communication graphics

via dana szymkowiak

[danacomgraphics-blog]

Budding Designers

It's been so great to see everyone get progressively better as the semester has gone on. It's crazy to be able to point out whose projects are whose because everyone has different styles and personalities show through their design pieces. I consider myself the collage queen, I love the fun, organized but messy look. I'd love to continue designing.

[danacomgraphics-blog]

Final Brochure

I chose to do Project 4 (brochure) on the Lafayette Hotel because it's one of my favorite places architecturally in downtown Buffalo as well as my place of employment. The magic wand tool and transparent backgrounds were my best friends this entire project. I got a lot of my photos off of instagram hashtagged photos as well as through images on BuffaloRising.com. This brochure took me the longest time out of all the projects just because of all the text, photos, and design work but I am most proud of this. It's informational but not overwhelming. I hope it inspires all of you to come check us out!

[danacomgraphics-blog]

So for project 3 I came up with the idea to do a poster on pigs because I personally own and love mine very much. In my opinion, everyone should own a pig and thats what my poster promotes and suggests. I wish I had more time to really plan it out and put it together but I still like the finished product.

[danacomgraphics-blog]

I'm having such a hard time trying to decide what to choose for my poster project. It's not that there aren't things I care about, I'm just having trouble translating that into poster art effectively and creatively. 

[primary-objects]

by milton glaser

[kodyg]

-Milton Glaser

[danacomgraphics-blog]

Relevant

[danacomgraphics-blog]

Google

How many of us each and everyday go on the internet to Google something? I know I am constantly looking up things throughout the day but one thing I tend to do is completely overlook the Google logo. The Google logo has been ever changing for as long as I can remember. Each day it's something new; whether is has to do with the season, holiday, weather, etc... I absolutely love how there's so many different Google logos, it's pretty much taken on a world of it's own. It's just a fun, everyday graphic design that we tend to overlook.

[danacomgraphics-blog]

Milton Glaser

Milton Glaser is so incredibly talented. What I like most about his work is how it ranges from being simple and clean cut to very vibrant and abstract. He's worked on a number of different projects for all sorts of brands, companies, and products; each and every one of them have been executed so well. Some of my favorite work he did is for Columbia Records. I especially liked the work he did of Bob Dylan. 

I love of the use of the vibrant colors in his hair over a black and white portrait. The type of "Dylan" is so modern and unique. 

[danacomgraphics-blog]

My finish Instant Book

I'd have to say I really enjoyed this project! I think it was mainly because we had the freedom to do whatever we wanted to. This project allowed me to become more familiar with Adobe Photoshop (which I was so bad and clueless about previously) as well as improve my InDesign skills. The hardest part about this project was making sure that everything was scaled and fit into each individual box; it took several trials and errors. 

[danacomgraphics-blog]

Finished Project 1

Pumpkins Magazine Layout

The most challenging part of this project was trying to format all the text to fit and not look too overwhelming. I think I did a successful job of this, with very few or no widows or orphans. I chose the color scheme based off of the season of fall because I, along with many other directly correlate pumpkins with the fall months. 

[teenvogue]

kate spade new york SS13 clutches

[danacomgraphics-blog]

In love

[sunbeamdaydreams-deactivated202]

[danacomgraphics-blog]

Final initials project

[danacomgraphics-blog]

Falling in love in Helvetica

I went to NYC and saw Helvetica literally everywhere. I am slowly but surely falling completely in love with the font especially since I really like a more minimalistic and simplistic design. 

[danacomgraphics-blog]

Movin' and groovin'

I'm pretty familiar with Indesign and Illustrator because last semester I used a combination of both to design/compose my PR campaign book. I was lucky because my group members already took com graphics so they basically taught me the basic ins and outs of the programs. I've been making tons of progress (finished exercises 1 and 2) and am well on my way to finishing my initials project. I came up with the idea to base it around a quote by John Green that says "Maybe our favorite quotations say more about us than the people and stories we're quoting". I'm included a bunch of my favorite quotes cause I do believe that your favorite quotes can say a lot about who you are and what you like.

[danacomgraphics-blog]

Why is it important for Communication majors to study design?

 The Communication major dabbles into a range of different professions like Public Relations, marketing, advertising, and more. All of these professions use design and visuals on a daily basis. Essentially design is a form of communication; visuals and illustrations are used every single day to communicate an idea or concept whether it's on a billboard, poster, commerical, or even a beer can. It's important for Communication majors to study design because no matter what you choose to be, design will always come into play at your workplace.

Why does good design matter?

A good design is everything. Like I said before, visuals and illustrations are used to convey an idea, meaning, product, etc... If the design is poorly executed then people won't be able to understand what you're trying to express or sell. Good design is also what sets you apart from your competition. New, innovative, eye catching things are what draws people in and makes them become interested in what you've put out there.

Favorite piece of design

There are so many design pieces that I absolutely love. I usually gravitate more towards things that are simple, crisp, clean, and elegant. I've been extremely lucky to work at the Lafayette Hotel in Downtown Buffalo which features some of the most beautiful architecture and design I've ever seen. I love the craftsmanship and attention to detail.