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.

Great Job with our first Final Critique!

Project 2: Design an Event Poster

Event Poster Introduction and Research Resources

For your next project, you will create a poster to promote a local theatrical production or local event. You can choose:

• Musicals
• Theatre productions
• Concerts
• Festivals
• Exhibits
• Dance Events 
• other types of events may be chosen, but run your event by me first. 

Please read the project brief here: http://www.catnormoyle.com/classdocuments/02_Event_Poster.pdf
Check out past examples here: http://gsuexamples.blogspot.com/2009/08/grd3000-theatrical-event-poster-design.html

Some online resources to check out:
http://atlantaplanit.com/
http://clatl.com
http://directory.google.com/Top/Regional/North_America/United_States/Georgia/Localities/A/Atlanta/Arts_and_Entertainment/Theater/ 

Schedule:
M Sept 19 Pick an event, and post to the blog. You must get my approval on the event.
W Sept 21 Work Day: Collect research on your event, begin brainstorming ideas for poster design.
M Sept 26 In-Class Exercise. Work Day
W Sept 28 In-Progress Critique.
M Oct 03 Work Day
W Oct 05 Final Critique

Some student work from last year's class:

AIGA Student Membership

Join other smart design students nationwide by taking advantage of this opportunity to join for $25 OFF the regular student rate of $75...and start getting connected and enjoying full benefits at a great discount rate today.

This drive is from September 1 thru 30. No minimum student group number required to join... just go directly to aiga.org. 

This opportunity is for all expired or new student memberships.

Students joining from Atlanta area design schools will automatically be attached to Atlanta's chapter. Check with your school if you have a student group on campus. After joining please contact your school's AIGA student group faculty advisor or Sue Youngblood.

Join Now!