Ok folks,

Here's a chance to earn up to 20 points extra credit.

Go back and radically redesign one of these past assignments:

Hiroshima poster

Twilight poster

The BIGGER,BOLDER and more eye-catching (to the point of almost being crazy) the design, the better. Here are a couple quick examples I thought were big and bold:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8oRkMa-C9w/SwHMF45Yd2I/AAAAAAAAACw/SoecLKos3iM/s1600/AIDS+Typographic+Poster.png

http://www.strata.com/solutions/graphic_design/aquo/images/aquo_poster.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yqsQcxWk4iw/S3DaIARowKI/AAAAAAAANng/G1ZnMFCDXZw/s400/PLAY_collective_poster_design_by_incogburo.jpg

Due: before finals week.

Magazine spread examples.

Tonight's lecture

Click here.

Tonight's assignment

JMC59 – Magazine Advertisement Assignment

Total Point Value: 30 points

Date Due: By start of class October 26, 2010

BACKGROUND:

The world is saturated with advertising messages, making your task as a designer difficult. Your ads must cut through the clichéd clutter and demand the attention of the reader. And, once you have their attention, you have to work fast, because they are already turning the page. Like the poster assignment, your ad must grab communicate the message quickly and effectively, and be memorable.

Take advantage of your experience as a consumer – what attracts your attention? What makes you stop to read? What doesn’t grab you? Think about your target audience – do their likes/dislikes differ from yours? How? Combine your insight with the concepts we discussed in class to layout an ad for Drake University.

ASSIGNMENT:

Drake University has come to you with copy and a bunch of images, asking for a print ad.

Create a magazine ad using InDesign and Photoshop:

• In the 59Langager folder, in the Assignments folder, you will find a folder named “AdAssets.” Review the contents.

• Use the information in “Copy.doc” for the headline, subhead, body copy and tagline

• Choose at least one image in the “Images” folder to include in your layout.

• Copy “Copy.doc” and your chosen image(s) to your desktop, documents folder or flash drive.

• Your ad should be 8 inches by 10 inches in a vertical orientation.

• As you create the page, set the "Bleed" to 1p6 (for Top, Bottom, Left and Right) -- if you don't see the option for bleed as you create the document click "More options" -- to change the Bleed later go to File -> Document Setup...

• Use one applied color, in addition to either black or white (the color can be added to the text or an object of your creation)

• Incorporate the elements of graphic design we have covered to this point

• Use Photoshop (or Camera RAW as we did before) to adjust the images for contrast, color balance, etc. Save as the highest quality JPEG when done.

• Also, not all photos are high enough quality to make them full-page size. However, if an image is pixelated, try going to View -> Display Performance -> High Quality Display

Your finished design should be exported as a high quality PDF file (File -> Adobe PDF Presets -> High Quality PDF), named as “YourlastnameAd” and placed in the 59Langager Turn-In folder on the server. You can access this server from Meredith 104, 124B, or 125.

Things that bug designers.

Check out this thread on things that bug designers.

Mid-term study guide

The mid-term will cover assigned readings from Williams and Harrower, lecture, and NewsU.org material.

Questions from the exam may include (but are not limited to) the following topics:

Photography
Megapixels
Depth of field
Aperture
Shutter
Fill flash
Resolution
3 main types of photojournalism photos (informational, passive, active)
Cropping
Portrait mode

Color
RGB color
CMYK color
Cool colors vs warm colors (which recedes into the background?)
Spot color vs Process

Design
C.R.A.P.
Balance
Hierarchy
Space
Alignment and readability
Grids

Typography
Types of display type
Maximum number of font families in a design?
Kerning
Leading
Tracking
Golden rule of column width (39 characters)
Widow
Ascender
Baseline
Descender
Serifs
X-Height
Factors affecting readability
Points, picas, inches

More lectures

CRAP

Type Lecture 2

Space

Photography lecture

Found here.

Color lecture

Found here.

Typography lecture

Found here..

Helvetica in space

Funny post about Helvetica.. LARGE.

Obama design

This is neat.. a free online book about the design of the Obama campaign.

Today's assignment

JMC59 – In Class Exercise
Total Point Value: 10 points

• Find a partner

• Either from a magazine, a newspaper or a hall posting, find a design that exhibits CRAP

• Scan the design for electronic display (72 ppi) and return it to the place you found it
• Use your individual log-in on the scanning computer, or you won’t have access
• Use the Image Capture application (in the application folder)

• Open an InDesign document, letter size (8.5 x 11, portrait orientation)

• Place the scan in your document
• Adjust the size of the image so that you have room to include text on the page

• Create a text frame and type a brief explanation of how the design exhibits CRAP

• Save the InDesign document as “LastnameLastnameSCAN” on your desktop or documents folder

• Export the document from InDesign as a jpeg named “LastnameLastnameSCAN” on your desktop or documents folder
• File>Export…>Format: JPEG then click Save
• In the Export JPEG dialog box, set Quality: Medium and Resolution (ppi): 72. Others remain as defaults. Click Export

• Place jpeg file in the 59Langager Turn-in folder

Online Tutorial Lesson Schedule

Online Tutorials
Lesson 1
Lynda: Indesign CS 5:
Introduction
Welcome
What is InDesign CS5
Using the exercise files
Lesson 2
Lynda: Indesign CS 5: Essential Training
1. The Workspace
Understanding the Application window
2. Getting to the features
Using the tool panel
3. Creating a Document
Creating new documents
Saving and reverting documents
5. Text
Understanding text frames
6. Graphics
Importing graphics
17. Packaging, Printing and Exporting
Exporting a PDF
Lesson 3
Lynda: Indesign CS 5: Essential Training
1. Workspace
Navigating pages
Zooming and magnifying
Managing more than one document window
Setting rulers and measurements
Positioning panels correctly
Setting the view quality of artwork
Adjusting view and preview settings
3. Creating a document
Setting margin and column guides
Using ruler guides
Lesson 4
Lynda: Indesign CS 5: Essential training
2. Getting to the Features
Using contextual menus
Choosing menu items with Quick Apply
3. Creating a Document
Using multiple Undo and Revert
Bleeding colors or images off the side of the page
4. Managing Pages
Inserting, deleting, moving pages
Changing page size
5. Text
Typing and editing text
Importing text
Filling with placeholder text
Inserting special characters
Threading text frames
Setting vertical justification and first baseline position

Lesson 5
Lynda: Indesign CS 5: Essential training
5. Text
Putting text on a path
12. Character Formatting
Applying basic character styling
Applying advanced character formatting
11. Paragraph Formatting
Applying formatting to a paragraph
Using drop caps
Adjusting text hyphenation
Fine-tuning justifies text
Aligning to a baseline grid
7. Formatting Objects
Selecting Objects
Applying basic strokes and fills
Using advanced strokes
Adjusting transparency
Adding drop shadows
Applying feathering
Copying formatting with the Eyedropper tool
10. Managing Objects
Positioning objects with the Page Gap tool
Stacking objects
Creating and controlling layers
Managing objects in the layers panel
Lesson 6
Lynda: Indesign CS 5: Essential training
9. Color
Creating color swatches
The danger and power of unnamed colors
Building tint swatches
Creating gradient swatches
Applying gradients
6. Graphics
Importing from Mini Bridge
Using the Links panel
Embedding links
Fitting graphics to a frame
10. Managing Objects
Grouping objects
Locking objects
Understanding text wrap
11. Transforming Objects
Duplicating objects
Rotating objects
Scaling objects

Syllabus

JMC 059 Intro to Visual Communication Syllabus

Instructor: Andy Langager
Phone: 319-290-8229
Email: andylangager@gmail.com
AIM: andylangager2
Class blog: http://jmc59.blogspot.com

Textbooks:
• Williams, Robin. The Non-Designer’s Design Book (Third Edition, 2008)
• Harrower, Tim. The Newspaper Designer’s Handbook (6th edition, 2008, Customized edition)

Other Requirements:
• USB flash drive with more than 4 gig of free space, or external HD for use on Mac
• Digital Camera that allows for manipulation of settings (can be checked out in the Meredith Basement)

Overview:
Design is not about making things look pretty. It's not decoration. Design done well isn't about design, but content, and the crisp, clear communication of the content.
This course is about communication through the use of visual images: images, text, graphics, logos, color, and a combination of all.
We will be using a variety of technology to communicate our message, but we will be emphasizing on the content of the message: the images you create and how you arrange them, rather than how well you know the software or camera.

In this lecture and lab course, we will:
• Master the fundamental principles of good design, including typography, color, white space, balance and contrast
• Explore how to tell our stories through design, typography, and photography
• Experiment with the tools and technology to tell those stories: Digital Cameras, InDesign and Photoshop
• Learn the specific elements of design and communication for each medium and examine how different media help interpret the message for the audience

Specific learning objectives are:
• To develop a visual vocabulary
• To analyze the best way to tell a story using images and text
• To critique various designs for what works, what doesn’t, and why
• To explore differences in design among different media

Remember as we experiment with the tools and technology that they are ever-changing. However, the fundamental principles of good design – of good storytelling – will not change.
Much of what we learn in JMC 59 is the cornerstone of what you will learn in your later JMC courses. When you reach those courses, your instructor will assume that you are fluent in design principles and in the tools and technologies to create good design.
While there is a lecture component to this course, you will learn by doing. This includes making mistakes, exchanging feedback with your classmates and challenging ideas we may consider to be the norm.
Everyone will be involved in group discussions and in the evaluation of the work of others. The exchange of ideas and opinions is part of what makes creative work so much fun.
But, there may be disagreements. It’s only fun if we respect each other during exchanges. Be civil to others and they will be civil to you.

Class etiquette: Please turn off your cell phone, iPod, pager, etc. unless you are waiting for an important call (and please take it outside). No texting in class, please. Your classmates deserve the opportunity to learn without distraction. Laptops are allowed for note taking, but no surfing, e-mail, IM, Facebook, etc. Also, please use the lab computers for school related activity (again, no Facebook -- there's always time after class!).

Your grade will be based on four different collections of work:
• Attendance and participation in discussion
• Quizzes and midterm
• In and out of class assignments
• A final project incorporating different media and tools
(All grades are based on a 10% scale (A=90-100%, B=80-89%, etc.)

Missed class: You will be responsible for any material missed if you are not in class. Please check with me or your classmates to see what material or assignments you have missed. Please let me know ahead of time if you know you are going to miss class. You don't have to bring me a note if you are sick unless you miss a test or a quiz (or miss an assignment deadline).

Late assignments: Unexcused late assignments will be marked off
20% per day late (including weekends).

Grade Descriptions:
"A" work: Deadlines met regularly for assignments; student has gone above and beyond to demonstrate he or she understands the concepts of the assignment. Shows time and effort put into every assignment. Overall work is excellent.

"B" work: Deadlines met for nearly every assignment; student has show he or she has a strong understanding of the concepts of the assignments. The basic requirements of the assignments are fulfilled with good, solid work. Overall work is above average.

"C" work: Most deadlines met, but some missed. Not all assignments fulfilled to specifications. Student shows some understanding for the concepts at hand, but some of the work could have benefited from more time or effort put into it. Overall work is average.

"D" work: Deadlines missed regularly. More than one or two assignments missed. Student does not fully demonstrate an understanding of the concepts. Not much effort put into work. Overall work is below average.

"F" work: Deadlines missed regularly. Assignments left incomplete. Student shows distinct lack of effort towards the class. No demonstration of learning the concepts at hand. Overall work is far below average.

Plagiarism: The School's policy on plagiarism — representing someone else's work to be your own — is succinct: A grade of 'F' shall be given in a course to any student who has been found guilty of plagiarism. That policy is direct for two reasons: (1) Plagiarism should not be tolerated in an academic or journalistic community; (2) The School's response to plagiarism should be uniform, not one that varies from class to class or student to student. In addition to the grade of 'F' in a class, a student might be suspended from the School or from Drake University for plagiarism or other acts of academic dishonesty.

If you fall behind or have questions: PLEASE feel free to contact me -- via phone, email, or in person (before or after class, or by appointment) if you have any questions or concerns about the class. I'm here to help.

Accommodations: If you have a disability and will require academic accommodations in this course, I would be happy to discuss your needs. Accommodations are coordinated through Student Disability Services. Please contact Michelle Laughlin, Student Disability Services coordinator, at 281-1835 or michelle.laughlin@drake.edu.

Problems connecting to the class server:
Please contact Jeff Nichols (basement of Meredith) / jeff.nichols@drake.edu

List of scheduled assignments (subject to change):
CRAP critique 10 points
Reverse Layout 10 points
Press Release Flyer 10 points
Business Card 30 points
Photo Assignment 1 20 points
Photo Assignment 2 30 points
Newsletter 30 points
Magazine Cover 30 points
Advertising poster 20 points
Flyer 2 30 points
Newspaper design 40 points
Magazine Spread 50 points
Website design 40 points
Midterm 50 points
Final project - Brochure 100 points
_______
Total 500 points

Schedule
Reading assignments should be completed on the day listed
Be sure to save all assignments
_____________________________________
WEEK 1
Tuesday, August 24 - Day 1
Orientation, syllabus, check your login, self-assessment
For August 26:
Read Williams, Chapters 1-5,
Bring magazine to class

Thursday, August 26 - Day 2
Lecture: Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, Proximity
in-Class: Find C.R.A.P. and submit in Word
For August 31: Online Lesson 1 (see list)
_____________________________________
WEEK 2
Tuesday, August 31 - Day 3
Quiz #1 on Chapters 1-5
Work in pairs: Find CRAP, scan into InDesign with analysis
For September 2:
Harrower: Ch. 1
Online Lesson 2

Thursday, September 2 - Day 4
Lecture: Space and Dominance, Hierarchy, Balance
Brief demo of InDesign
Start Reverse Layout assignment
For September 7: Online Lesson 3
Williams: p. 109-113, Chapter 9-11
_____________________________________
WEEK 3
Tuesday, September 7 - Day 5
Lecture: Intro to Typography
Finish Reverse layouts
For September 9
Williams: Ch. 6
Quiz: Principles of Design and space

Thursday, September 9 - Day 6
Quiz
Flyer/Typography assignment
For September 14: Online lesson 4
_____________________________________
WEEK 4
Tuesday, September 14 - Day 7
Finish flyer
Receive and work on Business card assignment
For September 16
NewsU.Org, "Typography for News Design"
Email a course report to andylangager@gmail.com

Thursday, September 16 - Day 8
Finish Business Card assignment, NewsU if needed
Begin Art Center Poster assignment
For September 21:
Williams, Chapter 7
Harrower p. 216-224
Online lesson 5
_____________________________________
WEEK 5
Tuesday, September 21 - Day 8
Lab work -- continue Art Center Poster assignment, finish NewsU.Org if needed
For September 23
Bring photo for your magazine cover


Thursday, September 23 - Day 9
Lecture: Color
Assign Magazine Cover
For September 28:
NewsU.Org, "Color in News Design"
Email a course report to andylangager@gmail.com
Online lesson 6
Heads-up for September 30:
In-class Indesign Quiz (open note, Lynda.com, Adobe Help)
_____________________________________
WEEK 6
Tuesday, September 28 - Day 10
In-class photo scavenger hunt
Finish Magazine Cover if needed
For September 30:
Harrower p. 110-126
NewsU.org "Language of the Image"
Email a course report to andylangager@gmail.com

Thursday, September 30 - Day 11
Lecture: Photography
In-Class InDesign quiz (Open note, Lynda.com, Adobe Help)
For October 5: Online lesson 7
_____________________________________
WEEK 7
Tuesday, October 5 - Day 12
Photo Editing Assignment 1
For October 7: Online lesson 8

Thursday, October 7 - Day 13
Photo Ethics Lecure
In-class Photoshop assignment
For October 12: Online lesson 9
_____________________________________
WEEK 8
Tuesday, October 12 - Day 14
Finish in-class Photoshop,
Exam Review
For October 14
Mid-Term: Text readings, NewsU Content, Page Design, Space, Type, Color, InDesign, Photography and ethics, Photoshop, Posters, Business cards

Thursday, October 14 -- Mid point - Day 15
Midterm Exam
For Day October 21:
Online lesson 10
Advertising Design
Williams p.135-138
Harrower: Ch.7 to p. 216
_____________________________________
WEEK 9
Tuesday, October 19 -- No class, fall break

Thursday, October 21 - Day 16
Exam returned
Advertising lecture & assignment
For October 26
PR/Flyer Design
Williams p.119-122
Harrower: Ch. 6
_____________________________________
WEEK 10
Tuesday, October 26 - Day 17
PR/Flyer lecture & assignment

Thursday, October 28 - Day 18
Finish flyer
For November 2
Harrower: Ch. 3 & 5
_____________________________________
WEEK 11
Tuesday, November 2 - Day 19
Newspaper lecture & assignment

Thursday, November 4 - Day 20
Newspaper lab
For November 9
Williams: p. 123-126
Harrower Ch. 2
_____________________________________
WEEK 12
Tuesday, November 9 - Day 21
PR/Newsletter lecture & assignment


Thursday, November 11 - Day 22
PR/Newsletter lecture, assignment
For November 16
Harrower: Ch. 4
_____________________________________
WEEK 13
Tuesday, November 16 - Day 23
Magazine lecture & assignment

Thursday, November 18 - Day 24
Magazine lab
_____________________________________
WEEK 14
Tuesday, November 23 - Day 25
Work day - No class (you can come into the lab to work)

Thursday November 25 -- Thanksgiving break
_____________________________________
WEEK 15
Tuesday November 30 - Day 26
Finish magazine spread, hand in
Web assignment, Final brochure assignment

Thursday, December 2
Lab
_____________________________________
WEEK 16
Tuesday, December 7
Lab

Thursday, December 9
Lab
_____________________________________

December 13-17 Finals week

Friday December 17 -- Semester ends

Final note: This syllabus and class schedule is not a binding contract and is subject to change.

SJMC Core Values:
Our students will:
1. Understand and apply First Amendment principles and the law appropriate to professional practice.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of groups in a global society in relationship to
communications.
4. Understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information.
5. Work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity.
6. Conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications
professions in which they work.
7. Think critically, creatively and independently.
8. Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve.
9. Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness.
10. Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts.
11. Apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.
12. Take ownership of their own academic experience.
13. Be engaged with the community: the university, the local community, professional groups
14. Cope and thrive in the workplace