Right on schedule — or maybe a few minutes past the 11:00am deadline — the sophomore Graphic Design and Communications classes completed their display cases. The active learning project requires students to research, design and build a display case on topics related to design or photography. The project not only reinforces the digital skills students acquire over the first year of the program, it’s a great way to introduce some analog production techniques.
Amazing what a little creativity on the whiteboard can do. Our first year students worked in groups to brainstorm a story idea and then went about recreating the tale visually, capturing each moment with a digital camera. The 300+ frames were stitched together to create the final animated productions. The votes were close, but one emerged as the class favorite. Which one do you think it was?
It arrived in boxes, but now it can stand on its own. The GDC Department purchased a Roland BN20, we won’t be able to finish the final set up and run test prints for a week or so, but we are looking forward to learning a new technology.
Infographics are an interesting way to blend statistical data and design. Charts show trends, but color and design can convey emotion too. The sophomore class worked to research and build infographics as an assignment. There were a number of very strong pieces, these are some of the strongest.
A favorite Friday exercise for freshmen is loosely based on a game called “Get Paul a Promotion.” We throw out the rules and use our own set.
Students draw text from three envelopes – one is an audience, then there is a description and a product. The goal (from the teacher perspective) is for students to draw three completely juxtaposed pieces, three that are going to be difficult to represent visually.
This year, we added a fresh group of terms and the freshmen didn’t disappoint us – they took the cues in stride and came up with creative and well illustrated solutions.
Quotes get the type treatment in Typography Class. These are just a few of the quote posters from first year students in the Graphic Design and Communications at BSC.
The sophomore group cranked out some solid movie posters featuring original photography and strong Photoshop work.
On Friday, February 26 the North Dakota chapter of the American Advertising Federation held their annual Awards Show in recognition of the region’s best advertising. Members and participants were able to log on to view and take part in AAF-ND’s live broadcast of the ‘At Ease’ Awards Show as winners were announced. Five Bismarck State College Graphic Design and Communications students received Addy Awards for excellence in their respective categories; second-year students Breien Berger, Alison Krein, Peter Pavek, Hailee Presser and Regan Reidlinger.
Regan Reidlinger took home a Gold Addy for her Magazine Ad Campaign for 701 Bakery.
Hailee Presser won a Silver Addy for her illustration for the McQuade’s Annual Softball Tournament.
Presser also won a Silver Addy for her integrated Ad Campaign for Danke Dough.
Breien Berger received a Silver Addy for her Consumer Campaign for Berger Sauce.
Peter Pavek won a Silver Addy for his photograph ‘Bully’.
Alison Krein won a Silver Addy for her poster design.
The awards page group is using old-school production skills to create their layout. The magazine will hopefully be printed by portfolio review day – May 5.
Weather is a universal topic of conversation, especially in the upper plains where the temperature changes rapidly. These photo assignments are meant to showcase how the weather feels through the use of photos and layout.
