Course description: This hands-on computer graphics course combines skills from previous design courses to explore the history, process and essential skills required to develop successful brand identity systems. Topics such as logo design, selection of fonts and colors, and the development of branded marketing materials are covered in depth. In addition, the important techniques of imaging software integration and file format compatibilities are discussed and applied while preparing images for print, video and Web. At the conclusion of this course, students will have developed a complete branded identity system and assembled a portfolio presentation for public viewing.
Design your own personal logo integrating the basic principles and elements of design to convey a personal visual brand appropriate for a wide audience, including clients, employers, and other artists. Apply ethical and socioculturally sensitive practices to the design of your logo to ensure respectful delivery of the logo without compromising your artistic identity and background. Construct the logo using appropriate tools within the industry-standard software provided. Construction of your logo should evidence the correct use of these tools to observers of the final project.
Clean modern sans-serif font, layered black & gray initials with a pop of dark violet
Brush script initials within a black diamond shape, making interesting negative space
Experimenting with abstract geometric forms, connecting letters, various shades of gray
Black and gray brush scripted initials, with a straightforward yet delicate serif font
Logo 1 was close to my original logo draft, but the D was too dark and overpowering. I removed it altogether because it really wasn't a part of my name. Logo 2 was my personal favorite but looked too much like other logos out there. However, I enjoyed experimenting with negative space and the way your eye moves throughout the diamond. Logo 3 was geometric, abstract and did not represent my personality at all. Logo 4 was a close choice since it closely resembled Asian letterforms which would have aligned with my ethnic background... But leaning back toward the first logo (which happened to be the last one I had drafted and carefully designed) I took a closer look at the C and K - the K being unique with its curved leg - and wanted to repeat elements from the first logo, specifically the strategic break in letterform, and apply that to the rest of my name. The R is curved and slightly exaggerated as if reaching for the O. Each vertical line, whether in the A, R, L and D purposefully aligns on both lines of my name providing rhythm. The word Design balanced on the bulk of the design. Since the letters in my name are sans serif, I wanted to provide contrast with a scripted font underneath. I designed 3 alternate versions of this logo that only vary in color combination.
Having already developed your logo, you will now move on to designing a business card and letterhead that include your logo and your contact information, which is essential for networking in professional situations and communicating in writing. Employ appropriate tools and techniques (typography and color scheme based on the design of your logo) within industry standard software (Adobe Illustrator) to create a professionally structured business card and letterhead consistent with the personal visual brand.
The common theme throughout that ties each piece together is the logo, color palette, and common design elements. The dark purple line can be seen across the top of each piece. Since my logo has very obvious circular or rounded forms, the circular motif designs were a natural complement. The color palette consists of various shades and tints of purples and grays including black and white. All of these themes are also carried out in this website as well.
Create a unique leave-behind piece that reflects your advanced graphic design capabilities and unique style, and is catered to the area of graphic design and media arts that you would like to focus on, whether that is related to digital marketing, digital art, etc. Using Illustrator (and Photoshop, if needed), design the layout of your leave-behind piece. As you work on your leave-behind piece, use the following questions to guide your design: What will the finished size be? How you will incorporate your logo and personal information, and what graphics and text will you need to include so that the piece will showcase your skills for a potential employer or client? How can you balance your artistic vision while also ensuring that your leave-behind is culturally sensitive and respectful of all audiences? What kinds of tools or techniques will you employ to create a highly professional leave-behind?
The leave-behind piece I chose to create is 24-page magazine. The title of the magazine is Carolee Kinde Design and not only highlights projects I have worked on but acts as a mini portfolio and biography about me. I decided that this physical printed piece best represents my creative page layout skills in lieu of a simple brochure. Even the "advertisements" are project subjects/topics I have either accomplished in school or through my current employer, or are personal to me.
Download a copy of Carolee Kinde Design magazine - Summer 2017
Create a cohesive professional branding suite that reflects your style, voice, personality, and professional goals, and includes a logo for your business card and letterhead, digital resume, and leave-behind piece. These pieces should be included in the portfolio website platform created in GRA-410 and must link to a social media page that includes content and communication aligned to your personal brand. This complete polished artifact should contain all of the critical elements of the final product and reflect the incorporation of feedback gained throughout the course.
click picture to enlarge
Feedback incorporated throughout the branding design included improved kerning, or greater spacing between letters so it was more legible - I also incorporated that piece of advice in my overall website modifying a line of code. For my letterhead, it was stated that my logo was a bit too large therefore shrunk it down. In my leave-behind magazine, I changed a picture for one of the articles I wrote per advice of my peers. Since I am my biggest critic, I have since continuously worked on my whole branding suite, revisiting and improving my digital resume, leave-behind magazine, and this website. I have thoroughly enjoyed this course. Thanks to the constructive feedback from my professor and classmates, I am proud to showcase my brand that represents me and my design work.
"Art is the lie that enables us to realize the truth."
-Pablo Picasso
