave my apartment any earlier than usual. The lamppost-looking objects, located at bus stops, that indicatehow much time until the arrival of the next bus were inaccurate most of the day. It said that autobus #16 would arrive in 16 minutes when it ended up coming within the next minute. The next few pictures are of graffiti left over from the strike. I found these along the way one night when my friend and I got lost somewhere in Moncloa!

It was not until the next day when I picked up the newspaper, ADN, on the Metro and saw photographs documenting the protests and a car in flames in Barcelona. I was amazed to see such huge riots and gatherings of people. This was all going on while I was quietly commuting back and forth from school to my apartment. There was a photo of a huge crowd with a father and young son on his shoulders, which shows that children are learning at an early age about the situation of the economy. The following page has a large photo of Sol completely packed with people holding flags and yelling – even more people than those out to party on a Friday night! Also, I was more surprised to see that most of the people’s faces are smiling rather than angry. I guess everything is a fiesta in Spain! This image displays how many people are impacted by the current state of the economy, which is very unfortunate. In the bottom right hand corner of the page is a picture of the strike in Barcelona where a police car was set on fire. This showed me how serious and passionate people are and how much the strike has affected their lives. The strike in Bruselas seemed to be the most intense as ginormous signs, tons of people and colorful banners swarmed the streets. The following are photographs of the ADN website and the strike itself in Spain that I found on various websites online.

What I found most shocking by skimming this newspaper was that fútbol only got a couple pages in the back worth of coverage. Wow. The sport finally does not dominate a paper, which means that the strike took precedence. I know what my blogs have been too much about advertisements, but I learned that as much as I think newspapers are boring, I should pick one up more often. I had absolutely no idea about the terrorist threats in Europe until someone mentioned it to me yesterday. Although I am in Madrid studying and learning the language, I need to be more engaged and involved in the rest of the world. In general, the newspaper is a credible way of obtaining news to see what is going on around me rather than being oblivious to the everyday changes.

GRA 345.1 - Blog #3

2010-09-30T07:43:00.002-04:00

I continue to find more cultural divides between media in Spain versus the media in the United States. Near my Concha Espina Metro stop is a rotating advertisement billboard. Every couple minutes it will show an advertisement for the movie “Up”. The billboard shows the movie coming out in Spain, which already came out inthe United States more than half a year ago. (Great movie, by the way!)

Across the street is the bus stop, which changes advertisement about once every two weeks or so. This time I saw promotions for different shows on MTV, quite vulgar ones at that. The “MTV” logo is always present in the center of the message being conveyed. In the first advertisement, the letter “M” was the image of the lower half of a man’s body…very detailed as well. The “M” was wearing underwear and wanted to represent awkwardness for its new show about an awkward teenage boy. The second advertisement was bloody and showed Kenny from “South Park” dead (as usual) with more blood slashed across the ad. I thought they were hilarious, but I am sure that if these large ads were placed in the U.S., many people would complain about how they are promoting poor examples for children or something of something of that sort.

was watching MTV on television and it is incredible to see how American influence is everywhere. Anywhere I turn, there is something that reminds me of home. All the music videos they aired were popular songs back in the states, just like how many discotecas in Spain play songs we hear in the clubs at home. One song that I did see on MTV that I have never heard was “We no speak americano”. It never gets old! My music major friend back home was surprised when I told him that majority of music I have heard here is dominated by Lady Gaga songs. I can really see how Spain’s pop culture is trying to catch up with the American pop culture.

Another bus stop had an ad with a man and woman in underwear promoting the brand. Sure, those images are all over the U.S., but I am not sure whether it would be printed so large in such a public location. Again, parents would probably write complaint letters saying it should be somehow censored. I was watching TVE and saw more uncensored news, which I know would have absolutely been censored in the United States. Spaniards would probably think it is ridiculous that MTV blocked out the most popular moment in “Jersey Shore” when Snooki was punched in the face by a random guy in a bar.

I think it is great how people in Spain can be so open and not easily offended. I believe it creates an open market for creative thinkers to express what is on their minds, especially through advertisements.

GRA 345.1 - Blog #2

2010-09-19T19:00:00.003-04:00

The advertisements in the Metro finally changed! There are new ads for inexpensive jewelry and also something about banking (at least I think it is?). I am not entirely sure what company the advertisement was for, but it had an image of a man coming down from the sky with a parachute that is a 20 Euro bill. This reminded me the importance of images because, especially for someone who does not speak that language, they can get an idea of what the message beingconveyed is all about. If there is an image of a malnourished child, most people understand that it is a (most likely nonprofit) organization asking for donations of some sort. I have also seen billboards promoting the Jonas Brother’s new movie. No matter where I am lost in Madrid, I see their poster. It just goes to show the grand influence the U.S. has in the world. It is crazy to see three teenage boys be so universal and have such a great impact on people from all over the world.

I also noticed that many advertisements in Madrid are family-oriented. Every time on my way to school on the autobus route I see a billboard with a basketball player anda younger boy about 10 years old in a jersey as well. Again, I am not completely sure what it was for, but I know it was promoting helping the youth and setting a good example for them. The Metro also has advertisements for theater shows and exhibits such as King Tut and some other science and music exhibits. There is also an advertisement encouraging imagination where a girl is flying with a balloon in her hand off of a chair made out of grass.

Another thing I have noticed is the ubiquitous logo for VIPS and El Corte Inglés. I see people walking by carrying bags with the logo, big posters on bus stops, etc. They are everywhere! I haven’t been to either place yet, but I am sure I will understand once I get that experience.

I was watching the television with my Señora and we watched a tertulia. Everybody was nicely dressed, but yelling with and against each other the whole program. Of course I didn’t follow any of what they were saying, but they were very intense. There are similar shows in the United States, but, in my opinion, this tertulia is the most fancy and modern (Spain puts more money into producing it than in the U.S.) and seemed to be one of the more popular programs on television. I feel like news stations here are solely here to deliver news. The news does not look half as extravagant as the tertulia. In the U.S., news stations are very competitive and they put a lot of effort in to making it look modern and exciting. News anchors even have ginormous billboards with their faces on it along the highway.

I have been trying to pay more attention to details and differences between Spain and the United States. We are similar in many ways, but different in so many others. So far, the Spain lifestyle I will definitely need to incorporate into my life when I return back to the states. I enjoy not being bombarded with so many images, telemarketing calls, etc. It’s a nice vacation from “reality”.

GRA 345.1 - Blog #1

2010-09-12T13:32:00.002-04:00

Wow! I am actually living in Spain and I am somewhat frightened by how it almost feels completely natural to be here. I have noticed a lot of cultural differences, especially with the siestas. My Señora keeps telling my roommate and me to, “descansar, relajarse y tranquilo.” In the United States I constantly hear, “Hurry up! Deadline, deadline, deadline. Skip lunch and keep working.” The idea of skipping lunch in Spain would be a sin. A quote from Paul Moran that has stuck with me since orientation has summed up the culture here was, “People in Spain work to live. In the U.S., they live to work.”

I believe this mentality and lifestyle in Spain has an enormous influence on its different medias and channels of communication.

Haven taken the metro and bus just about everyday, I noticed that none of the billboards are really flashy or glamorous. They give the information they want to convey to its audience and that is it. It is simple. I may be ignorant in saying this because I have only been here for a couple weeks, but many advertisements seem cheesy/corny and not very exciting, at least in and around the Metro. I remember seeing a giant ad at one of the stations selling a set of knives with their prices and a website link. However, one ad I do really like is for the Metro itself. It cleverly takes the name of the stations that could also be first and last names for people. It then creates a littlestory around the person with that name to make it more relatable to the riders.

For example, “Carmen Herrera an architect. She is always on time to her meetings.” It shows that theMetro is the quickest and most efficient way of traveling around Madrid. For me, the bus is much more direct and convenient – plus, I get to see amazing buildings, fountains and people all around!

On Mondays, I watch Madrileñas en el Mundo with my Señora. On Tuesdays, we watch Españoles en el Mundo. I noticed that these two-hour long programs do not have any commercial breaks whatsoever. What?! I was amazed because no matter which channel in the U.S. there is always a commercial every other five minutes. One night we were watching the news and it showed a man on television being beaten. This would have been censored on the news in the U.S. Also, I saw magazine stands in Spain with nudity wide out in the open. In the U.S. the magazine cover would at least have a little coverage. This also reflects some of the characteristics of people here - their openness.

I did not realize the impact the way a culture lives has on media’s strategy of types of messages to put out. I live by the Metro station Concha Espina, which is quieter and more of a business area with lots of lawyers. Putting ads here that you would find in Las Vegaswouldnot fit in. Such ads would be pointless because the fast-paced and high-rolling Las Vegas lifestyle is the total opposite than in Concha Espina. Advertisements have to match the way its target audience lives, thinks, behaves and carry the same values. An ad or newspaper headline may be hilarious in English in the U.S., but when translated into Spanish, may end up not making any sense or even being offensive in Spain. It is the job of the media to take into account cultural differences to make their products or services successful.

this was a great class!

2009-12-11T17:45:00.002-05:00

Signing up for this class, I just expected to learn the basics of the Adobe suite and accompanying software. However, I learned so much more than that. Although the labs didn't accentuate the course material that much for me, our lectures were excellent. From this class, I have a more detailed knowledge of typography and its capabilities, the principles to designing a variety of media, how to keep my ideas clearly communicative and simple, and I even got a professional-looking resume and stationary set from it! The projects were fun and useful, and, excluding the final website project, which I felt a little overwhelmed with since there were alot of other final projects I had to deal with, I felt that they all were given an adequate amount of time to complete. Being able to visit office hours often really helped. I especially enjoyed our magazine project and it made me even more excited to pursue magazine design for a career. Thanks for everything Greg and Chloe! Have a great holiday and hopefully I will be seeing you next semester!

Bye Graphics 217!

2009-12-11T15:51:00.002-05:00

When I signed up for this class I knew I had an interest in graphic design and the process of creating great designs. But I never knew how much I would love this class. Gra217 taught me a lot about the programs which I really appreciate because I hope to continue using them in my own life and in future classes. This class also solidified by dream to work for a magazine. But previously I had hopes to write articles for magazines . . . now I feel as if I may be more interested in working with the design aspect of the lay out. I especially learned the lectures that made me look more critically at the world; I agree with other students that I no longer can drive down the road or walk around without analyzing signs and pondering why design choices were made. But I think this is a great thing to do because it makes me actually learn about companies more. I also most appreciated the time Prof. Hedges spent with us during office hours; I think his critiques made me open my eyes to other ways of looking at things, and I learned the importance of hierarchy and the use of a grid. Prior to Gra217 I had never thought of grids being used, but I now realize how helpful they can be both to the designer and those who view the design. I also catch myself looking at campus posters more critically and determining how well it uses hierarchy. Overall, I'm going to miss this class a lot but I know everything I learned will stick with me for a long time!

DONE!

2009-12-11T14:42:00.002-05:00

I simply cannot believe this semester is already over! I have to say Graphics was quite the experience. I struggle with anything relating to art in any way shape or form, so I was extremely intimidated by this class, especially when I found out a sketch book was involved.. BUT somehow we have all survived!

It has been a lot of work, but I have also learned an incredible amount about design and expression through graphics. Never in my life have I ever thought so much about text- me and the wall of fonts have gotten real friendly this semester. But I think it will only help me later on in advertising, whether I am designing ads or not. The general knowledge of what each piece of art and each arrangement of type signifies is remarkable and extremely useful. I am very grateful for this class and what it has taught me.

I have to thank Greg and Chloe for your unbelievable help through each and every project. As I said before, I am significantly artistically challenged, so your guys' help and advice was amazing. There is no way I would have made it through this class otherwise. Thank you again and I will sure miss it! (but may enjoy the destressing and spare time) =)

:)

2009-12-11T14:33:00.003-05:00

It’s been an interesting few weeks and if I could forget how much time that I actually spent in the labs, I would say time flies (but because I do remember, and time didn’t fly, I won’t say that). I learned a lot about myself and about design. I realized I really do enjoy writing and designing isn't a simple equation of images and words, there’s a thought process behind every decision. I was looking forward to this class when I registered last spring because I thought it would be “fun.” I think that word really underestimates the time and effort put into every project so I have come up with a new word to sum-up my experience: thought-provoking. Not fun. Thought-provoking.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed myself partly because it was challenge; I guess it wouldn’t have been as fun (I mean thought-provoking) if it was easy. And thanks to this class, I can never take another poster/logo/website/resume/magazine for granted. It just wouldn't be right.

Hello, Goodbye

2009-12-11T13:45:00.003-05:00

It honestly seems like we just started this class last week, and were scared out of our minds for our first resume project, that looking back doesn't seem so intimidating! The whole semester has been a whirlwind, but it has been a whirlwind of fun. This class was the class I enjoyed going to, not only because I knew I was actually going to learn something every day. The class is really designed to help you learn the programs, but it also changes how you look at the world. Logos, signs, everything, have changed completely in my eyes. I see things I never thought I would before.

Overall, the best aspects of this class have definitely been the people in the class, and all the comments we have contributed throughout lectures, blogs, and time in the labs. I have met so many cool people in this class, and we all bonded over the LOOOOONG hours in the labs, perfecting our projects. And I can honestly say I enjoyed doing most of the projects, too.

Have a great break everyone!!!! And thanks for a fun semester!

Wrap up

2009-12-11T13:02:00.003-05:00

I had wanted to take a graphics course for a long but never had the room in my curriculum, so I was pretty excited when I finally got the chance to take 217. I've tried messing around with adobe software in the past but generally ended up just getting frustrated with it (especially photoshop) since I didn't really understand the tools or know all of the little tips that we learned in class and lab. I knew that in order to do something useful with the software I'd have to spend a lot of time working with it, so I signed up for a class that would force me to put in the hours. Graphics 217 certainly met my expectations in that regard. I found myself severely deprived of sleep every week a project was due, but it was ok-- I'm used to that because of my engineering classes, the difference here was that I actually had fun working on these projects! I really enjoyed learning about typefaces, colors, and layout and then heading to the lab to try create something that I was proud of. I didn't always have enough time to get my stuff to the point where I was completely happy with it, but I had a great time brainstorming, working with ideas, and revising versions that I initially thought were final--and there's probably not a better instructor to help you through this process. I find the theory behind design to be very interesting and love thinking about how design influences people's perceptions of a brand, a room, a document, whatever. With each product I pick up and every new place I visit I like to soak it in, decide what I like, what I don't, and how it's affecting me, so every class was exciting for me. It revived some old passions in me and sparked new interests in other areas like magazines. I put a couple subscriptions on my christmas list. Now that the semester is over I look back and am so glad I took this course. I've leaned some new skills, got some good inspiration, and opened my eyes to an even more intriguing world of design. I just might have to take another one in the near future. Thanks Greg. Keep up the good work.

bye bye Graphics

2009-12-11T12:42:00.002-05:00

I really enjoyed this class and I felt that this was one of the few classes that I ever had that changes my life on a daily basis. Every time I drive in my car I can't help but to analyze why a company chose a certain color or design and then I find myself trying to understand the message they are conveying. I am a TRF major but I am glad that I took this class because I learned a lot of valuable information. Although I will probably never use my knowledge of typefaces I am still glad that I know it.

My favorite part of the class was learning the programs and now I actually photoshop a number of my pictures. But most of all I am thankful that this class has prepared me for life after college which is what every class should be like. I found Graphics to be priceless and I would definitely take it again.

Wrap-Up Post

2009-12-11T11:59:00.002-05:00

What I really liked about this class was the different media we talked about. It was helpful to see how graphic design affects newspaper, web, magazines, etc. Before the class, I noticed certain things about typography, layout, and design, but now they seem much more prevalent. Learning how to use the CS programs really helped me understand the work that goes into everyday design. Each and every project turned out more difficult than I expected it to be. Whereas before, I might think that designing a promotional poster would be fairly simple, now I understand how much time, work, and reworking it takes. Also, I think I will definitely be able to use the program skills we learned. I hope I can work with the programs more and really get to know them better.

For me personally, I never really thought of sketches and drafts to be too important. Now looking back, that was really stupid of me! I learned how important it is to not necessarily just stick with your first idea. Even if it is a good one, I realized how intensive the process of drafting is. If I had to choose the most important thing that I got out of this class, it would definitely be this.

Tear... Goodbye GRA217!

2009-12-10T23:01:00.009-05:00

O GRA 217 how I will miss you! I remember coming into the class not knowing what to expect, but I always had an interest in design so I was super excited about this class. My friend took this class the previous semester and told me how much fun she had and yes she had Professor Hedges. I remember how she would always be at Newhouse and come home pretty late at night and she spent her weekends there too. I told myself that that won't be me the following semester. To my surprise I did find myself spending a lot of my time at Newhouse. If I wasn't in my dorm, I would be working in the computer labs on my next assignment for Graphics or I would be studying and doing my homework at Newhouse. Luckily, I live at Booth so the walk is not that bad.

I learned a lot from this class; I never thought about hierarchy or typefaces when it came to designing or when looking at other designs, but I think I am more aware of it now and it drives me crazy- in a good way of course. I enjoyed going to Professor Hedges during his office ours because I loved seeing the progress in my work. I loved how it can go from something so blah to something so amazing. I am so proud of my work, especially the magazine assignment (I showed all my friends my magazine assignment). I definitely spent the most time doing work for GRA217 than any other class, therefore I experienced lack of sleep a lot. However seeing the result of my work made it all worth it.

I am glad I took this class (even though it is a requirement) because I got to learn Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Indesign. I will be able to utilize the skills and knowledge that I have gained when I take on the Public Relations Chair for Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority Incorporated or any other future projects. My friends come to me a lot now when they need help with their designs or when they need to use photoshop, indesign or illustrator and it is a good feeling-- makes me feel like an expert. Aha.

I had an awesome semester! :]

Ciao GRA217.6!

2009-12-10T20:20:00.003-05:00

When I first got my classes (I just transferred in this year), I was so confused by what Graphic Design was. When we got the syllabus, instead of thinking how cool the projects were, I went to complain to my counselor about the class. I was afraid that I would fall behind because I had never used any of the software, better yet a MAC, and did not want to continue on. After we were assigned and completed our resume projects, I realized that in order to enjoy the class, I had to forget about anything technical, and just have fun with my projects. When the poster project came along, I felt extremely creative and was so proud of my creativity that I continue to go to Professor Hedges for comments. This new way of looking at things got me a better grade in this project than the one before and I realized that all I had to do was to was enjoy what I was doing because that has a lot to do with what the class is about. The hardest project for me was the logo project, but even with a not-so-good logo, Hedges encouraged me to fix it. This class has taught me to use my creativity and to learn software that are very essential. I'm proud to say that I'm the person that my friends look for now when they have an issue with InDesign and other software. =)

Good luck to everyone on their finals, and happy holidays!

Is the semester really over?

2009-12-10T13:09:00.002-05:00

At the beginning of the semester I was terrified of this class because everyone that I talked to kept telling me how much work this class is. I did not really think of myself as a creative person, I mean, not in the sense that I could design graphics. And I certainly did not know how to use any of the programs. However, surprisingly enough I really loved all of the projects (maybe with the exception of this last one). I am really proud of most of what I have done, even if it still shocks me how many hours it took me to get there. It was also really cool having this blog so I could see what everyone else accomplished too. I am much more aware of font, logo design, and so many other things that I never really paid attention to before. I am constantly judging logos and signs/fonts now which I did not do before (by the way, Glee is one of my favorites!)

As for the programs I loved Indesign and my resume looks so much better than it did before this class. Actually, so much so that I am a little embarrassed now when I look at my old version. Also, it was interesting (although difficult) to actually learn how to use photoshop. I have always been intrigued by the software but never knew how to use it. The poster project was really exciting for me because now we are actually going to use what I made. It is nice to have a class where the projects you spend hours on will actually be for use in daily life (poster, resume, etc) and not just another item for your teacher to grade. The magazine was also a really neat challenge, especially since I want to work in magazine. That was probably my favorite. Projects aside, I learned so much about all of the intricacies of typefaces and designing that I never noticed or understood before. I mean, who knew there was a whole movie for a font? Overall, it was a really interesting look into a side of communications that I had never really thought about before.

Gredges!

2009-12-10T10:13:00.003-05:00

Coming into this class, I had absolutely no idea how to use a computer. The most I could do was send e-mails, type papers, and check Facebook. Now I know how to use layers on Photoshop! Imagine that. This class was a lot more fun than I had expected it to be. However, it was also way more time consuming than I had expected it to be as well. For me, this was the most challenging class I've taken this semester, but definitely the most rewarding. I am inspired to get those programs on my computer now...well, we'll see if that actually happens.

I have definitely noticed that I have changed in regards to graphic designs I see on a daily basis. I caught myself ripping apart the typography and design of a little ad on the triangle advertisement thingy mathingers in the dining hall to promote events, causes, and speakers. This class has made me more alert to use of typefaces, colors, and placement of objects/texts. The attention to detail is incredible! I usually lollygag walking down the hallways and quad, but now I instinctively pay attention to posters and flyers I see everywhere on campus. I always thought things had to be extravagant in order to catch an audience's attention, but I learned the complete opposite. It is usually the simplest things that grab people's eyes.

Great semester everybody! :)

A lot of work, yet a lot more fun

2009-12-07T18:24:00.002-05:00

So, I must be honest. I have been interested in graphic design for years. However, my only previous experience with graphics was working with my high school yearbook senior year. Though I spent a lot of time on this, this class was my only somewhat structured lesson with graphics. Basically, I must say I was very much looking forward to taking a graphics class in college --and I have never been excited to take a class.

Therefore it was not so much a surprise to me when I fell in love with the class. Yes, it definitely took up a lot more time than expected, and the programs can be tricky when your are just beginning to learn how to use them. But all in all, the class was incredibly interesting and taught me so much. Learning the Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop software are great, practical skills that can be used throughout one's lifetime. Also, creating a resume could not be more beneficial for a college student. Yes, I learned how to lay out a resume, but I also realized I lack experience. By putting together the resume now, as a sophomore in college, I still have plenty of opportunities to get involved. I can join clubs or work on publications around campus, or I can apply for an internship over the summer.

I also enjoyed learning many things about the designing world through our class blog. The redesigning of big name brands and logos are fascinating. Overall, this class has taught me not just about design, but also about time management, creativity, and how to have fun doing a class project. Hopefully I can pass the portfolio review next week, and then I will be able to continue my graphics career and major in graphic design.

Bringing sexy (AOL) back

2009-12-04T15:41:00.002-05:00

Just when it seemed like America Online was out of lives forever, they're back and trying to revamp their image. With brighter colors, a friendlier, bubbly font and the promise of a new identity AOL is planning a comeback to show the other companies who's boss. Though by the looks of it, it's obvious that AOL has been out of the game for a while. The logo looks more like something that should be the brand of a television station rather than somewhere to check mail. And with the popularity of other online platforms (cough, Google, cough) it seems like the redesign would be in vain anyway.

Are they =EXACT?

2009-12-04T13:11:00.002-05:00

The company Exact, established in Delft, Netherlands, deals with business software and solutions. This company is in more than 40 countries so changing their logo is a huge deal for the company; consumers around the globe must be able to understand the deeper meaning. The new logo was introduced by Duval Guillaume, who later said, “the ‘equal’ sign, expresses the belief that Exact co-exists with its customers and the value that’s being created through collaboration.”

I agree with his statement I feel that the new logo is more simple and to the point. It is strong and using the equal sign is a smart move because math is a universal language, not matter where someone lives they will understand the meaning. The tagline of the company is a perfect fit for the logo, “Exact. And it all comes together.”

Looking at the new logo and hearing the tagline I feel comforted, calm, and I feel that I will get quality service. The previous logo looks like it is from the 70’s or 80’s it is too harsh, compared to the new logo. Exact made the right choice to change to a new sleeker and “exact” look.

Tips Ahoy! Best practices in non-profit website design

2009-12-04T12:57:00.006-05:00

In my idea search for the interface project I found an article in Smashing Magazine that emphasizes a lot of the points that Greg has made in the class about how to make a good, functional design. I thought I would share it with you. There are some examples that go along with each point in the actual article so you might want to read the whole article here, but if not, I've got the main points posted below.

1. Make your site donor-friendly. Have a simple and straight-forward process for people to give you money.

2. Make your site media-friendly. It should be easy for journalists to find information about your organization.

3. Make your site volunteer-friendly. Provide multiple means of contact so it is easy for volunteers to get in touch with your organization.

4. Make sure your organization's purpose is immediately apparent. Don't assume visitors already know what your organization is about. Put an abbreviated mission statement, or a link to one, right on the home page.

5. Make sure your content takes center stage. The design should revolve around your content and mission, rather than being design for the sake of design.

6. Make sure your website is consistent with your other promotional materials. Maintain a consistent look and feel throughout your site and the rest of your brand identity.

7. Know your site's purpose up front. Make a list of the goals for the site before you start designing.

8. Include a news section or blog. It gives people a reason to come back.

I found this list of tips to be so helpful that I'll be keeping a printed list in front of me throughout the design process. One of my favorite non-profits, charity: water, nails each of these points perfectly and I'd like to go over a few of the reasons why they have such a great site.

Ah yes, I get it.
The first thing a new visitor to the charity: water site reads, aside from the descriptive name, is a short mission statement that succinctly expresses the problem, what charity: water does to solve it, how the visitor can help, and where his money is going. Its very reassuring to have all of these questions answered right away. Once welcomed, the visitor can visit the Projects page, Photos+media, and About Us to get down to the nitty-gritty on the organization.

Donate, donate, donate, and stay involved
The home page has no fewer than 8 links to ways to give money to charity:water. Nine, sorry, I found another. There are two "donate" buttons, five links to the merchandise store, and two links to upcoming benefit events. Every link is a little different, leads to a different page, but brings you to an opportunity to donate -- and in all of this, none of it feels repetitive. Also on the homepage is are links to get involved, sign up for a newsletter, a mycharity: water page, and even an opportunity to start a career with the organization. They obviously care about an ongoing relationship with their donors.

Design you can't see
When you take away all the links to information, all you're left with is black background with a gray bar at the top. The charity: water site does an excellent job of making every element of design a functional piece. If it isn't functional, it isn't there: every swatch of color is part of a link, an info graphic, or a photo that shows what charity water has done with donors' help.

I hope this helps everyone with their projects!

Logo Evolution

2009-12-04T11:46:00.016-05:00

Very few companies maintain the same logo over a long period of time. Most try to only alter it slightly, so it is still very recognizable (like Hasbro), but others alter it so much it becomes foreign, such as SyFy who changed EVERYTHING about its logo, including the spelling. The Mercedes Benz logo is one that has changed many many times over 100 years, but only slightly. As a result it is exceptionally well-known.

It has almost always implemented the 3-pointed star, but in different ways. In some, the company chooses to display its name, while in others, the star will simply stand alone or is surrounded by some sort of design and detail. At some points, however, the star is dropped and only a portion of the name is displayed. Despite this, the 3-pointed star eventually returns and is still recognized. It is now able to stand completely alone, much like the Nike check.

In its most recent form, Mercedes chose to flatten its logo to make it two-dimensional. This would help create consistency in print and web publications. This simplicity also reflects a new trend that many companies are implementing. The company has been very successful in creating a timeless, extremely recognizable logo.

Movistar

2009-12-04T10:11:00.005-05:00

This is the new logo for Movistar, one of the largest mobile services in the world, most commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries. Even with the new updates, I'm not a big fan of this logo. It could definitely function without the weird-looking blob of an M on the left but if I were to choose which of these two is better I would have to say the old logo is better. The glossiness in the new M makes it looks too plastic-y and more alien-like. I like that the letters of the typeface are rounded and not capitalized--it looks more youthful and modern. But I don't like the shade of blue, I don't think it compliments the green in the M. I think if they want to use this logo, they should use the old typeface with the new M or even change the color to something that isn't blue.

What I do like about this logo is that the message of the logo was not lost in the transition. I understand that the company is trying to go for a more futuristic and appealing in order to attract younger audiences. I think this is one of the challenges that a lot of companies, especially technology-based companies, face because they always want to look edgier and more up-to-date than their competitors.

It's like a lego phone

2009-12-04T09:33:00.005-05:00

French designer Clement Logereau is on a mission! Well, kind of, since he is trying to target the global market with his design of a unique mobile phone. His design allows users to change its back, which is made of 152 customizable small squares. It is called the "UNIK", which is Nokia's new concept. It is to appeal to trendy users, acting as a fashion accessory-- users can get additional sqaures in different colors and materials; they can have the squares in metal, transparent and rubber from Nokia shops. This gives them the freedom to use their imagination and express their mood or personality.

I think this concept is pretty cool--it is like lego meets the collapse puzzle game (of course that is when you are in the process of taking the matching boxes out). It is great that it allows the users to be designers of their own cellphone. I guess expressing your personality is not as simple as having a cellphone accessory hanging off your phone anymore, you get the opportunity to have more fun with the look of your phone. I think it serves as a great boredom reliever type of thing too. When I am on that long train ride to go from Brooklyn to Manhattan, I can see myself building flowers and some sort of scenery with those colorful boxes.

However I think the cons of this phone is that it may eventually become too tedious for the users. How successful it will be, is hard to say, I feel that it will not be able to capture the users interest for that long and purchasing the boxes may seem like a waste. Not only that, is the phone durable? Well is the design durable. Can I trust that if I drop my phone, the pieces won't come out?

Would you buy this phone?

Trust the blue, buy the blue

2009-12-04T01:50:00.006-05:00

I've heard before that color can influence many things from eating to our moods. However, I never believed that designers used color as a psychological way to make us buy things, especially online.

When deciding what color to paint our homes, we often go about by having a certain theme. We want our homes to speak to those who visit, and want those who visit to get a good idea of who we are by the way our homes are designed and colored. Similarly, when web designers create a website, they use certain colors to speak to the individual visiting the website. This form of them "speaking" to us through color is also a form of them influencing us to react in certain ways, most of the time react in a matter that is in the favor of the company or site which we are visiting.

For example, when online shopping we often go about just looking for the objects that we are in need of, just using the site as a navigation system to get to what we want. What we don't notice, is that the way a site is formatted and the colors used on the site often move us to further wander around the site, looking at other objects that seem appealing. This is form of influence is often used to lure the visitor to purchase more things than needed without knowing it. The colors used on websites, especially those where things are purchased, are used in a intentional way. Many colors mentally influence us to act or feel a certain way, therefore companies use certain colors to make us act in the way that they want, which most of the time is them wanting us to spend our money.

As described by http://www.colourlovers.com/blog/2009/03/25/how-color-influences-consumer-behavior, different colors do different things. Blue is described as a color that demonstrates security and trustworthiness, a color often used by banks, which we trust with our money, as well as sites we use to reach our e-mails, which we trust with this form of communication. Red tends to grab our attention, which is why the buttons in online sites that usually involve any form of donation or purchase, use this color. Pink is often used on girl websites or products for girls because it demonstrates femininity, while orange which is cheerful, is used on websites for young children. Each color appeals to a certain audience, and therefore appeals to a potential consumer. Furthermore, black, which is associated with power, is often used on expensive products while white which associated with purity is used on sites that sell wedding gowns or on hospital websites. Along with these colors, many other influence us when we enter a site.

Next time you go online shopping, try to see if you find any trend in color, on the products you are choosing and what you click on.

mMmMmMm

2009-12-04T00:29:00.007-05:00

Similar to the way the smell of your favorite baked good straight out of the oven in the kitchen can trigger your taste buds, color can have the same effect! Personally, I crave cotton candy ice cream whenever I see a baby blue paired with a bold pink. Colors have an incredible impact on EVERYTHING. The color of your outfit may reflect how you are feeling that day. The color of the walls in your room may help you relax at night or wake you up in the morning. The color of your car may show your personality. The color of your hair, eyes and skin are full of your ethnic history. Our nation is represented by red, white and blue. Orange and black hint at the arrival of Halloween. During this time of year you may see a lot of green and red, which correlate with Christmas. Blue and white correspond with Hanukah.

Colors have a lot of different personalities. Yellow is usually related to sunshine and happiness. Blue is tied to the idea of water and themes of tranquility, peace, distance and sadness. On the other hand, there are controversial colors such as red. Red can mean a large variety of things - love, warmth, blood, war, power, urgency, anger, etc. Different cultures have different perceptions of colors. For example, the color red in China means joy, happiness, luck and purity. What colors mean and represent differ all across the globe - your feelings on one color may be the complete opposite from whoever you may be sitting next to!

When designing, color selection is extremely crucial. It has the potential to either attract or repulse an audience. The message, whether it be text or an image, needs to stand out by immediately drawing the eyes towards itself. It is also vital for designers to be consistent. Red Cross sticks with the colors red and white. Breast cancer awareness always has some shade of pink present. McDonalds is known for its red and yellow. Syracuse University has orange pride. This allows people to easily identify and have trust in the idea you are presenting.

What does your favorite color mean to you??

http://www.colourlovers.com/blog/2009/12/03/food-inspired-color

The Oakland Museum of California

2009-12-03T21:35:00.003-05:00

The Oakland Museum of California was established as a "museum for the people" in 1969. Since then it has brought together collections of art, history, and natural science that represent California and its people. It is currenty closed for a renovation but it is intended to reopen this upcoming May. In addition to enlarging the buidling and to expanding its collections, OMCA is also introducing a new identity, as seen above.

I think the old identity worked well, but I still think the updated design is better. The old may resemble other museum signs more, but that may not be a good thing. I think the new design connects better to the artistic aspect of the museum. However, the new identity may diverge from the natural science and history collections of the museum.

Sometimes when companies redesign their identities, they take the risk of sending mixed messages. As for the OMCA, I think its new design is quite similar to the old one. The arrangement of the design is not very different; however, the arrangement of individual letters are quite different. I specifically like how the the word museum is arranged. I think its very interesting. Oftentimes when companies attempt to stack words, the design can be difficult to read. But I think this designer effectively arranged the text in a unique and readable way. The updated one also puts more of an emphasis on the letters than just the CA in the former design. Because overall the design is not remarkably different from the former one, I don't think the museum's message or goal is altered very much.

I also think the new design reflects a more modern design. This is effective since I assume the purpose of transforming and updating the museum is to break away from the past and welcome in new collections.

A new Aol.

2009-12-03T12:51:00.007-05:00

So apparently aol is trying to create a new, surprising branding for themselves. This new design will contain one consistent logo, but it will be presented in different ways. For example, on the Logo Design Love Blog they have a picture that puts the aol logo on top of a goldfish, and scribbles among other things. The logo itself is simply Aol. in a white, sans serif font. The designers said that they wanted to make a confident logo, with the different backgrounds representing the wide array of Aol's content. A video about the logo is entitled "Aol. One logo, Countless ways to reveal."

I like the idea of a simple and strong design for a logo. In and of itself though, I think that it may be a little boring. So they add all of the backgrounds to show how much content they have and some of them are interesting and eye-catching, but others are just strange. They also changed from AOL to Aol. The blog also said that they are considering an advertising campaign to promote the new look, and may even use the old Aol 'running man' character for that ad. I personally would like that because I used to love that image. It reminds me of when I had my first email address and AOL had those three little blocks that would load as it was dialing up to connect. Also, it reminds me of numerous similar scenes from the movie, "You've Got Mail," which happens to be one of my favorites. I also think the idea of introducing something new by bringing back something old is intriguing. As for now it is unknown as to whether or not they are actually going to use that character. I am interested to see how this new brand identity is met by the public, for sure.

Sochi's Logo

2009-12-02T23:28:00.005-05:00

With the talk of the London 2012 Olympics logo in this class this past semester, I found this article of Brand New of particular interest when I came across it. Many complaints came about after the release of the London Olympics logo, even spurring major graphic designers to offer redesign, free of charge. And the logo is pretty bad...

It's spastic, lacks clean lines, and the color choice is nothing short of horrible and, as we talked about, literally shocking. So, the pressure was on for the Olympics to come, and now, five years prior, the Sochi, Russia 2014 Olympics have unveiled their logo to the world, with pleasant surprise...at least on my part.

The logo, in my opinion, is finally gong outside the box, without the hysteria in which the designers of the London logo portrayed. The logo has clean lines, and a font that inspires a more futuristic vibe. What is a bit odd to me is their use of sochi.ru, leaving the, "i", without its dot, almost as if it fell off and became the period. What I do like is their choice to only outside .ru, simply because it distinguishes it through discontinuity, allowing the audience some visual rest from the large block letters. Again though, the continuation of lines, vertically,is nice, starting with the, "hi," in sochi, and following through to the 2014. It draws the reader to the most important part of the logo: the official Olympic rings.

But many critics are complaining that the logo lacks some visual element to let their audience know this is the winter olympics, and on that front I must agree. As in Salt Lake City's winter Olympic logo, the design of the snowflake is a visually interesting use of color, and simply tells the reader, "Okay, these are the winter Olympics," and where and when they take place.

While this would have been a nice touch to the new Sochi logo, it is an improvement from the last unveiling of an Olympic logo. And it sure does look nice on the winter weather gear...

Un-negative space.

2009-12-02T02:51:00.004-05:00

Logo Design Love published an article focusing on logos with a bit of an optical illusion to them by utilizing something usually ignored by those thinking inside the box- negative space. These companies have found clever ways to incorporate multiple meanings and interesting juxtapositions into their logos with fabricated imagery.

Take a look at these logos, and find the implied imagery in their graphic design:

The optical illusion is a great way to capture consumer's attention and provide a level of interaction with the company. Either way, the viewer will be impressed by the clever design solution, and slightly proud of themselves for acknowledging the pun in the design. And what company doesn't want to make their customers feel a little pride in themselves while becoming intrigued by their company? I think that these skillful graphics are examples of excellent design and are very successful in raising interest about the organization.

Companies corresponding to the logos:

American Institute of Architects Center logo, by Pentegram

WWF, by Sir Peter Scott, modified by Landor

Martin Newcombe Property Maintenance logo, by buddy

Elefont logo, by Logo Motive Designs

Original article: http://www.logodesignlove.com/negative-space-logo-design

"McGreen"

2009-12-01T11:43:00.001-05:00

McDonald's Germany recently decided to abandon their classic colors of yellow and red, and opt for yellow and green. Although American branches of the company have stuck with the well known, branded colors, other international branches have tried to be 'more green'. Even France has made the change, in an "effort by McDonald's to actually be green physically, more than just aesthetically," according to Brand New.

Since we identify brands so well according to the colors they are represented by, it makes sense that brand colors tend to stay constant. But with such well known icons such as the "golden arches", I think McDonald's can take this risk in changing their colors. In addition to inciting "green thoughts" associated with McDonald's, the color change will probably not compromise the brand's identity.

Bavaria Beer Turns Completely Blue

2009-11-30T23:27:00.007-05:00

In the Netherlands, Bavaria is the second largest beer producer (Heineken is first). Created in 1719, Bavaria's logo was plain and generic. Recently Bavaria introduced a new logo, more specifically a new look, which tied to all aspects of the product together. This look appears on the beer bottles, the beer cans, the glass you drink it in, the new packaging, including the crates you take the beer home in, and on their corporate trucks.

Bavaria changed its color from green to blue, probably to oppose Heinken's original green. The rounded edge triangle was also added, symbolizing the three Swinkel's brothers that founded the brewery. The typeface was also redesigned, giving it a bolder, more modern look. A main strength of the new look is the cohesiveness throughout all products and branding.

I think a new look for Bavaria was definitely necessary. There are so many beer distributors, one must stand out from the others in order to get a significant amount of sales. I believe the blue was a good change for Bavaria, especially against its biggest competition Heinken who has a strong, successful, green branding look. However, as someone commented on this new Bavaria design, there are also numerous other blue beers including Labatt, Bud Light, Miller Light, Michelob, and Corona cans, as well as Sam Adams boston lager and many others. There is not a large amount of product differentiation between all these types of beer.

All in all, I think a change was definitely needed. Although I think the designer had the right idea, I believe the logo and look may need something extra to go above and beyond. People seem to really enjoy Heinken, and it will take extremely powerful branding to make people consider even switching their favorite beer.

Vampire's Kiss

2009-11-24T16:46:00.004-05:00

Name: Meagan Moyle

Project: Magazine

Date: November 19, 2009

Magazine Identity and Readership:

The intended readership of this magazine would be for the elite, fashion conscious women of today. This magazine creates dialogue about the pop culture and sets the trends that happen throughout everyday life.

Magazine Visual Identity:

Visually, the magazine is intended to convey sleekness and a clean look. I used minimal colors but kept the magazine consistent throughout the two spreads, though it remains visually appealing. There is an ample amount of white space, which creates less tension for the reader and conveys a relaxed tone. All of this appeals to the elite woman because of the relaxed grid and style of the layout.

Article Visual Identity:

For the visual identity I used black and white pictures to give the article a high fashion look and both of the pictures are centered on Robert Pattinson. The pictures have nothing to do with Robert Pattinson’s acting, which is very important because the article is based on his everyday life, not just his job. I chose the specific pull quote about his attitude toward franchises because it represents Robert Pattinson’s opinions and humility; the quote also underlines the importance of the article’s topic.

Article Design Strategy:

The type I used for the “Vampire” is Weidman, I used this type because the serif creates an older gothic feel, and the serif should remind the reader of vampire teeth. To compliment this older feel, I used a cursive type, which gives the article a formal and personal feel. I kept the same type and colors for the jump and the feature to keep the feel of the article consistent. I pulled in light blue for the article because the light blue compliments the white and black and because it keeps the magazine spread visually interesting.

Style Sheet:

Cover Headline Vampire: Weidmann STD Medium, 100/120, metrics kerning, tracking 0

Cover Headline Kiss (Blue): Bickman Script STD Bold, 200/240, metrics kerning, tracking 0

Author (Grey): Weidmann STD Medium, 14/16.8, metrics kerning, tracking 0

Opening Spread Headline: Weidmann STD Medium, 18/22, metrics kerning, tracking 0

Jump Spread Pull Quote (Blue): Weidmann STD Medium, 28/29, metrics kerning, tracking 0

Content: Garamond Regular, 10/13.5, metrics kerning, tracking 0

Title of Sidebar Road To: Weidmann STD Medium, 40/48, metrics kerning, tracking 0

Title of Sidebar Success (White): Bickman Script STD Bold, 100/120, metrics kerning, tracking 0

Titles in Sidebar (White): News Gothic MT Bold, 8.5/10.2, metrics kerning, tracking 0

Information in Sidebar (White): News Gothic MT Regular, 8.5/10.2, metrics kerning, tracking 0

Folio: News Gothic MT Regular, 5/6, metrics kerning, tracking 0

Document Grid:

I used a two-column grid throughout the spread but the only time I broke this is for the sidebar. But, the sidebar does stay slightly consistent with the two columns grid. The top margin is at 3p7 because I wanted the Drop Case to be highlighted so the content of the article lines up with the middle of the T. The bottom margin is 3p10 because this margin creates space away from the folio and limits the amount of content on the page so that the reader is not overwhelmed. The width of the columns is large in order to line up with the picture I chose.

Sources:

Cover: http://www.flash-screen.com/free-wallpaper/free,wallpapers,40989.html

Jump Spread: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/8500000/Robert-Pattinson-in-GQ-Australia-twilight-series-8521713-1897-2560.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.fanpop.com/spots/twilight-series/images/8521713/title/robert-pattinson-gq-australia&usg=__sZdeE9hRLlaW2hMsQc38VBsDlK0=&h=2560&w=1897&sz=1018&hl=en&start=71&um=1&tbnid=mG9pnQAmPuLONM:&tbnh=150&tbnw=111&prev=/images%3Fq%3Drobert%2Bpattinson%2Bsmoking%26imgsz%3Dsvga%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26rls%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D60%26um%3D1

Side Bar Posters: Harry Potter http://www.sodahead.com/entertainment/robert-pattinson-harry-potter-or-twilight/question-276938/?link=ibaf

Vanity Fair http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://hollywoodjesus.com/movie/vanity_fair/poster.jpg&imgrefurl=http://hollywoodjesus.com/vanity_fair.htm&usg=__yxNYYhA00EsvG2LVy48UYUm_NK8=&h=1188&w=800&sz=330&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=nP4vZcx6W24ljM:&tbnh=150&tbnw=101&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dvanity%2Bfair%2Bposter%26imgsz%3Dsvga%26imgtbs%3Dz%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26rls%3Den%26um%3D1

How To Be http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.filmofilia.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/how_to_be_poster.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.filmofilia.com/2009/04/18/robert-pattisons-how-to-be-trailer-poster-and-photos/&usg=__734qADHTixTNNWgRv1_8DeHoP-Y=&h=881&w=600&sz=128&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=eoLJYFaZEn_2BM:&tbnh=146&tbnw=99&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dhow%2Bto%2Bbe%2Bposter%26imgsz%3Dsvga%26imgtbs%3Dz%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26rls%3Den%26um%3D1

Little Ashes http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://johnthrasher.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/littleashes_poster.jpg&imgrefurl=http://johnthrasher.wordpress.com/tag/twilight/&usg=__mMb49kVVTFdxFxrGoMwBORs1Lpc=&h=1500&w=1028&sz=924&hl=en&start=2&um=1&tbnid=J2aUj1jyqalDsM:&tbnh=150&tbnw=103&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlittle%2BAshes%2Bposter%26imgsz%3Dsvga%26imgtbs%3Dz%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26rls%3Den%26um%3D1

Extras:

I used black and white pictures because it is classical and many high fashion magazines use the black and white theme to create formality. I added the additional light blue to create color and to give the magazine an expensive feel (reflects Tiffany’s which every cosmopolitan woman would wear).

Madonna the Phenom

2009-11-22T23:32:00.004-05:00

RATIONALE:

Alicia Escobar
Magazine Project
23 November 2009

Magazine Identity & Readership
Phenom magazine is a women’s entertainment magazine. It is geared towards a women in her twenties and thirties, who is interested in
entertainment and popular culture. The magazine is meant to be hip and trendy, but still a magazine that women who are not necessarily
incredibly modern or urbane would still pick up. It is definitely more of a consumer magazine, meant for a younger crowd, especially interested
in what’s currently popular, and on the radar. The reader is someone who reads Glamour and Vogue, but also reads Us Weekly and People.

Magazine Visual Identity
Visually, I intended to convey a more trendy version of some women’s magazines, and fashion and entertainment magazines. By using bright
colors, and modern typefaces, I wanted to display a hip audience, but also an audience interested in reading the celebrity profile. The images
were chosen to bring a more sophisticated air to the magazine’s feature spread, but also keep it youthful and trendy.

Article Visual Identity
The article is a strong representation of Phenom magazine, because of its large, and funky visuals, that still remain sophisticated, and not
cheap and gaudy. The article’s title and deck head are simple, and to the point, but still remain youthful and intriguing to someone interested
in entertainment and popular culture. The content is clear, but still remains visually interesting, as well as cohesive throughout the feature and
jump spreads.

Article Design Strategy
On the feature spread, the typeface used, and faded repetition of the title gives a more futuristic look to the design, while also conveying a time
travel, which is relevant to Madonna’s twenty-seven years in music. By changing the opacity of parts of the title, it allows the word, “Madonna,”
to stand out on its own, which is important simply because the name, Madonna, encapsulates such a strong image of a popular female icon. By
adding color to certain words and phrases in the deck head, the message of who Madonna is stays relevant and is reinforced, visually. Keeping
the typefaces sans serif was important to create a sleek and modern look to the article. The word, “celebrate,” however, is meant to stand out in
a more subtle way, serving as a reminder of this article’s purpose, and the artist’s album name. In the jump spread, I kept consistent with the
shadowing effect used in the title, and used it in the drop-caps and pull-quotes, as well as the title of the side-bar box. This keeps the magazine
visually cohesive for the reader, helping them to not get confused or lost throughout their reading. The color and content used in the side-bar
help to keep the reader visually interested, because of their vibrancy, and relevance to the article. Overall, the article’s design is meant to portray
the type of magazine, Phenom, is with it’s cohesive and simple deign, that is visually intriguing, youthful, and sophisticated.

Style Sheet
Feature title (celebrate):Kepler Std Black Extednded Italic Display, 84/100.4, metric kearning, tracking 0
Feature title (Madonna): Futura Std Light, 90/108, metrics kearning. tracking 0
Deckhead:Futura Std Light, 15/18, metrics kearning, tracking 0
Byline: Futura Std Book, 18/21.6, metrics kearning, tracking 0
Drop-caps: Futura Std Light, 60/72, metrics kearning, tracking 0
Pull-quotes:Futura Std Medium, 16/19.2, metrics kearning, tracking 0
Body copy: Adobe Caslon Pro, 10/13, metrics kearning, tracking 0
Side-bar title: Futura Std Medium, 24/28.8, metrics kearning, tracking 0
Side-bar deckhead: Adobe Caslon Pro Semibold, 14/16.8, metrics kearning, tracking 0
Captions (side-bar and photo): Gill Sans Regular, 9/10.8, metrics kearning, tracking 0
Folio: Century Gothic Regular, 12/14.4, metrics kearning, tracking 0

Document Grid
I chose create three columns on my jump spread because I felt that it was important to create depth in the article, but also prevent it from
looking too much like a new’s magazine, because of the content. I also felt that the three colums with 3p9 margins kept the spread separated but
still cohesive. Because I left more white space at the top of the layout, I wanted there to be more text on the page, broken up by vibrant visuals.

Sources
Text: http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/8829173/cover_story_how_madonna_got_her_groove_back/print
Feature image: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.celebs101.com/gallery/Madonna/163884/Madonna_HQ_10.jpg&imgrefurl=http://
www.celebs101.com/image-163884--1777--Madonna%2BPicture%2BGallery.html&usg=__4XjWy51JtxQ0-OGSUy_qxTOVj3M=&h=2691&w=3346&sz=5
05&hl=en&start=139&tbnid=9JZKON6BB5JmvM:&tbnh=121&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3DMadonna%26imgsz%3D2mp%26as_st%3Dy%26ndsp
%3D20%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D120
Jump image: http://www.celebs101.com/gallery/Madonna/163882/Madonna_HQ_08.jpg
Side-bar information/images: http://www.amazon.com/Madonnas-Best-Selling-Albums-Ever/lm/LNVTTNQAD3CY

Color
I chose to use the colors I did because they were taken from the images I used. Because the images were so visually interested, and dominating,
I felt that it would be more cohesive and vibrant to take those colors, and use it for my type. I think that this really played into the topic/artist/
article I chose to do, because Madonna is a pop icon, and a strong female.

Starbucks Incognito

2009-11-20T16:36:00.005-05:00

magazine identity & readership
My magazine is directed towards those who own small businesses or are looking to start one. This has a very wide audience, ranging from college students, to early retirees looking to start a business of their own, to the business owner looking for that competitive advantage. The magazine is a light-reading, up-to-date, creative resource titled “Business Savvy.”

magazine visual identity
The magazine uses a large amount of custom designs and images that highlight minor details in order to give it a crafty feel that creatives are attracted to.

article visual identity
The article is intended to express the contrast in perceptions and ideology of the new “unbranded” Starbucks locations and the “chain” Starbucks locations.

article design strategy
The article design creates a distinction between the processed and automated Starbucks we know, and the hand-crafted-ness of the new “unbranded” Starbucks. The feature spread presents crisp designs, a busy street, and fonts found on the familiar Starbucks coffee cups. A turn of the page reveals a latte that is strikingly different from any latte you’ve ever bought at Starbucks. It is colorful, full to the brim, and without question, made by a skilled hand. The color scheme is common to all Starbucks, but the trademark green falls second in prominence to the earth-tones (coffee-tones, really). The crinkled paper and slightly mis-aligned introduction convey the idea that this particular franchise location is a little off kilter and has broken free of the traditional guidelines. The pull-quotes and introduction both use a dual-color theme that indicates that the new location hasn’t yet changed any perceptions of Starbucks Corporation. The fact that the green is so recognizably Starbucks hints towards the idea that in spite of all the intrigue over the new locations, the Starbucks we know is as deeply rooted in its ways as it is in our society.

style sheet
opening spread headline: custom lettering based off Freight Sans Black
opening spread deckhead: Univers LT Std bold condensed, 17/28, optical kerning, tracking 0
jump spread pull quote: Univers LT Std bold condensed, 16/19.2 , optical kerning, tracking 0
sidebar headline: Univers LT Std bold condensed, 17/20.4, optical kerning, tracking 0
sidebar subheading: Univers LT Std bold condensed, 14/16.8, optical kerning, tracking 0
sidebar body: Univers LT Std bold condensed, 10/12, optical kerning, tracking 0
body text: Minion Pro regular, 10/13.5, metrics kerning, tracking 0
folio: Minion Pro regular, 9/10.8, metrics kerning, tracking 0

The Orchard

2009-11-20T13:29:00.011-05:00

Helina Kebede
Rationale

Magazine Project

Magazine Identity & readership
My magazine is nature-oriented and focuses mainly on botany. I assume my audience will mainly consist of botanists, gardeners and general nature lovers but it is open to all readers. It transcends age, gender and race boundaries because it features something that we all can appreciate: nature. It is seasonal magazine and it is not available on newsstands.

Article Visual identity
I hope to convey a message of elegance and simplicity. I want my audience to get the impression that the design of the magazine is just as beautiful as the subjects of the magazine: flowers. I think the photography gives the magazine an added quality of simplicity and loveliness because it focuses mainly on images as opposed to content.

Article Design Strategy
I think the design of my magazine, particularly my font choices, does justice to the imagery because it complements the identity of the magazine. The initial impression my feature leaves is one of awe because my readers can appreciate the beauty of the magazine as well as the design. Just by looking at the jump spread, I want my audience to be fascinated with orchids and want to flip the page. I think the imagery as well as the design makes my audience more inclined to read the article because it is not overwhelming. This is also communicated in the jump spread with the use of white space and the two-column grid. Both are easy on the eyes and continue the message of simplicity.

Style sheet
Cover headline: Letter Gothic Std. Medium 72/72
Cover teasers: Orator std Medium 34/34 12/14; News Gothic 30/36 11/14 11/12 17/24 18/21 16/19 Handwriting Dakota 11/13
Opening spread headline: Helvetica Neue ultra light 60/30 & Zapfino 86/74
Deckhead: Helvetica Neue Light16/20
Jump spread Body Copy: Chaparral Pro 9.5/14
Drop Cap: Zapfino 60/74
Jump spread pull quote: Orator std Medium 18/18
Caption: News Gothic 12/14.4

Document grid
My grid reflects the message of simplicity and elegance of my magazine. I think the fact that most of my images go outside of the grid shows how dynamic the design is. I set the margins closer to the edge because it creates the illusion of continuity. Also, I made the top margins closer to the edge because my magazine is more focused on imagery.

Sources

Cover: http://urbandaisy.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/orchids-2.jpg
Feature spread: http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee84/mvodak/orchid04.jpg
Jump spread: (main image) http://Nixivva.deviantart.com/art/Orchids-105019737
(side image) http://www.flickr.com/photos/biron-philippe/3441278959/sizes/o/in/set-72157616609556833/
transparent flower: http://xlr.name/orchi-sketch.png
(sidebar) http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/galleries/plants/orchids.php
http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/54000/54047/54047_disa_orchid.htm
http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/54000/54042/54042_drymo_orchid.htm
http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/46900/46917/46917_orchid_green.htm
http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/54000/54033/54033_musk_orchid.htm
http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/46900/46930/46930_orchid_snake.htm
http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/46900/46931/46931_orchid_showy.htm

Heart Muzic Presents G-Dragon

2009-11-20T12:33:00.005-05:00

Mimi Wu

Project: Magazine project

11/19/2009

magazine identity & readership

Heart Muzic is all about introducing new music to a variety of audiences no matter what age. As long as you love music, you will love Heart Muzic. Music is still music even if you don’t understand the dialect therefore Heart Muzic makes up for the deficiency in “good” music. We miss out on a lot of music from other countries, since we are so focused on mainstream music or music that we are familiar with. With each issue, Heart Muzic guarantees it will not fail when it comes to introducing readers with refreshing music.

magazine visual identity

Heart Muzic is suppose to make you stop when you see it at a bookstore, since it is situated by other known entertainment music magazines such as Rolling Stone magazine. You stop because you are wondering whom this person featured on the cover is. The magazine is supposed to appear hip and modern. Even though it may seem foreign, it looks welcoming to all readers. The featured artist sets the mood and theme for the magazine as well.

article visual identity

The article visual is enigmatic, and it draws the readers to it. The person featured on the spread, G-Dragon, who just released a new album and he is known for his fashion in South Korea. He looks different than what many readers might be used. The image I used have led many people to question what gender the featured person is, not what I was expecting, but I think it ties in with the mysterious and curiosity concept I want to convey; I want to introduce this guy and by making it mysterious, it is not giving away too much about him.

article design strategy

I want to focus on this person who is truly an individual, he especially shows it with his new concept, as he tries to steer away the image he has as a leader of the popular idol group Big Bang. He is flying solo now and he wants to make his image dominant, something for his fans to remember. The article is to exude that individuality that he portrays. The big picture of G-dragon on the feature spread as well as the colors, grabs the reader’s attention. It looks kind of alternative but nonetheless the pictures, typefaces, and color helped to facilitate in letting readers know about G-Dragon’s new concept. G-Dragon’s concept does not conform to anything, it is meant to be refreshing, just like his music. I chose the Bambi as the opening spread headline because it a solid and bold serif that is subtly getting a message across, that hey G-Dragon is a leader and no follower. Through the opening spread and the jump spread, you will notice that I have been pretty consistent with the typefaces, sticking to KarabinE, Sketch Block, and Gill Sans. Considering there are many dominant photos on my spreads, I chose Gill Sans so that it doesn’t distract the readers from the content I want them to see, which are the visuals, the pictures of G-dragon. KarabinE and Sketch Block are to make the article look more fun, modern, and sophisticated.

style sheet

OPENING SPREAD HEADLINE (BIG WORDS): Bambi: Bold, 72/ 86.4, metrics kerning, tracking 0

OPENING SPREAD HEADLINE (G-DRAGON): Sketch Block: Bold, 36/ 43.2, metrics kerning, tacking 0

OPENING SPREAD HEADLINE (SMALL WORDS): Sketch Block: Bold, 24/ 28.8

OPENING SPREAD DECKHEAD: KarabinE: Regular, 18/21.6, metrics kerning, tracking 0

OPENING SPREAD BY LINE: Sketch Block: Bold, 14/ 16.8, metrics kerning, tracking 0

OPENING SPREAD PHOTOGRAPHER LINE: Gill Sans: Regular, 11/13.6, metrics kerning, tracking 0

JUMP SPREAD PULL QUOTES: KarabinE: Regular, 24/ 28.8, metrics kerning, tracking 0

JUMP SPREAD SIDEBAR TITLE: Sketch Block: Bold, 36/ 43.2, metrics kerning, tracking 0

CAPTIONS: Gill Sans: Regular, 8/9.6, metrics kerning, tracking 0

JUMP SPREAD BODY TEXT: Gill Sans: Regular, 10/13, metrics kerning, tracking 0

FOLIO: Gill Sans: Regular, 9/10.8, metrics kerning, tracking 0

document grid

In the beginning, I placed the body text into three columns and then I opted for the two columns. I felt that since I am using a lot of pictures within one sidebar and one big picture, I wouldn’t want to overwhelm the reader by making it seem like there are a lot of text thrown in there as well. With the two columns, it makes the spread look simple and clean rather than chaotic with the three columns. I think the size of the pictures influenced my decision of the number of columns as well.

sources:

G-dragon Feature Spread Picture:

http://tazkiana.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/g-dragon.jpg

G-dragon Big Picture on left Jump Spread Page:

http://gallery.asianfanatics.net/index.php?act=image&pid=480249&page=232

Sidebar Pictures:

http://gallery.asianfanatics.net/index.php?act=image&pid=524251&page=223

http://clubimgfile.paran.com/gd88/pds/2009/0820/1250776329_14.jpg

http://dannydaily.typepad.com/danny_daily/images/2008/10/01/numero_2.jpg

http://sookyeong.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/pp08082700009.jpg

http://sookyeong.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/bkl7725ob0.jpg

http://www.88news.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/G-Dragon-poses-for-W-Magazine.jpg

extras:

Using the eyedropper tool, I extracted the color that was on the featured person’s eyes and obtained a tone that is a cross between purple and pink. I have consistently used that color for my feature spread and jump spread. It looks bold yet subtle and simple but yet it compliments the tone of the pictures that I used.

ROUGE Magazine Feature

2009-11-20T11:11:00.002-05:00

Ashley Holbrook

Magazine Project

11/19/09

The title of my magazine is ROUGE, which is a classy feminine magazine for young women. Its audience is similar to Cosmo and its purpose is to highlight celebrities and their stories. I chose the name ROUGE because it features red carpet celebrities, and it also reminded me of bright red lipstick, which is seen as classy and powerful.

I want my magazine to be very different from a tabloid magazine and also very different from Vogue. I want it to be personable to the reader by providing stories on their favorite celebrities that he/she can relate to. Although there will be glamour shots of celebrities, there will also be natural and nonconventional pictures to paint the person in a ordinary light.

Through my article, I want to show the celebrity as powerful, fun and human. I want the reader to be intrigued by the images and actually want to read about this interesting person.

The feature spread is meant to come at the reader hard and to strike her attention. I had originally chosen a strong, picture of Katy in a bright red dress that had a lot of power and sex appeal. I then switched to a soft, black and white picture that suggested a more meaningful person. Finally I landed on the present one, which I believe is a happy middle. The face presents curiosity, as well as a bit of seductively. It also has color, which adds much more life, but not too bright and “in your face.” The jump spread begins with an image that I think is beautiful because it looks very natural. It is not a typical celebrity photo shoot image, yet it presents her as very composed and poised, opposite of many peoples impressions of Katy Perry. The other image I chose is one that displays her fun and fearless side. She looks very young and personable; someone that the reader can hang out and dance with. The overall colors I chose were red and gold because I think they mimic the article title well. They represent fame and fortune, while the pictures also show her as poised and fun.

I chose to use a six-column grid, with three columns of text over it. I thought six columns would give me a better option for variation to fit pictures in at different sizes than the text, while still having a comprehensive flow. Although some of my images do not fit directly in the grid columns, the grid still provides good reference points to center them on.

Style Sheet:
• Opening spread headline: Photina MT Std Bold/Italics- 119.8/143.8
• Feature spread deck-head: Helvetica Neue- 14.5/25.5
• Jump spread body text: Garamond- 10/13
• Jump spread pull quote: Helvetica Neue Italics- 15/18

Sources:
1. Feature spread picture: http://www.crazythemes.com/images/Katy-Perry-Hot-Images.jpg
2. Jump spread: http://87tillforgotten.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/katy-perry-c01.jpg
3. Jump spread dancing: http://cyanatrendland.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/katy-perry.jpg
4. Jump spread pink: http://imgsrv.starpittsburgh.com/image/wzpt2/UserFiles/Image/KatyPerry.jpg
5. Dolls:
a. Katy Perry: http://images.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/20080929/293.perry.doll.lc.092908.jpg
b. Marilyn Monroe: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4159RHG5BAL._SL500_AA280_.jpg
c. Angelina Jolie: http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00574/SNN0827AA_280_574757a.jpg
d. Twilight dolls: http://jayse.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/twilight-new-moon-dolls.jpg

Just in time for New Moon...

2009-11-20T10:15:00.003-05:00

Laura DeJesus
project: Magazine Project
11/19/09

magazine identity & readership
I have always been a fan of magazines, namely fashion magazines. My own magazine aims to be for any audience, but it centers around young adults. The language is one that pertains more to college students, mature in language and issues, yet fun and fashionable. It will include important worldly issues, college issues, as well as beauty and fashion tips, celebrity news.

magazine visual identity
ALENES, which is SELENA spelled backwards, illustrates a magazine that is bright, mentally illuminating, and rugged. I chose the name because it is the name of the Greek goddess of the moon. I have always found the moon quite calming, something many of us take a moment to look at when we have nothing else in our minds and aren’t running around at night. ALENES is just that, the magazine you pick up when you just feel like laying back and concentrating on something that’s not part of our busy lifestyles.

article visual identity
As illustrated from my magazine, I use a tremendous amount of different colors and patterns. I want my readers to be completely engage in the article, and the person or topic whom which I am talking about. This is the reason why I took many of the colors and patterns from Robert Pattinson’s clothing, giving my audience both the article which describes the Pattinson’s personality but the visuals as well.

article design strategy
Upon reading about Robert Pattinson, I found out the he really just wants to lead a normal life outside the paparazzi and the hundreds of fans following him every day. I wanted my article to show a more rugged and natural side or Pattinson, and I wanted it to pertain more to fans of Pattinson. In order to come up with an idea of what I should demonstrate, I asked many of my friends who are obsessed with the Twilight saga and Robert Pattinson himself. From one reference, which I also found through google images, Robert Pattinson’s normal day “look” consists of dark Ray-Bans, a plaid shirt or t-shirt, and his grungy thick hair. From this, I chose my pictures which show in what seems to be the “everyday” him, and I chose my typeface. I wanted a bold typeface (), to demonstrate how he is now everywhere on television and in the eyes of everyone to see due to his fame, and based on the fact that the sequel to the movie that made him make it “big,” is coming out. The boldness typeface demonstrates his success. I decided to layer my typefaces with the pattern that came from his plaid shirt in order to complement it, as well as to illustrate that there are more layers to Robert Pattinson than his huge success. I chose simple and thinner typeface () to demonstrate his true character, the Robert Pattinson who, according to the article I read, just wants to go outside to a public area, and eat a hamburger without being photographed, like the rest of us.

style sheet
OPENING SPREAD:
“R” Helvetica Neue LT Std 93 Black Extended, 600/720, metrics kerning
“The” Glypha LT Std 45 Light, 20/24, metrics kerning
“Real, Man, Behind Fangs” Glypha LT Std 45 Light, 48/57.6, metrics kerning
Teaser: Glypha LT Std 35 Thin, 14/14, metrics kerning
Jump spread pull quote: Glypha LT Std 45 Light, 18/21.6, metrics kerning
Magazine name: Bodoni Std Book, 14/16.8, metrics kerning
Byline: Glypha LT Std 65 Bold, 10/12, metrics kerning
Names- Glypha LT Std 45 Bold, 10/12, metrics kerning
Sidebar:
-“Before the Saga Began” Glypha LT Std 65 Bold, 18/14, metrics kerning
-“Though…” Glypha LT Std 45 Light, 10/14, metrics kerning
-Titles: News Gothic MT italics, 8.5/10/2, metrics kerning
-Captions and dates: News Gothic MT regular, 8.5/10.2, metrics kerning
-Photographs cited (at gutter): News Gothic MT regular, 5/6, metrics kerning, tracking- -10

document grid
I decided to go with 6 columns across the two pages. I felt that this would give my layout a simpler look given that my sidebar is pretty dense. My bottom margin is thicker than my top margin because since I wanted to place my sidebar on the bottom right corner, I needed more space for both information and my magazine name and page number.

Top Margin: 2p8
Bottom Margin: 5p5

sources
Sidebar
Information:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1500155/

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
http://justchristy.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/2005_harry_potter_and_the_goblet_of_fire_007.jpg

The Haunted Airman
http://thinkingofrob.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/robert-pattinson-haunted-airman-profile.png

The Bad Mother’s Handbook
http://media.photobucket.com/image/the+bad+mother2527s+handbook/cristinacova89/album%202/dg3.jpg?o=4

Little Ashes
http://www.aceshowbiz.com/images/still/little_ashes13.jpg

How to Be
http://www.teenvogue.com/industry/blogs/entertainment/2009/04/win-the-shirt-off-robert-pattinsons-back-literally-plus-new-images-from-his-latest-film-how-to-be.html

Feature and Jump Spread Pictures
http://robertpattinsonaddict.info/gallery/?lzkfile=Rob+US+Mag+Photoshoot%2F

Penelope: Transformed

2009-11-19T20:18:00.008-05:00

Amy Orgel

Magazine Project
November 19, 2009

Magazine Identity and Readership:

INSTINCT is a magazine targeted at young to middle-aged women. The magazine focuses on the interests and wellbeing of women who are at this age. It may be seen as somewhat of a feminist magazine but the topics it covers are broader than that. It appeals to confident, professional people who care about their health, their success in the workplace, as well as the relationships they have.

Magazine Visual Identity:

This magazine features longer, more in-depth stories along with captivating images. Rather than being full of tidbits of information and cramped information, the layout tends to be more clean and spread out. This keeps the focus on the stories of each issue, and should also appeal to the professional women who are readers. INSTINCT’s non-chaotic design and crisp organization should indicate the higher scale of this magazine.

Article Visual Identity:

On the jump spread, the large dominant photo of a blonde Penélope indicates that this article will be about transformation and the many layers of this mysterious actress. The two main images are somewhat artistic and reinforce the idea that she is a complex, almost distant individual. The visuals of the two spreads should entice readers into reading to learn more about the cover actress.

Article Design Strategy:

The feature spread of this article is calm and free of cluttered information and images. The lines of text are spaced out generously from each other, and stagger down the page, which keeps the dek from being stagnant or boring in so much white space. The first impression of the article should be striking due to the large image that shows Penélope differently than we’re used to seeing her. The jump spread includes a half-page photo, rather than multiple smaller photos. This, along with two balanced pull-quotes re-enforces the style of simplicity and clarity. The gray lines around the body text, along with the white line down the sidebar should tie the spreads together. The line in the sidebar is also meant to connect all of Penélope’s various past roles.

Style Sheet:

Feature Spread
• Penélope: Mona Lisa ITC TT Regular, 175, optical kerning
• [transformed]: Perpetua, 45, tracking +130
• Dek: Didot, 16, metrics kerning
• Byline: News Gothic, 9, optical kerning
o News Gothic Bold, 10, optical kerning
• Page Numbers: Clarendon LT Std. Light, 9, metrics kerning
• Folio: Orator Std Medium, 8, metrics kerning
• Photo Credits: News Gothic Regular, 6, metrics kerning

Jump Spread
• Body Text: Janson Text LT Std., 9/13, metrics kerning
• Drop Caps: Mona Lisa ITC TT Regular, 72
• Photo Caption: News Gothic Bold, 8.5/10, metrics kerning
o News Gothic Italic, 8.5/10
• 1st Pull Quote: News Gothic MT Bold, 14, metrics kerning
• 2nd Pull Quote: News Gothic Regular, 22/25, metrics kerning
o Woody Allen: News Gothic Regular, 8.5, metrics kerning
• Quotation Marks: Mona Lisa ITC TT Regular, 60
• “Continued”: News Gothic MT Italic, 7/8.4, metrics kerning

Sidebar
• Role Play: Trebuchet MS Regular, 36, metrics kerning
• []: Mona Lisa ITC TT Regular, 58
• “A look back…”: Didot Regular, 10, optical kerning
• Movie Titles: News Gothic Bold, 12/14.4, metrics kerning
• Movie Text: News Gothic Regular, 9.6, metrics kerning

Document Grid:

• Margins:
o Top: 3p0
o Bottom: 3p6
o Right: 3p0
o Left: 3p0
• Columns: 6 columns per page, 3 columns of text per page
o Column width: About 5 inches

I chose to use three columns of text in order to fit the amount in the story. My sidebar takes up one column, and since it runs up the side of the page, it balances well with the smaller image on the right page (of the jump spread). The first pull quote takes up the width of one column, which keeps the sizing of things consistent. The second extends half way into the middle column, but is aligned with the 6-column grid I set behind my text. My margins were chosen in order to give ample space surrounding the text. Although images and the sidebar bleed off the edge, the margins keep the body text from looking cramped into the corners and edges of the magazine.

Sources:

Original Article (Vanity Fair): http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2009/11/penelope-cruz200911
Feature Spread Image: http://www.kleinezeitung.at/system/galleries/upload/0/5/1/2093609/zerrissen1_030809.jpg
Jump Spread Image: http://images.allmoviephoto.com/2009_Broken_Embraces/2009_broken_embraces_005.jpg
Sidebar “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”: http://www.aceshowbiz.com/images/still/vicky_christina_barcelona01.jpg
Sidebar “Elegy”: http://z.about.com/d/worldfilm/1/0/q/C/1/Elegy6.jpg
Sidebar “Saraha”: http://images.allmoviephoto.com/2005_Sahara/2005_sahara_010.jpg

Extras:

I tied in the green from the background of both images into my spread. The green “[transformed]” also indicates rebirth or renewal, which is what the focus of this story is. The complimenting pink is pulled from Penélope’s lips in both images. To tie together the pages further, gray quotation marks, gray lines, and a gray sidebar stay constant.

800 Wins!

2009-11-19T19:01:00.003-05:00

Tara Baron

Magazine Project

November 19, 2009

Magazine Identity & Readership

Syracuse Sports magazine is very similar to Sports Illustration and all other popular sports catalogs. However, unlike all other general sports magazines, Syracuse Sports covers content only on Syracuse University athletic activities and events. The audience of Syracuse Sports magazine includes students who wish to say informed around campus, all college sport advocates, and mainly dedicated SU fans. Although this magazine only comes out three times a year, once toward the end of each sports season, it always manages to have many impressive cover stories.

Magazine Visual Identity

I want Syracuse Sports magazine to be bright, modern, and hip. I hope for this magazine to be visually appealing to everyone. Syracuse Sports’ cover and feature spreads should attract sports lover, both male and female, with a wide range of ages.

Article Visual Identity

The articles’ identity in Syracuse Sports is informative and easy to read. The information is presented in an orderly fashion with corresponding visuals. The title, pull quotes, and side bar should all draw the reader into the article. Both color and size present a hierarchy in which readers can easily understand.

Article Design Strategy

Both my feature spread and jump spread represent my subject well. Jim Boeheim has coached men’s basketball at Syracuse University for 34 years now and recently had his 800^th win. Therefore I chose to use Syracuse colors throughout both my layouts. There is a constant visual repetition using the themes of Syracuse and basketball, as well as many images of Jim Boeheim. I chose to use the bold, serif typeface Serifa Std for my main title, drop cap, pull quotes, and title of the sidebar. This should easily catch the audience’s attention. I used myriad pro for my deck head, by line, and captions. By using the same typefaces on both layouts, I created a cohesive unit.

Style Sheet

Feature Spread headline: Serifa Std 75 black, 95/114, kerning boeheim:0,0,0,-40,-20,0, winning: 0, tracking 0

Deck Head: Myriad Pro 19/22, kerning 0, tracking 0

Body copy: Minion Pro 9.5/13, kerning 0, tracking 0

Pull Quote: Serifa Std 16/19.2, kerning 0, tracking 0

Document Grid

I chose a six-document column grid per page. This gave me many options when laying out my spreads. My chose to put my top margin at 0.3125 p, bottom at 0.8125 p, inside at 0.333 p, and outside at 0.6667 p. My gutter is 0.1667. These measurements seemed appropriate when designing my page.

Sources

Book: Legends of Syracuse Basketball

By Mike Waters

Orange Mania: Syracuse Nat’l Championship Season

By The Post Standard

http://www.stoneycreekjrsabres.ca/logos/syracuse%20logo.gif

http://www.ecincorporated.com/custom/images/basketballHOF.jpg

http://www.totalprosports.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/ncaa-basketball-trophy.jpg

http://rushthecourt.net/mag/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/uconn-syracuse-final.jpg

http://www.sportingnews.com/college-basketball/article/2009-11-09/800th-win-puts-jim-boeheim-elite-company

Twenty Three Magazine_Werner

2009-11-19T18:37:00.007-05:00

RATIONALE
Allison Werner
Magazine Project
11/18/2009
Magazine Identity and Readership:
Twenty Three Magazine targets women between the ages of 20 and 35 years old. These women are career-oriented and are interested in reading about the success of other woman around the same age. This audience is often not interested in trivial matters such as celebrity break ups and other topics that do not contribute to what it means to be a successful woman. This magazine works to encourage woman to be themselves while also inspiring them to better themselves. Overall, the woman who would read this magazine care about their overall wellbeing and are interested in learning about how other successful woman live day to day.
Magazine Visual Identity:
The visual aspects of my magazine are colorful so they catch readers eyes; more importantly, however, the images portray Beyonce in a powerful, comfortable light. As a result, I intend the images to convey an emotion of strength, happiness, and comfort. The magazine cover reinforces these emotions; specifically, the image on the cover shows Beyonce as a strong, classy woman who displays confidence. The personality which I convey through these images resonates well with who Beyonce is as a woman – powerful.
Article Visual Identity:
The visual content of my article includes images of Beyonce performing on stage, acting in movies, or simply posing with family members. I chose these images because I want to convey the idea that a woman can be extremely successful while simultaneously maintaining strong relationships with her husband and other family members. Specifically, I think the image showing Beyonce performing with her husband, Jay Z, sends this message best because it shows that they support each other completely.
Article Design Strategy:
My feature page clearly identifies what the article is about: Beyonce. However, I believe this particular image of her creates an impression of class, beauty, and comfort. In this visual, Beyonce’s eyes make her the center of attention, and even though her hair is blowing, her face and body position send the message that she’s not going anywhere. By giving this impression, the image communicates a feeling of confidence. Regarding the text used in both the feature and jump spread, I think the script font used throughout reinforces the idea of acting classy, while the body text maintains simplicity and femininity. The pull quotes used within my article display a different font than than the body and headline, however it is the same font as my deckhead. Therefore, each section of the article includes the different fonts used throughout – this creates a cohesive design. Concerning the sidebar, the font is also the same as the deckhead and pull quotes, and the images send the same message of confidence. Specifically, I think these images prove that even if you’re taking on a role in a movie, your personal strength can still shine through.
Style Sheet:
Cover Headline: Americana Bold Std, 87/104.4, metrics kerning
Cover Teasers:
Americana Extra Bold Std, 110, 132, metrics kerning
Helvetica Regular, 25/26, metrics kerning
Americana Extra Bold Std, 30/26, metrics kerning
American Extra Bold Std, 35/25, metrics kerning
Helvetica Bold, 16/ 19.2, metrics kerning
Helvetica Bold, 25/30, metrics kerning
Helvetica Bold, 20/24, metrics kerning
Americana Extra Bold, 25/30, metrics kerning
Opening Spread Headline:
Snellroundhand Black, 118/141.6, metrics kerning
Snellroundhand Black, 63/ 75.6, metrics kerning
Opening Spread Deckhead:
Americana Std, 35/35, metrics kerning
Americana Std, 14/16.8, ,metrics kerning
Jumpspread Drop Caps:
Snellroundhand Bold, 80/35, metrics kerning
Jumpspread Pull Quotes:
Americana Std Extra Bold, 20/24, metrics kerning
Body Copy:
Helvetica Regular, 9/14, metrics kerning
Captions: Helvetica Bold, 8/9.6, metrics kerning

Document Grid:
The margins and columns are set as is because I think it allows the reader to not feel overwhelmed with body copy. I think the width of the columns are large enough to slowly guide the reader througout the page so that her eyes do not become too tired from the text. As far as the grid used throughout my magazine design, it divides the pages up horizontally and vertically in a clean way. I think the use of the grid is evident in my sidebar: it organizes the images well. However, I also think the last image of Beyonce from the movie Dreamgirls breaks the grid, but I believe it adds to the design and draws the reader’s attention to this image.
Sources:
http://images.allmoviephoto.com/2006_Dreamgirls/2006_dreamgirls_002.jpg
http://www.aceshowbiz.com/images/still/cadillac_records02.jpg
http://www.aceshowbiz.com/images/still/obsessed05.jpg
http://weenblog.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/bey-tina1.jpg
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://photos.posh24.com/p/440944/l/beyonce/happy_anniversary_beyonce_and_jayz.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.posh24.com/beyonce/happy_anniversary_beyonce_and_jayz&usg=__B-xDCs-ugCZcMGNhlsorDGN__ls=&h=566&w=404&sz=43&hl=en&start=9&tbnid=Z84TG8vq9t1I4M:&tbnh=134&tbnw=96&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbeyonce%2Band%2Bjay%2Bz%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den
http://z.about.com/d/houston/1/0/t/3/-/-/Beyonce-2-KW.jpg
http://gofugyourself.celebuzz.com/2008/11/24/83798019.jpg
http://www.944.com/data/events/images/2/2/2/7/5/rsvp.jpg
http://www.mtvpress.com/2007/img/photos/VMA03_BeyonceJayZ.jpg
http://www.celebs101.com/gallery/Beyonce_Knowles/208816/beyonce0014.jpg
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://images.allmoviephoto.com/2002_Austin_Powers_in_Goldmember/austin_powers_in_goldmember_006.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.allmoviephoto.com/photo/austin_powers_in_goldmember_006.html&usg=__3UymFH7uvsL_Z37CtslQ2c2sn6o=&h=1500&w=992&sz=152&hl=en&start=5&tbnid=QqNZeHo0l0f3qM:&tbnh=150&tbnw=99&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbeyonce%2Bin%2Bgoldmember%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG
http://www.mtvpress.com/2007/img/photos/VMA03_BeyonceJayZ.jpg
Extras:
The color used throughout my design is feminine and consistent throughout the article. I think the color used in the headline of the feature spread makes Beyonce’s name stand out; the colors used within the article also attract the reader’s attention. I think the use of color in the cover specifically draws the attention of readers. The bright colors will likely sell the magazine.

The Office Wedding

2009-11-19T15:11:00.003-05:00

Kayla Caldwell

Magazine Project

11/19/09

Magazine identity & readership:

My magazine, Media Mogul, would be comparable to an Entertainment Weekly. It is an entertainment magazine that would give information about upcoming movies, television shows and books and also reviews of already released movies, television shows and books. According to a Google search, in 2003, the Entertainment weekly‘s weekly circulation averaged 1,700,000 copies per week. I guess since that would be a similar intended audience it would be around the same readership but most likely a little less since it would not have been around for as long as EW. The identity of the magazine is fun, upbeat, relaxed and informative.

Magazine visual identity:

Well first of all, my spread is on a popular television comedy. The layout of the feature has a photo album look and therefore is relatable and familiar. The pictures are colorful and cheerful and the sidebar is goofy; so the readers who bought this magazine would be interested in something not overly fancy or complex like a fashion magazine. But something simple they can just pick up to check out the new movies or their favorite TV show.

Article visual identity:

My feature plays off of a very familiar image, a photo album. It is filled with pictures of Jim and Pam from the Office on their wedding day so it would instantly draw in fans of the TV show. My text uses one script and one serif to make a bold title and the play on words “wedding deception” calls attention to something everyone is familiar with, a wedding reception, and ties it to the office through all of the pranks the two characters play on the show. This ties into my jump spread because the color red from the flower in the background of the photo album on the feature is the color of the sidebar; pull quote and the drop cap. Also, the sidebar is about Jim Halpert’s best pranks so that ties back into the headline of the feature. The other pictures on the spread are either of Jim and Pam discussing their wedding, or at their wedding so that ties directly back into the headline also. The title of the sidebar incorporates the layout and typography from the feature so that connects them too.

Style Sheet:

Cover Headline: (wedding) Bickham Script Std Regular, 230/276

(Deception) Bell MT Std Regular, 85/102

Cover Teaser: Gill Sans Mt Regular, 16/24 (with select words in bold)

(Author’s name) Gill Sans Mt Regular, 14/16.8

Jump Spread Drop Cap: Bickham Script Std Regular, 130/156

Jump Spread Pull Quote: Gill Sans MT Regular, 19/22.8

Body Text: Garamond Regular, 9.5/14

Sidebar: (title) Bickham Script Std Regular, 41/49.2 (title 2) Bell MT Std Regular, 24/28.8 (subheadings) Gill Sans MT Bold, 9/10.8 (leading statement) Gill Sans MT Regular, 12/15 (body text) Gill Sans MT Regular, 9/10.8

Picture Captions: Gill Sans MT Regular, 9/11

Folios: (numbers) ITC Avant Garde Gothic Std Regular, 10/15 (other information) ITC Avant Garde Gothic Std Regular, 9/15

Document Grid:

I used a six-column grid in the background and a 2-column layout because I was trying to keep it similar to Entertainment Weekly, which is where I got my article. I kept the inside margins similar to that of EW also because my magazine would be a staple bound. The margins are: top (2p10) bottom (3p4) inside (3p4) and outside (3p11). I made these margins so there would be enough room for type without making it too crowded. Also, I modeled the margins a little bit to match Entertainment Weekly so it would look authentic. There was only a 1p0 gutter because it will be the staple bound kind of magazine.

Sources:

http://cdn.buzznet.com/media/jj1//2009/09/office-wedding/the-office-wedding-pictures-02.jpg (feature, Jim and Pam wedding kiss)

http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20190268_1,00.html (prank slideshow, contains all pictures in the sidebar)

http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/5900000/-Cafe-Disco-Promo-jam-5955799-1920-1080.jpg (first picture on the jump spread)

http://www.danny-newport.com/Pics/Janna&DamonWedding_07_21_369bw.jpg (background flowers on feature)

http://www.halpertbeesly.com/gallery/pg6.shtml#top (Jump/vows)

http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/downloads/wedding-desktops.shtml (biggest picture feature)

(The picture of them at Niagara Falls is a screenshot from my computer)

CHANNAH

2009-11-18T17:28:00.010-05:00

Hannah Megan Chan

Magazine Project

November 19, 2009

magazine identity & readership

CHANNAH is geared towards female “tweens” - in between preteen and teenager - ages of approximately 9 to 19. This age range is spunky, energetic and fun. These young girls usually keep up with the constantly changing trends and fads of clothes, music, television shows, movies and celebrities. It is a clean, healthy and positive influence on its audience.

magazine visual identity

This magazine is bold with bright colors that can be sporadic, yet at the same time, creates organization. Reading CHANNAH is supposed to be an exciting hands-on experience that literally keeps readers turning the page. Its messages, pictures and text are crisp and straightforward. Overall, CHANNAH is almost like a friend that encourages positive morals, values and ideas.

article visual identity

Through Shout it Out with Glee, I intend to convey a burst of energy, fun and power – the power to accept each of our differences and to reach for our goals. It is bold and in-your-face: it will not back down. The article visual is loud and makes a clear statement.

article design strategy

When opening this article, explosions of confident and strong colors greet the reader. The main image has the cast reaching out, which literally grabs the reader’s attention. The second large image has the actors’ legs pointing to the right, which guides the readers’ eyes with the flow of the reading direction. The cleanly unified body of text balances out the many colors that appear. The typefaces are simple and fun in order to appeal to the audience and to bring the story to life. The pull quote breaks up the text to make room for breathing space so that the reader does not feel overwhelmed. Drop caps also create breathing room and tell the audience where new sections begin. The pages, images, sidebar and columns of text are all rectangles that collectively form a solid idea.

sytle sheet

FEATURE SPREAD HEADLINE: “shout it” - ITC Avant Garde Gothic Std: Book Condensed Oblique, 40 pt

“out with” - ITC Avant Garde Gothic Std: Book Condensed Oblique, 60 pt

“GLEE” - ITC Avant Garde Gothic Std: Bold, 167 pt, optical kerning

FEATURE SPREAD DECKHEAD: ITC Avant Garde Gothic Std: Medium Condensed, 14 pt/19 pt

FEATURE SPREAD BY LINES: article - ITC Avant Garde Gothic Std: Demi, 16 pt

photographs - ITC Avant Garde Gothic Std: Demi, 12 pt

FEATURE SPREAD FOLIO: “CHANNAH” - Garamond: Regular, 10 pt

“7” - Garamond: Bold, 13 pt

JUMP SPREAD BODY TEXT: Garamond: Regular, 10 pt/13 pt

JUMP SPREAD DROP CAPS: ITC Avant Garde Gothic Std: Bold, 10 pt/13 pt

JUMP SPREAD IMAGE CAPTIONS: News Gothic MT: Bold, 8 pt

JUMP SPREAD SIDEBAR TEXT: headline - ITC Avant Garde Gothic Std: Bold, 20 pt

description:- ITC Avant Garde Gothic Std: Medium Oblique, 12 pt

names - ITC Avant Garde Gothic Std: Medium, 9 pt

name descriptions - ITC Avant Garde Gothic Std: Medium Oblique, 8 pt

JUMP SPREAD PULL QUOTE: text - ITC Avant Garde Gothic Std: Bold Condensed Oblique, 16 pt

quotation marks – Garamond: Bold, 75 pt

document grid

columns -3

margins: top – 3p0; bottom – 6p0; inside – 3p0; outside 3p0

gutter – 1p6

I placed the body text into three columns on each page of the jump spread – two felt too spread out while four felt too squished. The columns go on to align the drop caps as well as the pull quote. I raised the bottom margin to be an inch because I had originally intended to place the folio there. However, the sidebar needed more room for it to bleed off the sides and bottom of the pages.

sources

primary image – http://media2.fox50.com/special/SPREAD_GLEE/Large_Gallery/101glee_sc-79_6025.jpg

secondary image – http://media2.fox50.com/special/SPREAD_GLEE/Large_Gallery/101glee_sc-8_3397.jpg

sidebar images: Will - http://media2.fox50.com/special/SPREAD_GLEE/Large_Gallery/glee_03-matthew-

publicity_0399red_ly_.jpg

Rachel - http://media2.fox50.com/special/SPREAD_GLEE/Large_Gallery/glee_05-lea

publicity_0883_ly.jpg

Finn - http://media2.fox50.com/special/SPREAD_GLEE/Large_Gallery/glee_01-cory

publicity_0088_ly.jpg

Tina - http://media2.fox50.com/special/SPREAD_GLEE/Large_Gallery/glee_06-jenna

publicity_0909_lyF.jpg

Artie - http://media2.fox50.com/special/SPREAD_GLEE/Large_Gallery/glee_07-kevin

publicity_1094_ly_1.jpg

Mercedes - http://media2.fox50.com/special/SPREAD_GLEE/Large_Gallery/glee_04-amber

publicity_0525_ly.jpg

extras

The color red is seen throughout drop caps, quotation marks, images in the feature and jump spreads and the feature spread headline to create cohesiveness and to lead the eye from one part of the article to the next. The yellow font used in the sidebar ties the whole idea together – headline, description, names and images. The white captions are placed in a way so that the text will be readable against the background of the images. The black text and white background shows unity throughout the feature and jump spreads

Sexy Beast.

2009-11-18T00:52:00.012-05:00

Elizabeth McClain

Magazine Project

11.19.09

Magazine Identity: Glimpse monthly is intended to be a news magazine that gives the readers a “glimpse” inside celebrities’ lives, ranging from what they are up to at the moment, where they spend their free time, even their favorite recipes. Think of a combination between People and Seventeen Magazine: the Glimpse vibe is sophisticated, avoids gossip, and gives an intimate, relatable perspective of celebrity life. Glimpse Monthly’s intended audience is older teens and women, anyone really who is interested in learning about celebrities without the publicity stunts.

Magazine Visual Identity: To appeal to my audience, I wanted to make the magazine fun and friendly while keeping it sophisticated. My cover is the most crucial conveyor of this information so to show fun/friendly, I used bold, colorful typefaces, and to maintain the sophistication, used Helvetica and Helvetica, very clean-cut typefaces and modern for the magazine’s title. I believe that the warm color palette and slim title will appeal more to the female population. I also think that the use of lowercase letters in my title exudes a modern vibe, which would convey that the magazine’s content is fresh and up-to-date.

Article Visual Identity: In my spread, I wanted to focus on the bold move Shakira took with her new album, its instant global success and how it gave her confidence and a new path of opportunities to follow. Thankfully I found a perfect set of images that are bold, confident, and even contain fire, which is exactly what Shakira started with her new hits.

Article Design Strategy: The visual of my feature spread immediately grabs the reader’s attention with the vivid colors and content of the image. The image is in-your-face, emulating Shakira’s new release, and the corresponding is correspondingly bold and wild-looking. I think that using a more geometric typeface added more strength to the titles, as an organic serif typeface would not convey the intensity that I felt was needed to resemble Shakira’s attitude. I added colored rings that mimic the ring of fire in the image to bring the reader’s attention to the other side of the page and the text on it. To tie the feature spread, I used the oh-so-ever successful DNA method, bringing the typefaces of my title and subhead into the categories and quotes of my article. I also wanted to bring in the rings that I used in the feature spread as a subtle accentuation, so I laid several behind my body text in a lighter transparency, and let the rings overlap the pages and images a bit to add some depth and interaction between the various elements of the spread. I think that my images are very powerful, and I’m glad I could find several from the same shoot, as it provided for a very unified color scheme, which I think makes the jump spread look sophisticated. I also tied parts of the spreads back into the cover design of my magazine by using Helvetica Neue for the subhead, text in the sidebar, the folio and the photo credits.

Style Sheet:

Cover

Headline: (glimpse) Helvetica Neue, 180/216, metrics kerning, -20

(monthly) Helvetica Neue Ultralight Italic, 80/96, metrics kerning, 0

Baby- Helvetica Bold, 50/60, metrics, -40

Seven- Helvetica, 50/60, metrics, 0

(text) Helvetica Neue Light Italic, 18/20, metrics, 0

Born to- Helvetica Bold, 65/78, metrics, -50

Be Wild- Helvetica Bold, 55/66, metrics, -50

(text) Helvetica Neue, 22/19, metrics, 0

The Look- Helvetica, 50/60, metrics, -30

For Less- Helvetica Bold, 50/60, metrics, -40

(text) Helvetica Neue Light Italic, 22/22, metrics, 0

A Taste Of- Helvetica Bold, 45/54, metrics, -60

Twilight- Helvetica Neue, 50/55, metrics, -40

(text) Helvetica Neue Italic, 18/17, metrics, 0

Causing- Helvetica Neue Condensed Bold, 50/60, metrics, 0

A Stir- Helvetica Neue Condensed Bold/Bold Italic, 50/60, metrics, 0

(text) Helvetica, 16/19.2, metrics, 0

Hollywood- Helvetica Bold, 48/58.6, metrics, -50

On Holiday- Helvetica Oblique, 48/58.6, metrics, -50

(text) Helvetica Neue, 20/19, metrics, 0

Feature Spread

Beauty: Lithos Pro, 60/72, metrics kerning, tracking -30

Three words: Lithos Pro, 20/24, metrics kerning, avg. tracking -30

Beast: Charlemange, 100/130, metrics kerning, avg. tracking 30

Subhead: Helvetica Neue, 12/5, metrics kerning, 50

Author: Helvetica Neue, 14/16.8, metrics kerning, 0

Jump Spread

Drop Cap: Charlemange

Body copy: Garamond, 9/12, metrics kerning, 0

Sub-heads: Lithos Pro, 10/12, metrics kerning, -40

Pull Quote: Lithos Pro, 18/18, metrics kerning, -40

Photo caption: Helvetica Neue, 8.5/10.2, Metrics, 10

Sidebar:

Title: (first line) Charlemange, 23/27.6, metrics kerning, 10

(second line) Charlemange, 20/24, metrics kerning, 10

Subhead: Helvetica Neue Italic, 10/12, metrics kerning, 20

Text: (countries) Helvetica Neue, 10/8, metrics kerning, 30

(events) Helvetica Neue, 8/9, metrics kerning, 30

Folio: Helvetica Neue, 8/9.6, metrics kerning, 50

Photo Credits: Helvetica Neue, 6/7.2, metrics kerning, 70

Document Grid:

Basically, since I used full-bleed images that took up a significant amount of space in the jump spread, I wanted to keep the amount of information simple and unified, thus I only used three columns for the body copy. I made the margins a little bit larger concerning the page borders and text wraps to make sure the body text had room to breathe within the space of the page and did not look like a cluster of information to the eye.

Grids

2009-11-13T23:07:00.009-05:00

So I was surprised, as I usually am, in reading Lupton's book to find how important grids are. I just look at websites and decide whether or not I like them, never thinking about how they were made. I certainly never acknowledged that they were drawn out into little boxes and rectangles to make perfect and mathematical designs. On pages 138-139 Lupton discusses the golden section, a ratio for design, which is based in mathematics. That is something that I never thought would be included in graphics. It is always surprising to see how mathematically based this creative occupation is. Before this class when I heard the word grid I really only ever thought of that horrible grid paper used to make graphs in math class in high school, or of Microsoft excel. I never associated math or grids with designing. It is pretty interesting to learn all that goes into the websites I visit every day. One website that I frequent is that of NBC. There must be a whole lot of grids for this website. There is so much going on. There are 11 or so columns, or at least there are that many boxes across the top for the sections/options on the site. Then there are other boxes that contain videos and images that lead to either videos or tv show webpages. The left side also contains even more little boxes to list the TV schedule and further links. Another website that I use a lot is the Imagina Supersite, which contains material for my Spanish class. I love this website because it is incredibly simple. There are really only three columns. One simply has a picture of the book's cover. Then the middle has the links to the activities for each chapter, and the right side has links to the videos and the lab audio among assignments and a few other announcements. These websites are very different and it is funny to think that they were both based on the same principles and structure and all began as a simple grid.

The hidden grid

2009-11-13T16:11:00.010-05:00

On page 125 of Thinking with Type, Lupton describes the rise of the usage of grids in page layout. Inspired by the new field of computer programming, Swiss designers like Karl Gerstner backed the idea that creatives could benefit from applying systematic design, rather than relying solely on intuition. Some designers might feel that grids are restrictive, and thats understandable since the word "grid" feels very rigid and unforgiving, but Gerstner didn't view it as a constrictor. In his book, Designing Programmes, Gerstner considers the grid to be a "proportional regulator for composition." This shows his intent to use grids, not so much as a set of rules, but more as a guide for general principles of good design. The grid wasn't meant to be adhered to religiously.

Spacecollective.org certainly embraces the grid. Their library of posts is organized in a tile format, which makes the posts very difficult to scan and does nothing in the way of grouping related topics. Thankfully, other pages on spacecollective have better layouts, so the website in navigable after all... its just that pages you use to find something in particular that aren't.

http://spacecollective.org/recent

At the other end of the spectrum, you get the 20 worst designed websites in the world that Helina introduced us to. These websites have no grid and no sense of priority. The designers followed no rules and created untainted chaos.

In Gerstners search for a grid that offered a good balance of freedom, variability, and regulation, he came up with the "complex grid." Its not really that complex. He took a 12 x 12 grid and removed a few options to ensure that the grid suggested layouts with good composition and followed principles like the rule of thirds and the 1/2 ratio. The result is a 4 column grid on top of a 6 column grid. The complex grid, shown below, allows for 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 columns.

http://whatype.com/texts/the-complex-grid/

When you start using a grid properly, you might come up with a nice website like the Family Life Network. Its hard to tell exactly what grid they're using, but that's the best part. A page that utilizes the grid well will hide the grid well. Everything on the page is structured and organized, and priority is brought to certain items according to how many sections of the grid they take up. Key elements like the highlights frame, daily report, and the navigation bars seem to break the grid, giving the site a very human feel by making use of that good ol' design intuition.

How do I know Family Life broke the grid? I don't. If I had to guess, i'd say the site has a 12 or 16 column grid, and it looks to me like the distances that the important elements hang over the edge don't fit in very well with either of those grids. That leads me to believe that the designer of the Family Life website works in the spirit of Karl Gerstner by using the grid as a flexible and versatile "proportional composition regulator."

.... raaaahhhh

The Instinctual Need for Grids

2009-11-13T15:57:00.003-05:00

"Universal design systems can no longer be dismissed as the irrelevant musings of a small, localized design community. A second modernism has emerged, reinvigorating the utopian search for universal forms..." Lupton, 134

I think the thing that struck me the most in our discussions about grid in class and in Lupton's book is the idea that the effectiveness of using grids is based on an instinctual desire to see order and organization. The example that Professor Hedges used of people being drawn to plaid patterns after 9/11 really fascinated me. I think that a grid presents comfort and reliability, and isn't necessarily the basis of all human understandings of beauty, because breaking the grid can be just as striking and beautiful.

I think, though, that the grid creates a lot of our standards of beauty. Some theories of our beauty standards are based in symmetry and, it could be said, an organization of the human form and face. I'd imagine that a lot of the retouching that designers do to models and celebrities in magazines is to achieve that symmetry and organization, and obviously to uphold society's standards of weight and body shape. But humans aren't completely symmetrical. Everyone has flaws, and maybe being drawn to grids and organization comes from a desire to achieve something humans naturally will never be able to.

Grids are EVERYWHERE

2009-11-13T15:42:00.005-05:00

*I could not get this images to go where I wanted them too, so they're all thrown out there at once.

How difficult is it to study for a test when you have random notes going down, up, and sideways across every page? It's impossible. That's why most people create an outline, or a flow chart, or something to shows what goes with what and what leads to what. It's a way to establish hierarchy and similarity between notes, objects, pictures, and information.

When I began my search for a website that displayed a use of a grid, it was so easy it was almost hard. Almost every website uses a grid system to display their information. Companies realize this is the easiest way to either find exactly what your looking for, or browse around without getting flustered. There were so many options I felt like I had to pick the BEST one. Whether it's the best or not, I felt the newyorktimes.com was a great example.

This website has so much information on one page, yet it doesn't make you feel overwhelmed. It divides it up into columns and rows. Some rows have different column sizes, which divides it up easier to establish hierarchy and similarity. We naturally group things together that line up with one another, or are the same size. It allows for the best flow of information. They also surround some areas with very light boxes that you can barely see, but it also allows for easier separation of the columns and rows.

Without grids and without organization, information is thrown at us in a way that does not only inhibit us taking in the information, but also remembering it. Pictures and images have much better retention in memory, than direct facts.

Grids make it look better

2009-11-13T14:26:00.004-05:00

" A grid can be simple or complex, specific or generic, tightly defined or loosely interpreted... they establish a system for arranging content within the space of page, screen, or built environment"(Lupton 113). With a mass of information that web sites or prints want to get across to their readers, a grid seems kind of ubiquitous. But there it is a reason for this. It helps the readers to scan through information easily and it makes magazines, web sites and other prints aesthetically pleasing.For example, the Nylon website uses a grid to add simplicity to their site. It does not look chaotic at all. Readers can browse through the site with ease. There are two rows consisting of four columns, this shows how the content is set up in a grid like matter. The site seems to have utilized the modular grid in which "consistent horizontal divisions from to top bottom and vertical divisions from left to right" are used. This helps the placement and cropping of pictures and text, which you can see in the picture above.

I think the designers or the website did a good job. They set up a grid system in which the important content as well as all the advertisements can coexist with each other without having the site look like a big mess or having them clash with each other. They have a big section on top with the big headline and I would assume it is a feature; then they have clickable mini sections right below, showing hierarchy. The typography is supplemental to the success of the grid as well.

Control of the Grid

2009-11-13T12:18:00.004-05:00

As Lupton says, “Typographic grids are all about control. They establish a system for arranging content within the space of the page, screen, or built environment.” This got me to question can the grid system be broken and yet still be easy to read. I think that going against the grid can be artistic as our class saw yesterday with the YouTube video. Then as I read more from Lupton she highlighted exactly what I was thinking, “An effective grid is not a rigid formula but a flexible and resilient structure, a skeleton that moves in concert with the muscular mass of information.”

As I looked around the Internet for a website with a great grid system I found the site http://travisisaacs.com/work/. I really like this website because it’s clean, functional, and has great use of content and color. The website has a twelve column grid, but what I really like is that certain aspects of the website span out over the entire website and although the overall layout still follows the columns there are parts that go against it. I think the functionality of splitting the Recent Work with Projects and Websites is a good idea because as the audience is looking at the recent work they can click right next to it to see past work, an easy and simple way to keep the audience entertained. And then at the far right are the upcoming events, which is much smaller than the rest of the page because of its lack of importance (compared with the rest of the page). I think that the grid system is definitely a good thing because it helps people organize their content but going against the grain isn’t a bad thing either.

20 of the Worst Designed Websites In the World and here's why...

2009-11-13T10:54:00.010-05:00

Often times we underestimate the importance of the grid. We crave order to the extent that we expect it to come naturally. I think it’s the designer’s job to do the thinking and organizing for us through the use of a grid, so we don’t have to do more work than is necessary. I'm generally a disorganized person so I appreciate anyone taking the time out to do the thinking for me. A website/magazine that is mindful of their audience is going to have a good grid system in place. Aside from the content, the organization of a website is going to be what keeps readers engaged.

When I searched “worst websites” in Google, I was scared of what I would find. Unsurprisingly, these websites are much worse than I thought they would be and they all have something in common: they have no sense of order. Obviously these designers have no idea what a grid is, let alone how to use one. There is no path that your eyes can follow because everything is essentially squeezed into one square and you’re forced to look at everything all at once. Where’s the fun in that? Forget hierarchy, this looks more like anarchy.

These are just a view of the worst websites...

original website

original website

original website

...20 of the Worst Designed Websites In the World courtesy of manolith.com

Grids in the OUR world

2009-11-13T09:16:00.007-05:00

It's interesting that before the past few classes, and before working on our magazine projects, I never really thought to what lay behind all the layouts of magazines. Because the grid is not just a structure with which the print world creates their publications' layouts; it is the system of organization that creates the organization and fluidity that our eyes need to compute the information. If we were to look at the New York Times, and it wasn't laid out in its typical fashion, like Professor Hedges showed us in class yesterday:

What if instead, it looked something like this?

Without the grid, our minds would not be able to process what it is we are trying to read. Instead, with the grid, providing multiple columns, and rows of information and pictures, while working together, bring us the story. So, again, it is interesting how I never thought about this system of organization before. In books, magazines, newspapers, and websites, we are constantly using the grid to compute the information ourselves. Without the gutter, it again, would be a jumble of information, text, and pictures. As Lupton says, "Designed in response to the internal PRESSURES of content and the outer edge of frame, an effective grid is not a rigid formula but a flexible and resilient structure, a skeleton that moves in concert with the muscular mass of information." To break it down, all Lupton means is that the content certainly hold its weight, and without the grid, that content would be fighting against itself, in order to find a structure, and to make sense.

And even websites contain a grid. Every website I have visited sine learning in class how they are built, the grid becomes apparent to me. From news websites,that continue on a similar format to their print versions:

To our beloved Facebook...

Everything follows a grid, so that we can read it.

G R I D

2009-11-13T02:01:00.003-05:00

When I think of "grid", I immediately flashback to the grid paper my math and science teachers gave me in middle school to doodle graphs and tables. I took for granted the organizational advantage it had to offer. It created some kind of orderly pattern that my mind automatically understood.

In the world of graphic design, grids have a math and science of their own. It "can be simple or complex, specific or generic, tightly defined or loosely interpreted" (page 113). Grids have numerous and efficient uses - books, newspapers, magazines, websites, posters, the design and construct of buildings. It is used intelligently and strategically to create a hierarchical system for the audience's mind to absorb. It leads the eye to one place, then another, then another, and so on. It forms a logical map.

In books, newspapers, magazines, and websites, grids construct a frame. Within that frame the space is divided into text and images. As the internet flourishes so do the many opportunities with grids. Videos and audio can be played as well as moving/flashing text. I had always believed that the geniuses behind these medias had simply taken their many ideas and simply meshed it all together to create that mode of communication. I did not know that it had required so much planning to arrange. The grid truly allows for a systematic and organized manner to help convey the "genius' " ideas to an audience. The grid also makes those ideas much easier for the audience to understand because it was not all splat onto the layout without a plan.

It was very interesting to see Gredges point out the similarities between a building and a magazine. Both are set up and designed on grids and have their own "columns", "margins", "flowlines", etc. It just goes to show that many things around us were probably first designed on grids as well. There must have been some plan of arrangement for creating the desk and chair I am near, my drawers, shelves, bed, calendar, notebooks, shoes, and my entire room! The entire Syracuse University was mapped out on grids before it was built. Architects and construction workers did not pull out tools and begin building by guessing where the foundation, windows, and walls should be. They had it all figured out on large grids to make their plan of action clear and precise. That way, each member of the team knew which part of the building (or newspaper, magazine, poster, book, etc) to work on.

The following images reveal a few uses of grids - calendars, weather maps, websites, math, science, and city boundaries.

Harper's Bazaar Magazine Web site

2009-11-12T22:39:00.005-05:00

Harper's Bazaar Magazine uses a unique layout for their website. Prior to the reading and discussion on grids, I wouldn't have realized that there was a forumula to the design; however, after learning about the system, I recognize that this magazine's website uses an interesting, cool, and functional layout. The website has 7 columns and 4 rows--the grid is primarily made up of images. Each image in this website appears as its own magazine cover which I think is an interesting design, and each image brings you to a separate section of the magazine. I think this grid works for this webpage because it separates the page in an organized way that still makes it easy to navigate each image in the design. The images are separated by flowlines, I believe, which break the page up horizontally. As for breaking the boundaries of the grid, the images pretty much stay within the lines of the grid. However, certain parts of the page do fall outside the grid; I think the sections that do not lie within the grid do not necessarily cause tension. I think their place in the design is effective. The advertisements at the bottom fall outside of the grid, as do the special offers. I think it makes sense that the designers created the page to have these links lie outside the boundaries because these are often the links which are used to catch the viewer's attention.

After learning about the gestalt principles, I also recognize that this webpage utilizes the proximity principle well. This principle allows us to perceive the page as a unit even though each image is it's own shape. I think the grid in this design is important for this gestalt principle because it allows the shapes to maintain proximity, therefore allowing us to navigate the page with more comfort and ease.

Other areas of the website maintain this grid and the proximity gestalt principle. I've clicked on different sections of the website and each page tends to have a block-like structure to it. Again, each block is its own shape, however the placement of the sections and the grid allow us to perceive the page as a unit. The grid remains the same throughout each page of the website, however the space that the images use in each page differs.

Overall, the grid functions well on this webpage and allows the viewer to predict the appearance of each page. As a result, viewers can quickly learn how to navigate this website and can expect to see similar layouts each time.

Creative Control

2009-11-12T20:56:00.010-05:00

While reading Lupton's "Grid," and learning about grids in lecture, I was completely surprised about their usage. I never thought that a website or magazine, with all its images and texts positioned in what seem to be a random order, were actually constructed by using little squares and rectangles. When I thought about the creating of a website or magazine, I pictured it being the same as if a 10 year old were to create a poster, just a copying and pasting of images and text boxes on a word document or page. I never actually believed that there was a certain order or organization to this vast of information. Reading "Grid" allowed me to understand, and get rid of this ignorant thought of design. Grids, which I only pictured as boxes, lines, and spaces are a structured format for illustrating the most creative forms of design. It is incredible that these lines and spaces which are all about "control," (113) actually help "dramatize" (134) and make design more artistic. A grid is complete paradox, a rigid form of lines that serve as a "flexible, critical, and systematic tool" (121).

I decided to do a website in order to describe the grid system since I am not very familiar with it. After countless search of websites, I decided to go with New York Magazine. As I studied the site's grid system, I realized it not only were the columns taking into consideration in the format, but the rows as well. I noticed that the different navigation bars had a different form of grids than the rest of the website. The website was simply divided into three different 3 columns. On the left the column is smaller, the middle one is the largest, and the right is not as large. Within each column there are subdivisions of their own. I believe its harder for me to understand a website's grid system, but only because there are so many different parts to it. As illustrated in class, a website seems to be divided more into tiny boxes than just columns as we have learned for our magazine project.

If it were not for the grids that are used in the New York Magazine website, it would be extremely hard to concentrate due to the tremendous amount of information coming at us. The website is filled with text, and not just pictures, but videos as well. The grid system used prevents us from being overwhelmed with information, creating this control Lupton describes to the whole site.

I am so backwards

2009-11-12T16:06:00.006-05:00

The Norwegian company Statoil merged with the gas and oil division Norsk Hydro in 2007 to form StatoilHyrdo. StatoilHydro is an energy and oil company found in 40 countries around the world. StatoilHydro changed its name back to Statoil in April of this year in hopes of becoming a more powerful global company. The Scandinavian Design Group recently designed its new logo but the website has yet to be updated.

This name and logo went from relatively simple type to a more modern typeface and a three dimensional star.

The rationale behind the new logo is very interesting. The star acts as a target. This company is hoping to transcend normal expectations and 'shoot for the stars.' Statoil wants consumers to instantly understand that they "desire to cross new frontiers." They want people to understand they can look toward the North star for future energy options.

I admire Statoil's boldness and courage in presenting this new logo. I think it looks very futuristic and clean. The star is a neat idea and I like the color. However, my overall opinion on this logo is a negative one. I have never heard of Statoil before and just by looking at the logo one would have no idea what sort of company Statoil is. My first glance of this logo I was convinced it was a woman's beauty product. Both the typeface and pink/purple color of the star give it a very feminine look. I would guess its women's shampoo or conditioner, or perhaps body lotion. The last thing I would think of would be an oil/energy global company.

I do think a new logo was necessary, however I do not believe this one works well.

Teen Vogue, Teenie Grid.

2009-11-11T11:12:00.009-05:00

Here's a grid that I am very familiar with, as I have been using it as one of my references for our magazine project- that of Teen Vogue, a magazine that is branched off of Vogue, aimed towards a younger audience. In Lupton's Grid section, she dubs the grid system as the "architecture" of a page, in which the viewer's eye can be intruiged by a system of lines of continuity and hierarchy.

Teen Vogue's designers attention to the architecture of the page is a vital component for the magazine, as the size of its pages measure approximately 7 by 9", much smaller than the average magazine size, which span at least the width of standard letter paper size, 8.5 by 11". This smaller playing field provides less empty space to play with image scale and text columns, so the designers must always be on top of their game to make sure they can make the most of the small space to catch the reader's eye and veil the fact that their small scale limits them in such a way.

I think that the Teen Vogue designers have done an excellent job of keeping the magazine bold and sophisticated with their limited grid. Before I became a designer, I wouldn't have noticed that the page size only provided space for two or three columns, as splitting up the text more would just make the pages too busy and more difficult to read fluidly. They break up the space with diagonals, several bold colors, and beautiful imagery, only expected for the child of Vogue. I think that this imagery is also another very successful visual element which helps make up for the lack of space on the pages. Another thing that I appreciate about the magazine is that they are very consistent with their visual elements. Many of their titles or captions are on a slight diagonal to distract from the grid, they are very dedicated to using classic red and black for bold contrasts in their layouts, with a dash of bright yellow as well.

The most important thing is that they translate these characteristics to their web page, a place where they can break out of their confined space to provide a deeper pool of information. Although they could take advantage of this, the design team decided to stick with the two or three column structure they discovered in their issues and kept the same color palette.

The only thing really different in the use of a grid on their website is that it is used more to regulate information and text rather than images, which were more interactive with the magazine's layout. Overall, I think that Teen Vogue has done an excellent job making use of their teenie grid and uniting it to their website to create a cohesive identity for their magazine.

Lupton III: Grid (Starter Post)

2009-11-10T10:09:00.001-05:00

In the last section of the Lupton's "Thinking With Type" she describes grids and their importance to all forms of graphic design, whether they be print or web based.

"For graphic designers, grids are carefully honed intellectual devices, infused with ideology and ambition, and they are the inescapable mesh that filters at some level of resolution, nearly every system of writing and reproduction." (113)

Grids certainly do guide design, whether it is in the making or breaking of the grid. Magazines and newspapers thrive on a grid system in order to create consistent environments that are functional and reproducible. Some have challenged this layout. We'll at a few slides from David Carson in a few weeks (click name to watch a video) and his design for "Raygun" magazine from the 1990's and you'll see how he broke the grid. But even in breaking the grid a system of order is created, that although not traditional in a linear sense, still can feel very natural and organized.

Lupton goes on to discuss the power of grids in magazine and print design and the evolution of the grid in web design through tables and Cascading Style Sheets and the more free form environment afforded by the use of Flash. Which leads us to your objective, should you choose to accept it...

Find an example of a grid system being used in print or on the web. You can select from magazines, web sites or newspapers. Discuss the grid system in place. How well do the designs work within the boundaries, or even by breaking boundaries of the grid? Our minds are trained to see and be comfortable with order. We organize the second we look at anything because of those Gestalt principles and our craving for the whole. How does the grid in your example aid the reader or user? Does it engage them with its structure or lack thereof? Does it cause tension, either positive or negative?

Attach screen shots, links or images in order to help illustrate your example.

Screen capture on a MAC:
Apple Key + Shift + 3

Screen capture on a PC:
Hit the "Print Screen" button (usually found on the top right of the keyboard).