FALL http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/ Advancing our visual communication skills through the use of symbols, logos, and wordmarks. en Copyright 2013 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:41:46 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=4.31-en http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss A final note! Great job to each and every one of you on a strong finish to the semester! You have produced some excellent work, and I hope you continue with some of your ideas into the future.

Some of you are asking about the graphics standards manual deadline- it is due by noon tomorrow, and you only need to email it to me if you aren't turning in a physical mockup. If your file is too large to send, try using the free service, yousendit.com which will allow you to send up to 100MB file for free!

Enjoy your break, get some sleep, and kick some butt next semester! Good luck!

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/12/a_final_note.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/12/a_final_note.html Assignments Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:41:46 +0000 Brain candy A list of posted "favorite" logos . . . some classic, some new, some totally inappropriate. Let your mind wander, and scroll through at least the first two or three pages of this (at times humorous) list of logos!

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/12/brain_candy.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/12/brain_candy.html Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:07:59 +0000 The end of this journey As we near the end of the semester (only 2 class periods left!), here's a final run-down of what's due, when, and how:

Identity presentation: due 12/8 or 12/10; materials and format are up to you

System application: due 12/10 as a separate assignment; expected to be included in some fashion in your Identity Presentation, but can be in a different format than what you submit (i.e., if you are doing packaging, I expect the physical item to be turned in as the System Application, but you may just opt to include photos of the packaging in context for your Identity Presentation. Similarly, if you do a website, you may include screenshots in your presentation, but I expect a digital file– either multi-page .pdf or html– to be turned in for grading).

Standards manual: due 12/10 in class OR 12/11 in my office (217 McNeal) between 5-6pm OR 12/12 in my office, between 10a-12pm; does not need to be included in your Identity Presentation

If you are missing any assignment sheets, they are all available as .pdfs on the class website, http://www.tc.umn.edu/~atank/dha3352/

*Re-submissions of previous assignments* due 12/17 in my office between 9a-12pm.

NOTE: If you are expecting to turn in an assignment in my office, please email me before you arrive so I won't run to Lori's or be away from my office.

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/12/the_end_of_this_journey.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/12/the_end_of_this_journey.html Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:07:10 +0000 You're invited! invite.pngGet ready to present to design critics of all shapes and sizes!

Dec 8 / Dec 10
11:45a-1:45p
336 McNeal Hall

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/11/youre_invited.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/11/youre_invited.html Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:31:09 +0000 Dirty (Designer) Laundry! dirtyLaundry.pngListen in as the graphic design firm Wink and clothing designer Kerry Riley of Red Shoe Clothing Co. air their 'dirty laundry' and share stories of being in the design field. This event is open to University of Minnesota students and alumni only and is a unique opportunity to meet and talk with design professionals in a casual setting. (And yes, refreshments are provided).

Friday, November 21, 2008
Northrop Auditorium Gold Room
Doors 6:30pm, Presentations 7:00pm

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/11/dirty_designer_laundry.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/11/dirty_designer_laundry.html Local happenings Wed, 12 Nov 2008 05:54:33 +0000 Application process As you brainstorm materials for your system application, check out these companies that allow you to fully customize a variety of products. Simply upload your own imagery, usually in the form of a .jpg file, and explore the possibilities!

mooCards.pngZazzle.com (variety of items)
Moo.com (prints)
Qoop.com (interfaces best with Flickr)


zazzle.pngBlurb.com (books)
SpreadShirt (clothing)
BlueCotton (clothing, embroidery)



cdesLogo.pngAs students in the College of Design, you have access to the W.L. Hall Workshop in Rapson Hall, a fully-equiped woodshop that is home to the Universal Laser Systems X-660 laser cutter! This machine can cut, etch, or engrave a variety of substrates (excluding glass) from a simple vector image. Rasterized photographs can be etched at varying levels as well.

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/11/application_process.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/11/application_process.html Assignments Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:54:24 +0000 Reinvigorating Saks saks.pngThe redesigned Saks Fifth Avenue identity (implemented last year) is a perfect example of consistency balanced with flexibility. Designed right into the system is the ability to shuffle identity pieces in a nearly infinite way. Yet, the identity is still recognizable and consistent.
Read more about Pentagram's design process and how they came to this solution >

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/11/reinvigorating_saks.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/11/reinvigorating_saks.html Articles Mon, 03 Nov 2008 05:01:06 +0000 Get to know your style Many graphics standards manuals are now available online– a perfect place to host design guidelines that will need to be accessed by a variety of people inside and outside of a company.

nycStandards.pngAn interesting historic example that can be found online is the New York City Transit Authority Graphics Standard Manual, documented in these photographic details.Unique to this standards manual are factors such as height requirements for signs, type spacing for particular signs, and reversal guides for the symbols.

ucla1.pngA more recent and typical standards manual can be seen in the UCLA standards manual (.pdf) , developed in 2004. It outlines the importance of a clear and consistent identity for a university of this size, as well as proper color uses and size requirements.

Read pp. 101-111 in Logos 01 and browse online to see examples of other unique standards manuals.

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/10/get_to_know_your_style.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/10/get_to_know_your_style.html Assignments Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:02:51 +0000 Wooden type is not dead woodType.pngNext week Thursday, Nov 6, the Walker is screening a documentary film, Typeface that documents the recent revival of letterpress and woodtype in design. For $10, you can Indulge yourself in this timeless craft and draw inspiration from its unique forms, processes, and results.

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/10/wooden_type_is_not_dead.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/10/wooden_type_is_not_dead.html Local happenings Mon, 27 Oct 2008 06:25:57 +0000 Baseball logo history mlb.pngIt's that time of year, time for October baseball. Even if you don't care whether the Rays beat the Phillies, you should be interested in a bit of history regarding the MLB logo design. Jerry Dior, the (supposed) designer of this logo, recounts the design process behind his design– as well as mentions that he's never received any royalties . . . or credit. Interesting images include other sports association logos that hold strong resemblance to his negative space-based logo. How similar is too similar? You tell me in a comment below.

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/10/post.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/10/post.html Articles Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:17:08 +0000 Anchor's away! anchorPaper.pngWhen looking for materials or paper samples, check out Anchor Paper Express on University near 280.

Be sure to explore their paper warehouse rather than just the retail store. Also, make sure that you mark which papers you grab samples of, because you will need to purchase more later as well as mark the specs in your graphics standard manual. Happy materials hunting! Let us know if you find other unique sources (like Axman) for inspiration!

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/10/anchors_away.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/10/anchors_away.html Resources Thu, 23 Oct 2008 04:06:09 +0000 Celebrate good times, c'mon! roundel.jpgToday marks the 100th birthday of the London Underground roundel– a logo that has come to represent more than just locations for the subway– it is an iconic symbol of transportation and recognizable worldwide.

As a tribute to this logo's seemingly timeless design, 100 artists were challenged to create 100 “brand new works of art that are inspired by the Roundel as a contemporary symbol for a world class transport system.� See some of the results here >

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/10/celebrate_good_times_cmon.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/10/celebrate_good_times_cmon.html Articles Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:19:15 +0000 Like sands through the hourglass . . . evolution.pngTake a little walk down the memory lane of logos – It can be inspirational, informative, or just simply entertaining. Check out the evolution of some of your favorite and other famous logos over the years – some date back to the 1800s!

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/10/like_sands_through_the_hourgla.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/10/like_sands_through_the_hourgla.html Articles Mon, 13 Oct 2008 06:36:13 +0000 Walk, run, or crawl . . . just get to St. Paul! spArtCrawl.pngThis weekend is the annual St. Paul Art Crawl which features hundreds of local and emerging artists in the heart of downtown St. Paul. Support your fellow artists and designers by attending one of the following times:

Fri, Oct 10, 6-10 pm
Sat, Oct 11, 2-10 pm
Sun, Oct 12, 12pm-5 pm

The event will include the work of Anna Carlson, DHA instructor in Surface Design. See what she's been working on (including digitally printed relief and fabric laminations) at her studio:

Northern Warehouse
Studio 246
308 Prince Street
Saint Paul, MN 55101

Hope to see you there!

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/10/walk_run_or_crawl_just_get_to.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/10/walk_run_or_crawl_just_get_to.html Local happenings Thu, 09 Oct 2008 20:47:03 +0000 Inspirational identities You are each working to design a logo and identity elements that stand apart from the crowd, exceed audience expectations, and relate a story to viewers. The following are a few interesting and inspirational visuals to indulge in as you revise your roughs:

In this highly-charged time before the election, Sam Potts takes a step back and look at how politicians attempt (and sometimes succeed!) to persuade voters through their campaign materials
starsStripes.pngStars and Strips, Literally, Forever.
A Specimen Guide to 40 Years of Standards and Practices in Presidential Campaign Design (.pdf)
Visual Punditry by Sam Potts (Dem, MA)


More than eighty years after its inception, and thirty years after the death of its designer, the highly recognizable typeface of "The New Yorker" title graces newsstands and epitomizes timeless design.
newYorker.pngEveryone Loves Rae Irvin
The Design of a Typeface, Identity, and Magazine
Print article by Emily Gordon

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/10/inspirational_identities.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/atank/dha3352/2008/10/inspirational_identities.html Articles Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:33:40 +0000