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Objective

To be inspired by award-winning graphic design. To become familiar with graphic design publications. To survey current trends in photography, illustration, advertising and design. To use blogs as a reflection tool.

• See instructions for starting a blog
• See instructions on how to scan in C138
• See instructions on scanning and resolution
• See instructions for scanning printed pieces

 

Description

Creativity is highly valued in the marketing communications industry. The first step to creating a creative portfolio is to recognize "creativity" when you see it. In this semester-long assignment, you will research and collect a broad range of graphic design pieces that are creative solutions from Parkland library's resources and post them on your blog. Consider the following categories (call numbers are listed for your convenience):

• Graphic Design (NC 970-1890)
• Web Design (TK 5105)
• Illustration (NC 970-1890)
• Photography (TR 6-822)
• Advertising (HF 5821-6201)
• Typography (Z 243-250)

Pay particular attention to these periodicals (graphic design students are allowed to check out periodicals overnight*):

• Adbusters
• Baseline
• CMYK
• Communication Arts
• Computer Arts
• Dynamic Graphics
• How
• ID
• Lürzer's Archive
• PDN (Photo District News)
• Print

Also pay particular attention to these annuals (current volume is
on reserve):

• American Illustration (Society of Illustrators Annual)
• Art Director's Annual
• Graphis Design Annual
• Typography: The Annual of the Type Directors' Club
• Workbook

Extra credit: Feel free to purchase other magazines or books at local book stores. Keep your eyes open for potential reference materials wherever you go. Collect printed pieces, postcards, packaging, T-shirts or anything that you are attracted to. Take pictures or scan your pieces and post them to your blog.

*Note: The library does not allow periodicals to be checked out by students. However, under special arrangement with the Library director, graphic design students may check out periodicals overnight. This is a privilege that should not be abused. Please return materials promptly. If you have any problems checking out periodicals, please ask to see a librarian (student workers are sometimes not informed).

 

Procedure

1. Visit Parkland library's reserve section, periodicals and/or stacks every week. Scan at least one example of a creative concept every week (sorry, Internet sources are not allowed).
2. Post your research in your blog every week. In your blog entry, write one paragraph about each piece. Discuss what specifically attracted you to the example and why the piece is "creative." Be sure to cite the source of your scan.
3. Present your blog for team critique and feedback every week by posting your blog's web address as part of each week's Angel homework assignment. Revise your blog as needed for grading at midterm and at the end of the semester.
4. Read the posts of the team members in your assigned group. Post a response to their post on their blog and encourage each other to seek out high quality designs (blog comments are optional and are not graded).

Important: This is a graded assignment. Spelling, grammar, clarity of thought and adherence to assignment specifications will count towards your grade.

 

Schedule

Your initial blog post is due Thursday at 11:55pm every week. Please respond to your team members' blog posts by Saturday at 11:55pm.