CDIA Design

Print & Pattern

2008-04-02T02:42:00.000-07:00

This is a website that celebrates the world of surface pattern design.

Irving Penn's Portraits

2008-01-26T02:48:00.000-08:00

Those heading to NYC: Irving Penn Portraits of Artists and Writers on Exhibit at the Morgan Library and Museum January 19-April 13, 2008.

Jinky Art

2008-01-26T02:46:00.000-08:00

This site is full of delightfully whimsical portraiture featuring giggles, tickles, and childhood wishes

Mobile Blogging

2008-01-20T16:01:00.001-08:00

This is a great new site called jott.com. check it out, you can blog, you can leave messages, you can write a novel [...] All from your phone. It even creates an audio message and leaves a copy of it in your inbox. listen

Powered by Jott

Peace Posters

2008-01-07T02:46:00.000-08:00

Apolitical, copyright-free pro-peace posters you can copy, print, use, and alter.

Here's a Busy Man

2008-01-03T03:09:00.000-08:00

Dave Werner's portfolio is well worth a peek! Be sure to glance at the Cadence portion...I believe he's onto something here. And also look at the Mondavi section...I love how he explains his process. Happy New Year!

Sustainable Packaging Ideas

2007-12-22T02:08:00.000-08:00

For articles addressing sustainable packaging, check out Dynamic Graphics

Eco Awareness

2007-12-21T05:24:00.000-08:00

Back in the mid 1980's, I was living in Minneapolis and soy-based inks were just coming into mainstreamed use, I wanted to begin producing ALL my designs on recycled papers using soy-based inks. This was in era of embellishments, foil stamping, great new papers....the age of excess, the 1980's. I did a bit of graphic work which involved these fancy 'new' sustainable printing techiniques....however, they were somewhat more expensive [@ that time] than regular printing/production techniques.

Well, I kept my eye on this recycling/sustainable phenomenon and moved to Beijing, China. Here all people wanted was to prosper....little regard for the environment. Sadly, this is why I moved out of Beijing. It is a huge issue facing China and the world. And when you watch the next-mentioned video, you will understand why.

Fast forward to 2007, I came across The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard. Please look at her video and blog at The Story of Stuff

We as designers have the ability and duty to 'design' packaging, advertising and all the supporting collateral to 'guide' the public in understanding the sustainable issue. It is critical we designers use our clout to make the necessary changes.

Karen's Work

2007-12-19T07:36:00.001-08:00

Karen's Work

Charlene's Work

2007-12-18T07:37:00.000-08:00

Charlene's Work

Simone's Work

2007-12-18T07:20:00.000-08:00

Simone

Call Pod

2007-12-03T17:50:00.000-08:00

When you just have too many things to plug in....Call Pod

True to Type

2007-11-23T09:51:00.000-08:00

Have a peek @ True to Type from Design Within Reach [another worthy newsletter on design]. Follow the links embedded within the newsletter, there are lots of great leads here.

Business Card Ideas

2007-11-23T09:49:00.000-08:00

Your own business cards [and full identity/branding/stationary are something you will be designing [during this module or in the near future]. Have a peek at these examples from the Dec. 2007 issue of How magazine.

Hey Good Lookin: How magazine’s picks of delightful business card designs.

Across the Universe

2007-10-15T03:10:00.000-07:00

Here's a film which needs your attention Across the Universe!

In my humble opinion, this film is as significant as The Wizard of Oz. The entire movie moves! It's a simple story done in such artistry with a whole lot of fun mixed in. I feel it needs to be seen time and time again as it is so rich in images, movement, music, content and theme!

Also, did you know director Julie Taymor was a MacArthur Genuis Award recipient in 1991? Go see the movie and find out why.

TED: Technology, Education & Design

2007-09-28T02:55:00.000-07:00

TED is a beautifully designed site housing short [usually 20 minute-long videos] of speeches given at the TED conference. I have created a column, on the right, to index some of my favorites. Here are a few, I'm watching these days.

Of course I think all these are great. If you only have 15 minutes, watch them in the order I list here.

Stefan Sagmeister: Yes, design can make you happy

David Pogue: Simplicity Sells

Paul Bennett: Design is in the details

Experience Design

2007-09-25T18:18:00.000-07:00

For sometime I have studied experience design. When I find others who understand I like to share. Imaginary Force is one company that gets it.

Experience design is storytelling incorporating anything that contributes to that overall experience. Think Cirque du Soleil. That's experience design.

When applied to electronic media, it can mean: audio, visual, graphics, animation or any combination there of. Have a peek at Imaginary Force's experience design project for Airbus. Look closely at all the layers of technology being presented not only within the project itself....but also how the project is presented and the technology applied.

Idea Workout

2007-09-25T17:27:00.000-07:00

Innovation Network
Scroll your mouse over the images to energize your ideas.

Design Life Now: at Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston

2007-09-20T04:01:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, September 27 @ 6:30pm

AIGA Boston and the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston invite you to the opening event of Design Life Now, the inaugural touring exhibition of the Smithsonian Institution/Cooper-Hewitt's National Design Triennial. Be among the first to see the most important design show of the season, before it officially opens to the public.

Explore what "Design Life Now" means today with Julie Lasky, editor-in-chief of I.D. Magazine, and two of the Triennial's designers J. Meejin Yoon and Joshua Davis. Yoon and Davis are young, innovative, and engaged in working across and between design disciplines. From architecture and concept clothing to web design and rock posters, find out why their work is significant in this exhibition and why this exhibition is significant to them.

Admission:
$15 general admission
$8 AIGA Members
Gallery admission is included.

Sign up now. Seating is limited.

Register at ICA Boston or call 617-478-3103
(call for AIGA member discount)

Wise Women Design

2007-09-20T04:00:00.001-07:00

Wise-Women: an online community and network dedicated to supporting women web designers, developers, and programmers

Environmental Graphic Design

2007-09-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

Investigate The Society of Environmental Design
Environmental Graphic Design embraces many design disciplines including graphic, architectural, interior, landscape, and industrial design, all concerned with the visual aspects of wayfinding, communicating identity and information, and shaping the idea of place.

Some common examples of work by EGD practitioners include wayfinding systems, architectural graphics, signage, exhibit design, identity graphics, civic design, pictogram design, retail and store design, mapping and themed environments.

Have a look at the:
2007 Design Awards
and more examples, by poking around the site. You can also look @ the Communication Arts magazines, check the table of contents under Exhibition. These have loads of ideas and applications.

Design Challenge:
Create an environmental design to be applied to the windows of CDIA’s ‘new building [across the street]. Your designs might include: a typographical approach, involve photography or perhaps involve illustration. For example let’s say we wanted you to promote ‘design @ CDIA’. What images would you use? How will you approach the design of this? Which elements of art will you apply to your design?

Be open to ideas.
At the onset, there are no boundaries.
Think of what overall idea [about the college or design], you desire to convey.

More Interesting Sites

2007-09-18T09:48:00.000-07:00

Every page of Stephanie Levy's gallery is a study in one color scheme. She uses ordinary household scenes to make striking visuals. Great place for some inspiration.

See how one artist used her art to solve some other health issues. Our Lady of Weight Loss: using art to bring change.

One of my favorite mixed media artists Sarah Fishburn: look here for ideas and to see someone whose followed their heart's desire.

When you need a quote, visit the oldest quotation site on the Web, established 1994. We have over 26,000 quotations online from over 3,100 authors, and more are added daily. It is not the prettiest site...in fact I don't think they have changed their look since they began. However, functional when you're dying to find that one quote.

Before & After and InDesign Secrets

2007-09-15T12:43:00.000-07:00

Before and After Magazine assists you in finding out how to design cool stuff.

InDesign Secrets is an independent resource for all things InDesign

Moo Printing

2007-09-11T14:58:00.000-07:00

Moo Designs they print nice things [with your pics or theirs!]

Marian Bantjes

2007-09-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

I came across Marian Bantjes, again, and I feel it's worth sharing her work. I have her listed, on the right column, under typography. She's just a fabulous designer! Have a peek at what she's up to.

More sites of interest

2007-09-11T10:17:00.000-07:00

My Good Deed Org Changing the World. One Good Deed at a Time. Their mission is simple: to encourage people everywhere to set aside time every September 11th to perform good deeds of their choice to help others in need. In this way, they hope to keep alive forever, in our memories and actions, the spirit of giving and selfless service that unified our nation following the terrorist attacks.

Rhodopsin is the protein in the rod cells of the retina that converts light into electrochemical signals for the brain to interpret.

Rhodopsin Productions Ltd. is a small Canadian production company specializing in documentaries and dance films by director Daniel Conrad. This is a mix of dance, film and design.

If you plan to be in San Francisco in October and might be able to get your boss to cover this Voices that Matter Conference this looks like a good one.

What I found interesting is they claim every technology discussion at this event will target designers first, developers second. That means no arcane technical acronyms but lots and lots of inspirational visuals. The focus will be on the design options presented by technology and the impact of those choices on design decisions.

Do listen to the interviews, on the opening page. These folks have some great concepts and thoughts. However, I did find the volume of some of these were challenging.

America Public Media

2007-09-06T15:03:00.001-07:00

Word for Word
These downloadable programs are fabulous, I highly recommend a listen and look thru the archives for more programs.
China's growing environmental challenges

The Brain on the Stand

How to do business in the 'flat world'

Interesting Links

2007-09-06T14:54:00.001-07:00

Charles and Ray Eames' The Power of Ten
David Hochbaum, has some interesting collage ideas
Jeffery Robert does amazing things with crayons

Portfolio Presentation: Step Two

2007-08-30T05:27:00.000-07:00

Portfolio Presentation: Step Two
As I told you, portfolios are ALWAYS in process! You should be continuously adding, tweaking, improving upon your portfolio-EVEN WHEN YOU HAVE A JOB!

It has been said, by the professionals, you should tailor your portfolio contents to fit the needs of each prospective employer and each job interview. This means that you must carefully research each firm in advance to determine what kind of editing might be necessary AND what types of jobs you desire. Those who desire to design logos, should have logos in their portfolio. Those designers who want to create publications, booklets, catalogs should have examples of these in their portfolio. You get where I am going with this, no?

This whole Portfolio Presentation Session is about:
1. seeing what you want to have in your portfolio
2. filling in the missing gaps between what you have and what you want.
3. deciding how you want to present your portfolio

So, we will be exploring ideas and designing NEW work.

To land a hands-on creative job, you must have an outstanding portfolio that demonstrates the quality of your thinking as well as your form-giving abilities. Most designers need two versions—a physical one that can be carried around and a website.

Please read thru this article from March/April 2006 issue of Step In Design on Portfolio Tips

Be thinking about your designs and we will continue to discuss possibilities and designing new work.

Portfolio Presentation: Step One

2007-08-28T06:34:00.000-07:00

Portfolio Presentation Step One:
One of the first exercises I suggest, to those building their portfolios, is to see what is out there.

From Communication Arts Magazine’s online creative hotlist comes links to portfolios galore.

You can search by: location, category and experience.

Location
See what MA has in the way of talent. Then skip around and observe the differences [or similarities] in portfolios from designers on the West Coast, Midwest, South, Mountain Area, Canada and the International Listings.

Category
If you hunt via category you can select by category and industry. For example: Design in Education OR art/Creative Direction in Marketing/Communication. You get the picture of all the combinations. If you poke around and observe the portfolios out there, you can get an idea of what you might want to include in your portfolio and see how to present your work.

Experience
When you search by experience view the junior and senior levels to compare and contrast the differences in the types of pieces in these portfolios.

Take time to think about:
What is in each of these portfolios?
How the pieces are arranged?
How is the work presented?
What information about the artist AND about the work itself is included?

Consistency
Consistency in your presentation is important. Whatever method you choose to use in your portfolio is a personal choice, just BE CONSISTENT in how you are presenting.

RIA=Rich Internet Applications

2007-08-28T05:50:00.000-07:00

For those interested in learning more about Rich Internet Applications RIAs, Sun Technologies is bringing a FREE seminar to Boston Sept. 11 and 12th. Follow the link, learn more! For those students moving onto the Web Design portion of this program, it seems to me, this would be a great launching point.

Photo Stamps: Real Postage, Really You

2007-08-27T17:05:00.000-07:00

Photo Stamps: Real Postage, Really You. Offically authorized byt he US Postal Service. You can create your very own photo stamps. Just think of the designs you could put onto your stamps! In fact, you can even preview your own images on the stamp design. 20 customed designed stamps for just under $17.

Your Job: How Satisfied Are You?

2007-08-27T05:47:00.000-07:00

Your Job: How Satisfied Are You? What do employees say are their top five 'very important' aspects of job satisfaction? How does this list differ from what employers predict and how might this difference contribute to employee dissatisfaction?

If you are ready to identify a more satisfying place to work, check out to latest Beantown Web article and follow the four-step JADE plan to increase job satisfaction:

1. Join a professional network
2. Attend networking functions
3. Develop your professional contacts
4. Enlist your network to help you find a more satisfying job

TED: Technology, Entertainment, Design

2007-08-27T05:30:00.000-07:00

TED: Technology, Entertainment, Design These REALLY are ideas worth spreading. Join the membership, it is guarenteed to spark your imagination!

100 Years of Illustration

2007-08-24T03:55:00.000-07:00

100 Years of Illustration! Just look at what this blog contains. I have also listed it in the column to the right. Excellent source.

New Typography Site

2007-08-23T05:58:00.000-07:00

I Love Typography has just been linked to the right column. Have a peek at what ALL is happening at this site.

Propoganda 3: Political Posters

2007-08-21T04:42:00.000-07:00

Propoganda 3: Political Posters, Traveling around the World, Opens in San Francisco 2007 then travels to Visual Collaborative, Center for Independent Artist, Minneapolis 2007 check them out Run the slide show and get some inspiration for your next poster designs.

Rhythm & Creative People

2007-08-16T08:13:00.000-07:00

When you can, listen to this podcast #71 on Rhythms and creative people.
He talks about being:
1. Beware of just-in-time-creating-keeping your ideas ALL IDEAS in some record keeping system. He suggests: Devon Think for the Mac OR OR your trusty sketch/workbook.
2. Watch your energy level: do what you know is BEST not what is convenient
3. Beware of compulsions: everything from checking emails, over indulging etc. focus is the key

Illustration Links

2007-08-16T04:46:00.001-07:00

I have added a link to illustrators. Tony Fitzpatrick has some amazing drawings/collages. Have a peek for inspiration.

T-Shirt Designs worth $2500

2007-08-16T03:54:00.000-07:00

Submit an idea for a chance at fame, friends and twenty-five hundred dollars. That's $2,000 cash and a $500 gift certificate [or $200 in cash] & membership to the Alumni Club at Threadless. Plus, get paid $500 for each time your design gets printed!

2007-08-15T18:15:00.001-07:00

Looking for Website design inspiration? Check out more than 30 recent
Interactive Media Awards winners at the latest issue of Beantown Web

Some Beautiful Photography

2007-08-15T06:26:00.000-07:00

Check out the beautiful photography here @ Autoxiro I have also listed this under the Blogs, at the right column.

Phil's First Toscana Menu Design-in process

2007-08-15T05:33:00.000-07:00

Those, in class, please tell Phil your thoughts. Others, please leave your critiques.

Gravure Printing

2007-08-14T04:14:00.000-07:00

National Geographic magazine's features and much of it's contents are printed using the Gravure printing process. Gravure, sometimes referred to as Rotogravure, is an intaglio printing process. The image carrier has the image cut of etched below the surface of the non-image area. On the gravure image carrier [usually a copper cylinder-because copper can be reused and recycled], all the images are screened, creating thousands of tiny cells.

During printing, the image carrier is immersed in fluid ink. As the image carrier rotates, ink fills the tiny cells and covers the surface of the cylinder. Paper is brought into contact with the image carriers [with the help of an impression roller]. When the paper hits the image carrier, ink is drawn out of the cells onto the paper.

Dryers are usually used to dry each color as the paper goes through the printing process. You can read more about this process at the Gravure Association of America, Inc.

Collage Artists Take Note

2007-08-14T03:55:00.000-07:00

Claudine Hellmuth creates hip art for playful hearts She will transform your photographs into personalized collages. And she's got an interesting blog

Don't Forget: Networking Tuesday, August 14, 2007

2007-08-13T05:52:00.000-07:00

Just a quick reminder about Networking Night next Tuesday evening, the 14th, starting at 4:30 - we are expecting a big crowd. We have lots of great speakers lined up (check out the posters!) from all programs, a role play on how to network properly ---- involving the one, the only Jeremy Osborn!!! ----, a question/answer session on how to get your portfolio/demo reel noticed, and just good ol' networking among students and alums of all programs. Plus, we'll be getting pizza from Upper Crust - what's not to love?!?! It will be well worth the extra time.

Please pass the word on to your classmates/colleagues

National Geographic Design Editor Speaks

2007-08-13T04:15:00.000-07:00

Ms. Beth Rakouskas

National Geographic Magazine was first published in 1888

Working with great images

Our students working hands-on with those fabulous photographs to design a Departments Spread

On Friday, August 10th we were extremely fortunate to have Ms. Beth Rakouskas come speak to us about design. Beth is a Design Editor for National Geographic Magazine. She works designing the Departments Sections you see in this iconic American publication. Beth also worked on the redesign of National Geographic and shared her stories of how the redesign worked and had students do a hands-on project working with those fabulous National Geographic images!

Beth spoke about the history of the magazine, how the redesign process occurred, how the magazine comes together: from concept to printing.

A few ideas Beth left us with: [not in any particular order]
Use design vocabulary: especially when defending your work
Be prepared to collaborate
Ask questions
Remember design is problem solving
Show you know what you are talking about
Show initiative
Remember details are important

I hope this little series of images spurs your mind to remember all of Beth’s wonderful stories and advice. Again, thank you to CDIA for bringing Beth to speak to us. To read more about National Geographic Magazine, have a peek at the online magazine.

Modern Alphabet Flashcards

2007-08-13T03:47:00.000-07:00

Looking for a cool gift for the kids in your life?
Check out these Modern Alphabet Flashcards.

FT Summer 07- Some More Designs

2007-08-10T09:48:00.000-07:00

Alyson: magazine advertisement

Shong: design

Jess: invitations

Julianna: poster designs

Christina: book jackets and possible poster designs

Khari: poster design

Native Files & Grippers

2007-08-09T10:57:00.000-07:00

As our Ruth our Printer discussed with us today: most printers do NOT want just a pdf's. They prefer-along with the pdf- to get the native file the graphics, photos, images, and fonts files you have used in your design job.

Also, remember your gripper! Each printing press NEEDS a bit of space, at the edge of the paper, so the press can 'grip' the paper and pull it through the press. This area is unprintable and the margins maybe slightly different on different presses. 1/2" is common. Be sure to discuss these details with your printer BEFORE you begin your designs. It will save you time in the long run.

Information Map

2007-08-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

Here's an information map

Field Trip to Allegra Printers of Waltham

2007-08-09T09:59:00.000-07:00

Allegra Print & Imaging
is a franchise print shop here in Waltham. Peek at our tour of this full service shop. The mayor of Waltham, herself, came into the shop, while we were there, to drop off a print job!

Owner Ruth Cretella was a wonderful tour guide!

Laser Printer

The book guts

They printed the guts of this book on the laser printer

Discussion about laser printing vs ink printing

Inks

Adjusting the press

Back of the shop- 2 color press

Bindery

Guillotine Cutter

Local Watch Repair Sign: Christina you should be able to copy this for your files

Helvetica: one Hel of a Movie

2007-08-09T07:21:00.000-07:00

Helvetica: A documentary film by Gary Hustwit. A feature-length independent film about typography, graphic design and global visual culture. Check the site for film showings and trailer clips

Gas Pump Graphics

2007-08-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here’s a new twist on a Point of Purchase graphic.
Sponsored by Snickers candy bars, this graphic is there in front of the consumer as they pump gas. I interpret this as being a reminder to exercise as this diagram is indicating the muscles used in securing a child’s car seat.

What type of message would you like to see @ the gas pump?
What if this medium were digital?
What if you could interact with this type of point-of-purchase graphic?
How would that change your design?

What if your phone, pda, ipod or other hand-held device was able to interact with this medium? How would that change your experience @ the pump? And then, as a designer, what would you do to create the message for this medium?

FT Summer 07-Final Salsa Designs

2007-08-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

Provocative logo designs for a new line of salsa!

Alyson

Shong

Phil

Michael

Julianna

Khari

Jess

Christina

FT Summer 07-Restaurant Logo Design

2007-08-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

Phil is working on designs to build a logo for a restaurant. His plan is to then design menus, other collateral print materials and perhaps design the exterior of the restaurant itself [as a design approach]. Great beginning here!

Phil also has a blog Phil's Red Pepper Design. I will link it, in the right-hand column, under Blogs.

International Paper Company

2007-08-08T06:14:00.000-07:00

The International Paper Company
This site is chock full of information on paper and the history of paper

Networking Tuesday, August 14, 2007

2007-08-08T06:02:00.000-07:00

Just a quick reminder about Networking Night next Tuesday evening, the 14th, starting at 4:30 - we are expecting a big crowd. We have lots of great speakers lined up (check out the posters!) from all programs, a role play on how to network properly ---- involving the one, the only Jeremy Osborn!!! ----, a question/answer session on how to get your portfolio/demo reel noticed, and just good ol' networking among students and alums of all programs. Plus, we'll be getting pizza from Upper Crust - what's not to love?!?!

Please pass the word on to your classmates/colleagues -- hope to see
you all there!

The Future of Design

2007-08-07T12:55:00.000-07:00

How Magazine's feature article on The Future of Design. Have a read to see what experts predict about: who you target audience will be? what your office will look like? which of your skills will be most valuable? why the medium won't matter but the message will? and what makes design timeless?

FT Summer 07 - Salsa Designs Rd One

2007-08-07T05:32:00.001-07:00

Michael

Christina

Phillip

Jessica

Julianna

Final Designs PT Spring 07

2007-08-05T19:24:00.001-07:00

Joan

Liz

Margarita

Vanessa

Eileen

Cecilia

Jen

Danielle

Carrie

Rachel

Collateral Examples Continued

2007-08-03T18:55:00.001-07:00

Kristie

Have a Peek

2007-08-03T17:19:00.000-07:00

Cecilia found this site on Logo Inspiration

Emotion as Promotion

2007-08-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

Emotion as Promotion: A book of Thirst

Edited by Rick Valicenti, this book of Thirst
is a contemporary commentary on the state
of contemporary communication design
as evidenced in the professional practice
from both Rick's public and personal realms.

Announcement: Tutoring Available

2007-08-03T03:17:00.000-07:00

Designers: this is a fabulous way to play catch up!
Office hours are now available to GWD students. Kimberly Freeman is available on Tue-Thu. 4:30-6:30 for those in need of additional help or those looking to make up a failed module. Students will need to email Kimberly (kimberly@cdiabu.com) to schedule an appointment. An announcement has also been added to the Intranet.

Collateral Examples-Round One

2007-08-02T17:51:00.000-07:00

Well done Designers! In the translation, from pdf to jpeg, some colors were lost, as were some images. I apologize, in advance for this, we can work this out on Saturday. As we saw from our critique, the issue is not your files. If you care to leave comments, please do so. We will continue with the completion of these designs next class.

Vanessa

Joan

Carrie

Liz

Margarita

Jess

Emily

Cecila

Jen

Eileen

More Beer Logos

2007-08-02T16:11:00.000-07:00

Cecilia

Design as Marketing

2007-08-01T06:48:00.000-07:00

Guerrilla marketing with sculpture.

Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre scored big with its recent promotion for a production of ‘Cuttin’ Up’ a play about the culture of African-American barber shops. They used a classic icon that figures prominently in the play-the afro pic and these artworks of 5-foot-tall picks were placed in bushes around the city. No topiary was damaged in the making of this campaign.

It goes to show, how designers play [pun intended] into marketing campaigns and in this case, extremely effective, fun, arty and low-budget ones at that.

Artist Appreciation Month

2007-08-01T06:16:00.000-07:00

Did you know? August is Artist Appreciation Month
Some things you can do to celebrate Artist Appreciation Month:

1. Support a charitable organization dedicated to Art. How about the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.? Visit National Gallery of Art for a Calendar of Events; to get a calendar of films; to donate; for videos and podcasts; and for general information on exhibitions, online tours, resources, kids' programs, and the gallery shop. (With an annual revenue in excess of $160,000,000, there should be something there that interests you!)

2. Visit your local art museum. Typically, there is a day/night when entrance is free, however, expect a donation request. Donate – generously when you can. Discover the art your community or region has created.

3. Make it a day: Travel to the home of well-known collections close by. Check your newspaper or go online to make sure of the hours, parking availability (you may have to park and take a shuttle), and entrance fees. Speaking of which: those who desire and feel they can spare the time, are invited to take an extended lunch @ the Decordova Museum & Sculpture Garden this Saturday, August 4. We can jam into a couple of cars and buzz over there and not take a whole lot of time.

4. Visit another world's culture: What world haven't you visited -- in your own neighborhood? China Town in NYC? Quebec City, just to our north? What about some lazy city in Massachusetts? Martha's Vineyard? Rhode Island? You get the idea.

5. Take your kids, your grandkids, the neighbor's kids, or just your camera, and visit the closest kids' hands-on museum. You'll learn something, I assure you -- and you'll laugh.

6. Visit an arboretum [Boston has one, no?], botanical garden, or local zoo -- take your camera, and a sketchbook, too. Have you ever been inside a butterfly enclosure? Slow down... enjoy the view... and try something new.

7. Check out an Art History book at the library. Learn the difference between an Impressionist and a Minimalist. And how the Dada's have influenced graphic design!

8. Going to the beach? First, go online and look for Sand Castles. You will be stunned at the magnificent works of art crafted from beach sand and water. If you're lucky, you may find that a competition is under way near you.

9. Take a nature walk, either in a guided tour, or on your own. Notice the lacey skeleton of a decaying leaf... the spiraling dainty spider web... patterns in flowers and shells... the view, straight up, from within a stand of pines... think about those Trigger Mechanisms we went over in class [and are posted in an earlier post].

10. Instead of running into the video rental store, hit the dollar store: Buy the kids some paints... sparkle glue... sticky-backed gems... scissors... construction paper... buttons... paper plates... clay... cheap cookie cutters for stencils. Join the fun for yourself, pull the table out, and find yourself a chair. Nothing encourages the artist in them like encouraging the artist in you. PLAY!!

Some New Additions

2007-08-01T05:57:00.001-07:00

I have added a couple of additions to the right column of links: Thanks for Margarita we now have ifreelance: a place to meet those who have jobs and those who need assistance.

and

Aquent: is a leading staffing firm for marketing, creative and technical personnel. This is where Jeremy Osborn is now working. They place talent into contract, contract-to-hire and direct hire opportunities in leading firms worldwide.

and

Do bookmark our very own CDIA Intranet and visit it often as this is where updates will live and eventually it will become interactive. Email any corrections/suggestions/etc to Joe Comeau

and

Audio Snacks: podcasts and mp3 audio tours for travel, museums and more!

and

CDIA's very own Gene Babon heads up beantown web which provides information about web development training and career opportunities in the Greater Boston area. You’ll have Gene as an instructor when you move onto the web portion of design. He’s fabulous!! Read this link to see what more employers are looking for in their Technology Workers. It is all about what we’ve been discussing in class.

Color: a beginning podcast

2007-07-31T11:38:00.001-07:00

Click to hear another brief podcast on color. Be sure to have another browser window open to Adobe Kuler

Another Salsa Design

2007-07-31T10:21:00.001-07:00

From Kara

The Ad Club-Boston

2007-07-31T07:54:00.000-07:00

Another group, you might want to consider joining is The Ad Club of Boston.

The Ad Club is the trade organization for the New England Communications Industry. Their mission is to advance the interests of their constituents and to strengthen the bond that has united communication professional in New England for the past 100 years.

Look at their calendar for events.

More Support for the CS3 Suite

2007-07-31T06:30:00.000-07:00

FREE eSeminars to learn more about Adobe Creative Suite 3 Click and learn more.

Exterior Signage Design Assignment

2007-07-30T19:23:00.000-07:00

Here is an empty building.
If you could re-design this building into any thing, any color, any design, what would you make this building? Might it become a shop, a restaurant, some service center of some sort? Perhaps you would change it into a non-profit community center or school? I might be a brewery for the beer label you have designed or a winery for your wine. Perhaps a restaurant whose signage you can pull from some of your salsa logos. Or just start completely from scratch.

See how wildly different your before and after images can be. You might want to get some inspirations from: your notes, from our trip to the ICA Boston or the Communication Arts magazines [look in the exhibition area of those Design Annuals]. Or pull from inspiration you have found elsewhere.

Have a study, give it some thought. Should you want to include an exterior signage in your portfolio work, this might be a good place to give this type of design a try.

You can copy this image onto your memory stick directly from this image and I will also upload an image onto the CDIA server, so you can download the jpeg.

Have fun with this. Before and after projects are always interesting and capture the viewers’ attention.

Field Trip Suggestions

2007-07-30T09:18:00.000-07:00

Designers, here are some ideas for field trips. Have a peek and let's discuss this Tuesday evening in class. We might be able to do something either Thursday evening or a portion of Saturday. I will continue to check exhibition/museum hours as can you.

Send more suggestions and I can post them here OR you can comment and link websites yourself. Either way is fine with me. I'm more than happy to post things, to be sure designers see these ideas.

Joan's Ideas for field trips:
The Decordova in Lincoln Joan says she hasn't been there in years, love the outdoor art and more, I agree, I was last there in the autumn of 2004. Should we choose this as a field trip, we could also design a tri-fold brochure promoting this museum. I have seen other designers do this as an exercise....you'd have the luxury of having seen the place first hand, then designing.

The Fuller Craft Museum --contemporary crafts in Brockton, MA. Neither Joan nor I have ever been here, but sounds intriguing!

More Label Designs

2007-07-30T09:15:00.000-07:00

Joan sent me these label designs for you to ponder and comment upon.

Exhibition: Punctuating Place

2007-07-30T06:48:00.000-07:00

Punctuating Place is a Sculptural Installation by Ana Flores
and I saw this exhibition at the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge @ Kettle Pond. Charlestown, RI On exhibition until December 1, 2007

The artist, Ana, received a New Works grant [of $15,000] from the Rhode Island Foundation to become an artist in residence @ the Kettle Pond Visitor Center, which happens to be the Rhode Island headquarters of the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service. Ana's home/studio is nearby and she is most interested in storytelling.

This installation is an attempt to evoke those human voices from different eras: the indigenous history, the colonial "contact" period and the century of slavery that powered the plantations that once existed along this coastline. Each of these eras had their own different ways of reading the land, reaping its resources and punctuating the places that sustained them. Ana created the sculptures out of the materials of those cultures. Each is marked with an interpretive box [which I have shown below] containing a summary of the era’s history and a journal for public input [thus the artist creates yet another story about the publics' interpretation of her work].

By clicking the images, an enlarged image should appear and hopefully you will be able to see how Ana was MOST selective in choosing the placement of her sculptures. Do, scroll down and notice the graphic images in the final couple of images. Realize the images of the slave boats were created, propaganda, in order to show the injustice and horror of the slaves being transported to the United States.

Woodland
Look closely beyond the box and see the human figures made of cement and twigs

Colonial
Note the measuring tools on this interpretive box

These figures are made of stone and wood

Slavery
These images are made from wood and metal and how these materials are echoed in each other creating unity. Note how the slave is dressed in black pants, chained and has no shirt while the white man has white pants, a shirt and is freed. If you are able to see, the white man is now entangled in the weeds of the natural environment....might this be a significant question as to how humans now interact with the natural environment?

Note: the graphic image here. It was used to protest the inhumanity of transporting the slaves to the United States.

The Contemporary Art Museum of Boston

2007-07-27T05:55:00.000-07:00

Bravo on the Art Museum!!
What a wonderful evening…..AND a must do again!
I hope you were all inspired!

I know I was, from the very start with Target’s red-and-white themed display of candies and drinks. Notice how they worked the red color with the textures of the glass containers, echoing the Target spiral which united and strengthened their own logo design? And this was just the arrangement of the tables in the Lobby!! The band outside, I’m not sure is a staple Thursday-Night-Affair…however, they were great atmosphere.

Then, the museum: Some of my personal favorites were: The Hunt, the German artist using bow and arrow to ‘hunt’ down his food..in the grocery store. Of course, The Spider, the sculptures from the glass vases/containers in the mirrored infinity frame to the spun gold wedding rings and the wish list. Did you read the wish list? Extremely poignant. And then, there were the photographs of the Gravity-Defying-Pole Dancers…..and hookers.

By the way, did anyone wander into the room, where just a swash of light was being projected onto the floor? The light changed color, slightly. If you saw it, I was wondering your impressions? Is this art? And more importantly, why? Or why is a 3 ft. cube of straight pins considered art?

I loved the inclined room of computers looking out into the reflective Harbor waters. I would like to return just to ‘play’ with those computers and see what they have to offer.
Not to mention the gift store….did you have a chance to check out the gems and jewels there?

Anyway, I’m sure we’ll all want to return soon. [Especially since now, we all know where we are going]. If you haven’t already, sign up for the Institute of Contemporary Art’s e-newsletter and they will email you updates of events they regularly have. Including music, drama, art, etc. Great stuff!!

Anyway, I hope the things you saw at the art museum and your experience stay with you for a while, inspire you onto new directions in your designs…..keep adding thoughts, impressions, words, sketches to your workbook/sketchbook. Even start jotting down design ideas.

We can chat more about this next week. Enjoy your weekend and if it gets rainy outside, sit down by your computer or with your pencil and sketchbook…. And do some art-museum-inspired-designing.

Check our blog and see if you can make a comment on the art museum.
To create a comment:
Click upon the ‘comment’ link you’ll see it listed below the end of this entry.
Write up your comment in the box provided.
You will have to sign in, by following the log-in instructions found just below the Comment Box. Use a email address and KEEP TRACK OF WHAT YOU USE AS YOUR LOG-IN NAME & PASSWORD….so you have it again.
You’ll be prompted to ‘View the Blog’ and
That’s is….then to read what people have commented upon, just click the comment and you’ll see the list of what folks have written.

We can review this on Tuesday.

Beer & Wine Logo Labels-Round One-Addition

2007-07-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

Joan's Beer Logos
And Joan now has a blog check out: World As Mandala

Fall 2007 Graphic and Web Design Exhibition

2007-07-26T05:47:00.000-07:00

Call to Artists & Designers!

It is with tremendous enthusiasm that we announce the first all-department design exhibition. Note: Irene Ramirez is leading this, so contact her for more details orangeladybird@gmail.com

The Exhibition:
Will be a 4-week, biannual exhibition dedicated exclusively to the Graphic and Web Design students @ CDIA. The show will be open to ALL [part-time and full-time] Graphic and Web Design students currently enrolled in the program. The show will be juried. There will be at least 2 awards presented including a Peer’s Choice Award.

Our Goal:
Our goal is to showcase the best work being produced in our Department. To demonstrate to the outside community the art and craft of what we do. Thus, if you work is not selected to participate in the first exhibition, we encourage you to continue to work on it and resubmit it for consideration for participation in the following show.

The current Proposed Exhibition Opening Dates:
2007: Friday, October 19th
2008: Friday, March 7th or 14th
Opening 7-9pm with Poster/Postcard to follow
Note: this will be a 'Ta Do' as in a real-live opening!! Fun!!

Deliverables:
Please submit pdf versions of your work to Joe Comeau [jcomeau@cdiabu.com] by AUGUST 25, 2007. Be sure to CONVERT all text to outlines. Also, please label the subject of the email to ‘Exhibition Entry’. All work produced in or outside of class will be considered.

One the works have been selected, you will be notified of your eligibility to participate. At the point, it will become your responsibility to produce the final copy for exhibition. All participating work must be produced to gallery standards. This means that work will need to be either mounted and framed [some frames provided on loan by CDIA; mounting is students’ responsibility] or mounted onto gatorboard [students’ responsibility].

Legwork of dry mounting is the student’s responsibility. We are referring students to Eric Blomster @ Abraxis framing in Auburndale for the mounting. Feel free to shop around for matting and framing. This WILL be the student’s expense.
Alraxis Framing Co., Eric Blomster, 281b Auburn St., Newton, MA 02466, 617.818.6968, Sun/M: Closed, T-Sat 9 to 5, W 11 to8.

General Pricing for Matting runs from:
8X10” mat $8, gatorboard $12, mat backing $4
11X14” mat $10, gatorboard $14, mat backing $5
14X18” mat $13, gatorboard $18, mat backing $6.50
16X20” mat $14, gatorboard $20, mat backing $7
18X24” mat $18, gatorboard $24, mat backing $9
22 X28” mat $25, gatorboard $30, mat backing $12.50
24X36” mat$28, gatorboard $36, mat backing $14
32X40” mat$30, gatorbaord $44, mat backing $15
36X48” mat $40, gatorboard $70, mat backing $20
40X60” $42, gatorboard $78, mat backing $21

Pricing is rounded up to the next standard size, $4 per each additional opening in mat, mounting includes d-ring hanging hardware, mat backing includes hinge & photo corners, 2 week turn-around.

Beer & Wine Logo Labels-Round One

2007-07-26T05:38:00.000-07:00

Designers: note how Eileen has expanded upon her logo design, applying the mark onto other print items. This is what I would like you to think about with your designs.
Eileen

Emily

Danielle: Danielle, I thought you had more designs of Bottle 15? We can catch those @ our next visit

Jen

Kristie

Salsa Label Concepts-Round Two

2007-07-26T05:24:00.000-07:00

Kristie

Carrie

Jess

Margarita

Carrie

Rachel has just begun her design investigation, well done! Keep at it!

Podcast: Elements of Art & Princples of Design

2007-07-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

A brief podcast reviewing the elements of art and principles of design. Click upon the highlighted area [brief podcast] to take you over to where the podcasts live.

CDIA: Design to Print: Fifth Meeting

2007-07-24T04:39:00.000-07:00

Head’s Up for Thursday Night’s Special Topic!

Class on Thursday, July 26 will be held at The International Contemporary Art Museum-Boston. So, please be there by 6:30pm. This will be considered a Special Topics Session and attendance will be taken. As with any other class, if for whatever reason you can not be in class, please let me know in advance. We choose Thursday, as admission is free!

Here’s a link to the museum’s online site: you might want to poke around online, prior to our visit.

Directions and parking information

Your assignment for Thursday’s class:
I would like you to bring your sketchbooks and something to write with, as I want you to
take some notes/sketches on what you see. Inside your sketchbook, jot down the
Elements of Art:
Line, Color, Shape, Space, Value, Texture, Form
and
Principles of Design:
Emphasis, Balance, Unity, Movement, Pattern, Rhythm, Contrast

Later, I would like you to use your inspirations to create a design of some type: this might be a logo, designs for a brochure, a calendar, etc or some other project, for print, inspired by what you saw.

When you are viewing exhibitions, at the museum, bear in mind the elements of art and principles of design the artists have used in their works. Make some notes as to what you are seeing, hearing, feeling….these notes will be a goldmine of information when you go to design.

As for what you will design, that’s up to you. It must be print orientated and you must be able to show[from your sketchbook] the ‘process’ of how you got to your design, via the notes you have taken @ the museum. Just as you are doing now with your Salsa Logo Design. I can explain more of this before we begin our touring, Thursday.

Again, let me know if you will NOT be attending class on Thursday, July 26th by emailing or phoning me.

In case you need to get in touch: our mobile numbers!
Mary: 413.454.5813
Shuana: 617.331.1110

New in the Blog

2007-07-24T04:20:00.000-07:00

I have added a few new items to the right column.

Check out: The Obsessives, from Print Magazine
Kate Bingaman is a site I came across last December ’06, it shows what a little obsessive behavior can get you in the form of publicity.

I also added sections on Paper Artists, Web Design, Design Societies, Portfolios, Interviewing, Places to sell your art, Exhibitions [online and in real-time], Workplace Tips, Layout Inspirational sites, Reference Sites and I’ve added to some of the other sections as well. Keep scrolling over this area for new additions, as when I can, I will add new things in.

Designing:
During our next class, you can ALWAYS add to, change, rearrange, re-design the work you have begun. So, come with new ideas and be ready to add your inspirations!

Logo and Packaging Design Tips to Remember:
not in any particular order
A logo’s meaning should be immediately evident. You won’t be around to interpret it for each new viewer. [Do recall, our salsa client WANTS something off-beat and provocative. They want their salsa to stand out from the others on the shelves].

Designing a logo takes time. The firs, fifteenth or even fiftieth design you dream up may not be appropriate. Keep designing! And, keep track of your designs!!

After you have brainstormed a lot of possible solutions, set them aside and revisit them in a few days to objectively pick out the best designs. Writers do the same thing with drafts.

Be certain that any logo you create can be drastically reduced of enlarged in size and still be readable and printable.

Logos can be trademarked.

When an organization grows, sometimes its logo must be updated or replaced in order to reflect the group’s new status.

If both art and type are used in a logo, group them in to a single EPS file for ease of use.

A successful logo should work in color or in black and white, in large and in small applications.

Keep your logo simple enough that it can be used for other applications-signage, T-shirts, publications, and so on.

A logo communicates an organization’s identity in an instant, visual way.

Outdated logos make an organization look out of date.

Imagine your designs in its final use, not just how it appears on screen or on printouts.

If market research or focus groups are not in your budget, check out what the market leaders are doing. Don’t slavishly copy their approach; instead, take cues from what makes their designs successful.

Take field trips to the store in order to judge how your packaging would compare to designs already on the shelves.

If you are creating packaging for a related series of products, keep brand identity in mind. Each of the designs should relate to each other.

These tips have been consolidated from an article by
Dynamic Graphics Vol 2 #6 Nov/Dec 1997

CDIA: Design to Print: Fourth Meeting

2007-07-23T11:13:00.000-07:00

Logo designs: applications
Once logos have been designed [and you are all well on your way to designing your salsa logo] you have to begin thinking how this logo or mark will be applied to the necessary print materials. In the case of our salsa, you will need to determine the size of your jar/container [short/fat or tall/skinny] and your label size.

Either snag an image of a jar, off the internet or draw something in Illustrator. Think about what skills you want to hone and how much time you have. Then, begin thinking how you will take your jar/container and put it into an environment. This might be something you create in Photoshop or Illustrator. Be creative, remember your client wants something provocative and different, something that will stand out from the crowded isles of endless salsa products now on the market.

Here are some examples of how logos are applied to packaging. I will bring in the book of logos for more examples and the Communication Arts magazines in the CDIA Library have many, many more ideas.

This is the next step in our design process and what we will be working on in class next. Come with ideas & curious minds.

Salsa Label Logo Concepts- Round One -correctly posted

2007-07-23T08:50:00.001-07:00

Jen, I got your image working in the right orientation

Salsa Label Logo Concepts- Round One

2007-07-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

Daniella

Jen

Margarita

Liz

Joan

Jess

Emily

Eileen

Cecila

CDIA: Design to Print : Third Meeting

2007-07-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

Let’s get some serious design work done:

Salsa Logos- see how many of the Synectic Triggers you can apply to your current design AND come up with 3-5 other approaches.

Optional Designs:

New Logos- Beer or Wine Logos and ultimately labels

Your Own Logos- keep working on these……there are never enough ideas…..keep track of yours!

For those who did not make last class, I will review the lecture notes AND answer any questions all of you have.

CDIA: Design to Print: Second Meeting:

2007-07-20T10:56:00.000-07:00

CDIA: Design to Print

Second Meeting: subject to change

Demo:

Getting the Pantone swatches from Communications Site into

Illustrator

Design Tips:

Elements of Art:

Line, Color, Shape, Space, Value, Texture, Form

Principles of Design:

Emphasis, Balance, Unity, Movement, Pattern, Rhythm, Contrast

Synectic Trigger Mechanisms: Tools for Creative Thinking

Think about using these when you are brainstorming and working on designs.

Subtract

Repeat

Combine

Add

Transfer

Empathize

Animate

Superimpose

Change Scale

Substitute

Fragment

Isolate

Distort

Disguise

Contradict

Parody: ridicule, mimic, visual oxymoron

Prevaricate: fictionalize, blend the truth,

Analogize: what can I compare this work to? Analogies?

Hybridize

Metamorphose: think butterflies

Symbolize: what can you do to turn your subject into a symbol?

Mythologize: think 60’s Pop Soup cans, Brillo pads, comic strip characters…

Fantasize: What if???

Pocket Pal: Paper & Ink Tips: see International Paper Company

Design Work:

1. Salsa Logos- see how many of the Synectic Triggers you can apply to your current design.

2. New Logos- Beer or Wine Logos and ultimately labels

3. Your Own Logos- keep working on these……there are never enough ideas…..keep track of yours!

Welcome to Design to Print Class

2007-07-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Design to Print Projects:

Reach Your Potential & Build Your Portfolio

Mary Wiseman 413.454.5813

mwiseman@papergems.com

Expectations in Class

1. Show up and be present

2. If you can NOT be present email me preferably in advance.

3. Participate

How to Work in Class

1. Please try to assist each other with technical issues-due to the size of our class.

2. We all can help each other

3. Have your memory methods

Introduction to Projects

1. Mini-lectures/exchange of information

Work Time

Critiquing

Sharing & Collaboration-See How to Work in Class

Working in Groups

1. Sites

2. Examples

3. Books and other resources

Process

1. Show your process digitally or physically [in your sketchbook]

2. SAVE your approaches: they come in handy!!

Online Reference- MySpace- more info on Thursday

This evening #1 Meeting:

Very briefly about me: www.papergems.com

Please stop and listen when I announce things

When I suggest researching…..I do so in the intent that you will learn something….please do the research.

Ask questions: together we will solve problems!!

First Print Project:

Salsa: brand new brand of salsa.

The flavors range from mild to hot.

PROBLEM: your client wants to distinguish its new brand from the competition.

Use unpredictable visuals to distinguish the brand from competing products that focus on literal representations of salsa, like tomatoes, hot peppers and spices.

YOUR MISSION:

1. Choice- Name & possible tag line

2. Logo Design-typographic approach

Graphic Design Logo Lounge April 2007: examination of current logo trends

http://www.gdusa.com/issue_2007/04_apr/feature/index.php

3. Labels: images using photographs

4. Color: MUST come from the Fall ’07 predictions

Go to Communication Arts Magazine: Look @ their Color Predications-check the swatches http://www.commarts.com

5. Packaging

Read: International Design article http://www.idonline.com July/Aug issue

6. Advertisement: magazine ad

Worth a look: find ‘em online

Current issues of these magazines:

Print

How

International Design

Step in Design [formally Step by Step]

Basic Design Brief: for this First Print Project:

Your client is:

· Contemporary, hip, Connected Generation

· Does NOT want to do business with idiots

· Wants to help shape things that they find useful

· Wants suggestions on what you see as an approach

· Wants you to tell them when you feel things are not going in the creative direction you envision.

· Wants to work with a designer who thinks critically

· Wants to know what’s next and that they are in a partnership