Objective

To develop conceptual thinking skills. To communicate ideas visually and verbally. To explore typography styles. To develop systems of visual organization.

Secondary objectives

To utilize Illustrator as a layout and production tool.

Description

This project is a real-world assignment for Brian Nudelman, a Parkland professor of Humanities who is also our Service Learning Coordinator. Brian needs a branded one-sheet infographic hand-out that explains visually what the new Center for Community Engagement does.

The specifications are as follows:

• size: 8.5 x 11 inches, 4/0 (prints CMYK one side only)
• typography: approved Parkland branding (download Freight Sans)
• colors: approved color scheme
• logo: must use client-supplied wordmark
• copy: must use client-supplied text
• images (optional): client-supplied images or stock

Procedure

1. Research: Create a Pinterest board titled "GDS 110 Project 3: Infographic." Find 10+ samples of existing information graphics that are predominantly type. Search both online and offline (see Library Resources) for creative inspiration to pin to your new Pinterest board. Link the URL of your board to your Process Page for grading. Share your research by re-pinning your best pins to the group board for this project (follow this board to receive an invite). Also print select research samples for your Process Book.

2. Develop the concept: In your sketchbook (journal) begin to conceptualize ideas for this project (see examples of sketches). Make at least 10 sketches of all possible directions you might take this project. Edit your concepts down to your best three ideas and redraw them on 8.5 x 11 white paper using a felt tip pen. Scan (scale/crop in Photoshop: no wider than 1000 pixels), increase the contrast (see tutorial) and publish your concepts on your Process Page for critique. Also print your sketches for your Process Book.

3. Proof: Based on the critique of the above, use Adobe Illustrator to translate your sketch into a digital file. Publish a low-res PDF linked from your Process Page for critique. Also print a high-quality color proof for your Process Book.

4. Final critique: Based on the critique of the above, revise your design (if needed), then print a final proof for critique. Prepare a presentation to justify your design decisions. Also publish a high-res PDF on your Process Page.

5. Grading: Based on the critique above, refine your design (if needed). Submit two copies of your final proof with your name on the back for grading. One proof will be returned to you after grading. File the graded proof in your Process Book for individual review along with all the preliminary work you did for the project (research, sketches, preliminary proofs, final proofs). Also submit a high-res PDF via Cobra's dropbox. You will not receive full credit for this project if any of the above elements are missing.

6. Portfolio presentation: If you are happy with the results of this project, consider including it in your portfolio. If necessary, continue to make refinements until you are 100% satisfied with the project. Be sure to save all your files for future editing.

7. Extra Credit: Submit your project into next year's student show by printing an art gallery quality proof and mounting it on foam board. Your project may win a cash prize and be published in a showcase of student work on Parkland's website.