project steps

due 9/26:
5 audience research responses with visual examples. From here brainstorm rhetorical trope and sign pairings.

due 9/29:
mind map and matrix (40+ thumbs). From here select 3-4 viable concepts (each a different trope) for further formal exploration

due 10/3:
15+ clear pencil sketches proposing possible visual translations for the selected concepts. Sketches should be appox. 1/4 size. Plus, include copy writing. From here you will select 3-4 possible directions for further development.

due 10/6:
propose & produce 6 form-making approaches (a.k.a. "tests") for the above selected directions. Must be off-computer image production methods. From here you will determine 2+ directions with the most potential for execution.

rhetoric definitions & McCoy reading

1.
Review this second source on rhetoric. The examples and captions are the most helpful to recognize the various visual/verbal relationships that are possible. There are more terms here than our "ten" and some are named differently, which goes to show that our examples are not the limits of rhetoric.

Rhetoric, Bonsepie (PDF)

2.
Read Good Citizenship, Kathy McCoy, pgs 1-2 of the PDF (same as pgs 2-4 from the book Citizen Designer, on Tyler's reserve shelf in the library.)

Reflect upon your own role in civic engagement in relation to: this project; the specific skill-set of the profession; AIGA's competition goal to "demonstrate the power of design in the public arena"; and/or any greater goals you have as a designer. Post your responses to the comments.

Find+share: Examples of voting campaigns

Here's a cursory look at historic and contemporary vote posters in the US and abroad.

Nichelle Narcisi's concepte "Except You" was the winner at last year's Command X competition (at AIGA's Next Conference in Denver). Aimed at getting the 18-24-year-old vote out in 2008 her concept

"was an absolute triumph--literally bringing much of the audience (and two judges) to tears. She got a standing-O after she presented it, and another after being crowned the winner." (via Core 77)

Find your own example online and share the link with the class. Post during this project. Set up your post with a brief descriptor and use the following HTML tag:

<a href="URL of the Web page to go to">text that will be the link</a>

Prj Rhetoric: map > matrix

1. map
Employ a lateral* and considered content selection process for your posters by initiating the ideation phase with mindmaps.

*Read Type and Image, Meggs, p 154-155.

After, classify these signs as icons, indexes or symbols. Then move to step 2...

2. matrix
Create an analog matrix for the following:
• 4-5 rows for rhetorical tropes (your choice)
• 3 columns (1 each for icon, index, & symbol)
• 1 additional column for copy (text as symbol)

Explore the matrix via both text and image.

Think through the matrix in phrases and write phases in the matrix.

Select signs from the map that have the greatest potential for further concept development and pair each with a trope.

Iterate several hand-generated thumbnails for each segment. Total matrix = 40+ thumbs.
At a minimum, complete 2/3 by next class. See side bar for due date -->

Reminder: Professionally document all interim process. Both for ongoing blog evaluation, and for your project documentation book.

rhetorical devices

download lecture PDF here

FIND+SHARE
Find your own example online and share the link with the class. A few places to look: fffound, behance, design archives.

Post once this project. Set up your post with a brief descriptor and use the following HTML tag:

<a href="URL of the Web page to go to">text that will be the link</a>

Signs [recap]

Semiotics is the study of signs and helps to explain how meaning is constructed and understood. There is a lot more to semiotics, but at a basic level, the theory breaks the classification of "signs" into three parts that is useful for visual communication:

ICON = representation, is recognizable (e.g. photo, statue, map)
INDEX = an indicator, can be figured out (e.g. smoke means fire)
SYMBOL = arbitrary, must be learned (e.g. flags, words, some logos)

This is an icon of a 19th c. women's shoe.













Symptoms are an index of sickness.













Hebrew is a learned/cultural symbol.













Signs are not mutually exclusive. This photo is an icon of a man. His uniform is an index of military service. The medals he wears are symbolic of his rank.

images from NY Public Library Digital Gallery

Get out the Vote

Part of being involved in this project is the opportunity to exhibit your posters along side local area designers and students and to take your message directly to the people of Kansas City through AIGA's Get Out the Vote 2008 campaign.

1.
Posters will hang at AIGA:KC's Get Out the Vote Poster Exhibit & Reception. Tuesday October 21st 6:00pm. Downtown library. All are invited to attend the reception.

2.
On Saturday October 25th, volunteers will hang posters on the streets of KC for this year's Poster Hanging Event. *If you're interested in volunteering for this event, talk to any AIGA officer for more info.

Required: Submit one of your posters for these events. Print THREE (1 for the exhibit, 2 for the streets). Make any improvements to posters based upon final crit.

Section 02: submit your printed posters to me by 4pm Fri. 10/17.
Section 01: tba

If you are an AIGA member, you can still contribute your own designs online.

rhetoric definitions

Type + Image, Meggs, p30-40 (on Tyler's reserve shelf)
Reading provides clear definitions & examples of the rhetorical devices you will explore throughout this project. Read and study the terms thoroughly (Flash cards could be helpful). You are expected to properly employ the language during class critiques and for tests.

audience

Read pages 3-5 from the AIGA design brief about voting demographics. Select one demographic to target your message.

Conduct additional research on your voting demographic in order to become more familiar with your audience’s needs and goals.



Post your responses to the following questions:
1. What are some predominately shared values? (broadly in life, not politics)

2. What political policies/issues are particularly important to this demographic in this election? why?

3. Are there any cultural references your demographic identifies with? what?

4. What does their graphic landscape look like? (This is sometimes called a "visual audit")

5. Including the AIGA document and other sources, what are the issues cited for this group not voting?

Include links to your research sources, including statistics and visual examples, that support your conclusions. Posts due to YOUR blogs next class. Email me your blog URL so I can review your responses.

Find+Share

A new Charlie Kaufman film is coming out titled... Synecdoche, New York.

Post if you've found any rhetorical moments in the world to share.