visual communication
Typography 02

 

  :: syllabus :: bookcovers :: timeline :: workbook :: speech :: journal :: class blog ::

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BookCover Examples/Articles
_ book cover archive
_ book by its cover
_ smashing magazine
_ covers
_ sorodesign
_ nytimes review
_ read Media Bistro
_ Media Bristro article
_ examples of Series

What is Sign, Index Symbol
_ Sign, Index, Symbol
_ Sign, Index, Symbol
_ article related

Who is Chip Kidd?
Why is he important to us?

_ Chip Kidd: series
_ non related but...
_ Q&A on smithsonian

Who is John Gall?
Why is he important to us?
_ Step Mag
_ Covers article

Writing Concept and Audience
_ Audience Profiles
_ Concept Statement

 

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bookjacket series
: A really good book cover has to work regardless of what it’s about, on a visceral and emotional level. Chip Kidd

Can you judge a book by it’s cover? Of course you can. How is your book going to be judged? With this project you are responsible for the concept and content of 3 book jacket designs, end papers (pattern, color, image), one title page and the first spread (type only). These 3 books are to be designed as part of a set, yet each individually needs to stand on it’s own.

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solutions student examples | writing audience persona | writing a concept statement
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The series can be: 3 books by...
-- the same author (someone you like or admire)
-- genre (mysteries, crime, drama, classics...)
-- topic (do not choose cookbooks, exercise, or beauty...)

Design a series of bookjackets. You are responsible for the concept and content of your bookjackets.This should be obvious but: don't chose something that is already well done or famous for the design. Avoid cookbooks, photo portfolios... Choose a author/genre/topic that interests you. For example: if you choose Environment as your topic, your three subjects could include deforestation, recyclable furniture, farming. Although the three subjects are different, they still fall within the environment topic as a whole.

The solutions should be an organic, kinetic series not a cookie cutter series. When you are looking at examples look for bookcovers that are a series but are not designed in the exact same way. Your solutions should be dynamic and compelling. The your audience shouldn't resist picking it up and finding out more.

Learning Objectives
-- Develop a concept and toolkit to match concept
-- Write Audience Persona
-- Design a kinetic series of bookcovers

-- Learn Sign, Index Symbol and apply to your bookcovers

Technical Restrictions
Project Pieces: Cover, spine, back, flaps, end papers, title page, first spread.

Size: cover 6 x 9in, spine .75in, 6 x 9in, flaps 2.75in (final flat size is 18.25 x 8 inches)
printed on Epson Heavyweight 13 x19 with a color, pattern or image printed on the back.
printed on Epson Heavyweight with a color, image or pattern printed on the back

Image: The artwork can be illustrations or photographs by you or found in something you can scan in. All art needs to be of high quality. IF you find an image line it has to be VERY VERY large. If it is not high enough quality I insist that you find a new image. (images online are 72dpi and that quality is not high enough for print work, so don't even try it, the image must be high res no jpg grizzle)

Typography: choose a sans serif and serif font from the approved font list. If you want to try other fonts, you may for the TITLE only. The font you chose has to be appropriate and match the concept. And I have to approve it.

Color palette: your photos can be black an white, colorize, or full 4 color. Develop a color palette of 4 colors plus black for the series of book covers.

Sign, Index Symbol: explore sign and index in your cover designs

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First day
class intro, syllabus, first assignment, homework

HOMEWORK (download handout)
PHASE 1:
all of the following typed up, use the handout as your guide. bring the handout 2 copies to class one for me one for you AND post on your blog before class begins. All readings are on the server, you can grab them from there.

-- Define: series and sequence
-- Define: sign, index, symbol. Find an example of each both verbal and visual
-- Read: This Means That, summarize and take notes
-- Read: _ Chip Kidd: series _ Q&A on smithsonian _ Step Mag _Covers article
-- Read: associated word list, graph and to suggest
-- Read: audience persona
-- Read: concept statement

-- What makes a successful bookjacket? read the links on the upper left, pull examples and take notes what was successful / not successful and why and do you agree.. (your first journal assignment is tied to this project so read through it and try to do both at the same time)
_ book cover archive
_ book by its cover
_ smashing magazine
_ covers
_ sorodesign
_ nytimes review
_ read Media Bistro
_ Media Bristro article
_ examples of Series

-- Define your series: what are your 3 books: what are the titles, subtitles, authors, genres. Choose wisely, no cookbooks, nothing very very well known or well done.

-- Research: Find text about your subject/topic/author. You will need information about your author and your books, include on the back and flap of your final designs: if you use an existing book you can use all that copy from the book cover/flap. if it doesn't have a flap you need to find more info: author info and about the book info.

-- Associated word list: create word list, at least 50 descriptive words, the list goes on and on, a free flow of words. how are the books supposed to feel, mood, express: cloudy, misty, gray, dark, mysterious, shadows, broken glass, rough, ... you may use my subscription to
VisualThesauraus.com.
username: awertzberger@mac.com pass: viscom

-- Define 10 words from your list: 10 key words from your list that help establish the feeling, mood, tone, etc...

-- Tone: Are your books serious, humorous, informative, how-to, journal, fiction, non-fiction? Write down 3 – 5 words that define the tone of your series.

-- To Suggest list: what should the look and feel of the bookcover series suggest. 6 - 12 bullet points. for more information go to this page.
-- a sense of suspense
-- a sense of doom and gloom
-- a feeling of the 1930's
-- film noir
-- etc...

-- Concept statement (part one). Find 10 quotes, phrases, part of a poem, song, etc that sets the mood/tone/feeling of your series. Quotes, phases, passages from your books can count towards the 10. All should evoke a mood/feeling/set the tone. Look for one that fits the entire series but if it works for just one of your covers you may use it. (please read the concept statement page and take notes).

Lastly go to WalMart or Home Depot to the paint section and collect color swatches of colors you think match your tone and to suggest list. Gather a lot of them. Also you collect textures and patterns.

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2
: Monday/Tuesday
_ class discussion on the above, make sure you have a copy for me and for you
_ discuss index, sign, symbol
_ working in class on concept statement, type studies, color palette, visuals
_ working in class on type studies
_ working in class on proportion presenation: example on server.
_ journal assignment

Working in class to develop a concept, to suggest, design objectives. Discuss color palette and ideas for visuals (avoid the cliche, what could be the index?)

Each of you will be give a proportion page. You need to type up the text, learn how to "do" the grid. Post it on the CLASS BLOG and be prepared to teach the class your proprotion.

HOMEWORK
Journal assignment: add to your Type 1 Blog (don't start a new one, you can rename it)

Proportion worsksheet: work with your partner/group to on a presentation to the class about your assigened proportion. Tschichold, Proportional, Ratio, Golden Section, Axe.... Type up the text given, add any information from the web, teach us how to make your assigned proportion on 18.25 x 9in. cover 6 x 9in, spine .75in, 6 x 9in, flaps 2.75in. Post text and example on the VisCom server: wertzberger folder.

Audience Persona: Write one audience profile (one person). Who would buy your book? What section of the book store is your book located? What is their age, sex, education, what are their interests? Please read through the examples before you begin.

Write Concept statement: Try several you will not get it the first time. Please attempt it at least 3 times (i want to see all three.) Make a hybrid word. Define the words used in the compound word. Make a list. OR Use a quote, or definition and look at your to suggest list.

Type studies: the solutions are type only. Look at all your options, set one title and author in all caps and again in upper/lower case. reg, bold, italic *type studies. Try at least 15 fonts off the approved font list. PLUS if you want to look at fonts off the font list that is fine. They do not count towards your 15. (you may use any off the server or off dafont.com or... The entire font family can be used {italic, bold, extended...}. Identify 3 font combinations that you fell represent the mood/tone/feeling of your series.

Color palette: what colors will work to emotively represent your series. Think series: Develop a color palette for the series of book covers.

Visuals: images (icons, illustrations, photos), color palette, patterns. Images can be found in design annuals, books or your own (no low res online images allowed. if it looks bad you can't use it and i get to decide on what looks bad not you.) At least 20 different visuals (think sign and index). Avoid the cliche. Follow your concept.

here are some links to vector images sites:
http://allsilhouettes.com/
ulitmate resource: smashing mag
http://vectorstock.com/
http://www.shutterstock.com/

Read: Look: Graphic Design Referenced: On Shelves pages 274 - 297

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3
: Wednesday/Thursday
_ class discussion on the above
_ work in class on manipulating images: satuated, destaturate, bit map, colorize, duotone, crop...
_ concept poster: illustrator file on server: download pdf

HOMEWORK
you can do the following in any order but you have to do it all.

Read: "foundation" handout get it off the server
Look through your Graphic Design the new Basics: Scale, Color, Figure/Ground, Framing, Layers, Transparency, Pattern

Concept et all: Rewrite/refine: concept, persona, tone, objectives, to suggest. *you can post them on your blog. name it revised concept so i can find it easy.

Concept poster: it should have your concept statement make LARGER, tittles of the books, audience persona, to suggest. 11 x 17 black and white. tall or wide. optional other stuff to include if you have room on the poster: tone/style, color palette, fonts that you want to use. example: download pdf

Visuals: refine search for more images (icons, illustrations, photos), color palette, patterns. Images can be found in design annuals, books or your own (no low res online images allowed. if it looks bad you can't use it and i get to decide on what looks bad not you.) AVOID the cliche and the trite. How can you combine/juxtapose images, how can you use semiotics/index? Shift meanings. Manipulate structures. EXPORE. Make an image board to bring to class.

Using photoshop/illustrator explore how to manipulate your image(s): contrast, colorize, bitmap, livetrace... and different ways to crop them.

Type studies: decide on 3 different fonts you think would work, set all 3 titles and authors. Again just using one title and author explore graphic treatments of the titles: size, contrast, manipulation, rules, boarders. try 15 - 25 different ideas (think of it as a "logo")

Process Book: read what is do for you process book and begin getting it all together.

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4
: Monday/Tuesday
Present your...
_ concept poster: 11 x 17 sheet of paper with your concept, persona, tone/mood, to suggest
_ mood board and color palette
_ type studies
_ proportional grid

Also
_ Bring images on flash drive to class incase we have time to do some work
_ journal assignment
_
define design study matrix

HOMEWORK
On the computer or by cut and paste!
I want to see 9 – 12 completely different covers use the list as a guide make your own design study matrix. * for the homework choose just one book in your series to explore. use all the content. title, subtitle, author, spine info, back info, flaps. Work full size... 18.25 x 9in. = cover 6 x 9in, spine .75in, 6 x 9in, flaps 2.75in.

You have a good idea what your concept is, tone, mood, audience NOW explore how this can bee translated into a look. Intrigue, not cliche, not trite. Exciting, dyamic, fresh.

Explore Grid. Choose a grid and explore it. How can you change proportions, manipulate the structure. REMEMBER: All books in the series should use the same grid but different proportions

Explore Image Combinations: combining images, juxtapose, how can you sift meaning? how can you use index?

Explore Design Principles: scale, contast, color, figure ground

Explore... framing, layers, transparency, pattern, croping the image, turning it upside down, sideways, change its color, more satuated, less saturated, bitmapped, 2 color, add pattern, add color fields, try the title large, try it small, try it some sort of boarder, cut the boarder, boarder the book, cut the boarder of the book.

ALWAYS look at the book flat thinking of the front, spine, back as a spread AND as a folded object that you turn to get the information.

Work full size and full color. SAVE files a s pdf so we can look at them onscreen.

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5
: Wed/Thursday
_ one on one crits of your 9 - 12 cover explorations
_ please have your "concept poster" with you
_ working in class

HOMEWORK
chose ideas and translate into a your series: cover, spine, back, flaps. cover 6 x 9in, spine .75in, 6 x 9in, flaps 2.75in (final flat size is 18.25 x 8 inches) but don't confine your designs to traditional confided way. explore contrast, cropping, tension, scale, layering, how text and image work together, how things can wrap around the book.

first idea: translate your idea and explore it into the entire series.
THEN and create 1 variations of the 3 covers (6 covers total)

second idea: translate your idea and explore it into the entire series.
THEN and create 1 variation of the 3 covers (6 covers total)

third idea: translate your idea and explore it into the entire series.
THEN and create 1 variation of the 3 covers (6 covers total)

AT THIS STAGE you are exploring: contrast, cropping, tension, scale, layering, how text and image work together, how things can wrap around the book, MEANING.

Total 18 bookjackets for class, print them all out 11 x 17 for Monday

Update process book

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6
: Mon Feb 8
_ class crit of 18 covers (printed out)
_ journal assignment 3

HOMEWORK
refine 1 series with 4 variations of the 3 (12 covers total):
you are looking for how to get type and image to work together, finding the right font or font combination... PLUS refine explore pattern or color for the inside (at least 3 different ideas for each cover.)

This round of variations: what are you doing to change, manipulate, twist meaning? what are you doing to draw the potential reader to the book? what is the story your bookcover is telling? is is cliche? is it over designed? how does the typography work with the image? does the "style" match? what can you do with scale, alignments, contrast? Find a horizontal line and use it through the flaps, back, front and spine.

Explore what color pattern you are going to print on the back/ end papers. Each bookjacket should have its own identity.

No print outs. Bring your designs digitally.

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Wed, Feb 10 (MONDAY WED CLASS ONLY)
_ small group crits: bring files digitally
_ bring all files electronically so you can work in class.

HOMEWORK
You may email me a low res pdf over the weekend if you would like some extra feedback.

Finalize 1 series (variations based on individual meetings). This round of variation: continue with asking these questons... what are you doing to change, manipulate, twist meanin? what are you doing to draw the potential reader into the book? what is the story your bookcover is telling? is is cliche? is it over designed? How does the typography work with the image? Does the "style" match? What can you do with scale, alignments, contrast?

Bring printouts DIGITAL FILES with you to class on Monday to crit

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Monday, Feb 15 (MONDAY WED CLASS ONLY)

_ class crit: digital files.
_ Journal no. 4

_ intro to project 2 (topic and research need to be completed before project begins)

HOMEWORK
Finalize 1 series (variations based on individual meetings). This round of variation: continue with asking these questons... what are you doing to change, manipulate, twist meanin? what are you doing to draw the potential reader into the book? what is the story your bookcover is telling? is is cliche? is it over designed? How does the typography work with the image? Does the "style" match? What can you do with scale, alignments, contrast?

Bring printouts printed on 11 x 17, full color, trimmed and folded to Wednesday's Class.You do not have to print them on the epson. But you should have a test printed on the epson - 1 sheet wit

AND HOMEWORK
_ Choose topic timeline topic from list
_ Research timelines, environmental graphic histories of, timelines...
_ What is the job of the timeline? Why are so many so bad?
_ Is your product going to be a poster or an accordian book?

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Wed, Feb 17 (MONDAY WED CLASS ONLY)

_ small group crit. (have print outs with you.)
_ small group discuss your topic, research

HOMEWORK
Think and sketch. Brainstorm. Look and feel studies 24 different thumbnails/ideas you could visualize your poster. 24 is a lot keep thinking, keep working through. What to see HOW can this look. How can you show time? Is time linear? Does time overlap? How do you show more years happened between some events than others? Format is it a large wall graphic, a poster, a spread or an accordian book? Look through your ideas and sketch 3 of them into a rough comp. Save all as jpg.

AND BOOKCOVERS... PROJECT DUE MONDAY FEB 22
finalize 1 series
_ for the final each cover print full size (on 13 x 19 epson), trim and fold (no mounting!)
_ pattern or color on the inside/back


Process book: a designed piece that you would print out and spiral bind and take to an interview but we are NOT printing them out,. Designed to be PRINTED OUT but you are not printing it out, it should NOT look powerpoint-like, examples are on the server.

-- title page
-- concept statement (MAKE SURE your concept matches your final design)
-- To suggest list
-- Associated word list: create word list, at least 50 descriptive words.
-- Define 10 words from your list: 10 key words from your list
-- Tone: serious, humorous, informative, how-to, a manual, journal, fiction, non-fiction?
-- Audience Profile (written as a narrative about the person)
-- All your rough concept statements and refinements...
-- Define: series and sequence
-- All research including what you put on your blog. (ie: sign, index, symbol, 10 examples of bookcovers that you think are "good" (good means they grabbed your attention for some reason). If it says who it is by capture that. Examine and reflect on the use of index in any 3 bookcovers.

design studies
-- Type studies
-- Color palette
-- Visuals: images (icons, illustrations, photos), color palette, patterns.
-- Sketch rounds
-- Final 3 Covers

last 2 pages
-- project description
-- project overview

MONDAY FEB 22 DUE
1 pdf with your final 3 bookcovers (yourname_covers.pdf)
1 pdf with of your process book (yourname_process.pdf)
PLUS post covers on your blog: you need to save each book cover as a png or jpg and post it on your blog with the entry include your final concept statement and to suggest.

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Thurs. Feb 11 (TUESDAY THURSDAY CLASS ONLY)
_ working in class on final bookcover and research
_ intro to project 2

_ Hallmark presentation at 3:30

HOMEWORK
_ Choose topic timeline topic from list
_ Research timelines, environmental graphic histories of, timelines...
_ What is the job of the timeline? Why are so many so bad?

AND THIS HOMEWORK
finalize 1 series
_ for the final each cover print full size (on 13 x 19 epson), trim and fold (no mounting!)
_ pattern or color on the inside/back

Process book: a designed piece that you would print out and spiral bind and take to an interview but we are NOT printing them out,. Designed to be PRINTED OUT but you are not printing it out, it should NOT look powerpoint-like, examples are on the server.

-- title page
-- concept statement (MAKE SURE your concept matches your final design)
-- To suggest list
-- Associated word list: create word list, at least 50 descriptive words.
-- Define 10 words from your list: 10 key words from your list
-- Tone: serious, humorous, informative, how-to, a manual, journal, fiction, non-fiction?
-- Audience Profile (written as a narrative about the person)
-- All your rough concept statements and refinements...
-- Define: series and sequence
-- All research including what you put on your blog. (ie: sign, index, symbol, 10 examples of bookcovers that you think are "good" (good means they grabbed your attention for some reason). If it says who it is by capture that. Examine and reflect on the use of index in any 3 bookcovers.

design studies
-- Type studies
-- Color palette
-- Visuals: images (icons, illustrations, photos), color palette, patterns.
-- Sketch rounds
-- Final 3 Covers

last 2 pages
-- project description
-- project overview

*From today on NO CLASS TIME will be spent on the bookcovers if you need feedback send me a pdf (SMALL!!!!!! save it SMALL!!!) or find me outside of class.

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Tuesday Feb 16 (Tuesday Thursday only)
_ Journal no. 4 (if you haven't done 3 you need to do that one also)
_ working in class on project 2, break into groups based on topic

_ Choose topic timeline topic from list
_ Research timelines, environmental graphic histories of, timelines...
_ What is the job of the timeline? Why are so many so bad?

Think and sketch. Brainstorm. Look and feel studies develop a list of different conceptual or formal ways you could visualize your TIME as it relates to your topic. How can you show time? Is time linear? Does time overlap? How do you show more years happened between some events than others? Format is it a large wall graphic, a poster, a spread or an accordian book?

*NO CLASS TIME will be spent on the bookcovers!

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Thursday Feb 18 (Tuesday Thursday only)

_ class crit and working in class on project 2

PROJECT DUE
1 pdf
with your final 3 bookcovers (yourname_covers.pdf)
1 pdf with of your process book (yourname_process.pdf)
PLUS post covers on your blog: you need to save each book cover as a png or jpg and post it on your blog with the entry include your final concept statement and to suggest.

HOMEWORK
Think and sketch. Brainstorm. Look and feel studies 24 different thumbnails/ideas you could visualize your poster. 24 is a lot keep thinking, keep working through. What to see HOW can this look. How can you show time? Is time linear? Does time overlap? How do you show more years happened between some events than others? Format is it a large wall graphic, a poster, a spread or an accordian book? Look through your ideas and sketch 3 of them into a rough comp. Save all as jpg.