Saturday, May 1, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Logo Redesigns
Logos are for life. Your clients look to it for assurance and a guarantee of quality service. But what happens when your logo looks dated? uncool? out of touch? Its time for a revamp.
Logo redesign is a delicate balance. Updating any icon while retaining the major elements of your previous visual brand is a challenge. Too much change can make you unrecognizable. Not enough change can slow your market growth. Here are some examples of the best and worst logo redesigns of 2009.
What are you favorites?
Who do you think is need of a logo makeover?
Monday, December 7, 2009
Blog Templates
Beyond adding a custom banner and tweaking your color pallet, you can incorporate templates to reformat your blog's layout. There are many free templates available on the web. Here are a few sites to browse:
Monday, November 23, 2009
Printing Resources
Now that you are your own designer, you need a place to print. There are too many online and local print providers to count, so I've listed a few of my favorites below. I always prefer to buy local because there are no shipping times, I can request proofs, paper and ink samples and nothing beats talking to someone face to face.
Local
Think Pro
Impression Makers
Alpha Graphics
FedEx Office (formerly Kinkos)
Copy Max
Local Screen Printing Shops
Acme
Brand X
Think Pro
Local Sign Makers
Super Signs
Think Pro
Impression Makers
Alpha Graphics
FedEx Office (formerly Kinkos)
Copy Max
Local Screen Printing Shops
Acme
Brand X
Think Pro
Local Sign Makers
Super Signs
But if I need 500 postcards in 5 days and I have a super tight budget- online printing is the usually the best method. Always request a hardcopy proof to garentee your colors are accurate.I recommend researching your your document specs at each site and finding the best deal for you. These sites often have sales, so it pays to research if you have the time. Here are some vendors I've had success with:
Online
Assignment 5: Brochure Design
Brochure Design
This assignment will provide experience with text styling, wrapping, threading, layout, color, vector graphics and patterns within Adobe Illustrator.
Objective: Design folding multi-page brochure.
Requirements: Design a 2 sided bi-fold, tri-fold or z-fold brochure using Adobe Illustrator.
The minimum size when folded is 3”x3”. The orientation and format of the invitation is up to you. You are encouraged to incorporated. The color pallet, font selection, layout and graphics must compliment the objective of event, artwork or entity you are promoting with this brochure.
Final Product: When you have completed your design, export both sides of the document as a jpg, png or gif file and post it on our class blog.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Assignment 4: Poster Design
This assignment will provide experience with text styling, layout, color palettes, vector graphics and patterns within Adobe Illustrator.
Objective: Design a poster for the event used in Assignment 3 using Adobe Illustrator to.
Requirements: Design a poster a minimum of 11”x17” in dimension using Adobe Illustrator. The color pallet, font selection, layout and graphics must compliment the objective of your event. Raster images may be incorporated. The orientation and format of the invitation is up to you. The following information must be incorporated on your design:
- Event Name
- Date and Time
- Location
Optional information:
- Contact Information
- Event specific
The event can be from the past, present or future. It can be a variation on a real event or completely fictional.
Final Product: When you have completed your design, export it as a jpg, png or gif file and post it on our class blog.
Assignment 4: Invitation Design
This assignment will provide experience with text styling, layout, color palettes, vector graphics and patterns within Adobe Illustrator.
Objective: Design an event invitation using Adobe Illustrator.
Requirements: Design a 1 sided invitation a minimum of 4”x4” in dimension using Adobe Illustrator. The color pallet, font selection, layout and graphics must compliment the objective of your event. Raster images may be incorporated. The orientation and format of the invitation is up to you. The following information must be incorporated on your invitaiton using text:
- Event Name
- Date and Time
- Location
- Contact Information
Additional information can be included such as:
- Venue hours of operation
- Map
- Sponsor logo
- Event description
- Website
- Host
- Image credits
The event can be from the past, present or future. It can be a variation on a real event or completely fictional. Please note that Assignment 4, Poster Design, will also be based upon this event- so make sure you have plenty of inspiration and source material to generate 2 pieces.
Final Product: When you have completed your design, export it as a jpg, png or gif file and post it on our class blog.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Assignment 2: Business Card Design
This assignment will provide experience with text styling, layout, color palettes and objects within Adobe Illustrator.Objective: Design a business card utilizing your logo design from Assignment 1 using only Adobe Illustrator.
Requirements: Design a 2 sided business card 3.5”x2” in dimension using only Adobe Illustrator. The design must incorporate your logo design from Assignment 1, a bleed edge and text. Raster images may be incorporated. The orientation of the card is up to you. The following information must be incorporated on your card using text:
- Position (if applicable)
- Contact Information: including but not limited to: phone number, mailing address, email address, web site, fax number
Final Product: Part 1. When you have completed your design, export it as a jpg, png or gif file and post it on our class blog. Part 2. Layout your business card “10 up” on an 8.5”x11” piece of cardstock (100 lb minimum), print and trim your cards. Bring them to class with you on 11/16.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Assignment 1: Logo Design
Logo Design
This assignment will provide experience with the basic tools: line, shape, color, fill, stroke and text within Adobe Illustrator.
The entity which the logo represents can be an event, a business, an organization or an individual. This entity can be legit or fictional, from the past, present or future.
*Note* This logo will be incorporate into Assignment 2, Business Card, so make sure it can hold your interest.
Final Product: When you have completed your design, export it as a jpg, png or gif file and post it on our class blog.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)