By: Reginald Dankwa
Reginald Dankwa
When did I stop thinking and start designing?
This is a question I asked myself when I was introduced to conceptual design over a year ago now...
These websites are great if you use them correctly. Inspiration may take shape in many forms but copying is not one of them. It is better to pull from the source, than the surface.
When I wasn’t the source of my own inspiration, my work was derivative and I had a great mistrust for what I produced because it didn’t look like so-and-so designer’s work. I learned that design gains substance when it strictly adheres to a concept. This concept comes about through research, and then manifests through rough sketches, rough drafts, and mock-ups before it becomes a fully realized object or set of objects. The faster you get close to a final design, the better but as I realized you may have to go through this process several times before you nail it. This entire process is something I believe is integral to making quality work each time. It’s like each idea or concept impregnates your mind. You have to feed the idea with research and visual reference. Once it is born in the form of something tangible, you mold it and shape it until its form reflects the concept
A meaningful design includes a lot of careful thought and a highly considered execution of the ideas or concept.
One of my goals is to create design that matters. Drawing, painting, and Image-making is something I will always have no matter what but I have made the distinction that they are separate (for the most part). As a very quiet person, design is a great outlet for me to say a lot without opening my mouth.
That’s my goal each project.
As a result of my Mom and Dad’s collaboration, I’ve been designed into what some may call a fine young man. Throughout the process of raising a son, there was a lot of careful planning and nurturing that took place, as well as unpredictable setbacks and failures...
October 26, 1992 I was born in the early morning on this date after close to 9 months of hard work, nourishing me to make sure I was healthy with everything intact and in the right place.
Before you’re there, you must have patience. You have to cultivate your unique sensibilities and nurture each concept through a refined process.
Here I am today. I look jovial because I’ve figured out what I want to do with my life and now it has meaning. The work in this book has meaning too and I’d like to thank you in advance for taking a look.
These are things I feel are pivotal to my development over the course of my junior year.
Learning The Importance of Autodidactism.
Realizing your identity.
Honing Your Interests.
It Pays Off.
Table Of Contents PROJECT
1. Recess Magazine
PAGE No.
12.
2. William Faulkner Book Covers
3. “Deliverables” ‘Zine 4.
18.
26.
Eat With Me Mobile App.
5. Porsche 911 Book
32.
42.
6. Avant Garde Film Book
7. Cobra Insurance Identity
48.
56.
8. David Bowie Packaging
Extra Various Drawing & Collage Works
64.
38.
Learning the importance of Autodidactism. In the midst of these two projects. I spent a lot of time in the library getting familiar with different publications as well as William Faulkner’s life and work. The library is an invaluable resource that I frequent almost daily. As a graphic designer, I think it is important to be at least a little bit knowledgeable in just about everything.
1 Recess Magazine A magazine for busy people featuring numerous students and how they stay active away from work or school.
Class:
Style & Culture
Instructor:
Jeff Glendenning, Andrea Fella
Category:
Editorial Design, Publication Design
Recess Magazine
12
The Importance of Autodidactism
Magazine for the busy creative.
Magazine for the busy creative.
Magazine for the busy creative.
issue #1
issue #2
issue #3
1.
2.
Recess Magazine
1. RECESS COVER VARIATIONS 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Above are three cover iterations and table of contents. The table-of-contents outlines what’s contained in Homeroom, Recess, and Dismissal sections. The Editor’s Letter to the left explains what RECESS is all about in a nutshell. It is a magazine for busy people because it spawned from the stress that comes with school along with the constant urge to make things. It is hard sometimes to balance both work and play and RECESS is a resource where people can hear what other’s do and how they pull it off.
14
Learning The Importance Of Autodidactism
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
3. PASSING NOTES: AN ESSAY ABOUT PROFES-
6. KEVIN HARRIS INTERVIEW SPREAD 2.
SIONAL SKATEBOARDING AND TURNING A HOBBY INTO A CAREER.
7. TOY BOX SPREAD: SKATE SHOES. DESCRIPTION OF THE IMPORTANCE + ILLUSTRATION.
4. PLAYTIME OPENING SPREAD. PROFILES THREE STUDENTS AND THEIR HOBBIES OUT-
8. P.E. SPREAD BREAKS DOWN THE PUSH-UP
SIDE OF SCHOOL.
+ RECESS LOGO ILLUSTRATION.
5. PLAYTIME JUMP SPREAD. ELI SHALLCROSS INTERVIEW.
15
1.
2.
16
Learning The Importance Of Autodidactism
3.
1. CLOSE UP OF KEVIN HARRIS SECOND SPREAD. 2. CLOSE UP OF SKATE SHOE TOY BOX SPREAD. 3. FUJIFILM 6X9 CAMERA ILLUSTRATION. 4. RECESS LOGO ILLUSTRATION 5. P.E. PUSHUP GRAPHIC.
4.
5.
17
2 William Faulkner Book Jacket Series
Book Jackets for a limited edition series of William Faulkner novels. These jackets take shape as a reflection of Faulkner’s style of thinking and writing; a dreamy stream-ofconsciousness that often places the reader into the minds of the protagonists throughout the book.
Class:
Communication Graphic Design
Instructor:
Nic Taylor, Brett Kilroe
Category:
Book Jacket Design
William Faulkner Book Cover Series
18
Learning The Importance Of Autodidactism
1.
2.
1. BOOK COVER SERIES: LIGHT IN AUGUST, SARTORIS, AND AS I LAY DYING. 2. DETAIL OF SARTORIS FRONT. 3. SPINE DETAIL. 4. DETAIL OF SARTORIS BACK.
3.
4.
22
The Importance of Autodidactism
23
Realizing Your Identity
Realizing my identity was crucial because I need to learn at my own speed. A lot of stress last year was caused by comparing myself to others. I had to realize that we are all at different stages of development. I might appreciate something someone else does because I’m loosely interested in it...but I shouldn’t feel down about my own work because I feel like it lacks a defined style. We’re all in a race together and I’m happy as long as I run as fast as I can and don’t try to run at another peer’s speed.
3 Deliverables ‘Zine A satirical jab at a brand guidelines book explaining how one can create a false identity for themselves. Using Williamsburg as an extreme exaggeration of what’s hip, this ‘zine outlines everything you need to know to fit in to a counter-culture.
Class:
Communication Graphic Design
Instructor:
Michael Freimuth
Category:
‘Zine, Self-Publishing, Editorial Design
“Deliverables” ‘Zine
26
Realizing Your Identity
AUTHENTICITY
LOCAL
US
CAMARADERIE
LOSES
YOUTH
CURRENTLY
AUTHENTICITY 1. BRAND POSITIONING
4
“AMERICAN SPIRITS MAKE YOU LIVE LONGER.” - ANONYMOUS
28
Realize Your Identity
Brooklyn, home to cafes, garage-punk bands, and oxford shoes, is a budding neighborhood home to some of the greatest people you can find in New York. Just go ahead and ask any FIT student where they like to hang. Williamsburg is probably first and second choice on cool places to drink coffee and go vintage item hunting. In this rather diverse neighborhood, Witness beards of all lengths and hear music from all walks of Bushwhick from chillwave to noise pop. You’re Vegan? No problem. Many fine establishments cater to the herbivorous folk. No matter your creed or color, Williamsburg definitely has something for everyone as long as you have the Income, and hopefully know a pretty good broker.
5
2. ATTRIBUTES
8
9
1. “AMERICAN SPIRITS MAKE YOU LIVE LONGER.” THAT IS THE QUOTE I BEGIN THE ‘ZINE WITH AND SET
GEOGRAPHY
THE STAGE FOR THE ENSU-
WHERE DO I GO?
ING SPREADS. 2. THE ILLUSTRATION
Note: There’s nothing really Interesting beyond Morgan.
THE L TRAIN
SHOWS THE EXAGGERATION OF WILLIAMSBURG
Bedford
BEING THE CENTER OF AT-
Lorimer
TENTION IN BROOKLYN.
Graham Grand
3. THIS PAGE SHOWS ALL
Montrose
THE “BK” MERCHANDISE
Morgan Ave.
AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE
Jefferson
TO GET YOU STARTED ON
Dekalb
YOUR NEW IDENTITY.
Myrtle-Wycoff
Williamsburg is the culmination of everything #relevant.
K
W
C
A
O R
A Y
DON’T GET YOUR HEAD BUST
Walking around Dekalb Ave. @ night
L 3.
DELIVERABLES
16
17
DELIVERABLES WHAT DO I OWN?
1.
4.
5.
ENTITLEMENT SUPREMACY
7.
20
12
6.
8.
SUPREMACY
1-3. “BK” Beanie collection +100 cool points +50 for extra cuff
2.
4-5. “BK” Sticker Collection +40 cool points
ENTITLEMENT 20
12
SUPREMACY
3.
SUPREMACY
6. “BK” Cruiser Board +200 cool points -200 for mall grab -200 for pushing mongo 7. “BK” iPhone Case +25 cool points
Cool points may not be exchanged for currency. Cool points are also void once you reach Manhattan.
8. “BK” 5 Panel Cap +10,000 cool points Complement your girlfriend’s grandma look with this grandma floral dome-piece.
This ‘zine contains a lot of play, but in a serious tone. It was spawned from the idea that the products we buy define our character no matter how we look at it. I took it to an extreme and the results were quite humorous and mostly come back around to myself.
29
Pabst
Blue Ribbon
30
Realizing Your Identity
BEWARE OF THE WILLIAMSBURGULAR STEALING IDENTITIES.
31
4 Eat With Me Mobile App. A mobile application that allows you to quickly and easily coordinate acquiring food with your friends.
Class:
Communication Graphic Design
Instructor:
Michael Freimuth
Category:
Mobile App Design
Eat With Me Mobile App
32
Realizing your Identity
U AV E
NEW INVITATION
1.
Xʼianʼs Famous Foods 81 St Marks Pl (between 2nd Ave & 1st Ave) New York, NY 10003 Neighborhood: East Village (212) 786-2068 http://www.xianfoods.com More Info...
Eat with me invites you to share a moment with your friends and family Eat With Me with considerable ease.
2.
The visual language of the app. comes from the desire to replicate the feeling of receiving a note or letter except digitally. By continuing you agree to the Terms sync your contacts.
+ ADD T 3.
WHEN?
7 7 :: 30 30
AM PM
1-3. VARIOUS CROPS OF THE APP PAGES INCLUDING THE OPENING INVITIATION, THE
Set the time at which the event will take place during the day or night.
‘LOCATION SELECTION’ PAGE, AND THE ‘SET TIME’ PAGE.
YO U H AV E
NEW INVITATION
Eat with me invites you to share a moment with your friends and family with considerable ease.
By continuing you agree to the Terms sync your contacts.
The opening page of the Eat With Me mobile app that invites you to “share a moment with friends and family.�
First Row From invitation to creating a preset group of contacts for future gatherings. Of course, you can do it later and go straight to the main page where you figure out the Who? Where? And When?
Second Row These screens show the “Fast Food� option where saved invitations can be re-used. The following screens exhibit the Yelp integration and selecting a contact and time.
36
Realize Your Identity
Final Screen & Notification The last two screens show the summary of the invitation and then the notification that shows up on a contact’s phone.
37
5.5 1.
Project Description Of Project.
Class:
Drawing Inside Out
Instructor:
Adrienne Leban
Category:
Drawing
Drawing Inside Out
38
Hone Your Interests
2.
Hone your interests These drawings an collages represent a break in the most computerized work as well as one of my hobbies as well. The projects that follow are also reflective of things I am interested in very much.
3.
4.
1. COLLAGE ON NEWSPRINT 13 X 19” 2. COLLAGE ON NEWSPRINT 11 X 17” 3. “ANIMALISTIC” CHARCOAL AND MARKER 30 X 40” 4. COLLAGE ON NEWSPRINT 13 X 19” 5. “CONSTRUCTIVE” CHARCOAL AND MARKER 30 X 40”
It is important to perfect what you’re good at an use those strengths to your advantage. I found this year that I had a firmer grasp on what I liked and was more decisive when it came to choosing to switch or drop a class because it didn’t suit me. School is not cheap so it’s wise to make sure the money is going to the right place. Keep in mind I don’t mean you shouldn’t branch out and step out of your comfort zone from time-to-time.
40
Hone Your Interests
5.
5 Porsche 911 Book This is a book all about the Porsche 911 generations 1-4. With this book, I aimed to convey the feeling of cars constantly moving and changing positions like on a racetrack. I also wanted to highlight the quality and precision of Porsche automobiles. The challenge was showing all of this typographically without using a grid.
Class:
Advanced Typography
Instructor:
Timothy Samara
Category:
Book Design, Typography, Editorial Design
Porsche 911 Book
42
Hone Your Interests.
1.
1. TABLE OF CONTENTS 2.
SPREAD. 2. TIMELINE SHOWING GENERATIONS 1-4 AND EXAMPLES OF A PORSCHE FROM EACH GENERATION.
These spreads show the typography hopping, skipping, crossing and curving around a page. Again, the point is to emulate the movements of these high performance vehicles.
44
Hone Your Interests.
3. #3 SPREAD WITHIN THE 3.
THIRD GENERATION SECTION OF THE BOOK. 4. GENERATION 3 OPENING SPREAD.
4.
45
1.
G E N E R A T I O N 1.CUSTOM YEAR MADE FROM CIRCLES AND ANGLED STROKES. 2. VERTICAL “GENERATION I (ONE)” TO RESEMBLE STREET SIGNS OR SIGNAL. 3. CIRCLE FOUND THROUGHOUT BOOK REPRESENTING PRECISION AND BALANCE. 4. “ALUMINUM CYCLINDER HEADS.” TAKING FROM NUMBER 2 CONSTRUCTED FROM UPGRADED PARTS OF A 2ND GEN. PORSCHE 911 5. PULL QUOTE AND RUNNING TEXT FROM 2ND GEN. PORSCHE SECTION. 6. PULL QUOTE FEATURING CURVE AND POINT TO REPRESENT THE RACING BACKGROUND AND PRECISION OF PORSCHE.
3.
I (one)
2.
AL U
MI N
4.
U
M
LINDER HEA CY D S
“EASILY THE BEST EVER.”
5.
With a myriad of other detail changes like new undercoating and a buzzer that went off if the driver left the ignition key in, the 1970 911s were easily the best ever. So good that they continued through 1971 basically unchanged.
“Almost as soon as it went into production, buyers were using it in hill climbs and autocrosses.”
6.
6 Avant - Garde Film Book This is a book about Avant Garde Film in the 20th Century. The challenge this time was to typographically represent the experimental nature of the genre while using a grid. As a result, I aimed to create the illusion that you are watching a film by leaving ample space above and below the type like a wide screen movie. Within the remaining area, I let the typography dance, intersect, stretch, and constrict all within a defined area per spread throughout the book.
Class:
Advanced Typography
Instructor:
Timothy Samara
Category:
Book Design, Typography, Editorial Design
Avant-Garde Film Book
48
Hone Your Interests
50
Hone Your Interests
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
1. TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEATURING ARTICLE ON SPIKE JONZE. 3. SECTION 2 (NEW AMERICAN CINEMA) OPENING SPREAD. 4. UN CHIEN ANDALOU SPREAD (WITH FADING TYPE
Timeline of important events
March 5, 1970 Airport
1916 Dadaism
AND TAPE TEXTURE.) 5. NEW AMERICAN CINEMA SPREAD (WITH INTERSECTING COLUMNS). 6. INDEX SPREAD.
One of the most notable films of 1970 based on an Arthur Hailey novel. 1972 The Godfather 3 hour epic based on the Mario Puzo Novel became a box-office and critical success.
Nov. 11, 1918 WWI Ends
1958 “A Movie” is released.v
1920 Magnetic Fields is published
1962 “Cosmic Ray” is released.
Dec. 12, 1924 Entr’ acte is Released
Two films by American director Bruce Conner that represented a different outlook on new American Cinema.
1974,77,79 3 Airplane Sequels
1961-64 Dog Star Man
1977 Star Wars
June 6, 1929 Un Chien Andalou is Released 1933 Lot In Sodom
1943 Meshes of the Afternoon
Stan Brakhage’s film is said to represent a new narrative in film comparable to the literary first person.
1946 Cannes Film Festival is founded
1973 The Excorcist One of the top grossing films in the 70’s
Each one makes less thsn the last.
The Original Blockbuster. Marks the beginning of special fx in film 1979 Moonraker highest grossing Bond film.
1952 Letterists cause riots at Cannes Festival 1952 Howlings in favor of de Sade
1982 Tron
1963
The first film to use CGI to a great extent.
1916 – 1952
Scorpio Rising. Kenneth Anger adds a rock soundtrack to his video, which is said to be the precursor to music videos.
1970s Hollywood Finacial Slump
1970 – 1982
2. INTRODUCTION SPREAD
1958 – 1970
SPREAD.
1982 Tron The first film to use CGI to a great extent.
A different take on films contrary to the excesses of the previous 20 years; Horror films gain popularity.
These spreads show the typography moving within the rectangle in addition to little imperfections like tape and marker scribbles. Above is a 24 x 36” poster with the timeline of important events, dating back from 1919-1982.
51
EXPERIMEN TAL CINEMA 1.
AMERICA PA
ONE: 1921-19
2.
N-
3.
5.
IN
ART
941
1. SPREAD FROM UN CHIEN ANDALOU SECTION. 2. EYE ILLUSTRATION FROM VISUAL EFFECTS SECTION. 3. HEADLINE FROM APPENDIX I BY LEWIS JACOBS. 4. “EIGHT YEARS LATER...” FROM UN CHIEN ANDALOU. 5. MASKING TAPE TEXTURE. 6. SPREAD FROM NEW AMERICAN CINEMA SECTION FEATURING PHOTO FROM TRASH HUMPERS (2009).
EIGHT
4.
YEARS L A T E R ... 6.
$
It Pays Off.
One last thing I’d like to mention is that all this hard work does pay off in the end. You are contributing your own unique thoughts, tastes and sensibilities to design which keeps it fresh and ever-changing. So after a million sketches and critiques, don’t feel as if you’re throwing paper out the window. You should feel proud that you went through it and came out on the other end with exceptional work and raising the bar for yourself each subsequent project.
7 COBRA Branding & Identity
With this assignment. I was tasked with re-branding a company from a spam email. When I first saw Cobra Health Insurance Options in the Subject line, I found the juxstaposition interesting, a bit scary, but fitting. I later found out what COBRA stood for (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act). With that knowledge, I wanted to position Cobra as being very protective and strong in a time of need.
Class:
Communication Graphic Design
Instructor:
Nic Taylor, Brett Kilroe
Category:
Branding/Identity
COBRA Branding/Identity
56
It Pays Off
C.O.B.R.A Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985
C O B R A
Logo The typeface Is Chronicle Semi-Bold. The fact that the acronym was cobra was perfect. When a cobra sheds its skin, it not only wraps itself around a rock (like the “O”) and it is in a very volatile state because its vision is worse. This is comparable to a person that has been laid-off, fired, or “shed.” This could be a very disorienting time as well and the person should feel safe knowing they’re in COBRA’s hands. The color choice is not by accident either. . Not only is Navy blue very smart, It is often associated with depth and stability. It symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, among other things. These are all adjectives I’d want to associate COBRA insurance with, as well as those who have it.
THE SHAPE OF THE SNAKE VERY MUCH RESEMBLES THE NUMBER 8, WHICH IS ALSO A SYMBOL OF STRENGTH AND BALANCE.
58
It Pays Off
COBRA Billing Statement.
59
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
C O B R A
cobrainsurance.com
C O B R A
ER: 75.00 SP: 20.00
John A. Doe XYZ00000009 99 group: 1234567890
BC Plan: 240 BS Plan: 740
1.-2. COBRA INSURANCE BUSINESS
1.-3. COBRA INSURANCE
CARD FRONT & BACK.
GUIDEBOOK. FRONT FLAP FOLLOWED BY INTERIOR
3. COBRA INSURANCE MEMBER’S
FOLD AND FINALLY INTE-
INSURANCE CARD
RIOR OF PAMPHLET.
60
It Pays Off
1.
2.
1. COBRA INSURANCE PONCHO. FURTHER PUSHES THE PROTECTION COBRA SWEARS BY. 2. COBRA INSURANCE PLANNER. SINCE COBRA IS ONLY TEMPORARY, A PLANNER WILL HELP YOU FIGURE OUT THE TERM OF PROTECTION AS WELL AS PERHAPS HELP YOU FIGURE OUT IF YOU NEED TO EXPLORE OTHER OPTIONS.
62
It Pays Off
8 David Bowie Music Collection
This assignment had us create packaging for the entire collection of a musician. My musician was David Bowie, fresh Off the release of his first album in 10 years, last month. I aimed to re-introduce Bowie to people and show how deep and detailed Bowie is. Characters and costumes are a huge part of Bowie’s overall genius and this collection is entitled “All Eyes On Bowie” because if you look closely, you might get to know the man behind the costumes, the drugs, or the music. Featuring the beautiful photos by Masayoshi Sukita, get to know Bowie a little better.
Class:
Communication Graphic Design
Instructor:
Nic Taylor, Brett Kilroe
Category:
Music Packaging
David Bowie Music Collection
64
It Pays Off
All Eyes On Bowie The design for the covers was centered around a cropped portrait of Bowie taken by Sukita. The type is set vertically so that in a collection of records, one could easily find what they’re looking for out of the 24 albums. These 7� records may also double as collectible portraits, not to mention they come with a download code with which you can stream each album in amazing quality via Spotify.
66
It Pays Off
67
Space Oddity (1969) The Man Who Sold the World (1970) Hunky Dory (1971) The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972) Aladdin Sane (1973) Pin Ups (1973) Diamond Dogs (1974) Young Americans (1975) Station to Station (1976) Low (1977) “Heroes” (1977) Lodger (1979) Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) (1980) Let’s Dance (1983) Tonight (1984) Never Let Me Down (1987) Black Tie White Noise (1993) The Buddha of Suburbia (1993) Outside (1995) Earthling (1997) ‘Hours...’ (1999) Heathen (2002) Reality (2003) The Next Day (2013)
68
IT PAYS OFF
69
Credit: Polaroid of me: John Fajardo Push-up illustration: Google Studio Photos of Work: Cooper Winterson Cobra Photos of me: Cooper Winterson David Bowie Portraits: Masayoshi Sukita Parents Marriage Photo: Family Member Rest of Photos: Myself Typeface: Univers
Special Thanks: Mom & Dad Cooper Winterson Chris Zack
Thank You For Looking!
20