Inspiring Video on Logo Design

Thank you Cyrus for bringing us this short but inspiring video of Aaron Draplin - designer from Portland Oregon. Check it out.

Aaron Draplin Takes On a Logo Design Challenge from lynda.com on Vimeo.

Try two new things... year TWOS!!

1. TYPE MASK TECHNIQUES
Create a graphic using a background of any kind and the type mask tool - you can try the scratch art tutorial from the bonus exercises in the post below, or do something on your own.

Then create another similar graphic using the clipping mask technique to mask the text.

Note the differences achieved when using the clipping mask vs the regular layer mask tool.
Post both images on your blog and write down the observed differences in the two techniques.

2. FILTER EXPERIMENTATION
Find a random background and start playing around with multiple filters and blending options until you get something you like. You can then apply this as a background on your masked type.

Post this on your blog as well and write down the multiple filters used.

The object is to experiment with many filters and see what you get!
Have fun.

Due by the end of the week. Please post both of these AND your weekly blog post before you leave for the long weekend on Thursday the 12th of Feb.

Bonus Assignments - Year 2

If you'd like to move on and add to your repertoire in Photoshop, here are a few things to try for bonus marks. I will assign bonus marks for each assignment you take on, put into the drop folder in the original format and post to your blog with a brief statement on the steps you took to complete the work.

1. Pixel Portrait (more info below)
I have a printed handout for this assignment that you are welcome to take. Please adhere to the parameters of the assignment. If you do a great job, this could be your profile image on your blog.
The assignment is also in the pickup folder.
Please go to the Yearbook folder - CyberARTS - Year Two - Assignments for Pickup to find the assignment.

2. Scratch Art - Type exercise (see below)
3. Scratch Art - Photograph (see below)

3. Mixer Brush - (see below)

Scratch Art and Mixer Brush Tutorials

Here's a tutorial on creating Scratch Art in Photoshop. There are also others on just painting in Photoshop using masks, and also the mixer brush.

Feel free to sign out the tablets.

Pixel Portrait.

Here's a video tutorial:
After watching the video tutorial above and searching for other ones yourself - check the links on the assignment sheet too - you should create your own pixel self-portrait.

1. SCRATCH ART TYPE EXERCISE
Try the SCRATCH ART tutorial using the text mask tool in Photoshop. Create a word on a black background. The objective is to understand the concept and how to use the tools.
Submit to Drop Off folder on the lcicyberarts server - Year Two (make a folder with your name, if you haven't already)

2. SCRATCH ART PHOTOGRAPH
Find a photograph on the internet, or in your files and create scratch art of that photo. Be creative and be conscious of the line direction, thickness and quality.
Submit to Drop Off folder on the lcicyberarts server - Year Two

3. MIXER BRUSH
Watch the MIXER BRUSH video and try using the mixer brush over a photograph to create a painterly effect. Play around with this tool until you get some results you like. Create a painted looking photograph. Be creative and have fun.

Submit any of these to the Bonus Assignments folder. Please ensure that YOUR NAME and the ASSIGNMENT NAME is in the file name. eg. MYNAME_MIXERBRUSH.psd
Also, please post the jpg on your blog.

Year Three - Logo Design

Logo Design is vast and challenging.

Here are some valuable resources that you can explore.

Start here with 60 PRO TIPS on LOGO DESIGN at creativebloq.com

What make a BAD LOGO  at justcreative.com

What makes a GOOD LOGO

Creating a "mood board" (idea board, inspiration board etc.)


Next Steps:

1. Review some of the information on what makes a good logo.

2. Create a Pinterest board of interesting logos. (10-15) (should take you about 15 - 20 minutes max)

3. Choose the two strongest ones and post them on your blog: (should take you about 45 min.)

A) Analyze them in terms of the FIVE essential characteristics of a good logo. (You should know something about the company and where the logo is used in order to identify whether it meets the criteria - see image below)
B) Analyze them in terms of the elements and principles of design (that are significant - ie. line, distinctive shape, use of colour, emphasis, unity etc.)

4. Present one of the logos to the class at the end of the period. I will select you at random during the last 20 minutes of class!!

(RE)Learning Photoshop - YEAR 2

1. Selections and TEXT in Photoshop

To refresh your memory from the video and to have some fun, take the Rick Mercer Photo Challenge.

Click HERE to go to the website and download the full-size image for the current photo challenge and view past challenges as well.

Your task is to take Stephen Harper out of the current background (I'd suggest the quick selection tool) - and since you're practising, use the refine edge tool - and create a masterpiece.

You can then take it to the next level and actually submit it. There's an email address you can send it to.

Add some text to the image that uses some part of what you learned from the text portion of the video - tracking/kerning adjustments or type on a path etc.

Post your masterpiece on your blog for me and place the psd file titled
YOURNAME_MERCERCHALLENGE.psd into the YEAR 2 folder.

Please write about your procedure on your blog step by step. You can do this in numbered steps if you like.

Here's the PATH to where you drop off your PSD of the assignment.

1059 folder on Desktop - YEARBOOK - CYBERARTS - YEAR 2 - PHOTOSHOP - MERCER CHALLENGE ex. 1

Due: End of the period today (Wednesday) in folder and on your blog.
(*you can have until tomorrow's class to finish the written)

Bonus: Try this kerning game when you have some free time. See how well you do. If you'd like you can post the link and your results on your blog.  http://type.method.ac/

3:6:9 Video Written Response

Once you have exported your 3:6:9 videos, each person in your group MUST post it on your blog and write the following:

1. What are the strengths/weaknesses of your video?
2. How did the soundtrack impact the emotional experience of your video?
3. What editing decisions did you make that worked with the soundtrack?
4. How did the pace and choice of transitions assist in creating a mood or emotional experience in your video?
5. Briefly discuss your experience in working in a group to create this video.

Please post your video and add your written response by Monday January 12th, 2015.

Year Four - Visual Identity Requirements

Year Four – Visual Identity requirements.

Please post the following on your blog.

1.     Logo – in colour AND black and white – must be re-sizable!!!

2.     Stationary – includes business card, envelope and letter head

3.     Flyer – a promotional flyer that includes all your contact information, logo and some teasers – a glimpse into your style/some imagery

4.     Animated logo

5.     Two more visual or audio pieces of promotional marketing material.

Could be a website, web banner, clothing, poster, magazine ad, video ad, audio ad, etc.

What to write about when posting on your blog:

Answer the following questions in paragraph form.

1. Please identify the nature and personality of your company. What do you do and what is your style/personality as a creative business?
2. Explain your design choices in terms of the logo (colour, line quality and type, shape etc.) stationary and animated logo and how these design choices support your company’s nature and personality.
3. Explain why you chose to use the specific additional marketing pieces you did and how that also compliments your creative business and personality.

How to present all of the components on a 13x19 page.

Consider the principles of design when choosing your layout. Separate each component in some way. Create a natural eye flow (movement) from one piece to the next and choose a focal point.
Consider visual hierarchy and emphasis.

At the bottom left write the following:

CyberARTS program

Your name - CyberARTS Year Four student - Branding and Visual Identity Assignment.

The purpose of this assignment was to create a visual identity for myself in my chosen creative career area. My company ______________ does/is/creates..... (what's the nature of your business?). My colour scheme and design helps identify the ________________ personality of my business/company.

Basically explain what you did in your first sentences from your blog post.

This MUST be printed by your presentation date - either Jan. 19th or 20th 2015.

You will be marked on presentation, professionalism and completion, both on your blog post and on the printed component.

Here are some samples below from the Applied Arts Expo