GDS 110 Typography I

Project 4: Card & Envelope
Instructor: Jennifer Davis

 

Objective

To develop conceptual thinking skills. To communicate ideas visually and verbally. To explore typography styles. To develop systems of visual organization.

 

Description

Design a card and matching envelope for a holiday or event. You may choose the holiday or event, but you must be able to articulate your audience and the sender. Here's the catch: you may use only type to create this card and envelope—images or illustrations will not be allowed.

  • Message: Define your message carefully. This will help you when concepting.
  • Typography: Open. You will write your copy, and
  • Format: Open. But the card must fit inside a "standard envelope" and it must be printable "in-house" on our classroom printers.
  • Envelope: Must include a return address.
  • Credit: Add the words "Design: Jane Smith, Parkland Graphic Design Student" in 7pt Helvetica somewhere on the card.

 

Procedure

1. CLIENT MEETING: You are your own client for this assignment, so first decide on your objectives and needs. What kind of card will you create? To whom will it be sent? From whom will it be from? Be sure you know the who, what, why, how of this project.

2. RESEARCH: Research existing cards in your category. Be sure to review trade publications (Print, How, Communication Arts) and design annuals. Scan examples that you think are successful. Publish your research on your personal projects page for critique. Be prepared to explain why your example(s) are successful.

3. DEVELOP THE CONCEPT: In your sketchbook begin to conceptualize ideas for this project (see examples of sketches) Make at least 10 thumbnail sketches of all possible directions you might take this project. Edit your concepts down to your best three ideas and redraw them on 8.5 x 11 white paper using a felt tip pen. Scan and publish your concepts on your personal projects page for critique.

4. EXECUTION: Based on the critique of the above, use the Adobe Creative Suite to translate your sketch into a digital file. Print a b&w proof of your design for critique. Also generate a web-ready JPEG and publish your proof on your personal projects page.

5. PREPARING FILES FOR THE PRINTER: Have your files inspected by the instructor for mechanical integrity. Upon approval, prepare a press-quality PDF for printing.

6. FINAL CRITIQUE: Based on the critique of the above, make adjustments as needed, then add color. Generate a revised web-ready JPEG and publish your proof on your personal projects page (do not delete older versions). If necessary, make refinements until you are 100% satisfied with the project. Print a color "comp" for your portfolio. Be sure to save all your files for future editing.

7. GRADING: Submit two high quality color laser proofs with your name on it for grading. File the graded proof in your 3-ring binder for individual review along with all the preliminary work you did for the project (research, sketches, proofs, final color comp). You will not receive credit for this project if any of the above elements are missing.

8. STUDENT GALLERY ARCHIVES: Once you are 100% satisfied with your project, prepare a low resolution PDF (smallest file size) of your project and drop it in Angel's drop box. Your project may be published in a showcase of student work on Parkland's website.