Expectation for In-Progress Critique 10/19

Hey folks,

Great job kicking off this project last week with research and presentations. I strongly encourage you to continue your research / learning on an individual basis as you move into idea generating + brainstorming and conceptualizing phases.

Next week we will begin with one on one meetings and finish up the week with a group in-progress critique of design phases. For the critique, you are expected to have
1. sketches of initial idea generation as well as any other materials that demonstrate thinking like photos, collage, type, color, etc.
2. In addition, you should have 3 refined concepts (with different directions) of the book cover in its entirety. This means by Wednesday, you should already be thinking about how concepts will layout on back, spine, and cover.

I look forward to seeing how each of you move forward individually on your projects. 
Have a great weekend!

Class Exercise #3

Prepare a presentation that discusses your book in detail. This presentation should be about 10 minutes and include information about the plot, characters, theme, tone, and genre. The presentation should also include analysis of past book cover designs. Each group will have another 10 minutes for Q & A.

Your presentations must include:
1.    Information regarding plot + characters
2.    Information regarding theme / tone / genre
3.    Previous book cover analysis
4.    Book designs of Inspiration (Your group should look at books with similarities of book assigned. For example, choose inspiration cover designs that work with similar themes, plots, etc.)

Note: Your presentation should be designed well and consider layout, type, etc. All presentations should be in digital format either using powerpoint or keynote. Turn in one digital file per group.

This will be a group project that earns a group grade. However, you will also have the opportunity to grade each other regarding participation, effort, etc. Each member of the group must fill out an evaluation form and grade each student (including yourself). You must add comments to justify grade given.

Click here to download evaluation form.

Online Resources for Project 3

Archive of book cover designs - lots of stuff here: http://bookcoverarchive.com/
http://blog.bookcoverarchive.com/2009/11/1504/ 

http://www.bookcoverdesign.tumblr.com

Blog examples: http://www.1stwebdesigner.com/inspiration/beautiful-book-cover-design/
http://nytimesbooks.blogspot.com/2008/11/my-favorites-of-2008.html
http://nytimesbooks.blogspot.com/
http://wellmedicated.com/lists/45-beautifully-designed-book-covers/
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/04/14/excellent-book-covers-and-paperbacks/
http://www.onlineuniversities.com/blog/2010/01/judging-the-book-50-most-captivating-covers-of-all-time/

Some company sights that design book covers:
http://www.bookcreatives.com/
http://1106design.com/
http://www.dotdesign.net/

Previous student work: http://gsuexamples.blogspot.com/2009/08/grd3000-book-cover-designs.html

Project 3: Design a Book Cover

For this project you will design a cover, spine and back panel for a novel. The cover of a book is the essential tool designed to engage, intrigue, and communicate overall concept. This can be achieved through the use of photography, mixed media, illustration, typography or a combination of these.

It is imperative that you do the research to understand the nuances of the book you select. Some thoughts as you conduct research:

• Make descriptive notes and sketch as you go through the book, and think outside the obvious.
• Try to understand the point of view or what the author is trying to communicate. Be aware of the plot, subplot, characters, environments, tone and genre.
• Do not allow yourself to be persuaded by style directions of other versions of the cover you may come across during your research. You should discover what designs have been created in previous covers but your idea should be unique. 
• Be inspired... look at many things for inspiration - theatrical posters, CDs, event promotions etc... Design influences are all around so be open to everything.

Your book cover must include:
1.    Front cover, back cover and spine
2.    Title, author
3.    publisher, publisher’s logo
4.    ISBN, price, bar code

Schedule
Mon     Oct 10    Introduce Project / Class Exercise 3
Wed     Oct 12    Group Presentations / Work Day - Sketching + 1on1’s
Mon     Oct 17    Work Day – Sketching + 1on1’s
Wed     Oct 19    In-progress Critique – Pinup sketches, photos, type, illustration, etc. related to concept development. You should have at least 3 design directions.
Mon     Oct 24    Class Exercise 4 – ½ mockup book cover due.
Wed    Oct 26     Final Project Due

See full project brief here: http://www.catnormoyle.com/classdocuments/03_Book_Cover.pdf

Critique #2 Event Posters

Poster Design - Online Resources

lots of good examples of how to design with typography - http://designwashere.com/50-excellent-posters-about-design/

These are mostly movie posters but still has some good examples - http://slodive.com/inspiration/showcase/aesthetic-poster-designs/

More blogs with examples - http://designm.ag/inspiration/34-awesome-poster-designs/

http://designm.ag/inspiration/poster-design/

Has some nice illustration examples - http://speckyboy.com/2010/08/10/30-creative-and-inspiring-poster-designs/

http://www.webdesignersblog.net/graphics/37-outstanding-poster-designs/

Very cool tutorials showing how to create posters in photogshop: http://www.youthedesigner.com/2011/08/01/32-brilliant-poster-design-tutorials-in-photoshop/

Google Image Search: http://www.google.com/search?q=poster+designs&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1280&bih=619&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=3b92TreFDdTF0AGJ8IXMDA&sqi=2&ved=0CEAQsAQ

Extra Credit Details

Reminder about an extra credit opportunity. Check out an exhibit outside of class sometime next week and create an original piece that talks about something you learned from the exhibit or an artist that really inspires your work for extra credit. You could design something around photos you take or write something about the exhibit.

You have creative freedom on what you want to hand in for extra credit. The more care you take in your project, the more extra credit you get out! Email me with questions.

Also, if possible, take advantage of the free museum trip on September 24.

All extra credit projects due Monday, September 26.