CD Package Help

Hey GD1 students, check this site out for assistance with your project.

http://www.designerstoolbox.com/designresources/?PHPSESSID=ddc6ed9305df24d4bd499552646a0ca3

Propaganda Poster Tutorial

PropagandaPoster Tutorial

http://vectortuts.com/tutorials/illustration/create-an-inspirational-vector-political-poster/

23 Examples of Design as a Force for Good

23 Examples of Design as a Force for Good

http://psdtuts.com/tutorials/designing-tutorials/23-awesome-examples-of-design-as-a-force-for-good/

Awesome Photoshop Tutorial

This is a great photoshop tutorial on how to create awesome half-tone gig poster imagery. Check it out at:

http://psdtuts.com/tutorials/photo-effects-tutorials/design-a-high-impact-gig-poster-suitable-for-screen-printing/

Russian Constructivist Poster Tutorial

Russian Constructivist Poster Tutorial

http://psdtuts.com/tutorials/designing-tutorials/create-a-constructivist-inspired-poster/

Psychedelic Style Tutorial

Another great tutorial, this time concerning the 60's Psychedelic style.

http://psdtuts.com/tutorials/designing-tutorials/create-a-60s-psychedelic-style-concert-poster/

Unique CD Package Examples

221 Student Project Examples

The "CADENCE" package is a good example of a quality design solution. The designer utilized a refined color palette (in this case the power palette), a single typeface, a unified design theme that flows from page to page, inclusion of all necessary information, and necessary legal information (barcode, anti-piracy seal, parental advisory tag).


Also note that the student prethought every aspect of the sleeve prior to construction. The student scouted shoot locations, arranged the usage of a photographer, screened possible models, costuming, makeup, etc. prior to beginning the project.

ART 221 FINAL PROJECT

ART 221: Graphic Design I
Assignment 8: CD Package Design
Prof. Speaker

Project
This project requires the designer to create a CD package that consists of multiple panels and the actual CD itself. The designer must physically construct the package – whether in a CD jewel case, cardboard digi-pak, or other original design. Emphasis should be placed on the quality of the solution – a high quality end product is expected.

Requirements
The designer will physically create the CD Package, as well as “flat” presentation version, mounted on black foam core.

General Information
1. All information concerning the package (title of artist, album title) must be provided by the designer. Information that must be included within the design: artist name, album title, record label, song titles, band or artist members, production credits (album producer, engineer, etc.). Additionally, you must include a barcode (high res versions may be found online).
2. No more than two typefaces may be used for the entire package.
3. A minimum of eight separate panels or sections must be designed by the student. This may include, but are not limited to, a front/back cover, CD tray area, booklet back, booklet interior. Do not forget to include a spine of the CD package.
4. Do not forget to design the CD itself. This will require the designer to creatively approach methods of printing on the disc itself, and may demand alternative approaches to application of imagery/typography on the disc surface.
5. All imagery included in the CD package must have been created solely by the designer. You may not utilize any imagery from exterior sources (google, books, the internet). If photography is to be included, the designer must create it, etc.

Technical Requirements
The designer will mount and matte each panel section (front/back cover together, etc. as shown in the example below) on one black foamboard. This board should give a one inch border around the upper, left, and right borders, and a two inch border at bottom (similar to the last assignment). Most CD panel areas measure 4.7H X 4.5W, but by no means is this a strict rule.

Other Information
There are plenty of CD package templates to be found online. Look at the CD’s that you own, as well as your friends. Look for ideas in terms of design and generally included information. This should guide you as to what information is essential to a CD sleeve.

There are many, many CD package ideas to choose from. Please research comprehensively before commencing with the design process. It is OK to create a traditional jewel case design – just be sure of the quality of your design, as the full emphasis will be placed on the design as opposed to the originality of the package itself.

After you have researched CD packaging options, select an option that will offer a creative solution. Creativity and originality are very important to this assignment – most likely you will need to have all or portions of printed at external printers (UPS store, the library, etc). Our printer will not print on cardboard, plastic, vellum, or other alternative materials. Consider this when researching package designs.

Do not forget all of the quality design concepts that have lead to this project. Please constantly consider negative space, alignment, balance, unity, etc. The entire package should have a unified look and feel, and a clear and easy flow should occur between all portions of the design.

Stay away from filters! Filters cheapen your design and cause the work to look amateurish, as amateurs use filters to overcompensate for their poor design. This includes drop shadows, unnecessary blurring, etc. Type “tricks” often look “photoshop-y” and are a clear indication of inexperience. Do not undercut the quality of your design by utilizing filters – this is not a matter of my opinion, this advisement is a product of experience within the design industry.


Rubric
This assignment is represents the final exam and is crucial to your final grade.

Areas of graded emphasis:

Typeface Usage
Cohesion of Total Package
Unity of Color Palette
Originality of Design
Quality of Solution
Overall Craftsmenship

Deadline and Critique
Critique will occur during the designated exam period.

PLACES TO LOOK FOR INSPIRATION:
http://www.discmakers.com/
Innovations in CD Packaging Design by Charlotte Rivers is the definitive resource.

This is just the tip of the iceberg – look around and find an original solution.

Art 229 Final Project UPDATED

ART 229
SPEAKER
FINAL CD PROJECT #4


GENERAL INFORMATION
This is the final project for this class. You will exercise all of your skills in Photoshop to create an aesthetically pleasing and visually interesting CD package. You must generate all of your own imagery for the package.

Using Photoshop image selection, layering, and editing tools, you will weave part or all of the images to create a cd package on the digital canvas. You may choose any theme for this project. You must use a minimum of 6 images within your cd package, as well as several elements of type.

You will create a front and back cover (with spine), and an interior layout (booklet back and cd tray area which will be designed as if the cd tray is transparent), and an interior booklet. Each section will be designed at 9 X 4.7.
You cannot utilize more than two different fonts. Utilize a refined color palette – take a look at www.colourlovers.com for ideas.

SIZE REQUIREMENTS
Image Size: 9 X 4.7 (each section)
File Format: Photoshop (psd)
Resolution: 300

COMPOSITION CONSIDERATION
Variety (of shapes, images, lines).
Scale (different sizes of elements-big/small/medium).
Asymmetrical Balance (do not have a bull’s eye composition).
Movement (vertical, horizontal and diagonal elements).
Focal Point (a single dominating element).
Repetition (repeat an element – shape, color, line, object).
Value (light and dark range).

You MUST have a focal point, or dominate image on the cd cover. Think of what you want that to image to be, and then decide how the other images within the package will support it.

OTHER THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
When collecting images, the larger the better. Google image search is a great place to start. The Google image search allows you to search for only large images – this will prove crucial to your finished work. Remember, “garbage in, garbage out”; in other words, you cannot make a low resolution image into a high resolution image. You CAN use google images etc, but they cannot be of a band or musical artist - it has to be other than a musician so that there is no connotation from the viewer about the artist.

Look at your or your friend's cd’s – think about how the entire package flows together, with each and every type, color, and layout decision effecting the entire package.

Your cd package must have an overall theme. For example, you must begin by choose the artist and album name. Then you must decide what types of imagery would support this name, as well as type and color selections. Remember the entire package must flow together.

Select an idea that you feel strongly about and enjoy.

Below there are some palettes that you may utilize.

Art 221: Assignment #2 – Typographic TypeFace

Art 221: Assignment #2 – Typographic TypeFace

Project
In this assignment you will create self-portraits utilizing only type. You will create these portraits by first shooting several images of yourself, representing different emotions of internal feeling. You will then create three different “typefaces” that represent your chosen contrasting emotions, by using varying compositions and moods.

Specs
Only 1 (one) typeface may be used per composition. Whichever typeface chosen must either be serif or san-serif; in other words, you must use both type classes (two compositions serif, one sans, or two compositions san, one serif) but you may only use one class per portrait.

You will create 3 (three) typographic self-portraits for final critique. These should be 8X10, mounted on black foamcore, with a 1 inch border (10X12 total area).

The pieces must be black and white; no gradients may be used.

Only keyboard type should be used – do not use any hand drawn letters.

For example: using the letter J for a nose, parentheses for eyelashes, etc. Please look at the letterforms of different typefaces for shapes. Do not use the lowercase “I” over and over again.

Process
Only keyboard type should be used – do not use any hand drawn letters.

For example: using the letter J for a nose, parentheses for eyelashes, etc. Please look at the letterforms of different typefaces for shapes. Do not use the lowercase “I” over and over again.

Some of the objectives for this assignment are to impart a basic understanding of the differences between serif and san serif typefaces, to dispel the common misconception that having access to thousands of typefaces means that many of them must be used in order for a piece to be successful, to help students become aware of the fact that typography is a powerful tool in the hands of a graphic designer, and to create an awareness that the art of typography can be employed not only to merely convey information, but to also create powerful visual communication.

Think about negative space, overlapping, balance, tension, continuation, and other design concepts. Do not forget that this is a composed piece; remember to create an interesting, thought provoking composition.

Evaluation (100 Points)
Exploration of layouts
Guidelines followed
Craftsmanship

Due Dates
For T/TH - Thursday, Sept. 25. – Finished boards, mounted on foamcore, for presentation and critique.
For M/W - Wednesday, Sept. 24. - Finished boards, mounted on foamcore, for presentation and critique.

Art 221: Assignment #1 & Schedule for Group B

Art 221: Assignment #1 – Exploring Figure Ground Relationships

Project
In this assignment you will explore figure ground relationships in three distinct types: stable, reversal, and ambiguous. You will present three examples of each type (nine total) on white paper, mounted on black foam core. Include a one-inch gutter in between squares, with a one-inch border.

Specs
Each square will be 3in X 3in. Fill these squares with different shapes - using only simple shapes (square, oval, circle, triangle, rectangle, star).

(A). Stable Figure Explorations: You will limit the color palette to black, white and shades of gray. You will utilize Adobe Illustrator to complete this design, print them, and mount them on black foam core.

(B). Figure Ground Reversal Explorations: You will limit your color palette to black and white. You will create this project using black sharpie markers.

(C). Ambiguous Ground Explorations: You will limit your color palette to black and white. You will also create this project using black sharpie markers.

Additionally you will create twenty-four thumbnail sketches for this project.

Process
Think about negative space, overlapping, balance, tension, continuation, and other design concepts.

Just to reiterate – the use of negative space is of the utmost importance. Remember that there is a symbiotic relationship between the negative and positive – their relationship is interactive and interdependent. Remember, “working white”.

Additionally, you must speak to your classmates about your ideas while you work on your thumbnail sketches. Design does not take place in a vacuum – a general rule is that the more eyes that go over a design the better, as you gain valuable perspective from your colleagues. Don’t be shy – talk to someone, and remember to ask specific questions – which one of these shapes most have the illusion of depth within this space? How does this negative space make you feel? Etc.

Evaluation (100 Points)
Exploration of layouts
Guidelines followed
Craftsmanship

Due Dates
Tuesday, Sept. 2. – 24 Thumbnails Due (at the beginning of class).
Thursday, Sept. 4. – Finished boards, mounted on foamcore, presentation and critique.

More Examples for Assignment #1

Examples for project #1

DO NOT COPY THESE!
THESE ARE EXAMPLES!
BE CREATIVE!
EXPLORE THE SPACE!
MAKE SPACE WORK FOR YOU!

Swap File #1 Assignment

For your first swap file entry in your sketchbook, place 5 examples of typography that you find interesting. These can be from any source - books, magazines, websites, road signs, etc. You must place the images in your sketchbook (taped, glued, however you want to do it, just do it neatly) and write a paragraph about the sample. This paragraph should include where the sample is from (i.e. Vanity Fair, March 2008 issue, or whatever the source is) and if possible, what typeface it may be. Take time to make quality selections, and select type that you really do enjoy - it is always easier to write about what you like.

Class A - Due Wed. Sept 3
Class B - Due Tues. Sept 2

Assignment #1 and Schedule for Class A

Art 221: Assignment #1 – Exploring Figure Ground Relationships

Project
In this assignment you will explore figure ground relationships in three distinct types: stable, reversal, and ambiguous. You will present three examples of each type (nine total) on white paper, mounted on black foam core. Include a one-inch gutter in between squares, with a one-inch border.

Specs
Each square will be 3in X 3in. Fill these squares with different shapes - using only simple shapes (square, oval, circle, triangle, rectangle, star).

(A). Stable Figure Explorations: You will limit the color palette to black, white and shades of gray. You will utilize Adobe Illustrator to complete this design, print them, and mount them on black foam core.

(B). Figure Ground Reversal Explorations: You will limit your color palette to black and white. You will create this project using black sharpie markers.

(C). Ambiguous Ground Explorations: You will limit your color palette to black and white. You will also create this project using black sharpie markers.

Additionally you will create twenty-four thumbnail sketches for this project.

Process
Think about negative space, overlapping, balance, tension, continuation, and other design concepts.

Just to reiterate – the use of negative space is of the utmost importance. Remember that there is a symbiotic relationship between the negative and positive – their relationship is interactive and interdependent. Remember, “working white”.

Additionally, you must speak to your classmates about your ideas while you work on your thumbnail sketches. Design does not take place in a vacuum – a general rule is that the more eyes that go over a design the better, as you gain valuable perspective from your colleagues. Don’t be shy – talk to someone, and remember to ask specific questions – which one of these shapes most have the illusion of depth within this space? How does this negative space make you feel? Etc.

Evaluation (100 Points)
Exploration of layouts
Guidelines followed
Craftsmanship

Due Dates
Tuesday, Sept. 2. – 24 Thumbnails Due (at the beginning of class).
Thursday, Sept. 4. – Finished boards, mounted on foamcore, presentation and critique.

Assignment #1 and Schedule for Class B

Art 221: Assignment #1 – Exploring Figure Ground Relationships

Project
In this assignment you will explore figure ground relationships in three distinct types: stable, reversal, and ambiguous. You will present three examples of each type (nine total) on white paper, mounted on black foam core. Include a one-inch gutter in between squares, with a one-inch border.

Specs
Each square will be 3in X 3in. Fill these squares with different shapes - using only simple shapes (square, oval, circle, triangle, rectangle, star).

(A). Stable Figure Explorations: You will limit the color palette to black, white and shades of gray. You will utilize Adobe Illustrator to complete this design, print them, and mount them on black foam core.

(B). Figure Ground Reversal Explorations: You will limit your color palette to black and white. You will create this project using black sharpie markers.

(C). Ambiguous Ground Explorations: You will limit your color palette to black and white. You will also create this project using black sharpie markers.

Additionally you will create twenty-four thumbnail sketches for this project.

Process
Think about negative space, overlapping, balance, tension, continuation, and other design concepts.

Just to reiterate – the use of negative space is of the utmost importance. Remember that there is a symbiotic relationship between the negative and positive – their relationship is interactive and interdependent. Remember, “working white”.

Additionally, you must speak to your classmates about your ideas while you work on your thumbnail sketches. Design does not take place in a vacuum – a general rule is that the more eyes that go over a design the better, as you gain valuable perspective from your colleagues. Don’t be shy – talk to someone, and remember to ask specific questions – which one of these shapes most have the illusion of depth within this space? How does this negative space make you feel? Etc.

Evaluation (100 Points)
Exploration of layouts
Guidelines followed
Craftsmanship

Due Dates
Wednesday, Sept. 3. – 24 Thumbnails Due (at the beginning of class).
Monday, Sept. 8. – Finished boards, mounted on foamcore, presentation and critique.

UPDATED GD 1 Class B Schedule - Tues/Thurs

Art 221: UPDATED Tentative First Month Schedule
Content Outline and Assignments
Dates and assignments are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.

Tue. 8/26 Introduction
Space Lecture #1 – Spatial Arrangement
Space Lecture #2 - Positive Negative
Reading Assigned – Ch. 1

Thurs. 8/28 Assignment #1
Come to class with materials to work on sketches – notebook, pencils, ruler, etc.

Tue. 9/2 24 Thumbnails Due
Work Period
Swap File #1 Assigned

Thurs. 9/4 Quiz #1 (over Ch. 1 and lectures)
Swap File #1 Due

Tues. 9/10 Assignment #1 Due
Group Critique

Thurs. 9/12 Visual Hierarchy Lecture
Swap File #2 Assigned
Reading Assignment #2

UPDATED GD 1 Class A Schedule - Mon/Wed

Art 221: Updated Tentative First Month Schedule
Content Outline and Assignments
Dates and assignments are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.

Mon. 8/25 Blog setup
Introduction
Reading Assigned – Ch. 1
Space Lecture #1- Spatial Arrangement
Space Lecture #2 – Positive/Negative

Wed. 8/27 Assignment #1 – Spatial Arrangement
Come to class with materials to work on sketches – notebook, pencils, ruler, etc.

Mon. 9/3 24 Thumbnails Due
Work Period
Swap File #1 Assigned

Wed. 9/8 Quiz #1 (over Ch. 1 and lectures)
Swap File #1 Due

Mon. 9/10 Assignment #1 Due
Group Critique

Wed. 9/15 Visual Hierarchy Lecture
Swap File #2 Assigned
Reading Assignment #2

Art 229 Schedule Update

All you good good people of Art 229 - we will officially move our meeting time from 5:00 until 5:30 on Thursday evenings so that people may gain some fuel in order to do their very best work. Don't forget that this will push our time until 7:30, so please prepare yourselves for this change as well.

Any questions, concerns, comments, or conflicts with this change should be directed to my email box, and I will respond to you as quickly as humanly possible.

Have a great weekend guys...