CDportfolioGD2

Problem 6 is the final problem in the course, and, in certain ways, it’s the most important. It’s an opportunity to do well in solving one more graphic design problem, while, at the same time, it’s also a chance to make your semester’s work look stronger, more impressive than it might otherwise.

This CD-ROM portfolio package, more than anything else, will be the basis on which I decide what overall course grade is appropriate for the work you did this semester. If you can put together a carefully designed and constructed CD-ROM package—containing equally excellent work—you will assuredly be rewarded for that. Knock my socks off. Impress me with your design abilities. Show me what you’re capable of.

What is the problem?
Essentially, I am simply asking you to design and produce two identical copies of a small folder-like portfolio (contained in a paperboard CD-ROM literature folder). You will hand in to me one copy of this at our final exam meeting. I will be keeping this permanently for my records, so you will have the second copy for your records.

Inside that package are two additional items:

(1) A full-color printed layout (it could be exactly folded printed sheets or a staple-bound booklet) in which all your previous works for this class are reproduced at 300 dpi in miniature, arranged in an elegant, well-designed way.

Within the layout, each work must be labeled, using brief captions like “Problem 1: Ad Analysis” or “Problem 2: Metamorphosis” and so on. In works that have multiple parts, include miniatures of all the parts.

For gif animations (if you have any), include at least one screen grab that is typical of the larger work.

(2) A CD-ROM of your work is also contained in the folder, in a thumb-notched pocket on the left. On that CD-ROM are three digital folders, the contents of which are as follows:

(a) In one of the folders is a simple PowerPoint slideshow of all the work you made in the class, in the same sequence in which the problems were completed. Use a black background, with a single work on each slide. Each work should be labeled, using brief captions like “Problem 1: Ad Analysis” and so on. For films or websites, include at least one screen grab that is typical of the larger work.

(b) A second folder contains CMYK print files for all print-based projects, as flattened 300 dpi output size pdfs. (c) In the third file are all non-print projects, (if any) such as gif animations.

CD Literature Folders
You will not actually build the CD-ROM literature folders from scratch. There are blank, white manufactured ones available for you to purchase individually at University Book and Supply.

However, you will need to create the cover design for the folder (inside and out), print it on two 8.5 x 11 in. full sheet adhesive labels (these are appropriate for both color laser and inkjet, and are also available locally), and carefully apply this to the surface of the folder.

The best way to do this is to take the folder apart (you can carefully pry up the glue on the flaps), lay it out flat, apply the printed surface sheets, trim everything exactly, and reassemble it (including carefully replacing the glue on the flaps). If you haven’t had much experience in working with your hands, you may find that you’ll have to construct this two or more times to get it right (each time using a new folder and new printed surface sheets).

Labels and/or Captions Throughout
Everything must be labeled: The outside of the folder, the minatures sheet (or booklet), and the CD-ROM itself must have your name, course title, and semester and year. In addition, all the folders in which the digital files are stored should also be identified by your name and problem number (or title), such as SMITH_N_ Prob2 or SMITH_N_Stamp.

What will maintain or raise your course grade? In order of importance, more or less—
• Highest attainable quality in the design of the CD-ROM package, and of your work throughout the semester (I will accept further revisions).
• Design of a label for the CD-ROM disk itself, in addition to the folder and insert (blank CD-ROM label sheets can be purchased individually at University Book and Supply and at Copyworks.).
• The design of the CD-ROM and all of its components as a compatible suite or set (like a dinnerware set).
• Strong use of typography throughout.
• Strong craftsmanship, care and accuracy of technique.
• Cleverness and playfulness (the dog widens the circle) while maintaining clear design.

What will lower your course grade?
• Poor or unimpressive design.
• Poor craftsmanship in constructing the package, or in preparing the digital files.
• Pixelation of images in the package design and/or in the works themselves.
• Inappropriate use of large scale headline fonts for small scale text components.
• Inadequate contrast between figure/ground, text/background, etc., preventing text and shapes from being read.
• Text errors (typos and misspellings).
• Missing components.
• Files that can’t be opened.
• Work submitted late.

What is the theme of the CD-ROM package design? It could be any range of things. For example, it might be a portion of one of your course works. Or it might be derived from a photo of you. Or maybe it will have nothing to do with you directly, but simply make use of imagery, colors and/or abstract shapes with which you think you can make a powerful design. Don’t forget: This is a design class, so in this problem, as in all the others, design quality is our top priority (in other courses, other priorities may be stressed).

Template
In the download links above, I am providing you with a Photoshop file for a 22 x 8.5 inch layout, on which you can build the CD cover print file. To use this PSD as a template, insert it as a new layer, reduce its opacity (so you can see the diagram on the layer below it), then build your design on additional layers below or above it. If you are printing to the edge of the CD cover, your design has to “bleed” beyond the trim edge (I’d suggest at least .25 in this case, as shown). Notice that the design doesn’t have to extend fully onto the smaller (top and bottom) flaps, since they will not be seen once the case has been reassembled.

Spine support strip
On the top left side of this PSD layout, there is a horizonal band that measures about 5.2 in wide by 1.5 in high. After it has been printed on and cut-out, this will become a vertical strip that is centered on the spine, as a way of both strengthening and finishing the spine. Any text components (name, course name, semester) that appear on the spine will actually be printed on this strip (see example below).

You could build the cover layout as a PSD, save it, convert it to a PDF, making two identical copies. Open up each copy in Photoshop, and in one crop off the right half, in the other crop off the left. You will then have two 11 x 8.5 print files.

Synopsis
With this double problem, we are rapidly moving toward the end of the course.

In Problem 5, I am asking you to “mock-up” three different proposals for the outside cover and the spine of the CD-ROM package through which you will submit your work (on disk) at our final exam session. On the spine of each (feel free to repeat these items elsewhere on the folder if you’d like), you need to include your name, the course title, and the semester and year. In these Problem 5 mock-ups, we are not actually making a package. We’re only make flat designs of the outside panels and the spine of the three proposals. For convenience, you could design them at a the size of 10.25 in. wide and 5 in. high, so that each can easily fit horizontally on an 8.5 x 11 in. sheet. Each front and back panel is 5 in. square, while the width of the spine is .25 in. (see diagrams below).

In Problem 6, you need to choose the strongest of those three proposals and adapt that visual theme (or style) to all three components of the digital portfolio: The CD label, the booklet, and the folder. Below is a detailed description of that.

DOWNLOADS

Click here to download a PSD file for the dissassembled CD-ROM folder.

Click here to download the CD label template as a PDF file. Open it through Photoshop (rasterized at 300 dpi), and use it as a non-printing layer by building your design on other layers below or on top of it.