3,000 people 7 People on creative staff including a full time graphics guy, video guy, tech guy
Target Audience Be able to identify various types of target audiences and know what design approaches to take to best reach those audiences.
Theme Understand and be able to identify different types of design themes and how they are presented in different works. You should also be able to apply those various themes in designs that you create.
Composition Understand the concept of “composition” and be able to analyze different composition techniques. You should also have a thorough understanding of how to compose works of your own in a way that is appropriate. Know how to use the rule of thirds to compose interesting pieces. Understand balance (symmetrical and asymmetrical) and how it relates to composition.
Understand the different components and elements of a design: Placement, divisions, and grouping…how it affects theme, mood, and spatial relationships of other elements.
Harmony Harmony – be able to identify harmonious works and works that do not have harmony.
Flow Flow – be able to describe flow and incorporate it into your work.
Shape, Icons, Lines, Images Have a good understanding of how to incorporate Shape, Icons, Lines, and Images successfully in your work.
Type Have a good working knowledge of typography, type terms, know the differences between fonts and typefaces, etc.
Color Understand color and color models (additive vs subtractive). Know how to mix colors for aesthetically pleasing work.
Design Campaign Understand the workflow process for completing a major design campaign. Know where to start, which programs to use, etc.
Raster vs Vector Know the difference between vector vs raster graphics.
Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign Know when you should use Photoshop vs Illustrator vs InDesign.
PDF Know how to make a PDF and how to preflight a file for a printing company.
Criticism Know how to give and receive constructive criticism and how to collaborate with other designers.
Business Cards Know standard dimensions for various publications like business cards, envelopes, letterhead, etc – and – know when to break out of the “defaults” for maximum effectiveness.
History of Design Have a basic understanding of the history of graphic design.
Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign Know when you should use Photoshop vs Illustrator vs InDesign.
If you can’t design good PowerPoint, you’ll never be a successful designer. If you can’t design good PowerPoint, you will NOT pass this class. Your job as the communicator / presenter is to get me (the audience member) to empathize with you. Transfer Emotion.
First, make yourself notes. Don’t put them on the screen. Use the cue cards you made to make sure you’re saying what you came to say.
Second, make slides that reinforce your words, not repeat them. Create slides that demonstrate, with emotional proof, that what you’re saying is true not just accurate. iStockPhoto.com Corbis
I can read what you put on the screen. I do not need you to stand in front of me and insult my intelligence by reading what’s on it to me. YOU WILL FAIL if you do this.