An inspiring journalist

Here is a fantastic hour long radio program called Ideas on CBC, hosted by Paul Kennedy. This one is a podcast of Stephanie Nolen, foreign correspondent for the Globe and Mail, delivering the 2010 Dalton Camp lecture in Journalism. It's worth listening to, even if you don't get to it in one sitting.
Be warned though, many of the stories she relays are difficult to listen to and some in fact had me in tears, particularly the women from the Democratic Republic of Congo sharing their experiences of rape as it was used as a weapon during the conflict there. But they are important stories, real stories and they are human stories that we should know about. And Stephanie is great to listen to and inspiring not only as a journalist, but as a caring person in the world.

Here's the link: CBC Ideas

On writing rockin' blog post titles

Think headlines. Here's a great little article on improving the titles of your blog posts/headlines for your LOL articles.
It's also listed in the cool sites to check out list.

Multimedia and some useful links

So, here are some links to some radio examples from Centennial College:
Observer Radio News (Joint newscasts - teams of 3)
Individual news casts (Individual, obviously)

Spartan Youth Radio (High school radio in Espanola, ON)

Also vuvox for multimedia collages
Flickr for posting, sorting, and sharing photographs

Also, check out the LOL - our own online newspaper. What needs improving. What can we do with this?

Create a vuvox collage using the story you worked on, or you can work in a team of 2 or 3. Just try it out and get to know the application. Check out the introductory videos under Collage and some of the featured vuvox shows.

Check out the radio links and think about using your story, or a different story from LCI to read for your newscast on Thurday at Centennial.

Good luck!

Oh, and here's a link to a video interview with Billy Talent by Spartan Youth Radio - they have a youtube channel. Check it out here!

And this is their youtube channel

Yearbook and Journalism - Welcome to TGJ 3M1

Your first official blog post assignment!

WOAH! Back up everyone. Before we get to that, I want everyone to finish setting up their blogs, and then send me a comment at the bottom of this posting that has your blog URL - that's the http://blahblahblah.blogspot.com. That's it. Then I'll add you to a new blog list so I can access your blog from the class blog (that's this one).

Okay, now we can get to the assignment...

As you are aware, we're at a standstill. We've gone head to head and are currently trying to decide between the theme of Music vs. Video Games for this year's yearbook. In order to make this decision and be as equitable as possible, I'm going to give you an assignment that will be both an important learning experience as well as a bit of a competition. And, in order to be fair to those with less experience using computer graphics programs, there will be tutorials available AND I will ask that you pair up with someone with more graphics experience and knowledge. Also, you may submit a design that is drawn by hand using whatever medium you are most comfortable with.

Here is your procedure:

1. Team up with someone who has a skill that you don't. Ideally you might have one person that has experience/skills in computer graphics/design and another that is more experienced and skilled in writing.

2. You will be working individually, but assisting each other with different aspects of the task - i.e. peer assessments and assistance along the way.

Now for the task...

3. Design a cover for the yearbook that includes the back cover AND spine. Draw some thumbnail sketches, choose your best ones (2 or 3) to expand on and turn into a fairly detailed rough draft of a cover design. You will be submitting a comprehensive design - in other words, something that looks relatively finished, can give your peers the sense of what you'd like it to look like, without it being the absolute final design. This cover should give everyone a sense of how the theme might work throughout the book as well.

A note on size: We have not yet determined the size of the book. I am proposing that we go with a traditional 81/2x11" cover. You may choose to use this in a vertical or horizontal format. Think about how that might work as a full front and back cover with a spine of perhaps 1/2". If you would like to propose a different format, you may, but keep in mind that traditional sizes will cost less, which means we can spend more money on upping the colour content of the book.

4. Design any visual elements that might appear throughout the book to show your peers.

5. Write about it! Write a 1-2 page description that provides a justification for your visual design. Ideally there is a conceptual element that takes the visual to another level. For example, the traffic theme from the example I gave you, uses the word traffic, the concept of traffic and the visual of two converging circles, which is used to symbolize bumper to bumper traffic and congestion. This visual and conceptual theme is carried out through the yearbook.

Additionally, you should be able to give concrete examples of how you might change section titles and use verbal statements to carry the theme through. Perhaps re-naming each section with a musical twist. Check out clevel newspaper article headlines for this type of thing.

This is due: Wednesday October 6, 2010. The editorial board will be reading and viewing all designs and written proposals and will take the summaries to the rest of staff for an all staff vote. Please post your final design and written statement on your blog. If your design is by hand, then please submit your finished design (proper size please) with written to the work in folder by the due date.

If your work is digital please make sure you are sizing it accurately. I am not concerned with resolution at this point, but the size must be accurate!

Researching Walls and Barriers

There are two parts to your presentation:
Part A - Powerpoint on a researched topic.
Part B - Visuwords exploration of one word from your topic. (See below for more info. on part B)

Part A
Go to the following site for walls and barriers research topics.

Choose a topic from 1 - 9.

Make sure that you are selecting one that no one else has chosen. You will be working on this individually, not in pairs or groups. We are trying to maximize the information and thinking about various walls and barriers to inspire our artistic projects.

Note: For topic #1 on the Mexico/US fence - here is another resource


Research and present your findings to the class, providing links, resources and images.


Answer the following questions as you research your topic.

1. Give a brief overview of your topic. Who, what, where, when and why.
Include photos and links to show other research and information
2. Discuss whether there is a positive or negative impact and who is being impacted positively or negatively by the wall/barrier.
3. Discuss your personal opinion about this wall/barrier.
4. Discuss your findings from Part B

Part A should not take you more than 2 days (Monday and Tuesday). Your presentation should not be longer than 5 minutes. We'll spend a few minutes at the end of each presentation for questions and a brief discussion.
You can work on Part B on Wednesday.

Part B

• Choose one word that came up frequently in your research, that you would like to explore further. e.g. "border" or "fence"
• Go to visuwords.com
• Enter the word you chose
• In your sketchbook, or on the computer, make your own graphic organizer by recording words that you think relate to this topic.
• Make sure to click on new words and keep looking further into the topic.
• Share your findings with the class as the last part of your presentation.

Presentation due: Thursday May 19, 2010

El Anatsui - Researching the artist and his work

El Anatsui - Who is he and what's the big deal anyway?



We've been invited to particpate in this exciting collaborative project with the ROM and in order to do this, we need to learn more about him, his work, his message and our thoughts about his work and on walls and barriers.



1)Read as much as you can about El Anatsui on the internet.

While you are reading, make notes in a word doc and be sure to reference the webpage, date and author. (See your agenda for how to reference webpages)



2)Your Blog post will consist of several main sections:

a) Who is El Anatsui?

b) What does his artwork look like? Describe the stylistic characteristics of his work but also post or link to one or more images. Consider and discuss which design principles are significant or dominant.

c) What are some of the big concerns/ideas he is communicating through his artwork?

d) How do you connect to his work? What do you appreciate about his work? Does the work of art hold some particular attraction or personal association for you? You can mention your participation in the ROM project as well.



*Aim to make this post personal rather than a formal critique. Write your opinions and thoughts about his work. Enjoy!



Here are some links to get you started.

El Anatsui at the October Gallery - New York

Between Heaven and Earth Video about El Anatsui

El Anatsui's website at the Nation Museum of African Art

New England Journal of Aesthetic Research

Images of El Anatsui using recycled materials



There is also a facebook page that you can find here:

Please finish this by Wednesday May 12, 2010, posted on your blog.

Poster Analysis and Article Summary

You have now designed at least one poster and perhaps one other for our fabulous Lakeshore Idol. Your job now is to reflect on your design (s) by looking at what makes a good poster and comparing the criteria to your posters.

1. Read through the following posting:
http://www.poster-designers.com/poster-criteria.html



2. Summarize them by listing in point form, the essentials of a good poster.
You should have about 9 or 10 points from both articles. Your last point should be meeting your client's needs - see the lists of objectives below

3. Use your list to analyze the poster you designed for Orchestral Zeppelin.

4. Then analyze one of the two posters that were designed for Lakeshore Idol.
They can be found in the pickup folder - Idol posters for Analysis

4. Post your summary list and your analyses on your blog by Wednesday March 24, 2010. Please include your poster and the poster you are choosing to analyze for Lakeshore Idol in your blog entry and make it clear which poster goes with whic analysis.

What were the objectives for the Orchestral Zeppelin posters?
1. 60s psychedelic look/feel with a modern-ish look
2. Micheal White's photo (altered to look posterized or three toned)
3. Typography that is stylized and warped to give the 60s feel.
4. Essential text - Orhcestral Zeppelin, Date, Place, Who's playing?
5. and not as crucial, but something to add if possible..Visual representation of orchestral music meets rock and roll

What were the objectives for the Lakeshore Idol poster?
1. Photo of Jasmine
2. Visually represent her style of music
3. Make her look good and make people want to vote for her
4. Increase her publicity
5. Essential text - Jasmine Jewel, TDSB Idol Regional Competition

Evaluation:
Summary: /10 (5 for Knowledge/Understanding and 5 for Communication)
I will be marking the summaries based on your ability to glean the most essential 9 or 10 points from the two articles, clearly communicate them and convey the information back to me.


Analyses:
I will be marking your analyses of the posters based on your knowledge and understanding of the criteria of a good poster (how well did you summarize!), your ability to address all of the points and communicate the information and your ability to thinking about how successful the posters are at meeting the criteria. 5 marks per category per poster for a total of 10 marks in each category.

Knowledge/Understanding /10
Communication /10
Thinking/Inquiry /10

Welcome to Semester 2!

Okay Grade 12s, get ready for a full and exciting semester.

First step. Make a new blog.
This is your grade 12 graphics blog. Make it clean. Make it presentable and professional. This is a display of your work, your ideas, your inspirations.

WEEKLY BLOG POSTINGS:

Inspiration/idea/discovery/sharing
You will be required to post a new blog entry each week that will be checked every Friday - starting tomorrow!
Here are the guidelines:
1. Tips and tricks: Find a tutorial from a website on using some software - could be Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, or could be freeware that you discover.
2. Life observation: Written posting on something you saw, noticed, felt, thought about - could be a movie you saw, the way the light hit the telephone wires, anything that triggers some creative thought. Write about it and let us know.
3. Inspiration through other artists: Find a link to a website, or a book and let us know who the artist is and why they inspire you.

You must have an even dispersement of all three of those postings through the semester. Due each Friday. I will be checking that it's done and evaluating the care, time spent and detail for your entries mid-way through the semester. Date to be announced.

This is for homework!

Class work for Day 1
Click here: http://bit.ly/eSSco to find a tutorial on making Psychedelic Concert Posters.
Follow the instructions and have fun. We will be designing one for a client once you have finished the exercise. Post the finished product on your blogs.
Due Friday Feb. 5th

Have Fun!

Links for free packaging templates

http://www.ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/templates.htm
http://yayoi.senri.ed.jp/departments/OISTech/OISDT/gr7dt/templates.htm

TGG 3M1 - Culminating Project

AND NOW…..YOUR CULMINATING ACTIVITY!
TGG 3M1

Create a package design and logo for one of the following companies:

1. Gourmet snack food.
Logo plus container/package for the snack food

2. Clothing store with its own line (e.g. H&M)
Logo plus box or shopping bag

3. Hip urban coffee shop.
Logo plus coffee cup

*Bonus activity – if you’re a graphics superstar and can’t get enough – once you have completed this entire culminating activity, you can also design a sign for the store and decide on a location (street, mall, strip mall, web only?)

Note: Pay attention to the suggestions in both your logo and package design handouts. Read through them carefully!

Procedure:
Step I
· Invent your brand. Come up with a name and the spirit and personality of your company.
· Research similar products.
· Find examples of similar products.
· Write an objectives statement. Define the purpose and function of the packaging, the audience, and the information to be communicated. On a sticky note or index card write two or three adjectives that describe the spirit or personality of your company and product line. Keep this in front of you while sketching.

Step II

Design a logo for your snack food, clothing line, or coffee.
· Your logo can be in any of the following configurations – logotype, initials, pictorial visual, abstract visual or any combination.
· Produce at least twenty sketches of your logo ideas (at least four sketches for each logo configuration i.e. 4 initials, 4 logotypes, 4 pictorials, 4 abstracts)
· The logo should be self-contained and be able to “float” anywhere; for example, it should not be dependent upon being positioned in the corner of a page.
· Design a package or container for your company’s product.
· The packages must include the following information: logo and brand name.
· Produce at least twenty sketches of your package ideas

Step III

· Produce at least two roughs for the package before creating a preliminary mock-up.
· Create a preliminary mock-up to see how it will look in three-dimensions. (you can print it on the black and white printer, or sketch it by hand)
· Produce three roughs of your logos on the computer.


Step IV
· Create a finished mock-up for the package (Print in colour and fold to its specifications).
· The size of the package should be similar to the sizes of other products in its category.
· Create your final logo on the computer program that you think is most appropriate.

Step V
· Write a brief statement explaining your design choices and why you feel they communicate the intended message.
· Briefly explain your technical process (in a few sentences – programs used, original images/photos, alterations, original drawing, scanning etc.

Presentation – meet with your client one on one (Wed. Jan. 20 orThurs Jan. 21)
· Print the flattened pre-folded version in colour (Max. 7”)
· Print your logo in colour and black and white (Max 5”)
· Mount the finished package and logos on a black board
· Present the prints and the mock-up of the package with your initial objectives statement and final written statement.

Submission requirements:

1.Drop your originals into the drop folder.
· Create a folder with your final work that has your name on it!
· You should have one file for your logos and one for your package.

2.Post your finished work onto your blog with your objectives statement and final statement in the posting.
· Remember to convert your original .ai or .psd files to .jpgs for the web.

3. Hand in your mounted printed work and mock-up to Ms. Silverman. (you can do this when you present it to your ‘client’) Print your statements and glue them to the back of the board.

This assignment must be completed by your presentation time (on the 20th or 21st) I will not accept any work past the 21st.

TGG 3M1 Culminating Activity - exercises

Culminating Projects – Logos and Packaging
TGG 3M1 Graphic Design Grade 11
Ms. Silverman

LOGO An identifying mark for a product, business or service.

Exercise One
Find one example of each of the five logo configurations listed below and write a brief analysis of each. What do you see – line, shape, colour, type, meaning. What works, what doesn’t?

Logotype: name spelled in unique typography

Initials: the first letters of the name

Pictorial visual: representation of object or objects that symbolize the product, service or organization

Abstract visual: non-pictorial visual forms to symbolize the product, service or organization

Combination: any of the above used together

Exercise Two
Skyline Energy Drink

Find a photograph of a city skyline on google images, save it in a folder on your home drive and open it in Photoshop. Using filters, layers, blending modes and adjustments, convert it to a dynamic graphic image of a city skyline. Find a way to use this image for a drink label for Skyline Energy Drink (or you can call it skyline soda, or whatever you like!).
Copy your converted image onto a new file that is 8” wide x 3.5” high @ 300 p.p.i.
The label would wrap around a tall bottle. Add the required text keeping in mind that only about 3.5 “ of the width of the label is visible from the convenience store fridge!
PACKAGING a decorative, promotional and functional way to enclose a product.

Exercise Three
Re-Design a package

Choose a low-priced packaged product, such as a box of pasta (mac and cheese). Redesign the package so it looks expensive or upscale.
Post the original product and your new and improved version on your blog and explain the changes you chose to make to the design and why those changes give the product a more upscale and sophisticated look.

These exercises should not take you more than one or two classes. In total they are worth 10 marks out of 100 for your culminating project.
On Monday we will begin the main project.

TGG 3M1 - Posting your SNP work

Please post the work you did with your group for the Student Nutrition Program in your blog. Make sure you embed the video, image, animation etc. directly into the posting.

Then write about the following:

1. What was your intended message? (To inform, encourage, de-stigmatize?)
2. How did you achieve this? (Through video, a poster series, interactive media etc.)
3. Please explain how you used the specific medium in order to get your point across (e.g. the use of music in video or animation, the use of a quiz in the interactive game to help educate and inform, the use of colour, image and text on the posters...)
4. Are you happy with your final results? Why/Why not? Please be specific.
Please post and finish your written by Monday.

Package Design

Here's a link to a website that seems to have free templates for various shapes and sizes of boxes, bags etc. http://popsop.com/6315