Enter password
Description
In this project, our aim is to explore the boundless realm of language that extends far beyond mere spoken and written words. Beyond the conventional methods of communication, such as wiring, script, calligraphy, and typeface, we will delve into the profound impact of the physical existence of text. This physical existence can intensify, add, subtract, or even reroute the meaning within language.
Throughout this endeavor, we will uncover the power of semiotics and how modifying the materiality and physicality of signifiers can reshape the signified or overall meaning.
In this project, your task is to create a powerful poster that advocates for social good and prompts action. You will be assigned the challenge of selecting a single action word and envisioning it as tangible material. Your next step will involve constructing the physical word and capturing it through photography. The resulting image will serve as the backdrop for your design, allowing you to incorporate additional text and graphic elements to create a functional poster that effectively conveys your message.
Guidelines
Reading resources
Semiotic and physical text slides ➜ D2L
The form of grid, Gonzales Crisp ➜ excerpt on D2L
Diggin’ it?!, Nick Shinn ➜ excerpt on D2L
Cornish InDesign how to make justified type look good ➜ here
Baseline grid, by Keith Tam ➜ here
Typography Cheatsheet ➜ here
Typography Resources ➜ here
InDesign Tutorial: Baseline Aligned Grid ➜ here
Rules
For this project, you can use either Adobe InDesign or Adobe Illustrator.
The poster dimensions should have a minimum size of 16"x 20" and feature 0.5" margins. It should be oriented vertically (in portrait format.)
You should use the Modular Grid system. Adding a Baseline grid is optional.
Your design should inspire positive action that can make a difference at the local, national, or global level.
The composition and the elements of your scene, including form, material, and lighting, hold significant importance in shaping the final outcome. It is crucial that all decisions made are conceptually aligned with the main idea and message intended to be conveyed by the poster.
There are no restrictions on the materials you can utilize to shape your words. Feel free to explore a wide range of options, such as 3D printing, ice, wood, metal, textile, charcoal, etc. However, it is important to ensure that your material choices align with the concept and are not arbitrarily selected.
The photograph of your sculptural text should encompass the entire background of your poster (No framing). Pay careful attention to the lighting to ensure a visually appealing result and avoid any unnecessary cast shadows.
Make sure that your captured image is high-quality for print purposes. Pixelated and low-res images are not acceptable.
You have complete freedom in selecting fonts and color schemes for your design. However, keep in mind that even the smallest elements contribute to the overall impact, so ensure that they are aligned with your concept.
Your poster should include a title and body copy.
Your concept should be original and unique. Please refrain from copying clip art, using an AI text/image generator, or any other pre-existing images. While you may use reference images as inspiration, it is not acceptable to copy them. No Copy.
Proposal
Please follow all steps on the Project 3 worksheet posted on D2L.
Make a SINGLE pdf file of all pages (crop edges and adjust the contrast of scanned materials) and submit it before the deadline with the proper file name (Last_first-P3.pdf).
Have your copy ready for the proposal session and one-on-one review.
DIGITAL SUBMISSION
Before submitting your project, please ensure that it meets all the requirements in the final project checklist in this page. The checklist also will be posted on D2l before each project's deadline.
You need to submit TWO files for this project:
A .indd/ai format file that includes your design with a grid system as a guide.
A PDF file that encompasses your concept, design strategy, sources of inspiration, images documenting your execution process and photo shooting scene (3 at least), and mockups of your final poster. As this is presentation material, please consider that it is formatted in a landscape layout (AR: 16:9/1920x1080px). Do not use presentation templates.
Save your file in 'lastname_firstname-P1' format.
Submit your project under the project assignment module on the D2L website AND your self-assessment in the comment section.
DOUBLE AND TRIPLE CHECK to ensure your ai/PDF file and self-assessment are up on D2L.
You are required to deliver your physical print in the intended format.
You may use CDM Print Lab (Daley #511) and IRL space (Daley #310) to execute your project.
It is your responsibility to deliver your project on time. Please be aware that no excuses related to lab availability or equipment will be accepted.
The quality of print, trimming, and handling is important. Please ensure that all of these are executed with care and precision.
Self-Assessment
You will write this on D2L at the same time you submit your file. Your entry should include the following:
Identify what elements of your design gave you the most problems.
Identify what elements of your design you feel are most successful.
In your opinion, how do you evaluate your performance in this project?
Please focus on discussing your design work and the creative process rather than any struggles or successes related to technology or time management.
Worksheet
What are at least three social causes that genuinely concern you?
Choose a social cause and explain why you have elected to focus on it in a paragraph. Discuss the primary reason behind your selection, identify the responsible parties or factors, and propose potential solutions to address the issue. (300 words max). You don't need ChatGPT to write this for you!
Come up with a minimum of three action words that are relevant to the chosen social cause.
What are the potential materials and forms that could be used to portray your concept?
Create a mood board by researching other artists' works and selecting at least six design styles that are relevant to your concept. Don't limit yourself to online sources alone. Also, remember to caption all images.
Provide a list of the typefaces you plan to use in this project. Please don’t just list the name of the fonts.
Using the chosen action word, produce a minimum of four unique composition sketches within 5"x4" frames. For each composition, provide details such as the body copy, title, and any additional elements that will be incorporated.
Please submit your proposal in a well-organized layout, ensuring that it includes labeled sections and captions for any outsourced images. Please ensure that your sketches are detailed, possess ample contrast, and are free from cast shadows.
Organize all materials into a neat, cohesive PDF with a clear layout.
Upload your PDF to D2L before the deadline. Bring a printed or digital copy to your one-on-one meeting for feedback.
RESOURCES
Artists to look up: Barbara Kruger, Jenny Holzer, John Baldessari, Roni Horn, Bruce Nauman, Max Rippon aka Ripo, Parviz Tanavoli, Jason Rhoades, Adam Pendleton, On Kawara, Guerrilla Girls, Ray Johnson, Ed Ruscha, Carl Andre, Juan Uribe, Lawrence Weiner, Tom Phillips, Mel Bochner, Anastasia Klose, Wayne Wilkes White, Sean Landers, Christopher Wool, Steve Powers, Ben Eine, and Mark Bradford.
Design tip: Design is a demanding process that requires time and dedication. While it's possible to complete all the stages of this project in a few hours, only expect great results if you invest enough time and effort into it. Remember, solid design takes time!
Checklist
PREPARATION
Please note that this project is all about physical type accompanied by Modular grids! That means you should dedicate the majority of your time to perfecting it.
With the exception of the physical typography photo, the poster should not contain any additional images or raster elements. The physical type image itself should encompass the entire background of the poster.
Adding extra text and vector visual elements should happen solely in Adobe Illustrator.
You should have your modular grid as a guide in your ai. file that you are submitting to D2L.
Ensure that body copies and additional vector elements you incorporate adhere to your modular grid system.
Ensure that the body copies are free from any instances of rivers, orphans, or widows.
Is your text material legible and readable?
Did you document the BTS (Behind the Scenes) images of your sculptural typography and photo shooting setup? You will need them for the PDF file submission.
Ensure your main image is high quality and suitable for printing. Pixelated and low-resolution images are not acceptable. Additionally, you cannot manipulate the physical typographic image, such as adding/removing elements or digitally changing the material or typography. You are welcome to retouch imperfections and balance/adjust color/tones.
Have you verified the accessibility of the image and font utilized in your design? The main image should be embedded in a .ai file, while the fonts should be accessible through Adobe CC. To ensure everything is properly in place, please open your .ai file on a separate computer.
Remember, haphazard and rushed designs will not earn you a satisfactory grade. You must create a functional and engaging outcome that truly resonates with the audience and convinces them to get involved.
To complete this project, you will need to create two files: a ai/indd file containing your design, and a PDF file (slide/landscape/horizontal layout) showcasing your project's evolution from the initial idea to actual photos of the finished product in action. Please consider including the steps of the proposal/worksheet. Do NOT submit your proposal for this purpose.
Once you have completed designing your layout in Adobe Illustrator, you may use the Print Lab (#511 Daley) to print your work.
The print should be 16” x 20” (0.5’ margins on all sides included, which should be blank) on Heavyweight glossy/semigloss/luster Paper.
Use PDF format for print purposes (sending to Print Lab). File>Save As>Print Format: Adobe PDF (pdf)>Adobe PDF Preset: [Press Quality]>Save PDF.
Please have your name, class, and quarter on the back side of your print.
Make sure to have a straight cut on the edges without any extra frame trace. The scissors won’t give you that nice edge. Use a ruler and/or Xacto knife or cutter in Print Lab (#511).
You may print your project using the printer in the class (the printing instruction is available on D2L. You need to send print with the instructor's computer). The print instruction is available on D2L.
You also can ask CDM Print Lab to print your project (Daley, #511). Make sure to request Lightweight Glossy/Semigloss/Luster Paper. They at least required two business days to prepare your print.
Paying close attention to the quality of the physical catalog is crucial for your project grade. Factors such as cleanliness, alignment, craftsmanship (cutting), and handling play a significant role in achieving the best possible outcome.
It is crucial to pay attention to the guidelines provided by both the Print Lab and iRL supervisors and to follow all lab rules while working on this project. Please clean up after yourself and maintain a safe and organized workspace. Any violation of lab rules may result in a deduction of points.
Please note that no excuses regarding printing delays, mistakes, or other issues will be accepted. It is your responsibility to ensure that your project is properly completed and delivered by the deadline. To avoid any potential delays, please be sure to give the Print Lab sufficient time for printing.
DIGITAL SUBMISSION
Before submitting your project, please ensure that it meets all the requirements in the final project checklist.
To complete this project, you will need to submit two files:
A .ai/indd format file containing your layout and all elements, ensuring that the modular grid is included as a guide. Additionally, double-check that the main image is embedded in the file and not linked externally. This will allow me to view your file exactly as you intended. If possible, try opening your Illustrator file on a different computer to ensure everything appears as expected.
A PDF that encompasses your concept, design strategy, sources of inspiration, images documenting your execution process and photo shooting scene (3 at least), and mockups of your final poster. As this is presentation material, please consider that it is formatted in a landscape layout (AR: 16:9/1920x1080px)
Please keep in mind that this is a presentation file, not intended for print, so a landscape or horizontal layout is needed. A clean and readable layout is important.
Do not submit your proposal for this PDF file. It is a separate document.
Ensure that all items in the mood board have captions, including the artist's name and source.
Please consider including the steps of the proposal/worksheet. You will present this file alongside your physical product in class.
Please avoid using pre-existing templates from the internet or apps. Design your own unique template.
Clean layout and well-organized content matter.
Save your file in 'lastname_firstname-P3' format.
Submit your project files under the project assignment module on the D2L website AND your self-assessment in the comment section.
DOUBLE AND TRIPLE CHECK to ensure your files and Self-assessment are up on D2L.
Self-Assessment
You will write this on D2L at the same time you submit your file. Your entry should include the following:
Identify what elements of your design gave you the most problems.
Identify what elements of your design you feel are most successful.
In your opinion, how do you evaluate your performance in this project?
Please focus on discussing your design work and the creative process rather than any struggles or successes related to technology or time management.
Rubric
Item | Weight |
|---|---|
Ideation (Proposal) | 15% |
Realization (materialization of the idea) | 20% |
Digital Execution, Layout, and Grid | 20% |
Print and Craft | 10% |
Presentation | 15% |
Self-assessment | 10% |
Critic active participation | 10% |
Total | 100% Points |
Student Presentations
Loveya Chingale
Bruno Krneta
Kala Huynh
Josh Dix
Student Final Product
Brooklyn Brouillette
Katherine Dynak
Emory Wise
Gianna Dehmlow
Bruno Krente
Yanira Soto
Ally Hudson
Annie Gidionsen
Hannah Thompson
Izzy Gibson
Izzy Lima
Loveya Chingale
Padilla Diocelina
