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Objective

To develop a visual identity for yourself for self-promotion purposes. To create an image and style that is unique to yourself for the purpose of obtaining employment as a graphic designer.

 

Secondary objectives

To utilize Adobe Creative Suite as layout and production tools.

 

Description

Design a logo/wordmark/typography system for yourself. Apply this system to the following elements (see examples ):

• letterhead
• business card
• résumé
• invoice
• portfolio sample sheet
• 9x12 envelope (with mailing label)
• pocket folder (no imprint needed)
• memo pad (optional)

Note: In addition to the usual contact information, you may want to include the web address of your personal website. It is highly recommended that you register your domain name and sign-up for a hosting package as soon as possible.

 

Procedure

1. RESEARCH FOR INSPIRATION: Research existing business cards, especially for designers. Review reserve books and annuals on logos, letterheads, self-promotion, etc. Be sure to look at trade publications as well (Print, Communication Arts, How, CMYK). Photocopy/scan pieces that you think are successful. Present your research on paper in class and be prepared to explain why these examples are successful. Also publish your research on your personal projects page (be sure to caption each scan and cite the source).

2. PRODUCTION RESEARCH: Research available paper stocks, envelopes and their costs (be sure to review these options: delicious.com/parkland.gds/Paper or your local office supply stores). Prepare a budget for yourself by getting estimates for printing/photocopying costs (Vista Print is a good online source). In order to get an accurate estimate, your printer will need to know the following: (1) quantity, (2) number of inks, (3) size, (4) paper stock. Alternatively, you may laser print some or all of your promotional pieces in our studio.

3. PREPARE THE COPY: Using Microsoft Word, write a draft of your résumé (suggestion: make "freelance graphic designer" the first item under "professional experience") and a sample cover letter. Submit a paper proof for review.

4. INCUBATION: Absorb the information you have gathered and sleep on it. Allow your unconscious mind to make connections for you.

5. DEVELOP THE CONCEPT: In your sketchbook begin to conceptualize ideas for your logo/wordmark. Make at least 10 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 (scale/crop in Photoshop: no wider than 800 pixels) and publish your concepts on your personal projects page. Test how successful your concepts are by presenting them in class for critique.

6. EXECUTION: Based on the critique of the above, use the computer to translate your sketch into digital files. Generate a b&w web-ready JPEG of your logo/wordmark (scale/crop in Photoshop: no wider than 800 pixels) and publish it your on your personal projects page for critique. Be prepared to talk about what design principles are utilized in your layout.

7. COLOR: Based on the critique of the above, revise your art (if necessary), then start adding color. Publish your best three color schemes on your personal projects page for critique.

8. APPLICATONS: Based on the critique of the above, make adjustments as needed. Apply your final color logo to the required applications and publish JPEGs of your designs on your personal personal projects for critique. Also submit paper proofs for proofreading.

9. PORTFOLIO PREPARATION: Make adjustments to your design as needed based on the critique of the above. Add revised JPEGs of your designs to your personal personal projects for final critique (do not delete older versions). If necessary, make refinements until you are 100% satisfied with the project. Be sure to save all your files for future editing.

10. GRADING: Prepare digital files for the printer (or laser print final proofs on the stock of your choice) and submit one copy of your entire package (complete with pocket folder and 9x12 envelope) for my files. File all the preliminary work you did for the project (research, brief, sketches, preliminary proofs, final color "comp") in your Process Book for individual review. You will not receive credit for this project if any of the above elements are missing.

11. STUDENT GALLERY ARCHIVES: 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.

12. INTERVIEWS: Prepare one copy of your entire self-promotion package as a leave-behind piece for every interview you go on (including the mock interviews scheduled for this semester).