The Branding Process: Final Comps

As the process started to boil down, I was forced to make a decision on what comp to go with. If you are confused by this posting, please go read the first post of the series first to see what concepts these came from.

It was a tough call, but I love simplicity. Take the Apple logo for instance. Extrem

ely simple, but well implemented. That's my take on this project, as reinforced by my professor. Since DCT is the overall program and the other 4 branches are majors beneath it, I decided to have that encompass every color from the others. My goal is to have people look at each logo and associate the colors to the style and appearance of the degree itself.

There may be some final tweaking to the color orders and whatnot based on the

critiques I get from fellow peers and professors, so make sure to check back Wednesday for any updates to these. Hopefully I'm on the right track though. Here are the final comps of the 5 logos.

Comments and critiques are more than welcome!

The Branding Process: Sketching and Comps

Logo development doesn't come easy. Anyone who has ever developed a brand for a company knows that it is a lot of work and takes quite a bit of effort. I wanted to present you with a case of my own.

Right now, I am taking a class and our first project of the semester was to create a brand family for a real client. In our case, the client is my school! There are 5 departments within the school and we are to make 5 separate logos, but have them visually relate and flow together. The only downside is the project time line is a whopping 2 weeks. Short for such an extensive design, but nonetheless obtainable.

So, I will take you from concept to creation. This first post being the concept work and the second will be the final digital versions.


This may be sloppy, but once I get to the 3 comps, they come together a little more. But, it doesn't end there! These are just guides for me when I start working on the computer.

So, all there is left to do is get into Illustrator and start browsing ideas to develop one of these 3 ideas into a well designed brand family. Can I do it? I think so! Check back next week for the final 5 logos.

Back to the Grind

Just like many of my readers (you), I too am a student. Sure I make time to blog here and there, Tweet some stuff, and tell what's on my mind on Facebook, but behind the scenes, I work my little butt off! Juggling between work, school, and freelance can be a tough road. But, it seems like the only way to work your way towards the top and stay competing in the real world of computer graphics. I suggest if you haven't yet, take some time to find a freelance project, whether it be for pay or pro bono. It will pay dividends for you!

In this post, I want to show you guys sneak previews of what I've been working on in the past months. Although I have been working on a lot more here and there, I wanted to show some of my higher end and real world designs. Enjoy!

You are getting a first glance at The Post Script's web page. They are an emerging band from the Indianapolis area, who will soon be a hit sensation. I have also made their shirts and album artwork for the upcoming album "Seasons Change." I won't give all the designs away quite yet though.

As for this website, I have created all of the visuals, layout and design, excluding the logo and branding. This was given to me when I was hired on. I chose this design because it let the organization display a lot of information in an organized, yet stylized way.

Oh, and how could I forget. I got myself some new business cards! What a surprise, right? Don't be fooled. These are going to stay for a long time. Although, I have just been hired on at a new company who will be providing me legit company business cards. Either way, I'll keep these as long as possible. I went all out on them. One sided, but strong and straight to the point. Dressed to impress, if you will.

200 Custom Postcard Giveaway Winner!

DigitalRoom.com has let two lucky readers win more free stuff. Does it get any better? Probably, but we take what we can get.

So, what did they win this time? Two (2) readers who leave a comment on this post saying how they will use their prize will win 200 Custom Postcards (choose your size: 4x6, 4.25x6, 5x7"); 14pt gloss or matte, 13 pt uncoated. Full Color on both sides (4/4). Shipping must be paid by the winner. Offer valid for United States Shipping only.

And the winners for this giveaway are:

Greg Oppman and April Silva!

Congrats to both of you. You'll be contacted very soon about how to claim your prize. Also, I'd love to see what designs and ideas you come up with for using these. Thanks for entering!

Favorite Twitter Tweets #5

First, I'd just like to say that this is the most occurring series of posts I have ever done. Seems to be quite helpful and convenient.

This is a post of my favorite tweets from the several people I follow on the wonderful world of Twitter. I've chosen ones that are very inspirational and have great resources for you, the graphic designer, artist, animator, and 3D enthusiast!

Enjoy the tweets, follow the authors of the ones you like, share this post, respond with some of your favorite tweets, and become inspired.

Oh, before we begin, go follow me on Twitter!

@joshcorken "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." -Forest Gump

@nishanjoomun "Any designer can do SOMETHING. A great designer does the RIGHT thing"

@AnirudhBhalotia If at first you don't succeed... welcome to the club. Almost everyone has been a member of this club at some point of time, so relax!

@tweetmeme @smashingmag 6 Simple Ways For Freelancers To Increase Productivity http://tinyurl.com/kvnvga

@AnirudhBhalotia Every year, every month, every week, every day, every hour, every minute, every second, every moment...should be a celebration of life.

@johncmayer I wonder if someday when I'm married I'll have sex with my wife and then out of habit check to make sure she didn't steal my watch.

@nolanhudson Jimmy Johns is the worlds best hangover medicine

@joshcorken 

@AnirudhBhalotia The greatest gift you can give another is the purity of your attention.

@OfficialEmery Just walked out store and accidentally forgot to pay fo something I put in my pocket. Oh well it was only an iPod and some xbox games no biggy.

@joshcorken "Shoot for the moon because even if you miss, you'll hit a satellite and those are kinda cool, right?" -Topher

@rainnwilson Dear TV cops, when using a flashlight on one of your shows make sure u don't hold it in the regular retarded way, but sideways, Ninja style.

@fishgun Typographic #tshirt http://tr.im/wyAG

@theknightsurfer Today is the day to make that phone call you been putting off.