Vern's Graphic Design Blog

Graphic Design III: Module 10, Web Design

2011-06-15T22:02:00.000-07:00

Graphic Design III: Module 9, Advertising

2011-06-15T21:54:00.000-07:00

Graphic Design III: Module 8, Packaging

2011-06-15T21:47:00.000-07:00

Graphic Design III: Module 7, Menu

2011-05-29T14:51:00.000-07:00

Graphic Design III: Module 6, Signage

2011-05-21T14:49:00.001-07:00

Graphic Design III: Module 5: Office Package

2011-05-11T04:36:00.000-07:00

Graphic Design III: Module 4, Logo Production Art & Graphic Standards Manual

2011-05-07T06:47:00.000-07:00

Graphic Design III: Module 3, Logo Design

2011-05-07T06:36:00.000-07:00

Graphic Design III: Module 2, Logo Concepts

2011-04-19T00:54:00.001-07:00

Graphic Design III: Module 2, Logo Concepts

2011-04-06T08:08:00.000-07:00

Graphic Design III: Module 1, Brand Brief

2011-04-06T08:06:00.000-07:00

Engage Make a Difference Logo Redesign

2011-01-27T08:10:00.001-08:00

I modified the logo by adding additional 3d effects. Can you see the more rounded areas of the tan areas and globe?

The logo skewed in 3d for a more dynamic look.

I redesigned a previous logo to make it look softer and "painterly" then the previous. This was at the client request.

Graphic Design II - Module 11, CD Cover - Part 2

2010-12-11T21:26:00.000-08:00

Graphic Design II - Module 10, Music CD - Part 1

2010-12-05T23:49:00.001-08:00

Graphic Design II - Module 9, Poster Design - Part 2

2010-11-30T23:02:00.001-08:00

PART I

For this exercise, I picked Stanley Kubrick’s “A Clockwork Orange” poster. Here is my essay on the typographic elements and analysis of the poster:

Symbols: Man with a knife and a cabaret hat holding a knife wearing eye liner popping out of letter “A”

Colors: Flesh tones, Black and White silhouette on a stark white background

Fonts / Typography: Modified font memorable and specific to this movie, “A” and “Clockwork Orange” is separated by “Stanley Kubrick’s” name, Negative Black space of “A” becomes positive space, balanced text describing the movie with the knife on the other side, Angle of knife matches angle of letter “A”

Images: Man’s hand and knife busting out of letter “A”, foreshortening

Feelings: Violence, Mysterious, Sinister, Disturbing

PART II

Using the principles from the poster above, I tried to incorporate a photograph (that I downloaded from the play), copy, and bat-like graphics (shown in black) that I brought from Module 8. The photograph was such a strong image that I decided to use it in my composition. The black image of the bat wraps around the boy’s head making it positive in some parts and negative in the other. The dark space also gave me the opportunity to include a description of the play. I also used filters in Photoshop to give it that aged and posterized look.

Graphic Design II - Module 8, Poster Design - Part 1

2010-11-27T19:20:00.001-08:00

PART I:

For this exercise, I picked two posters from the movie Metropolis. They combine architecture, graphic design, and scientific imagery for a successful presentation. To many critiques it is known as perhaps is THE most important and influential movie ever made. It was filmed in 1927 and directed by Fritz Lang which is a story about the struggles of the upper and middle classes. These are only two examples of the movie posters. If you like these, there are several more wonderful samples that can be easily found on the internet. The designs were obviously very modern at the time making them even interesting to look at over 80 years later. A classic. [BTW, I found out this film can be seen on youtube.com in its entirety.] Here are my analyses of the posters:

Poster 1:

Symbols: Lady with a futuristic costume including a helmet which suggests space travel

Colors: Sepia tones, analogous since the film was made in b&w

Fonts: Two fonts present, title font is bold and the other smaller one in script

Images: Woman in foreground with eyes closed. Futuristic backdrop. Paramount Pictures Logo.

Feelings: Science Fiction. Modern. Elegance.

Poster 2:

Symbols: “Everyman” figure carrying huge skyscraper of that eraon his back.

Colors: Sepia tones. Warm colors.

Fonts: Large white art neuvo style letters at top very stylish at the time. Modern and san-sarif text the rest

Images: Well drafted and exciting. Symmetrical organization. Background minimal as to not detract from detailed rendering in the foreground. Yellow haze below the building could be a cloud of some sort.

Feelings: Iconographic of the architecture and style of the time.

PART II:

For the next part of the assignment, I thought it fun to analyze what was consider the “best” movie poster as I Googled just that on the internet. I got this website that sells the posters separately but had this one to show what they considered the best. By doing the graphic analysis of “tracing” the organizations, it gave me inspiration to begin my own designs. I came up with four black and white designs that I plan to complete in color in the next module.

Graphic Design II - Module 7, Visual Identity - Part 2

2010-11-20T23:51:00.000-08:00

Graphic Design II - Module 6, Visual Identity - Part 1

2010-11-06T03:52:00.000-07:00

Graphic Design II - Module 5, Logo Design Part 2, Redesign

2010-10-23T07:09:00.001-07:00

Creative Brief

This class project is a continuation of the previous assignment refining the logo design incorporating concepts including color and font selection.

Process: Using the final logo from the previous exercise, I went back to my initial sketches to bring back the creativity lacking in the final design.

Overall Design: Following Bauhaus design principals, it is juxtaposed following a diagonal axis from the central portion connecting the vertical lines at the top to the horizontal characters at the right hand side.

Colors: A limited palette of three colors, my final design includes a single red dot for emphasis surrounded by a neutral light blue shape. Red is a powerful color demanding attention as the focal point. The light blue recedes making it a nice backdrop. The black colors enhance the overall design but do not overpower. I tried to maintain negative space to create interesting edges all around.

Fonts: Fonts match the overall feel of graphic shapes and composition. They must not overpower the design. I used the Bauhaus bold text because it was easily read in relationship to it's overall height.

Graphic Design II - Module 4, Logo Design Part 1

2010-10-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

Creative Brief

This class project has given me the opportunity to design a small “button” approximately 1.5 inches tall for the National H.O.S.A. (Health Occupations Students of America) Convention held once a year. This year's theme is "Shakin' up Healthcare" which is what I needed to incorporate into the final design. I have been procrastinating to design this for a high school teacher that I know, so this assignment has given me the opportunity and motivation to complete it. The target audiences are high school students participating in the program.

Colors: The colors use a limited palette with minimal and contrasting colors for visibility. They must follow the colors the “button” manufacturer must be able to make.

Mood: This button will embody the California healthcare students as they proudly wear it for all to observe for this event.

Fonts: Fonts must be easily read from a distance in a short period of time. The button will also be tiny. My first vision is “San Serif” fonts along with a map of California.

Exercise

What will this button say about the event?

Students relate to:

Motivation to finish the program
Unity
Teamwork
Caring
Pride in Cal-HOSA Program (regional)

Symbols to consider:

Healthcare – Stethoscope, Vital Signs
Students – Testing, School Work
California – Bear, Epicenter, Silhouette of the State of California

I wasn't able to follow the sketches as I had envisioned because the fingers (vertical lines at top of state) looked out of proportion when using the true proportions of the shape I downloaded from the internet. I also introduced the stethoscope coming out of the heart shape for added interest and a visual connection.

Graphic Design II: Module 3, Part 2 - Design Pages

2010-10-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

Graphic Design II: Module 3, Part 1 - Observations

2010-10-10T13:55:00.000-07:00

Creative Brief

* First page grabs the attention and most dynamic, makes you want to read more
* Second page makes you want to turn the page to the next
* First and second pages work together for a unified composition
* Third page not as dynamic as the first two
* Fourth page, least dynamic but provides a good ending of the article
* Third and fourth page work together for a unified composition
* Horizontal organization for the printed page, images and text are organized off of the horizontal center of the page
* Photos that bleed off page appear to be jumping off and provides a dynamic graphic image, appears larger then if surrounded by white space, looks modern and trendy
* Via Magazine – least dynamic (least white space), follows grid the most, less graphic design then other two, most static
* Cycle World Magazine – more dynamic (first and second pages bleed off page), nice first page,
* Surfer Magazine – most dynamic (most white space), most integration of graphics and text, follows grid the least, good alignment for "focal points" of content of spot illustrations and photographs

Graphic Design II: Module 2 - What is Layout?

2010-10-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

For our first assignment of the quarter, we were to analyze an existing magazine layout by finding it's overall grid and indicate through a diagram locations of copy (text) and images on the page.

Next, we were to sketch eight thumbnail options using the grids from the first part of the exercise if we were to design a two page spread for the same magazine.

Creative Brief

Dynamic Graphics Magazine targets the graphic design professional creating digital arts for print, web, and environmental design. The magazine layouts are visually pleasing with progressive designs following today’s latest layout styles and fonts. The articles are fresh and exciting encompassing articles that graphic designers must master in order to maintain a competitive advantage. It is a truly well designed magazine filled with dynamic images and inspirational art-related articles.

Colors: It is a full color magazine with dynamic colors as the magazine’s title implies. It also includes an interesting strip of red copy generally found in the vertical center of the page summarizing the article. This repeats throughout the entire magazine for visual interest.

Images: The images are generally photographs with a few illustrations showcasing illustrator’s work.

Mood: The magazine is trendy, playful, and edgy in order to keep the interest of the graphic design professional. Every page is a surprise yet keeps a strong sense of structure using its interesting grid layout.

Fonts: Fonts vary throughout the magazine from a serif font on the titles and body for ease of reading. San-serif fonts were selected for the “red” copy previously described. The selected fonts vary to reflect the article’s mood and information.

Magazine Layout (Grid): The magazine is divided into five equal vertical divisions maintaining the center portion (1/5 of the page) for text (to summarize key points in the article) for visual effect. This text is in a different font style and color from the rest making the images stand out from the page and a quick glance at the magazine possible. Since graphic design is optimal in a magazine like this, visual excitement is an important element.

A personal observation, the advertisement pages do not follow the same grid format making them stand out compared to the rest of the magazine's pages. Only the pages with the magazine articles follow this grid.

Nurse Organization Logo

2010-08-10T01:21:00.000-07:00

I'm on a roll tonight. Here's another logo I just designed for letterheads and envelopes. I traced over a photographs and used concepts from the client.

Portuguese 4 U Logo

2010-08-09T21:32:00.000-07:00

Here's the revision. The client wanted the white out of the "U" along with some other minor changes.

A logo I just put together for my cousin's new business. Fingers crossed, I hope he likes it -- he he.

32nd Annual PNAA National Convention

2010-06-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough to put together the CD Cover for the Phillipine Nurses Association of America 32nd Annual PNAA Convention to be held in San Francisco next year.

The group liked the CD Cover so much that I was later asked to create the flyer to make reservations to the event. It also included the new "Engage - make a difference" logo that I created a couple of weeks ago. Here's the logo post: click here

Process for: de Jesus Architects

2010-06-09T06:58:00.000-07:00

Here's the process that I put the above web site together beginning with a flow chart, then individual web pages for the client to review. Here's the final site. Just click here.

Here's the flow chart I created to help communicate my ideas.

If you want to see the flow chart above in .pdf format that is printable and with more detail, click here

The text is in a format that is illegible for design purposes only. You'll go insane if you tried to decipher it. LOL. If you want to see the grids above in .pdf format that is printable and with more detail, click here

Charles M. Schultz Museum Cartoonist-in-Residence

2010-04-06T23:21:00.001-07:00

Assignment 12: Movie Poster

2010-03-28T09:58:00.001-07:00

This is the final assignment for the quarter and of my graphic design class. We were to design a poster from four documentaries to pick from. I picked "Strongman" which is the story of a humble man with the god given talent of "strength". In the director's words: "it is a film about faith, about believing in yourself and never giving up".

For those of you for patronizing my blog for the past twelve weeks - thanks. My next online course -- "Storyboards". Stay tuned, details to follow.

Assignment 11: Restuarant Menu

2010-03-21T19:51:00.000-07:00

For this assignment, we were to design a restaurant menu using the text provided to us. The menus were to capture the look and feel of the restaurant as well as well as generate income. Again, we were to use the Adobe InDesign program to provide a layout that would use a font style consistent in layout and size throughout. Click on each menu page to see it bigger!

Assignment 10: Business Cards

2010-03-16T00:48:00.001-07:00

We were to design three business cards using the same Adobe InDesign template. We were given specific instructions to use a standard sized 2-1/2" x 3" card with an image to the left measuring 2" x 2". The biggest challenge was using Adobe InDesign which is a layout program that a lot of us are foreign to. It's a new program but becoming the industry standard. Using this program, we are able to layout entire books or magazines using master templates that dictate the entire layout of the publication. During the design, if the template is revised, it can change all pages associated with it.

Each of the cards are unique for the target audience that they are designed for. I used different fonts, font sizes, and information for each of the cards.

Web design for khushboopunjabdi.org

2010-03-13T18:44:00.000-08:00

I just designed and completed a website for an upcoming concert in San Jose for next month. Check it out, just Click here. The client wanted the moving text at the top. While there, don't forget to open the "video" and "music" links to hear and see the music! It's a lot of fun.

I parked it on my website before it goes "live". Can you believe I put it together in one night? Yeppers - great fun! That even includes downloading all the images too. Thank god he's popular where it wasn't all too hard to get lots of photos on the internet.

Ligature Buttons

2010-03-09T14:56:00.000-08:00

Playing around with the logos I created down below ... scroll down. Ahhh, they're functional now.

Color Charts for Experimentation

2010-03-08T20:44:00.000-08:00

Here are Color Charts I created for experimentation. They are simplified showing complementary, split complementary and triad color combinations. I used a color wheel to put them together and assigned numbers to each color to help me put the colors in the correct locations.

I created two charts so the numbers don't get in the way of both. The numbers were much too distracting and just got in the way to seeing the color combinations. Also, by using these numbers, they helped me to realize the mathematical patterns in a systematic way. Kind of neat really, a happy accident. Print both of them up and compare them side by side. It's cool to see how the colors jump across the page from one ball to the next. Enjoy!

Assignment 9: Ligatures

2010-03-07T08:57:00.000-08:00

Here's the transformations for the final ligatures below. Click on the image above to see the drawing in more detail.

When combining shapes from two fonts, the final comp is called a "ligature". For this assignment, we were to create two ligatures using the first and last initials of our name as design elements. In the first ligature, we were to use one color and one font for both letters. In the second, we were to use two colors and two fonts - one for each letter. I tried to simplify as much as possible, respecting the proportions set up by each font's original geometry. The adjacency of the two letters created the magic.

Assignment 8: Hierarchy

2010-03-01T18:43:00.000-08:00

Here's three designs using hierarchy as the assignment. Text was given to us. We were to arrange simple graphics behind in order to show what was most important in the design. All principles learned in the previous lessons applied ... of course. Can you spot what is most important in each design?

Creekside Arts 2010 Poster

2010-02-24T22:31:00.000-08:00

Here's the 11" x 17" poster.

Here's the simplified 4" x 6" postcard.

Well, it's that time of the year again folks. Here's something Lucille and I just put together for an upcoming community event. It's very similar to the one we did three years ago but put together again from scratch since we lost the file. A special thanks to our illustrious leader -- Arlene for all the help and make us look good. :)

Assignment 7: Emphasis

2010-02-24T22:17:00.000-08:00

Here's what I did for emphasis. As the assignment went - we were to use a high contrast image and place it over a letter as a back drop. I played around with the straight and curve shapes for interesting negative space and contrast. There's a lot of tension between the teeth and the poor guy's toes! Ouch!

Assignment 6: Rhythm

2010-02-24T22:13:00.000-08:00

This assignment had to do with rhythm by repeating one shape and adjusting it by scale and color to add emphasis.

Assignment 5: Text

2010-02-08T06:21:00.000-08:00

Here's my Assignment 5 combining text and image. I wanted to organize everything in a triangular organization: fewest words on top with a nice base by the photo cake on the bottom.

Assignment 4: Color

2010-02-01T09:06:00.000-08:00

Here's the fourth assignment for the class which emphasizes color. Taking an original image, we were asked to insert it into a calendar using color to enhance it. Notice the cool soothing blue for the lady in the Lazy Boy Chair and the warmth of the fireplace with the red background. Now I can take it into final using the lessons learned.

Assignment 3: Negative / Positive Space

2010-01-23T17:29:00.000-08:00

Here's another graphic design homework assignment this time where we were given a blank template with words only at the top and bottom (shown with a green background here). We were also given a sample page of images (bowling pin and mitt) that we could use that had a complex background not be easily removed except by methods described in the lesson. Of course, as always, my solution had a whimsical approach to the assignment.

Assignment 2: Symmetrical / Assymetrical

2010-01-18T00:34:00.000-08:00

Two self-promo pieces I put together for a graphics design class I'm taking at Foothill College. It's the difference between Symmetrical and Asymmetrical designs. It's all online!

Website Design Samples - Logo, Layout, Flow Chart

2009-05-30T06:19:00.000-07:00

Websites: www.euccc.org and www.nazeriarch.com

KALX Radio T-Shirt Design

2009-04-22T00:55:00.001-07:00

CAG: Clayton 150 years & CAC 2008

2008-02-24T21:03:00.001-08:00

Three more posters for the 2008 Creekside Artists' Celebration.

For your review, here's our poster celebrating Clayton's 150 years. It follows the principles of Bauhaus design.

CAC Poster, No. 6

2007-02-25T23:50:00.001-08:00

CAC Poster, No. 5

2007-02-25T23:48:00.000-08:00

CAC Poster, No. 4

2007-02-25T23:47:00.000-08:00

CAC Poster, No. 3

2007-02-25T23:44:00.001-08:00

CAC Poster, No. 2

2007-02-25T23:43:00.001-08:00

CAC Poster, No. 1

2007-02-25T23:41:00.000-08:00

Logo8

2006-10-11T23:44:00.000-07:00

Logo7

2006-10-11T23:23:00.000-07:00

Logo6

2006-10-11T23:20:00.000-07:00

Logo5

2006-10-11T23:19:00.000-07:00

Logo4

2006-10-11T23:15:00.000-07:00

Logo2

2006-10-11T23:09:00.001-07:00

Logo3

2006-10-11T23:09:00.000-07:00

Logo1

2006-10-11T23:07:00.000-07:00