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PROJECT ONE
My Child & Me
FREELANCE NON-PROFIT ORG.
PROJECT TWO
Finding Muse
FREELANCE BUSINESS
PROJECT THREE
Professional & Personal Development FREELANCE BUSINESS
PROJECT FOUR
Device Doctors FREELANCE BUSINESS
PROJECT FIVE
PUSH
MFA THESIS / NON-PROFIT ORG.
PROJECT SIX
Chicago Bulls : Rebranded MFA ACADEMIC
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CONTENTS
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160 174
PROJECT SEVEN
Philps : Harmony MFA ACADEMIC
PROJECT EIGHT
Lorena Garcia : Rebranded MFA ACADEMIC
PROJECT NINE
Dirty America MFA ACADEMIC
PROJECT TEN
The Colorful Truth MFA ACADEMIC
PROJECT ELEVEN
Kaplan
MFA ACADEMIC
Other Logos
FREELANCE PROJECTS
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Life experiences are part of the developmental processes that create and influence a persons signature. the signature is a representation of the person. A mark of completion. A stamp of approval.
Every project that I’ve worked with is usually influenced by some other experience in my life. It’s been said that experience is the best teacher. I could not agree more as I have been fortunate enough to learn, take inspiration, be encouraged, and become a bit wiser thanks to others and the many different experiences that I’ve had in life. It’s also great to be able to pass those same benefits on to others. It’s my firm belief that most designers who are conceptual thinkers are influenced by the things in life that have had some type of impact on them. It might be that architectural design or simply their routine of grabbing ice cream with family on hot Sunday afternoons. Both are things that can influence the creative process. My influences range from the unexplainable courtesy and patience that someone once showed, and the written poetic talent of another type of artist. All influences to my work. These are all things that spark and hold my interest and push me to be a better designer. No matter if it’s been a bad, neutral, or positive experience, they all have worked together to form my opinions, ideas, and my design signature. 3
ONE | MY CHILD AND ME OBJECTIVE: To develop a brand for a non-profit organization with a focus on helping poor women living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. CONCEPT: Incorporation of the clients request of certain visual elements such as a house, a mom, a child and certain colors within the logo and brand. The brand also incorporated design patterns that are native to Africa and the Congo.
WHAT BETTER WAY TO HELP SOMEONE WHO CAN’T REALLY HELP THEMSELVES?
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THE PROCESS The client had a strong desire to see a woman and child somehow incorporated into the logo design. Therefore, this was my original starting point when developing logo concepts. Although the client had a specific request, I still wanted to remain within my design style and find something that was simple in design, but yet iconic and fitting to the original request.
my
& ME
CHILD
myCHILD&me myCHILD me
myCHILD & me myCHILD me myCHILD&me
myCHILD & me
myCHILDme myCHILD & me
my CHILD &ME
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MYCHILDANDME.ORG The development of the My Child and Me website was one that ended up being “spot on� in terms of the clients actual needs. This non-profit group was very precise in communicating what their needs were and what the site needed to contain. The overall goal was to provide their audience with a site that was easy to navigate, responsive, clean in design, and represented the established brand of the organization.
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As a start-up non-profit organization that would be seeking financial support from donors, it was important for the group to have a professional look that would be taken seriously and that would connect back to the overall brand. The business cards were printed originally at a quantity of 1000 and verified in design by the different positions within the organization.
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The overall brand of My Child and Me has been successful and the organization continues to grow in part due to the vision of the founder, Josette Zahinda. Josette didn’t want to start an organization that looked like it was pulled together by teenagers. Rather, she sought a look that was professional and clean as she understood the importance of design and its potential impact on viewers. From the original concept, came a number of other marketing items such as brochures, T-shirts, mugs, and posters–with other items to come in the future.
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A FEMALE REALITY SHOW THAT’S POSITIVE AND DOES NOT FOCUS ON ANYTHING SEXUAL. IMAGINE THAT.
TWO | FINDING MUSE OBJECTIVE: Develop a brand based on certain ideas and elements presented by the client. CONCEPT: The name of the company, Finding Muse, is based on the idea of greek mythology and its connection to music. Musical notes were the basis for which the design concept was derived. The overall look was intended to be one that works within the target demographic of young women in their late teens and early twenties as the company looks to examine the life and hard work that goes into making a successful career in the music industry.
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FINDING MUSE MOOD BOARD The mood board was a tool for visual research, which was necessary in order to find the look and feel of Finding Muse based on the desired characteristics discussed with the client. The overall look was to be clean, simple and fun.
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THE PROCESS The development of the Finding Muse logo began with numerous sketches that were general idea representations based on conversations with the client, the mood board, and freestyle ideas referencing on what the company does.
FINDING MUSE - RESEARCH & COMPUTER COMPS The Muses are the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne. They are known for the music of their song, which brings joy to any who hear it. There are nine Muses, each with her own specialty: Clio, Urania, Melpomene, Thalia, Terpsichore, Calliope, Erato, Polyhymnia, Euterpe. In Greek mythology, poetry and literature, are the goddesses of the inspiration of literature, science and the arts. They were considered the source of the knowledge, related orally for centuries in the ancient culture, that was contained in poetic lyrics and myths.
All of the research found (most not included here) was used in the development of the Finding Muse visual concept. The research helped in the making of the mood board, which led to the original hand drawn concepts, which led to the computer comps.
The client also provided some direction with sketches that connected back to the use of music symbols. This, along with the original mood board was helpful in working through the design process and finding an image that represented the vision that the client originally had.
FINDING MUSE finding muse
finding muse
FindingMuse
finding muse
finding muse
fÄąnding muse finding m us e
finding muse
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finding muse 23
finding muse
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finding muse
COLOR SCHEMES OPTIONS Once a logo icon was finalized, we then began work on choosing a color scheme in which the logo and brand would be used. We immediately went back to the mood board to help determine some potential sets, and then narrowed it down from there in terms of which would work the best. The final color scheme that was chosen was one that allowed for the most color contrasts when super imposed. Additionally, the client’s favorite “gut feeling” scheme was also a factor in finalizing the color side of the Finding Muse brand.
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BRAND GUIDE
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FINDING MUSE ADVERTISING For this particular campaign, Finding Muse has a series of posters that showcase young talent and although they are young females, they are still not to be taken lightly. Some may be nice and sweet on the outside, but their music is what separates them from the ordinary artists.
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COMMUNICATION IS INDEED AN ART. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING OF THE ART IS HEARING.
THREE | PROFESSIONAL & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVE: To brand the company with a look that represents what the company does and what it is about. CONCEPT: Communication is the core objective of Professional and Personal Development and therefore the concept became a visual play on communication through speech bubbles. However, due to the serious nature of this particular company, it was desirable to have a look that was professional, yet attention grabbing.
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Early stage computer comps
PROFE PER DE
Final logo concepts to client
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ROFESSIONAL & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Final color combination options to client
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FOR MOST, IT’S NOT A MATTER OF IF...BUT WHEN. BETTER BE PREPARED.
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FOUR | DEVICE DOCTORS OBJECTIVE: To take the existing Device Doctors logo and modify it to have a clean, playful but yet professional look. CONCEPT: The client wanted to use some type of cell phone cartoon in combination with the typeface which was to represent the look and feel of the company that’s within the Verizon store.
The original client version
device doctor
doctor
device
doctor
device
doctor
device
doctor doctor
device device
doctor
device
doctor
THE PROCESS
DEV i ce
The development of the Device Doctor logo was inspired by the original version created by the client. In finding a more professional look, we took a look at several different type face combinations and lockups, as well as the presentation of the
device
idea of not using a cell phone “guy� at all. Eventually we came
doctor
back to the idea of using the cartoon phone which worked well for the client.
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device doctor
doctor doctor device doctor
device device doctor
doctor device
device
doctor
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SOME SAY THAT DIVERSITY IS WHAT MAKES THE WORLD GO ‘ROUND. PERHAPS—BUT WHY NOT IN THE GRAPHIC DESIGN FIELD?
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FIVE | PUSH : MFA THESIS OBJECTIVE: To fully investigate a particular topic. The materials and concept are intended to make a contribution to the graphic design community as a whole while conveying a specific message. The entire project is also meant to display the mastery of design skills acquired throughout the MFA program. CONCEPT: As a minority designer, I found it interesting to learn that the total graphic design field is currently 86% White. There are many contributing factors to why that is, but the main one being that most people are not sure what graphic design as a profession really is. PUSH is a project aimed at creating awareness to what the profession of graphic design is and the potential benefits of a career within. PUSH is also targeted at minority teens which would in turn help increase the number of minorities within the field and bring a more diverse representation of cultures and ideas.
THE SOLUTION A thesis design project was created and aimed at building the numbers of minorities in the graphic design field. Normally it is to be avoided or possibly considered cliché to use the word “awareness” when it comes to thesis projects. However, in this particular case, I believe that awareness is not really cliché but actually appropriate. Appropriate because as defined, the problem is a lack of awareness as to what graphic design is and the stereotype of it not being a reputable career financially due to its close relation to the art field.
This goal of this project is to promote, educate, and inspire teens and bring more diversity to the graphic design field. One audience is kids and teenagers at the high school level in areas where minority numbers are high. The second audience is the parents of that same group and also the general public which may not know or understand what graphic design is and may be misinformed as to the potential benefits and many different options within the field.
“THE GOAL OF THIS PROJECT IS TO PROMOTE, EDUCATE, AND INSPIRE TEENS AND BRING MORE DIVERSITY TO THE GRAPHIC DESIGN FIELD.”
Since graphic design is so abundant, it’s only a wonder
financially due to its close relation to the art field. The
why in America, a country that’s composed of immigrants
target of this project that is aimed at two different
from all stretches of the globe, it’s a career field that’s
audiences. One audience is kids and teenagers at the
predominantly White. Today’s graphic design field is 86%
middle and high school level in areas where minority
White and 14% minority. That 14% encompasses all other
numbers are high. My second audience is the parents of
races—Asians (6%), Blacks (2%), Hispanic/Latino (4%), and
that same group and also the general public which may
Mixed/Other races (2%). These numbers are particularly
not know or understand what graphic design is and may
alarming because it is vastly different than the race
be misinformed as to the potential benefits and many
percentages of other occupations.
different options within the field.
PUSH is an arts program aimed at building the numbers of minorities in the graphic design field. The current problem is a lack of awareness as to what graphic design is and the stereotype of it not being a reputable career
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! increasing diversity in design.
increasing diversity in design.
THE PROCESS The development of the PUSH logo came through a series of explorations in what the program would be about and who the target audience would be. Originally the name was Urban Push, but that was shortened once it was decided that the program would not be limited to urban youth.
push increasing diversity in design.
increasing diversity in design.
increasing diversity in design.
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“DIVERSITY IS CRITICAL IF THE DESIGN PROFESSION WANTS TO REMAIN RELEVANT TO BUSINESS AND SOCIETY.” —Bill Grant former AIGA president
ACCORDING TO THE 2010 CENSUS, BY 2025, WHAT ARE CURRENTLY CONSIDERED MINORITY POPULATIONS ARE PREDICTED TO BE 40% OF THE U.S. POPULATION. BY 2050, MORE THAN HALF OF AMERICANS ARE EXPECTED TO BE MEMBERS OF CURRENT MINORITIES. IN CONTRAST, A RECENT SURVEY OF AIGA MEMBERS FINDS THAT OF GRAPHIC DESIGNERS WHO RESPONDED, 2% ARE BLACK, 4 % HISPANIC/LATINO, 6% ASIAN/ PACIFIC ISLANDER AND 2% OTHER. THE DESIGN PROFESSION IS STILL OVERWHELMINGLY HOMOGENEOUS IN ITS RACIAL COMPOSITION.
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THE BOOK The thesis book is the all-in-one summation of what the PUSH project is about. It is geared towards teens, the parents of teens, and other interested organizations such as schools or other art related programs. The book touches on topics such as what PUSH is all about, the research that went into developing the thesis project, and information on graphic design as a career.
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Poster back
Poster front
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www.pushfordesign.org
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TARGETING THE AUDIENCE Putting PUSH into operation was an rewarding experience. Presenting “graphic-design 101� to multiple freshman high school classes helped achieve the goal of educating them as to the career potential in the
James: going deeper a bit deeper with
arena of graphic design. Even if design was not the
the questions.
desirable route for some individuals, they learned more about design in terms of how it works and just simply being aware of the many things that they encounter on a daily basis that’s designed.
The opportunity also provided minority teens the chance to practice being a designer by creating
Group celebration for the winners of the logo quiz game.
their own logos. They were given a random type of company and encouraged to design a logo based on whatever that company was (i.e., shoe company, record label, etc.). Many of the teens enjoyed the learning experience and the interaction with one another in order to achieve a goal.
Attentive eyes and ears.
Carlos: one of the aspiring future designers who participated the most with answers to questions and took home this poster as a prize.
A group confident that they have won the 5 min logo design contest.
David: showing off the fruit of his design labor.
Tara and Jennifer working together on the logo contest design.
Kate learning that some designs can look like things unintended.
FACEBOOK / TWITTER Today, one of the quickest ways to get a message out to the world and those “friends” closest to you is through Facebook. Social media is a huge vehicle for spreading the word of what graphic design is and share its connections to other graphic design Facebook pages for youth to tap into. Both Facebook and Twitter are the forms of social media used in order to keep teens connected and informed digitally. The PUSH Twitter page is a great tool to get other feedback from the teens in terms of their thoughts and experience with learning about graphic design as a potential career path.
RESULTS Social media is a strong tool to reach youth. It’s especially 69
effective for those low attention span, multi-tasking teens. Facebook and Twitter allow teens to follow, post what they’ve learned and learn about various aspects of design through the design-related articles and posts that are added regularly.
facebook.com/push4design
twitter.com/push4design
“HI. MY NAME IS , AND I’M A GRAPHIC DESIGNER.” FRANCES LIDDELL MOBILE PRODUCT DESIGNER
THE DOCUMENTARY This video which is housed at pushfordesign.org serves the purpose of further defining what graphic design is. It provides a perspective from real world minority designers. The designers within answer a number of questions about design such as how they got their start, what design is, and what are some of the things that inspire their work. The video also includes takes from some interviewed teens on the top as well.
DONALD KOIDE MFA GRAPHIC DESIGNER
BRIAN SINGER DESIGN MANAGER AT PINEREST 71
MIKE BELL DESIGNER & PROJECT CREATOR
THE CALENDAR The calendar is a deliverable aimed at getting teens a look at minority designers that may be like themselves that are making some type of impact of the design field. The calendar features information about the designer and a sample of their work to serve as inspiration. Month Design Artist January Park Kum-Jun February
Emory Douglas
March Qian Qian April Byung Hak-ahn May Alex Trochut June Kiko Farkus July Kashiwa Sato August Alexandro Posada September
Juan Pablo Cambariere
October Oded Ezer November
Educardo Recife
December
Joyce Yu
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THE BROCHURE The brochure is a quick preview aimed at giving teens a close up look into what design is. It’s intended to get their attention, but be brief while suppling quick information where they can further research what the PUSH program is about as well as the graphic design career field.
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“TO LOVE THE PROCESS, IS TO LOVE DESIGN.” —Michael Bell
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SIX | THE CHICAGO BULLS: REBRANDED OBJECTIVE: Research an existing brand that has either died or does not have the same impact that it once had. Take that brand and revitalize it with a new look. Also create a brand extension aimed at giving more life to the company beyond what regular product or service they provide. CONCEPT: The chosen brand was the NBA Chicago Bulls. Despite being one of the most historically popular teams in the NBA, it is also one of the teams that has evolved very little over the years as its uniforms and logo look pretty much the same as it’s original concept designed during the 60’s. The championship era during the 90’s was something great and may never be repeated. Since then, the Bulls have been living under the shadow of that era and trying to return to that place. It may be better to let history be and bring a new era and attitude of winning back to the city of Chicago and the Bulls organization.
HOW WOULD IT FEEL IF YOU WERE TOLD THAT YOU HAD TO FILL THE SAME SHOES THAT ANOTHER MAN ONCE WALKED IN?
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enter
tickets
players
team
news
schedule
store
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CHICAGO BU LLS. c o m
search
six+.com
Off the court
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C H I CAG O BULLS
CH I CAGO B U LLS
United Center Fri, Oct 10 2008
United Center Tues, Oct 21 2008
Detroit Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls
Phoenix Suns vs. Chicago Bulls
Sec 112
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Seat B
CH I CAG O B U LLS
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LOGO SPACE TREATMENT
0.25’ = X
1.5X
logo typeface with Bull logo
Logo typeface with Bull logo
X
CH ICAG O BULLS
1.5X
1.5X
Logo typeface alone logo typeface alone
CH ICAG O B ULLS
0.75
0.5
logo typeface alone stacked Logo typeface alone stacked
0.5
CHIC A G O BUL L S
=
0.5
Logo typeface alone unstacked logo typeface alone unstacked
1.5 = x
CHICAGO BULLS
silver
cyan silver magenta yellow black
cyan 0 magenta 0 yellow 0 black 60
0 0 0 60
black
cyan black magenta yellow black
cyan 0 magenta 0 yellow 0 black 100
red
red
cyan magenta yellow black
cyan 18 magenta 100 yellow 100 black 2
white
cyan white magenta yellow black
blood red
cyan magenta blood red yellow black
0 0 0 0
cyan 32 magenta 100 yellow 100 black 39
cyan magenta yellow black
blood red
cyan magenta yellow black
Spot color
4 color - cmyk
cyan magenta yellow black
white
silver
red green blue
128 130 132
3 2x
black
red green blue
35 31 32
pms 185
185
red
red green blue
185 32 37
white pms
pms 000
000
white
red green blue
255 255 255
pms blood red
pms 1815
1815
blood red
red green blue
105 12 13
silver
pms 418
418
0 0 0 100
black
black pms
3 pms 2x
18 100 100 2
red
red
pms
white
32 100 100 39
blood red
32 100 100 39
Web colors
silver pms
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
95 CHICAGO BULLS
silver
red green blue
red 128 green 130 blue 132
128 130 132
red green blue
red 35 green 31 blue 32
35 31 32
red 185 green 32 blue 37
185 32 37
red 255 green 255 blue 255
255 255 255
red green blue
105 12 13
Typeface silver Standards
black
black
red
red green blue Uniform Number red
Typeface
white
blood red
red white green blue
red blood redgreen blue
105 12 13
Secondary Typeface and non-uniform numbers
THE STAMPEDE A magazine extension of the Chicago Bulls brand. It can be compared to similar magazines such as The New Yorker and The Washingtonian. There are four versions of the magazine that are published quarterly. The Stampede is an up scale magazine which has something in store for all of the organization’s target audience. Although the magazine is a part of the Chicago Bulls, it is not a focus on basketball. The main focus is on everything that pertains to the Chicago and its surrounding cities.
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(1) STAMPEDE: CHICAGO ADVENTURE For both locals and tourist, it holds the latest information of things to do
2013 BMW X6
throughout the state of Illinois. The 2012 BMW X5 ranks 13 out of 20 Luxur y Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 74 published reviews and test drives of the BMW X5, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
(2) STAMPEDE: CHICAGO FASHION
The 2012 BMW X5 is one of the spor tiest SUVs on the market, and reviewers love how nimble this family hauler can be. But the X5 is more expensive than comparably-equipped competitors, and its third row of seats is only suitable for the smallest of passengers.
The latest fashion from urban trends, to the finest styles found in Hollywood.
(3) STAMPEDE: CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE You can find everything from the cities history to current day real estate.
(4) STAMPEDE: CHICAGO LIFE A broad look at life in Chicago from politics to the inner city streets.
New S Site ites N ew w S ce n ess
Explore You r Ne w 2012 Chicag o Adventure
J
If money were not an issue for you, where exactly would yo u be spending your free time while in Chicgo ?
ordan along with his supporting cast, built a dynasty as they won 72 games in the 1996 season. With six championships total throughout the nin-
ties, the Chicago Bulls made history. However, since those years, the Bulls have experienced a number of lows from early playoff exits, to not coming close to making the playoffs. The Bulls of today and the Bulls of the postdynasty years still live in the shadows and expectations of a previous team. That era will go down in history as possibly the greatest era of the game. Therefore, in order for the current Chicago Bulls team to get away from the dynasty shadow, they need to make a change. A change that is something new for the city of Chicago sports fans a change that will bring about a new evolution of todays basketball as well as new innovative looks for the entire Chicago Bulls organization. Are you ready for the new stampede?
S T A M P E DE C h i c ago A d v e n t u r e
COVER STORIES 6
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FOR THE LOVE OF WINNING
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ILLINOIS UNDER FIRE
For the first time, there is a hydrogen powered engine for
RUNNING WITH THE BULLS
series produced vehicles. The new MMW Hydrogen.
For the first time, there is a hydrogen powered engine for series produced vehicles. The new MMW Hydrogen.
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However, since those years, the Bulls have experienced a number of lows from early playoff exits.
INNER CITY LIFE For the first time, there is a hydrogen powered engine for series produced vehicles. The new MMW Hydrogen.
FEATURES A 34
THE NEW SITES
REGULARS 70
SETTING A NEW STAND T ARD
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HOME AWAY A
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JOIN THE CHILDREN
Bulls have experienced a number of lows from early playoff
For the first time, there is a hydrogen powered engine
exits, to not coming close to making the playoffs.
for series produced vehicles. The new MMW Hydrogen.
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MOVING FORWARD
For the first time, there is a hydrogen powered
For the first time, there is a hydrogen powered engine for series
engine for series produced vehicles. The new MMW
produced vehicles. The new MMW Hydrogen.
Hydrogen.
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CHAMPIONSHIP WINNINGS
For the first time, there is a hydrogen powered
For the first time, there is a hydrogen powered engine for
engine for series produced vehicles. The new
series produced vehicles. The new MMW Hydrogen.
MMW Hydrogen.
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SEVEN | PHILIPS’ HARMONY OBJECTIVE: To design a line of light bulb packaging, while creating secondary packaging to contain and protect the light bulbs on a store shelf and at home. The new line must consider the environment with packaging while targeting 30-55 year old individuals who are environmentally conscience. CONCEPT: I first looked to develop a name for the new line that was geared towards what the new product line was about. I then wanted to have a look and feel that was consistent with the already existing Philips brand. The end result needed to be a clean and refreshing look that said integrity. The bulbs which are at 40, 60, and 100 watts are individually designed and represent the three natural earth elements abstractly with earth, wind, and water.
“IN THE END WE WILL CONSERVE ONLY WHAT WE LOVE. WE LOVE ONLY WHAT WE UNDERSTAND. WE WILL UNDERSTAND ONLY WHAT WE ARE TAUGHT.” —Baba Dioum
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EIGHT | LORENA GARCIA: REBRANDED OBJECTIVE: Research and select an already existing famous chef and design or redesign a line of grocery store packaging for that chef. The new line is aimed at young “foodies” between the ages of 25-35 that love to cook and do not mind spending extra money on the slightly higher end food items. CONCEPT: Lorena Garcia is a very sparky Latin chef that got her start in law school but eventually moved over to culinary school. I wanted to create a look that was representative of her personality and heritage which said, “bold, energetic, and artistic.” The design was also created to stand out on the shelf within the foods that are of a healthier quality.
TRADING LAW PAPERS FOR A CUTTING BOARD AND KNIFE. IT IS CRAZY FOR YOUR PASSION—OR JUST PLAIN CRAZY?
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LorenaGarcia
lorena garcia
lorena garcia
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orena
vladamir
lo re n a garcia
lorenagarcia
arcia
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lorena
LorenaGarcia lorena
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garcia
lorena
LorenaG arcia
lgď Œď ‡
lorena g a r c i a
lorena garcia lorena garcia
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LORENA
GARCIA
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lorena garcia
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TELLING ME THAT YOU DON’T RACIALLY STEREOTYPE IS LIKE TELLING ME YOU DON’T BREATHE AIR. NINE | DIRTY AMERICA OBJECTIVE: Select a topic within the realm of social, political, economic, historical and cultural contexts that is debatable from multiple perspectives and worthy of discussion. Design a series of collateral pieces which are representative of that topic and reflect the extensive research conducted. CONCEPT: In America, no matter what your race, we all tend to have biases and hold stereotypes about other races and cultures—some more than others. Dirty America is a brief study of Americans from various racial backgrounds and the lives they live from a racial perspective. The look of the project is intended to reflect the ugly realities of racism that have existed throughout American history as well as what still exists today.
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TEN DISCUSSIONS Part of this project entailed gathering a minimum of ten people all at the same time together in order to have a discussion about the selected topic. AT RIGHT: The event required an invitation for all attendees in the form of a vernacular that related to the subject to be discussed. AT LEFT: Bringing together several different people from different backgrounds proved to be very encouraging and educational to all as there were many view points and stories shared that enlightened some to the experiences of others. 131
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AT LEFT: For the ten discussions, there was a How To guide which was designed in order to show someone else who wanted to have a group discussion on the topic of American racism just how to go about it. AT RIGHT: This is another deliverable which hypothetically gives individuals the opportunity to view and learn the stories of real American racism with a DVD set.
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WITH MOUNTING TENSIONS WITHIN THE CITY, DO YOU ACT OUT? OR DO YOU DO THE RIGHT THING? 141
TEN | SPIKE LEE’S COLORFUL TRUTH Objective: Design a film festival after researching and selecting a prominent movie director. Find a common theme within that directors body of work and design the visual look for a festival to be held. Design a series of elements that are integrated. Concept: The chosen movie director was Spike Lee, because I have an appreciation for the types of films he makes and his boldness to tackle issues that are controversial in nature. The goal was to research as much about Spike and develop a look and feel based on elements of his movies and brand. Additionally, I sought to create a design that could emulate how Spike Lee would make his own actual festival. The challenge was in creating a look that was celebratory of the film festival while still keeping within the underlying commonality of his films (racial tension).
DESIGN INSPIRATION Spike Lee has his own line of shoes made by the Jordan brand. Early in the process, this served as a point of inspiration design-wise for the font choices, patterns and textures. Additionally, many different names and fonts were explored and are displayed as potential options for the Spike Lee film festival.
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ADVERTISING Upon entering the film festival, all attendees would receive a perfect bound catalog book. Each catalog contains all festival information such as the schedule, messages from Spike Lee, and the list of actors that will be in attendance.
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LIMITED EDITION DVD SET The six DVD set was designed with the idea that it was made exclusively as a collectors item for the Colorful Truth film festival and could not be found in your typical store.
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THE DAILY GRIND ROUTINE. WORK. PLAY. SOME IN BETWEEN. NO MATTER THE OCCASION, DRESSING WITH STYLE IS NEVER OPTIONAL.
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ELEVEN | KAPLAN OBJECTIVE: Find and photograph handmade signage throughout San Francisco. Take the initial intent of the signage and create a branded campaign based on it. This project involved a men’s clothing store with the original signage advertising the price of a particular brand of coats that were on sale. CONCEPT: In analyzing the original intent of the signage, I considered what the store could look like with an unlimited budget and rebranded. The designed was tailored to the urban male with the idea of taking subtle city elements and blending them with an upscale look in a complete system.
THE PROCESS The development of the Kaplan rebrand started with a handmade store sign and progressed with a series a sketches, mood boards and writings.
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MAGAZINE ADS KAPLAN has stores in all the major U.S. markets and advertises to each uniquely. One form of advertising is through fashion magazines.
SHOPPING BAG What better way to advertise your brand than to carry it around during a shopping trip? The bag is intended to play on both the high end quality with the bag type, but have a rugged graffiti look which represents the brand as a whole.
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OTHER RECENT LOGO DESIGNS
blu
Blue P R I N T
TELLMENOW .COM
edward Bempong studios
edward studios Bempong
2 0 1 5
SFMEALSonHEELS
FA M I LY
R E U N IO N
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From a very young age, I enjoyed drawing, arts & crafts, and just being creative with whatever toys, gadgets, or materials I had. From as far back as I can remember, I used to draw logos by putting together various letters with scribbles and doodles. Back then, it was just letters and I had no clue that it was actually a career path within graphic design. Or at least, I had yet to make that connection. I went to college with every intention of being
WHY GRAPHIC DESIGN?
the best architect that ever lived (after my NBA dreams died). My beginning pursuits of architecture during undergrad were okay until I encountered physics. We didn’t get along
too well, thus ending my pursuit of architectural happiness. I then found myself in my academic advisers office stressed and looking for a new major. He recommended graphic design. Initially I had no clue what that really was and still wasn’t all that sure after leaving his office that day. By the end of that following semester, I was confident in graphic design being the career path direction that I wanted to take. Years later, I still enjoy what I do. I often find myself asking the question of “do I really get paid for this?” And the answer has yet to change. I am an individual with a unique path that has developed me into the designer I am today. Some good stories, and some bad...but all mingled together to create me. And now this has been my opportunity to show you pieces of my work which have been influenced and inspired by so many things. THANKS TO: Jesus Christ, for without Him, I probably wouldn’t care about graphic design...or much else. My Mom, who taught me what an artist was when I was four and for introducing me to the tools for creativity. My Grandmother...because school is not free. My Wife, who supported me and understood what it took for me to get it done. My most admired instructors who pushed for better. My most helpful and inspiring colleagues and classmates.
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Š 2015 by Michael Bell C. Michael Bell Portfolio All rights reserved by the artist. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording,or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the designer. Attributes Fonts : Sinkin Sans Photography of work: C. Michael Bell within work: signatureinked.com, istock.com,
liquidlibrary.com, ablestock.com,
flickr.com, google images, themeforest.com,
originalmockups.com, pixden.com
Paper: pages; Matte finish presentation paper; Printer: Blurb Designer contact: mike@signatureinked.com 301.213.6918
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