Tom Anderau Spring 2013
I have always been a visual person who finds enjoyment in observing. Knowing that I may change the way things look around me one day is an exciting thought. My goal is to see more everyday, both in the world and in myself.
Typography
Cropped Letterform This was my first assignment as a Communications Design Student. The Goal of the assignment was to crop a single letterform in order to make it visually appealing and eye-catching for the viewer. After many sketches, these were my final cropped letterforms.
Typography
Letter symbol For the second assignment, I was asked to create a symbol using no less than three of the same letterform. The goal of the project was to create a unique symbol that does not reveal it is made out of letters at first glance.
Typography
3D Letterform This assignment was a test of craftsmanship and attention to detail. It involved making a 3D letterform using only paper products. I chose to make a Gill Sans Ultra Bold “t� because of its complex shape and thickness. It took several tries, but I was happy with the outcome.
Memorize the bus schedule, I was three minutes late once and lost half a letter grade for the semester.
Layout
Hybrid Definition Project For this assignment, I had to define three words using type, image, and symbols. They could be arranged in any fashion, but must represent the word most effectively through its layout.
ly -Akcotinvity to which led e n o L vov . an a ’m Mr a group or should be in
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ne om tion fr hich o r in w : Isola Noun long o e b hould one s
(alien)ation
Hostile or violent behavior or attitudes toward another; readiness to attack or confront. A forceful action or procedure (as an attack) especially when intended to dominate or master. The practice of making attacks/encroachments; unprovoked violation by one country of the territorial integrity of another. Behavior that is meant to intimidate or hurt an animal of the same species or of a competing species but is not predatory. Aggression may be displayed during mating rituals or to defend territory, as by the erection of fins by fish feathers by birds. You
talkin' to me? You talkin' to me? Well, who the hell else are you talkin' to? You talkin' to me? Well, I'm the only one here. Who the fuck do you think you're talkin' to?" -Taxi Driver
Layout
Letterform Layout Using the first three typography assignments, I created several layouts using a modular and compositional grid. The layouts display a hierarchy within the type and image, much like an advertisement. This was my first stepping stone to creating ads and editiorial spreads.
Style is in Session
Gill Sans. This typeface was created in 1926 by Eric Gill. It became well known in 1929 after he was commisioned to produce the font for the London and North Eastern Railway. The typeface would later combat futura, the most used typeface of the time. Gill Sans is known for its casual appearance and unique style. Personally, this is my favorite type because of its artistic appearance and handwritten appearance.
My favorite character for this typeface is the lowercase “i” because of the way the dot is skewed. This letter shows how relaxed, yet artistic Gill Sans can look. Here’s another historical fact: Eric Gill had a history of sexual crimes and is considered as an erotic artist.
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Never let your supply of X-Acto blades run out, I mean hoard them if you have to. Buy them in packs of 50.
Group
Exhibit Project This was the first group assignment that was carried out from the beginning to the end as a team. As a group, my team had to come up with an effective exhibit for our assigned design history topic, Environmental Design. Together, we created a trolley system that allowed the features to move, making the exhibit interactive, much like the designs in our environment.
Never save work for the night before it is due. You will not have enough work to show.
Advertising
Restaurant Project This was my first project that involved using creative direction. As groups we had to come up with an idea for a restaurant, then design our own logos and advertisements. Our restaurant, Fool’s Grill, was designed to be a renaissance themed restaurant that provides a show with the food. It had to have a fun identity with a joker attitude.
Fool’s Grill
Why did the jester walk into a kitchen?
To recite a griddle.
1029 Erie Blvd. Syracuse NY 13210 (315)-446-7812
Fool’s Grill
Family dining with a fun side.
www.foolsgrill.com
Feeling Down in the Dumps? A-jester attitude. 1029 Erie Blvd. Syracuse NY 13210 (315)-446-7812 www.foolsgrill.com
Fool’s Grill Family dining with a fun side.
Advertising
Baking Soda Project Ad. In addition to designing a product and package, I had to make an advertisement to sell it! After many sketches, I decided to make a fingertip-rockstar mascot for ad. I wanted it to be eye-catching, yet get the point across that if you buy the product, you will become a better musician.
Advertising
Exhibit Poster To best advertise the exhibit, I chose to use a photographic/illustrative image to help the viewer connect to the user experience of the exhibit. I wanted the viewer to understand that they will be able to interact and connect with environmental design. I used the lime green color to stay consistent with the theme of the exhibit.
What draws you in? Dec 6th - Dec 14th 350 W. Fayette St. Downtown Syracuse,NY
Spaces Environmental Design Exhibit
Re-do everything. You will never get it right the first try, or even the fifth.
Packaging
Baking soda project For this project, I had to come up with an innovative idea for a product that contains baking soda. The goal was to create a product that has potential to sell to a select audience and effectively communicate. I invented Dr. Fret, a callus cream designed for guitarists and other string musicians.
Always use spray mount! Glue will leave bubbles in your work.
Infographic
Infographic Project For my infographic, I came up with an iphone application for the skiier and snowboarder called SnowDay. My goal was to use infographics to create an app that is easy to use while riding a lift. My use of symbols, color, and visuals make it the ideal app for someone on the mountain.
Keep a first aid kit.
Looking back, I see sophomore year as one big struggle to learn basic concepts within the Communications Design program. I had never before put so much time and effort into something, only for it to be rejected many times before it became remotely successful. That in itself really proved to me that creativity can only be guided, not taught. It takes courage and a true passion to embark on the path to a creative career, and I am loving every minute of the journey.