Posters.

Final Posters

There Will Be Posters

Final Posters

I don't remember if we were supposed to post our final posters on here but since I see some have, I'll throw mine up as well.

Final Posters: A Spike Lee Joint

RE: Poster Series

Final Posters

Thoughts?

Martinnnnnn

Final posters. Already printed so I hope you all like it.  :-)

SUGGESTIONS POR FAVOR.

I am completely stuck. I am unsure if I have made this over the top! Suggestions to make it busy or like a collage has become a little messy to me, but please tell me if this works. Thanks. :-)

Critique me pleaseeee.

I changed up the colors from my last presentation (red background, white text, white paper dolls), I aligned the paper dolls, kerned, lead out and straightened out the text, etc. I changed up the bullet holes and made the scenes a little more dramatic. I tried photographing them but getting them perfect without a. burning down my house or my light box, and b. not getting my fingers in the pictures to hold the paper dolls up was a little difficult, so I stayed with the graphic touch. What do you think?

poster feedback please

Sooo I wasn't really feeling this border idea, so I tried a different approach.  Let me know what you guys think!  Thanks.

Printing in the lab

Hey, if anyone plans to print to the poster printer on the glossy paper, there has been some issues with color.  However, I just did a test print with my posters on the Matte paper and the colors came out great.  Rebecca, I printed yours as well and the colors came out a little darker then what it looks like on the screen.  There was also another small issue with your images. I'll try and get a picture of it and post again.

One more time please?

I already revised based on some of the suggestions I received. Moved the titles down, tried a sanserif went with a gradient instead of just stark white or a flat gray, and made them a bit less subtle because they were getting lost when they were completely black.

Do you think this solves the issue?

final posters!

Here are my finals! I didn't make a lot of changes, mostly I gave texture to the tire treads, solidified the kerning. I'd love feedback on whether it's working or not.

Wes Anderson

Hey All... I changed the text at the bottom and also changed the color of the text for The Royal Tenenbaums

Please sir, may I have some more poster feedback?

I really liked Elizabeth's suggestion that I leave off the title because the images tell what the titles are, but when I reread the assignment sheet, the title has to be in there so I wanted to try to include it somehow, but in a very subtle way.

It was a bit harder with the longer title in the middle... I'm not sure if it works or what it'll look like when it prints.

Poster Feedback

Hey everyone, here are my latest movie posters. Just to remind you what this series is all about -- I've picked objects from each movie that are significant in the main character's life. Each main character is going through some kind of serious personal struggle and these objects represent something positive to come out of those struggles.

Since our last class, I've tried to add some depth to the backgrounds, tweaked the illustrations a bit, and added some text that was missing before. Please let me know if you have any suggestions for how I can improve these!

Thanks!
Becky

Feedback Please?

I think I'm not sold on the typeface, but I didn't want to be obvious and do a distressed font, as the artwork is already distressed. Any thoughts on type? Do you think this series would work as well if the typeface were different in each poster?
I like it for Brazil, and even for Fear & Loathing, kind of, but not at all for Twelve Monkeys.

Any thoughts on the new poster (Twelve Monkeys)? I was stuck between the army of the 12 monkeys logo and James (Bruce Willis) for the silhouette, but it actually looks like the monkey is running down the asylum hall at the viewer, which I like.

Thank you guys!!

Poster Feedback

Here are my latest posters. Please let me know what you think.

RE: Creative Block

When I have creative block, I definitely need to take a break, get some fresh air and a good night's sleep before even attempting to attack the problem. It sounds corny, but I find novelty to be good inspiration. For me, this could mean doing something childish like getting ice cream or going ice skating, visiting a place I've never been before, escaping through art, music, aromatherapy, etc., or learning about a new philosophy. When I get back to whatever project has been confusing me, I feel revived and basically inspired by the world around me. Worse comes to worse, I brainstorm multiple ideas, paste them all onto one page and leave it for a few hours. When I return, I leave a few seconds to determine which looks the best or makes the most sense.

Creative Block

If find looking through the AIGA Inspiration section is a huge help when stuck creatively. While there maybe nothing new under the sun, there is always a new twist, spin or way of looking at things and thats my go to place to see how the best designers, photographers and illustrators have done it in the past.

http://www.aiga.org/Inspiration/

RE: Creative Block

Typically, a long walk in a part of town you haven't seen ever/in a while followed by doing something mindless (watching TV/listening to music/reading a book) help me think more clearly about whatever project I have to do. Once I'm at that point, writing out an outline helps me organize whatever concept has come to my mind since leaving the block.

re: Creative Block

What works best for me is to stop working and show some people. When they tear it up (and I already know it sucks or otherwise I'd be done), I walk away frustrated but it forces me to take a whole new look at my project. And as much as I want to believe my first pass was good enough, the second or third is always better. It's bittersweet.

RE: Creative Block

Definitely a common experience... I am downloading Unstuck right now to see how it works.
Sometimes the best way to get over it is to walk away from the project. When you're working on an extreme deadline that doesn't always give you much time away.
I've found one way is to start mind-mapping as though you haven't worked on the project yet at all.
Another way is to find someone you work well with, or who gives tough critiques, and ask them for any feedback.

But the way I've found to most consistently get me over that hurdle, is something Ed Gold told us in every class. Fill your brain with as much information as possible, and then forget about it. It seems silly, and not productive, until it works. I will read as much as possible on a subject, watch videos, etc. and then go do something that shuts it out of my mind like pleasure read, play a video game, or watch tv. Taking a shower is a great way to shut out the idea, and generally seems to help everyone find a new approach to a problem - as Amy mentioned in class, she keeps a waterproof notepad so she can write the ideas down. Going for a drive (don't waste gas!) or a walk, or just explaining the problem to a non-designer can also get those brain hamsters running again!
Worst case, if you can't break through, just doodle. Something in your subconscious will take over and help you find your answer. Usually.

Funny you should post about this considering that we are probably all having this problem right now!

I often get to the point in my block where I have to just step away from the project. Typically by that time, I have tried all the ideas that were waiting to get down on paper, and I have to "throw the baby out with the bath water" as Marie Thomas would say! Going through that helps to clear my head for a better idea to come along. Still I acknowledge that maybe that isn't the most effective way.

I wrote about this not too long ago in my blog and I actually use an app called Unstuck to just guide me through the process of identifying what is keeping me from moving forward. I have to admit, its eye catching, and helpful too.

RE: Creative Block

Well I am dealing with creative block now and have found no means of resolution. Normally, I would walk away from a project to come back and have a clear mind, but as of lately, my schedule has been hectic. So, walking away then gets me distracted and on to another thing on my "to-do"list and ultimately, I forget what I was walking away from in the first place. At work though, I sit down with people and pretty much brainstorm. Hearing other opinions and ideas always helps.

RE: Creative Block

Ah yes, I experience this at the beginning of every project. I find that if I keep working on something it eventually gets to a point where I like it--this isn't the most efficient approach, but it works. Putting things down on the page, seeing what I can and can't accomplish helps me see what I'm capable of and allows me to play around with different ideas.

What if there are no ideas though? That's a whole other ball game. I commute to work on the bus. Listening to music and staring out the window usually help me think of things. Just observing things in my environment helps. If I'm at the computer, I'll look on Tumblr, just to see images and designs that are pleasing. Sometimes, I just take a break, drink some wine, crochet, and watch crime procedurals. Taking my mind completely off of the project can help--I'll be sitting there and boom, something will come to me when I'm not even trying.

Personally, creative block can also come from insecurity about my ideas--that they aren't "right" for the project in some way. The best way to see if this is true is to give them a shot--waffling on an idea that could work is a waste of time I've found. Usually when I'm not confident about an idea, it works out better than expected. Trusting your judgement can really help you move forward in the creative process.

Re: Creative Blocks

Creative block!!!!!! I was experiencing this last night with the final project and it was driving me crazy. I am in the same boat as Rebecca when I have mental block, I completely step away from the project to clear my mind. Usually, not all the time, but when I step away I tend to have a lightbulb go off in my head that is a great idea. Now, rushing to my sketchbook is something I have to do when it comes to my mind before I forget. Listening to music sometimes helps me as well.

Re: creative blocks

If I'm at the concepting stage I make lists of words and phrases and try to work stuff out in my head before I start looking at any kind of visual references. I find I can keep things less cluttered in my brain that way. I usually try not to look at other work unless I'm really, really stuck because there's a tendency to be seduced by the execution rather than the concept. But if I get to that point my inspirational go-to is the AIGA online archive: http://designarchives.aiga.org/#/home

Re: Creative Blocks

When it comes to writer's block, I find it's best to write whatever comes to my mind-no matter how off-topic it seems. Usually, my brain works its way around to the topic at hand and I get a few ideas down that I can work with. Or, if I've really worked myself into a corner, I'll write the same sentence over and over and over again until my brain is so bored that the idea of working on the topic at hand is exciting and new. 

Designer's block, however, is a different beast. I don't have a method for tackling it. If I had a way of defeating designer's block, I wouldn't be struggling on this final project. Overcoming designer's block is difficult because it takes me too long to figure out an idea isn't working. Then I end up tossing hours of work away and starting fresh on a new idea. There's nothing worse than feeling like I've wasted my time, which is a feeling I experience far too often. 

I suppose my method for conquering designer's block is creating every bad idea until I have nothing but good ideas left. This proves time consuming, but it is what it is. I'm hoping that unblocking designer's block will get easier and easier the more I design. 

RE: Creative Blocks

Creative blocks, we all hate them! When I have a creative block I usually do the following (in no particular order):

1. Skim three books (sometimes more):
• Conceptual Blockbusting: A Guide to Better Ideas, by James Adams...which never helps, but I continue to look through it.
• Visible Signs: An Introduction to Semiotics in the Visual Arts, by David Crow
• Design Elements: A Graphic Style Manual, by Timothy Samara
2. Take a walk or go to places where I can people watch.
3. Talk about my ideas with others, normally my dad, my mom, and three friends (one a writer, the second a writer and designer, the third a lawyer/politician). This either confuses my thought process or clarifies it.
4. Either sit in my sons room and stare at his toys or play with his toys.

If none of the above works out, I will just sleep on the idea and come back to it later.

Re: Creative Block

I haven't really come up with a tried and true method of getting over a mental block. When I am really struggling to come up with an idea, the best thing I usually think of is to step away from the project for a bit and come back later with a fresh mind. Sometimes the harder you try to think of something, the more elusive that idea is. Also, rereading the guidelines of an assignment sometimes helps me because something I didn't really take notice of before stands out to me in a different way.

NEED HELP.

So I am struggling badly with this last project. I honestly don't know what to do that isn't a cliche or that the idea comes together and represents my director (Brian de Palma) even the slightest bit. I wanted to go with violence, gory blood everywhere violence. Since that's what I mostly got out of his films minus all the camera angles. Can I have some kind critique please??

Creative Block

As the semester comes to an end, I am sure many of you are struggling to creatively finish projects. So I must ask, what is your process for battling creative block? No two creative blocks are the same and I am sure everyone has a different way of overcoming them. How do you spike that creativity and get the right side of your brain working? Do you have a design process?

**Inspiration for this post came from Breakthrough!: Proven Strategies to Overcome Creative Block and Spark Your Imagination.

Re: Package Design

I have purchased chewing gum based on its packaging. Sometimes there is a little surprise - like two packages that fold together like a small book or a thin case with cut outs that slide over the blister pack. I also like retro candy and chewing gum packaging, but can do without the sugar content.

15 Vintage Chewing Gum Ads

Re: Package Design

I always hear people mention one of their favorite places to see cool design is at the wine store. I am not a big wine drinker so I don't see the bottles as much as other people do but I know that a really interesting bottle is going to stop me in my tracks. I will totally buy a horrible wine for someone if it had an awesome design on it, hands down. The package is the first thing that draws me in and once I get hooked... there is no turning back.

How freaking awesome is this bottle of wine!!

WHAT.....

I'm in love!

Re: Packaging

I am partial to package designs that are surprising.

For instance, this packaging for NYC Spaghetti turns into the Chrysler Building, which I think is pretty cool. I wouldn't even want to eat the pasta because that would ruin the packaging.

Or this butter packet can also be used as a knife.

And these earphones are packaged to look like a musical note. (You might actually have to look for the photo on that one. The url will not take you directly to it.)

I like when packaging design is creative and out-of-the-box, but Chrystal is right. You definitely pay for packaging. And, truth be told, I probably wouldn't buy that box of NYC Spaghetti, no matter how awesome it is. Knowing that innovative packaging like that is out there is good enough for me. I'll just keep buying my reasonably priced Barilla, thanks.

Re:Packaging Design

I am a straight sucker for packaging. I fall victim to it all the time, even though I can hear my mother's voice in my head saying, "You are just paying extra for the package!" I think everyone does, and thats what makes some brands so popular (ahem, Tiffany and Co. ) and others seem a bit dull.

I pay attention to packaging particularly when I'm shopping for two things- alcohol and cosmetics. No, they don't go hand in hand, but I think they are two areas where people have come up with some really neat designs, or at least ones that visually call out to me. If it comes to cosmetics, somehow the nicer package makes me think its a better product (clearly not a fail proof method of picking out a beauty cream or something). If its wine, beer, etc- I'm much more likely to pick the bottle up and take it home because of the design. I hate to throw out packaging

These are some brands I've bought because I love the packaging.

RE: Packaging

I am completely guilty of buying products based on their packaging… soap, cleaning products, shampoo, food, etc. I love packaging. I haven’t had any experience with it, other than one or two projects within the program. I love looking at Communication Art’s competition winners every year.

I wish I could do more projects with it in my job but it’s not really something we do at the Museum. The one or two packaging assignments I did do in the program didn’t turn out very well, probably because I did them early on in the program without a lot of experience. But I find it hard to visualize the final product or to figure out how to translate what I want to do to the software program. It’s a good thing there are lots of templates out there…

I thought Jill’s story about packaging, in the beginning of the semester was interesting. You can have a fantastic looking package, (pun intended?) but if it isn’t geared toward the right audience, or a good fit for the product inside, it’ll flop. The concept is key.

Re: Packaging Design

All of the examples people have shown are great. The packaging looks appealing thus the product, no matter how simplistic or really how silly the product could be, is attracting people to buy it. Sometimes I find myself a little humorous when it comes to picking out products. I had mentioned this before in a previous blog post, but I do like to try and get the best deal out of everything, so I use to tend to skip what the packaging looked like and basically buy non-brand name things--unless it of course was for a gift or I was completely brand loyal (i.e apple products, true religion jeans, OPI nail polish, etc.). But even then, I don't buy them because of their appealing and well designed packaging. I buy them because well of their ability to not fail me. OPI nail polish almost never chips after the first two days of wearing it like any other brand; True Religion Jeans are comfortable, slimming, and can be washed a million times and still look trendy without shrinking; and of course there's Apple products-- we are all designers, I don't need to rave about Apple over PC or why my iPhone is amazing.

I guess what I'm trying to ask here is why do people pay so much attention to packaging materials and not pricing? Is it because your brand-loyal, because that would mean that it's not even the packaging thats making you buy it, its the product. A couple people mentioned that some of the most well-designed packages are for products that are a little pricey. Does the well-designed packaging make it pricier (spelling?)? If you went into a store and you saw the same headphones and you knew they were the same headphones, they both work well, and last long. One is packaged in a well-designed case and extremely attractive; while the other is in a simplistic box that's not very appealing. The one designed well is priced $15 more. Which would you buy? Me, I throw away the box as soon as I got home and would have the same headphones as anyone else who bought the other more expensive kind--the difference, I would be listening to my music with a smile because I just saved $15.

So well-designed packaging, yes I love to look at it. I have to, because if no one designed it then I eventually wouldn't have a job, right? But I still think there is more to it then pretty colors and attractiveness. I think it does influence the price of the product and soon I will research this and find out.

Re: Packaging Design

Before the holiday I attended a trade show for one of our clients, the Private Label Manufacturers Association. They represent the "store brands" industry, and though I was there for different reasons, I spent most of my time thinking about packaging.

One of the presentations I saw was by Daymon Design, who posited that product packaging gives the best return on investment of all media buys. I'm not sure that I was convinced by their supporting data, but it got me thinking about the viability of packaging design for the future. I looked at a number of displays and talked to every exhibitor I could who was involved in design, photography, printing or marketing of packaging.

What I deduced from talking to people was that packaging design seems to be less affected by changes in media than other print forms. Essentially, products will always need to be wrapped in something. But  several marketing/design professionals who had been doing it for some time noted that, as commerce has moved to the web, the relative importance of the product presentation has declined, and therefore retailers are putting less thought/resources into the design. The one area that is the exception is food packaging, because supermarkets have had less success than others in successfully selling product via the web, and shelf display is still of primary importance.

Re: Packaging Design

I am definitely guilty of buying products for the packaging, as I think most of us are at some point. Even though the saying "don't judge a book by its cover" is so well known, I can't help always being drawn to the "pretty" books on the shelf. If I know an author or I've heard about a specific book, I'll flip through its pages regardless of how it looks on the outside. But if I'm just browsing in a book store, I will almost always pick up the books with covers that are colorful and have interesting or different typography and illustrations. I will still read the back of the book and the first few pages to make sure it's worth reading, but the way it looks will at least get me to pick it up over some other, less noticeable cover.

Re: Packaging Design

As a packaging designer, this is something I constantly am considering. To stay ahead of the current trends, we often go out on Store Walks and sneak pics of anything that catches our fancy. Though we're in a different industry, I find the most inspirational packaging - as far as messaging, branding, unique style, and innovation - is often found in the cosmetics aisle. Since the products are so small, and it truly is the last opportunity to pitch your product to your consumer, that industry has to work extra-hard to stand out and be noticed.

I think all designers are consciously guilty of purchasing for packaging - the Andy Warhol Campbell's soup cans, the retro cereal packaging (totally a guilty purchase of mine), and Method products when they first came out really stand out! The trick is, unconsciously, or sub-consciously, non-designers are doing the same thing!

The thing I find surprising, is how beautifully packaged Apple products are when, for the most part, their intended customer is intentionally purchasing their product. It's not like you go to the Apple store in person or online intending to consider an HP or Samsung product. Yet still, they seek to create an amazing and well-designed experience from initial engagement until the product is well in use.

The iPhone 5 really stood out to me, with it's new additional case for the re-designed ear buds. The thoughtfulness and user experience consideration earns the loyalty of their customers.

Even when you order online and it's shipped to your home, Apple provides the same packaging as in-store purchases so the customer gets the same a-ha moment when they open it up.

It's really pretty brilliant.

Re: Packaging Design

I'd have to agree that packaging is pretty important and helps a product "get off" the shelf. I love a product that's packaged in a simple manner. I am also familiar with the "HELP" medicine packaging that Tara mentioned. I had originally seen this product in Target...which out of curiosity led me to the website some time ago. I thought the packaging and concept for this product was extremely clever.There's simply no confusion as to what one is purchasing...which helps,no pun intended - that's there philosophy.

As we talk about packaging there was a pretty interesting article in this months Entrepreneur Magazine on page 28 titled, Packaging Stimulus. The article talks about product brands and the need to repackage accordingly as the market for your product evolves. The article is more so geared to small businesses but I think overall what the author was saying works for all businesses. One point the author makes, references a statement made by Barbara Findlay Schenck, co-author of Branding for Dummies in which Barbara says, "Packages are powerful brand touch-points. They're the physical interface between a brand and a branded product.  They're also the visible point of contact at the moment when a consumer is shifting gears from the mindset of a shopper to that of a committed customer."

I'd have to agree with that too!

Re: Packaging Design

When I was in Words and Images, I found Help packaging online. I just recently saw an actual ad for these remedies, but have yet to see them in the store (I guess they are available at Target). The packaging goes along with the premise that more is less--essentially the company's motto. It's simple, one color for each type of medication, with a clear description of what problem that it will help you solve. You don't even have to pick up the box and look at it to figure out what it does. It's really just quite pleasing in almost every sense. Packaging like this cuts back on confusion in a sea of usually pretty confusing packaging. Medications come in all variaties, and it can be hard to wade through all the options and types and figure out what they do. Help breaks this down to just the facts. Also, this simple, clever design is also present in their website. It's just lovely--and especially pretty hilarious if you click on the items that aren't real medications. 

Here's the question about they're newest product (I'm nauseous): Can you use nauseous to describe yourself? OR should you use only nauseated to describe yourself? I was under the impression that one should not use nauseous to describe themselves because then they are really saying that they make others sick. However, a cursory look at the internet shows that the wrong usage is more popular than the correct usage, so maybe I should just get over it. 

Re: Packaging Design

Packaging Design is very important when shopping for certain things. I am actually guilty of being persuaded into buying a product because the packaging design is very well done.

One product that I actually have brought and still do from time to time is Starbucks VIA. This Starbucks product is packaged so well from the box design to the unwrapping of the actual coffee packet. The use of bold colors against the coffee brand attracts the eye to read its label. The idea that such bold enriched coffee fits into the little packet is just awesome! If you all haven't tried it, you should! :-)

re: Package Design

I think it depends on the product. For many items, the packaging needs to house information...such as food or home improvement products. I really don't care what the packaging looks like as long as it has all the info I need. On the other hand, when I really don't know what I'm looking for, the packaging plays a huge role. For example – wine. Except for my favorites that I've found along the way, I will completely make a choice based on price and label: mid-level cost and cool label works for me.

Here is a site with some really cool ones, especially Shefa's:
http://www.thecoolist.com/amazing-wine-labels-30-creative-and-unique-wine-label-designs/

Re: Packaging Design

This semester I did a case study on Under Armour for my Business Link course. I learned that every time Under Armour launched a new product they created really unique packaging. Under Armour created a box strategy and put their new cross training shoes in the coolest box ever.  It has a see through top, so the consumer can easily see the shoes. When you take the shoes out of the box, consumers will see the bottom of the box, which is where the point of purchase display is located; the marketing tool that will sell the shoe. Most of the stores where the shoes would be sold are self service, which is why Under Armour had to sell the shoe through the box. They had to make a packaging that would stand out from the rest of the shoe boxes and intrigue consumers to consider their shoe. They needed packaging that would differentiate them from the competition. Under Armour spends a good sum of their profits on marketing endeavors and has a huge dedication to aesthetics. In fact, the cost of the shoe packaging roughly cost the same as a week’s worth of television commercials.