mfa graduate portfolio

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This is my graduate school portfolio which is a collection of my best academic work.

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Page 1: MFA Graduate Portfolio

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PROVOKEDTO SPEAK

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PROVOKEDTO SPEAK

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CONTENTS

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CONTENTS

PROJECT TITLE PAGE

ONE KAPLAN 11

TWO CHICAGO BULLS 27

THREE COLORFUL TRUTH 49

FOUR LORENA GARCIA 77

FIVE DIRTY AMERICA 95

SIX POETIC WEEKDAYS 109

SEVEN TRANSLATED SIGNS 127

EIGHT PHILIPS: HARMONY 143

NINE THESIS: PUSH 159

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LIFE EXPERIENCES ARE THE DEVELOPMENTAL PROCESSES THAT CREATE AND INFLUENCE A PERSONS VOICE. EVEN THE QUIETEST PERSON HAS SOMETHING TO SAY. I HAVE A VOICE AND I’M LETTING IT OUT AS I’VE BEEN PROVOKED TO SPEAK.

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PROVOKEDTO SPEAKINFLUENCE

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Every project that I’ve taken on is somehow influenced by some other

experience in my life. It’s been said that experience is the best teacher.

I could not agree more as I have been fortunate enough to learn, take

inspiration, be encouraged, and become a bit wiser thanks to others and

the many different experiences that I’ve had in life. It’s also great to be

able to pass those same benefits on.

It’s my firm belief that most designers who are conceptual thinkers are

influenced by the things in life that have had some type of impact on them.

It might be that architectural design or simply their routine of grabbing ice

cream with family on hot Sunday afternoons...both things that can influence

the creative process. My influences range from the unexplainable courtesy

and patience that someone once showed, to the written artistic talent of

another type of artist, and even the experiences of racism...all influences

to my work. These are all things that spark and hold my interest and push

me to be a better designer. No matter if it’s been a bad, neutral, or positive

experience, they all have worked together to form my opinions, ideas, and

my voice. And I only find it fitting to share them.

Page 10: MFA Graduate Portfolio

THE DAILY GRIND ROUTINE. WORK. PLAY. SOME IN BETWEEN. NO MATTER THE OCCASION, DRESSING WITH STYLE IS NEVER OPTIONAL.

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PROJECT ONE | KAPLAN

OBJECTIVE: Find and photograph handmade signage throughout the city. Take

the initial intent of the signage and create a branded campaign based on it. This

project involved a men’s clothing store with the original signage advertising the

price of a particular brand of coats that were on sale.

CONCEPT: In analyzing the original intent of the signage, I considered what the

store could look like with an unlimited budget and rebranded. The designed

was tailored to the urban male with the idea of taking subtle city elements and

blending them with an upscale look in a complete system. The items designed

for the store included a catalog, clothing tags, shopping bag, magazine ads,

and fashion show DVD.

project title category

ONE KAPLAN BRANDING

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course instructor photography

VISUAL IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

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project title category

ONE KAPLAN BRANDING

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15THE PROCESSThe development of the Kaplan rebrand started with a handmade store sign and progressed with a series a sketches, mood boards and writings.

course instructor photography

VISUAL IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

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project title category

ONE KAPLAN BRANDING

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course instructor photography

VISUAL IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

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project title category

ONE KAPLAN BRANDING

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19MAGAZINE ADSKAPLAN has stores in all the major U.S. markets and advertises to each uniquely. One form of advertising is through fashion magazines.

course instructor photography

VISUAL IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

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project title category

ONE KAPLAN BRANDING

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course instructor photography

VISUAL IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

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project title category

ONE KAPLAN BRANDING

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VISUAL IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

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project title category

ONE KAPLAN BRANDING

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VISUAL IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

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HOW WOULD IT FEEL IF YOU WERE TOLD THAT YOU HAD TO FILL THE SAME SHOES THAT ANOTHER MAN ONCE WALKED IN?

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PROJECT TWO | THE CHICAGO BULLS: REBRANDED

project title category

TWO CHICAGO BULLS BRANDING

OBJECTIVE: Research an existing brand that has either died or does not have

the same impact that it once had. Take that brand and revitalize it with a new

look. Also create a brand extension aimed at giving more life to the company

beyond what regular product or service they provide.

CONCEPT: The chosen brand was the NBA Chicago Bulls. Despite being one of

the most historically popular teams in the NBA, it is also one of the teams that

has evolved very little over the years as its uniforms and logo look pretty much

the same as it’s original concept designed during the 60’s. The championship

era during the 90’s was something great and may never be repeated. Since then,

the Bulls have been living under the shadow of that era and trying to return to

that place. It may be better to let history be and bring a new era and attitude of

winning back to the city of Chicago and the Bulls organization.

Page 29: MFA Graduate Portfolio

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NATURE OF IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

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project title category

TWO CHICAGO BULLS BRANDING

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“Play. Win. Evolve!”®

course instructor photography

NATURE OF IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

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project title category

TWO CHICAGO BULLS BRANDING

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course instructor photography

NATURE OF IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

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project title category

TWO CHICAGO BULLS BRANDING

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course instructor photography

NATURE OF IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

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.com

CHICAGO BULLS.com

tickets players team news schedule store

search

98%

six+.com

enter

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TWO CHICAGO BULLS BRANDING

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NATURE OF IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

OFF THE COURT

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project title category

TWO CHICAGO BULLS BRANDING

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course instructor photography

NATURE OF IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

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CHICAGO BULLS

United CenterFri, Oct 10 2008

CHICAGO BULLS

Detroit Pistonsvs.Chicago Bulls

Sec Row Seat112 5 B

United CenterTues, Oct 21 2008

Phoenix Sunsvs.Chicago Bulls

Sec Row Seat112 5 B

CHICAGO BULLS

project title category

TWO CHICAGO BULLS BRANDING

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course instructor photography

NATURE OF IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

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logo typeface alone

logo typeface with Bull logo

CHICAGOBULLS

0.75

CHICAGOBULLS

1.5X

X

1.5X

1.5X

0.25’ = X

Logo space treatment

logo typeface with Bull logo

logo typeface alone

logo typeface alone unstacked

logo typeface alone stacked CHICAGOBULLS =

0.5

0.5

0.5

CHICAGO BULLS

1.5 = x

logo typeface alone unstacked

logo typeface alone stacked

project title category

TWO CHICAGO BULLS BRANDING

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silver

black

red

white

red 128green 130blue 132

red 35green 31blue 32

red 185green 32blue 37

red 255green 255blue 255

blood redred 105green 12blue 13

silver

black

red

white

cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0 black 60

cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0black 100

cyan 18 magenta 100 yellow 100black 2

cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0black 0

blood red

cyan 32magenta 100yellow 100black 39

silver

black

red

white

pms 418

pms 3 2x

pms 185

pms 000

blood red pms 1815

4 color - cmyk spot color

Bank Gothic Md BT

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

Logo Typeface

Eurost i le Regular

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghi jk lmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890

Eurost i le Bold Condensed

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghi jk lmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890

Secondary Typefaceand non-uniform numbers

Bank Gothic Md BT

24 13 32

Uniform NumberTypeface

CHICAGO BULLS Typeface Standards

1234567890

course instructor photography

NATURE OF IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

silver

black

red

white

red 128green 130blue 132

red 35green 31blue 32

red 185green 32blue 37

red 255green 255blue 255

blood redred 105green 12blue 13

silver

black

red

white

cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0 black 60

cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0black 100

cyan 18 magenta 100 yellow 100black 2

cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0black 0

blood red

cyan 32magenta 100yellow 100black 39

silver

black

red

white

pms 418

pms 3 2x

pms 185

pms 000

blood red pms 1815

silver

black

red

white

red 128green 130blue 132

red 35green 31blue 32

red 185green 32blue 37

red 255green 255blue 255

blood redred 105green 12blue 13

silver

black

red

white

cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0 black 60

cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0black 100

cyan 18 magenta 100 yellow 100black 2

cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0black 0

blood red

cyan 32magenta 100yellow 100black 39

silver

black

red

white

pms 418

pms 3 2x

pms 185

pms 000

blood red pms 1815

web colors

Page 44: MFA Graduate Portfolio

THE STAMPEDE A magazine extension of the Chicago Bulls brand. It can be compared to similar magazines such as The New Yorker and The Washingtonian. There are four versions of the magazine that are published quarterly.The Stampede is an up scale magazine which has something in store for all of the organization’s target audience. Although the magazine is a part of the Chicago Bulls, it is not a focus on basketball. The main focus is on everything that pertains to the Chicago and its surrounding cities.

project title category

TWO CHICAGO BULLS BRANDING

1 3

2 4

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45(1) STAMPEDEChicago AdventureFor both locals and tourist, it holds the latest information of things to do throughout the state of Illinois.

(2) STAMPEDEChicago FashionThe latest fashion from urban trends, to the finest styles found in Hollywood.

(3) STAMPEDEChicago ArchitectureYou can find everything from the cities history to current day real estate.

(4) STAMPEDEChicago LifeA broad look at life in Chicago from politics to the inner city streets.

The 2012 BMW X5 ranks 13 out of 20 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of

74 published reviews and test drives of the BMW X5, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2012 BMW X5 is one of the spor tiest SUVs on the market, and reviewers love how nimble this

family hauler can be. But the X5 is more expensive than comparably-equipped competitors, and its

third row of seats is only suitable for the smallest of passengers.

2013BMW X6

STAMPEDEChicago Adventure

For the first time, there is a hydrogen powered engine for

series produced vehicles. The new MMW Hydrogen.

6

16

34

40

46

RUNNING WITH THE BULLS

For the first time, there is a hydrogen powered engine for series

produced vehicles. The new MMW Hydrogen.

INNER CITY LIFE

For the first time, there is a hydrogen powered engine

for series produced vehicles. The new MMW Hydrogen.

THE NEW SITES

For the first time, there is a hydrogen powered engine for series

produced vehicles. The new MMW Hydrogen.

MOVING FORWARD

For the first time, there is a hydrogen powered engine for

series produced vehicles. The new MMW Hydrogen.

CHAMPIONSHIP WINNINGS

COVER STORIES

FEATURESAA

For the first time, there is a hydrogen powered engine for

series produced vehicles. The new MMW Hydrogen.

FOR THE LOVE OF WINNING

However, since those years, the Bulls have experienced a

number of lows from early playoff exits.

ILLINOIS UNDER FIRE

Bulls have experienced a number of lows from early playoff

exits, to not coming close to making the playoffs.

SETTING A NEW STANDTT ARD

For the first time, there is a hydrogen powered

engine for series produced vehicles. The new MMW

Hydrogen.

HOME AWAYAA

For the first time, there is a hydrogen powered

engine for series produced vehicles. The new

MMW Hydrogen.

JOIN THE CHILDREN

58

60

70

79

88

REGULARS

Jordan along with his supporting cast, built a dynasty as they won 72 games

in the 1996 season. With six championships total throughout the nin-

ties, the Chicago Bulls made history. However, since those years, the Bulls

have experienced a number of lows from early playoff exits, to not coming

close to making the playoffs. The Bulls of today and the Bulls of the post-

dynasty years sti l l l ive in the shadows and expectations of a previous team.

That era wil l go down in history as possibly the greatest era of the game.

Therefore, in order for the current Chicago Bulls team to get away from the

dynasty shadow, they need to make a change. A change that is something

new for the city of Chicago sports fans a change that wil l bring about a new

evolution of todays basketball as well as new innovative looks for the entire

Chicago Bulls organization. Are you ready for the new stampede?

New Sitess Explore YourNew 2012

ChicagoAdventure

I f moneywere not anissue for you,where exact lywould yoube spendingyour f reet ime whi le inChicgo?

Neww ScenessNew Siteew s

course instructor photography

NATURE OF IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

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project title category

TWO CHICAGO BULLS BRANDING

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course instructor photography

NATURE OF IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

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WITH UNDER MOUNTING TENSIONS WITHIN THE CITY, DO YOU ACT OUT, OR DO YOU DO THE RIGHT THING?

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OBJECTIVE: Design a film festival after researching and selecting a prominent

movie director. Find a common theme within that directors body of work and

design the visual look for a festival to be held. Design a series of elements

that are integrated. The elements for the festival included: a catalog, schedule,

posters, advertisements, environmental signage, website, tickets, stationary, and

DVD set.

CONCEPT: The chosen movie director was Spike Lee. I chose Spike because I

have an appreciation for the types of films he makes and his boldness to tackle

issues that are controversial in nature. The goal was to research as much about

Spike and develop a look and feel based on elements of his movies and brand.

Additionally, I sought to create a design that could emulate how Spike Lee

would make his own actual festival. The challenge was in creating a look that

was celebratory of the film festival while still keeping within the underlying

commonality of his films (racial tension).

PROJECT THREE | SPIKE LEE’S COLORFUL TRUTH

project title category

THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING

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course instructor photography

INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

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THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING

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INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

DESIGN INSPIRATIONSpike Lee has has onw line of shoes made by the Jordan brand. Early in the process, this served as a point of inspiration design-wise for the font choices, patterns and textures.

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THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING

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INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

ADVERTISINGUpon entering the film festival, all attendees would receive a perfect bound catalog book. Each catalog contains all festival information such as the schedule, messages from Spike Lee, and the list of actors that’ll be in attendance.

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THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING

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course instructor photography

INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

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THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING

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course instructor photography

INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

LIMITED EDITION DVD SETThis six dvd set was designed with the idea that it could not be found in your typical store. The set was designed and made exclusively as a collectors item for the Colorful Truth film festival.

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project title category

THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING

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course instructor photography

INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

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THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING

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course instructor photography

INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

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THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING

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course instructor photography

INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

THE TICKETTickets to enter the festival were designed using the vernacular of city elements and here that is a train pass within a holder.

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THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING

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INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

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THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING

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INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

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THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING

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INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

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THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING

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INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

ENVIROMENTAL SIGNAGEWith just about any event where there will be several people, it’s always helpful to have signage guiding you to where you want to go. The signage for the film fiestval was designed with the same character and feel.

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THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING

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INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL

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TRADING LAW PAPERS FOR A CUTTING BOARD AND KNIFE. IT IS CRAZY FOR YOUR PASSION...OR JUST PLAIN CRAZY?

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PROJECT FOUR | LORENA GARCIA: REBRANDED

project title category

FOUR LORENA GARCIA PACKAGE BRANDING

OBJECTIVE: Research and select an already existing famous chef and design or

redesign a line of grocery store packaging for that chef. The new line is aimed

at young “foodies” between the ages of 25-35 that love to cook and do not mind

spending extra money on the slightly higher end food items.

CONCEPT: Lorena Garcia is a very sparky Latin chef that got her start in law

school but eventually moved over to culinary school. I wanted to create a look

that was representative of her personality and heritage which said, “bold, ener-

getic, and artistic.” The design was also created to stand out on the shelf within

the foods that are of a healthier quality.

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PACKAGING II ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL

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lorenagarcia

lorena lorena

lorena

LORENA GARCIAlorena garcia

lglorena g a r c i a

LGlorena garcia

v ladamir

lorenagarcia

lorena garc ia

lorenagarcia

lorena garcia

orena arcialorena garcialorena garcia

lorena garcia

lorena garcialorena garcia

lorena garcia

l o r e n a g a r c i a L o r e n a G a r c i a

LorenaGarcia

LorenaGarciaL Gorena arcia

project title category

FOUR LORENA GARCIA PACKAGE BRANDING

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lorenagarcia

lorena lorena

lorena

LORENA GARCIAlorena garcia

lglorena g a r c i a

LGlorena garcia

v ladamir

lorenagarcia

lorena garc ia

lorenagarcia

lorena garcia

orena arcialorena garcialorena garcia

lorena garcia

lorena garcialorena garcia

lorena garcia

l o r e n a g a r c i a L o r e n a G a r c i a

LorenaGarcia

LorenaGarciaL Gorena arcia

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PACKAGING II ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL

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FOUR LORENA GARCIA PACKAGE BRANDING

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PACKAGING II ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL

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FOUR LORENA GARCIA PACKAGE BRANDING

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PACKAGING II ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL

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FOUR LORENA GARCIA PACKAGE BRANDING

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PACKAGING II ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL

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FOUR LORENA GARCIA PACKAGE BRANDING

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PACKAGING II ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL

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FOUR LORENA GARCIA PACKAGE BRANDING

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PACKAGING II ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL

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FOUR LORENA GARCIA PACKAGE BRANDING

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PACKAGING II ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL

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TELLING ME THAT YOU DON’T RACIALLY STEREOTYPE, IS LIKE TELLING ME YOU DO NOT BREATHE AIR.

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PROJECT FIVE | DIRTY AMERICA

project title category

FIVE DIRTY AMERICA BRANDING

OBJECTIVE: Select a topic within the realm of social, political, economic,

historical and cultural contexts that is debatable from multiple perspectives

and worthy of discussion. Design a series of collateral pieces which are

representative of that topic and reflect the extensive research conducted.

CONCEPT: In America, no matter what your race, we all tend to have biases and

hold stereotypes about other races and cultures—some more than others. Dirty

America is a brief study of Americans from various racial backgrounds and

the lives they live from a racial perspective. The look of the project is intended

to reflect the ugly realities of racism that have existed throughout American

history as well as what still exists today. The design pieces included: a 152 page

book, invitations, DVD set, and a “how to” booklet.

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VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS PHIL HAMLET MICHAEL BELL

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FIVE DIRTY AMERICA BRANDING

TEN DISCUSSIONSPart of this project entailed gathered a minimum of ten people all at the same time together in order to have a discussion about the selected topic.

AT RIGHT: The event required an invitation for all attendees in the form of a vernacular that related to the subject to be discussed.

AT LEFT: Bringing together several different people from different backgrounds proved to be very encouraging and educational to all as there were many view points and stories shared that enlightened some to the experiences of others.

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VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS PHIL HAMLET MICHAEL BELL

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FIVE DIRTY AMERICA BRANDING

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VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS PHIL HAMLET MICHAEL BELL

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FIVE DIRTY AMERICA BRANDING

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VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS PHIL HAMLET MICHAEL BELL

103

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AT LEFT: For the ten discussions,

there was a How To guide which was

designed in order to show someone

else who wanted to have a group

discussion on the topic of American

racism just how to go about it.

AT RIGHT: This is another deliverable

which hypothecially gives individuals

the opportunity to view and learn the

stories of real American racism with

a dvd set.

project title category

FIVE DIRTY AMERICA BRANDING

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VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS PHIL HAMLET MICHAEL BELL

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FIVE DIRTY AMERICA BRANDING

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VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS PHIL HAMLET MICHAEL BELL

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AAU GRADUATE SCHOOL—A PLACE WHERE NO PUNKS, WHIMPS, OR CRY BABIES ARE ALLOWED. BUT PLENTY OF CAFFEINE AND OPINIONS ARE APPRECIATED.

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PROJECT SIX | POETIC WEEKDAYS

project title category

SIX POETIC WEEKDAYS TYPOGRAPHY

OBJECTIVE: Conduct extensive research, writing, and image gathering. The main

source of material was my own environment or habitat. By documenting the

things I typically see, hear, touch and smell, I’d use these as fuel to designing and

writing a book.

CONCEPT: My life as a full-time graduate student while living in San Francisco

was everything but normal. Every day was just about the same whereas Mondays

were no more important or dreaded than any other day of the week. It was all the

same in terms of my journey’s to class, working from home, and even my “free

time”. Poetic weekends is a non-chronological look at my life as it was in a typical

week while designed and written in an abstract and poetic way.

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EXPERIMENTAL TYPE JAY WILKINSON MICHAEL BELL

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SIX POETIC WEEKDAYS TYPOGRAPHY

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EXPERIMENTAL TYPE JAY WILKINSON MICHAEL BELL

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SIX POETIC WEEKDAYS TYPOGRAPHY

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EXPERIMENTAL TYPE JAY WILKINSON MICHAEL BELL

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SIX POETIC WEEKDAYS TYPOGRAPHY

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EXPERIMENTAL TYPE JAY WILKINSON MICHAEL BELL

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SIX POETIC WEEKDAYS TYPOGRAPHY

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EXPERIMENTAL TYPE JAY WILKINSON MICHAEL BELL

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Someone once said,

“wow Mike...you got a lot of friends”

yeah, but most are there to play pretends

541 last I checked-

or at least that’s what facebook told me.

I got an addiction and can’t wait til it

grows old and dies like yourspace did.

My modern day replacements of Tonkas

and g.i. joes—–-

like medication that takes me away

from my design woes.

An open invitation to tell others

whats on my mind-

or a small window to look outside so

I can see what’s going on 3 thousand

miles away.And estimated log out of

3 thousand times a day.

Do I have a.d.d. cause I’m not paying

attention to leading or point sizes

RGB, black & white, or maybe CMYK.

Man I can’t wait til it’s the next day

or even better, when its 12 days

after the first day of May.

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SIX POETIC WEEKDAYS TYPOGRAPHY

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EXPERIMENTAL TYPE JAY WILKINSON MICHAEL BELL

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SIX POETIC WEEKDAYS TYPOGRAPHY

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THEY SAY THAT THE BIBLE IS THE BEST SELLER OF ALL TIME. PERHAPS ALSO WHY IT’S THE MOST HATED, DEBATED, AND CELEBRATED BOOK OF ALL TIME?

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PROJECT SEVEN | TRANSLATED SIGNS

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SEVEN TRANSLATED SIGNS TYPOGRAPHY

OBJECTIVE: Design a multi-chapter book based on the theme “survival”. Theme

could be self interpreted in any way and use of any relevant text from external

sources. The book had to be at least 100 pages and typographic in focus.

CONCEPT: I chose to create a book that relates to the Bible and how, to

Christians, it is their source of survival in life from a spiritual and practical

perspective. The book uses various everyday situations, signs, and scenarios

while providing scriptures and relevant quotes as a means to overcome. The book

emphasizes this concept with a typographic visual solution and parallels the

scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments.

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TYPOGRAPHY III JEREMY STOUT MICHAEL BELL

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SEVEN TRANSLATED SIGNS TYPOGRAPHY

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TYPOGRAPHY III JEREMY STOUT MICHAEL BELL

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SEVEN TRANSLATED SIGNS TYPOGRAPHY

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TYPOGRAPHY III JEREMY STOUT MICHAEL BELL

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“Many people think that

what’s written in the Bible

has mostly to do with getting

people into heaven—getting

right with God, saving their

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eternal souls. It does have to

do with that, of course, but not

mostly. It is equally concerned with

survival on this earth—living well,

living in robust sanity.”

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TYPOGRAPHY III JEREMY STOUT MICHAEL BELL

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SEVEN TRANSLATED SIGNS TYPOGRAPHY

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TYPOGRAPHY III JEREMY STOUT MICHAEL BELL

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“IN THE END WE WILL CONSERVE ONLY WHAT WE LOVE. WE LOVE ONLY WHAT WE UNDERSTAND. WE WILL UNDERSTAND ONLY WHAT WE ARE TAUGHT.”—Baba Dioum

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PROJECT EIGHT | PHILIPS’ HARMONY

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EIGHT PHILIPS: HARMONY PACKAGE BRANDING

OBJECTIVE: To design or redesign a line of light bulb packaging, while creating

secondary packaging to contain and protect the light bulbs on a store shelf and

at home. The new line must consider the environment with packaging while

targeting 30-55 year old individuals who are environmentally conscience.

CONCEPT: I first looked to develop a name for the new line that was geared

towards what the new product line was about. I then wanted to have a look

and feel that was consistent with the already existing Philips brand. The end

result needed to be a clean and refreshing look that said integrity. The bulbs

which are at 40, 60, and 100 watts are individually designed and represent

the three natural earth elements abstractly with earth, wind, and water.

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PACKAGING II ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL

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EIGHT PHILIPS: HARMONY PACKAGE BRANDING

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PACKAGING II ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL

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EIGHT PHILIPS: HARMONY PACKAGE BRANDING

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PACKAGING II ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL

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EIGHT PHILIPS: HARMONY PACKAGE BRANDING

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PACKAGING II ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL

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EIGHT PHILIPS: HARMONY PACKAGE BRANDING

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PACKAGING II ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL

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“TO LOVE THE PROCESS IS TO LOVE DESIGN”

C. Michael Bell

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THEY SAY THAT DIVERSITY IS WHAT MAKES THE WORLD GO AROUND. PERHAPS...BUT NOT IN THE GRAPHIC DESIGN FIELD. WHAT IS THAT?

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PROJECT NINE | MFA THESIS: PUSH

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NINE PUSH MULTIPLE

OBJECTIVE: To fully investigate a particular topic. The materials and concept

are intended to make a contribution to the graphic design community as a

whole while conveying a specific message. The entire project is also meant to

display the mastery of design skills acquired throughout the MFA program.

CONCEPT: As a minority designer, I found it interesting to learn that the total

graphic design field is currently 86% White. There are many contributing

factors to why that is, but the main one being that most people are not

sure what graphic design as a profession really is. PUSH is a project aimed

at creating awareness to what the profession of graphic design is and the

potential benefits of a career within. PUSH is also targeted at minority teens

which would in turn help increase the number of minorities within the field

and bring a more diverse representation of cultures and ideas.

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MFA THESIS ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL

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IF GRAPHIC DESIGN IS SO PREVALENT, WHY IS TODAY’S GRAPHIC DESIGNFIELD 86% WHITE & 14% MINORITY?

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NINE PUSH MULTIPLE

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Since GRAPHIC DESIGN is so abundant, it’s only a wonder why in America,

a country that’s composed of immigrants from all stretches of the globe,

it’s a career field that’s predominantly White. Today’s graphic design field

is 86% White and 14% minority. That 14% encompasses all other races—

Asians (6%), Blacks (2%), Hispanic/Latino (4%), and Mixed/Other races

(2%). These numbers are particularly alarming because it is vastly different

than the race percentages of other occupations.

push is an arts program aimed at building the numbers of minorities in

the graphic design field. The current problem is a lack of awareness as to

what graphic design is and the stereotype of it not being a reputable career

financially due to its close relation to the art field. The target of this project

that is aimed at two different audiences. One audience is kids and teenagers

at the middle and high school level in areas where minority numbers are high.

My second audience is the parents of that same group and also the general

public which may not know or understand what graphic design is and may be

misinformed as to the potential benefits and many different options within

the field.

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MFA THESIS ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL

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NINE PUSH MULTIPLE

increasing diversity in design.

!increasing diversity in design.

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increasing diversity in design.increasing diversity in design. increasing diversity in design.

push

THE PROCESSThe development of the PUSH logo came through a series of explorations in what the program would be about and who the target audience would be. Originally the name was Urban Push, but that was shortened once it was decided that the program would not be limited to urban youth.

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“DIVERSITY IS CRITICAL IF THE DESIGN PROFESSION WANTS TO REMAIN RELEVANT TO BUSINESS AND SOCIETY.” —Bill Grant former AIGA president

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169GOOD DESIGN EXAMPLES:

For many teens who may be

visual, it may serve equally

as important to show great

design as it is to verbally

talk about it.

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ACCORDING TO THE 2000 CENSUS, BY 2025 WHAT ARE CURRENTLY CONSIDERED MINORITY POPULATIONS ARE PREDICTED TO BE 40% OF THE U.S. POPULATION. BY 2050, MORE THAN HALF OF AMERICANS ARE EXPECTED TO BE MEMBERS OF CURRENT MINORITIES. IN CONTRAST, A RECENT SURVEY OF AIGA MEMBERS FINDS THAT OF GRAPHIC DESIGNERS WHO RESPONDED, 2% ARE BLACK, 4 % HISPANIC/LATINO, 6% ASIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER AND 2% OTHER. THE DESIGN PROFESSION IS STILL OVERWHELMINGLY HOMOGENEOUS IN ITS RACIAL COMPOSITION.

ACCORDING TO THE 2010 CENSUS, BY 2025 WHAT ARE CURRENTLY CONSIDERED MINORITY POPULATIONS ARE PREDICTED TO BE 40% OF THE U.S. POPULATION. BY 2050, MORE THAN HALF OF AMERICANS ARE EXPECTED TO BE MEMBERS OF CURRENT MINORITIES. IN CONTRAST, A RECENT SURVEY OF AIGA MEMBERS FINDS THAT OF GRAPHIC DESIGNERS WHO RESPONDED, 2% ARE BLACK, 4 % HISPANIC/LATINO, 6% ASIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER AND 2% OTHER. THE DESIGN PROFESSION IS STILL OVERWHELMINGLY HOMOGENEOUS IN ITS RACIAL COMPOSITION.

project title category

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BACK

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FRONT

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FACEBOOK

Today, one of the quickest ways

to get a message out to the world

and those “friends” closest to use is

through facebook. Facebook took a

while to catch on to younger teens

as it was originally geared towards

college students only. However,

with its expansion, it’s only fitting

to tap into how teens are getting

their information. Social media is a

huge vehicle to spreading the word

of what graphic design is and share

is connections to other graphic

design facebook pages for youth to

tap into.

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THE DOCUMENTARY

With quickly advancing technology,

PUSH has to have multiple avenues

in which its message is delivered

to its target audience. Many youth

today has access to several different

kinds of media and are not just lim-

ited to the home computer internet

connection. MakeYourIdeasReal.org

is the host site for viewing the docu-

mentary not only gives viewers a

current glimpse at what young teens

views are about graphic design, but

also helps those same teens relate

with current designers who are

minorities within the field.

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THE DOCUMENTARY

This video which is housed on the

website serves the purpose of further

defining what graphic design is. It

provides a perspective from real world

minority designers. The designers within

answer a number of questions about

design such as how they got their start,

what design is, and what are some of

the things that inspire their work. The

video also includes takes from some

interviewed teens on the top as well.

“HI. MY NAME IS , AND I’M A GRAPHIC DESIGNER.”

FRANCES LIDDELL MFA GRAPHIC DESIGNER

DONALD KOIDE MFA GRAPHIC DESIGNER

MICHAEL BELL GRAPHIC DESIGNER

& PROJECT CREATOR

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MFA THESIS ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL

BRIAN SINGER DESIGNER & OWNER OF ALTITUDE

KIRSTEN RITSCHEL GRAPHIC DESIGNER WITH

GOODBY SILVERSTEIN & PARTNERS

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January - Park Kum-Jun

February - Emory Douglas

March - Qian Qian

April - Byung Hak-ahn

May - Alex Trochut

June - Kiko Farkus

July - Kashiwa Sato

August - Alexandro Posada

September - Juan Pablo Cambariere

October - Oded Ezer

November - Educardo Recife

December - Joyce Yu

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MFA THESIS ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL

THE CALENDARThe calendar is a deliverable aimed at getting teens a look at minority designers that may be like themselves that are making some type of impact of the design field. The calendar feature information about the designer and a sample of their work to serve as inspiration.

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NINE PUSH MULTIPLE

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THE BROCHUREThe calendar is a deliverable aimed at getting teens a look at minority designers that may be like themselves that are making some type of impact of the design field. The calendar feature information about the designer and a sample of their work to serve as inspiration.

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In this new digital age, many young teens have

smart phones. As technology improves and the cost

for one decreases, there will be even more teens

that own one. So why not give them something

more constructive to do with it other than text

there friends. The Inspiration Saver allows teens to

use their smart phone as an easy way to record the

things that they encounter on a daily basis that can

serve as inspiration. It also allows teens to capture

those design ideas when pen and paper are not

readily available.

With the camera feature, teens can take photos of

design or anything inspirational that they encounter

with a quick push of a button. Sure their phone is

already equipped with a camera, but the Inspiration

Saver makes the managing, archiving, and sending

of the captures much quicker and easier.

Not having a pen handy to sketch out that idea

can be annoying, especially when the idea can

be forgotten. With this same app, teens have the

opportunity to pull out their smart phone and sketch

out their ideas with their finger on the touch screen.

Then, just like with regular photos, they can later

transfer those sketches to their home computer.

(Also available on Droid and HTC phones)

there’s an app for that!

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silver

black

red

white

red 128green 130blue 132

red 35green 31blue 32

red 185green 32blue 37

red 255green 255blue 255

blood redred 105green 12blue 13

silver

black

red

white

cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0 black 60

cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0black 100

cyan 18 magenta 100 yellow 100black 2

cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0black 0

blood red

cyan 32magenta 100yellow 100black 39

silver

black

red

white

pms 418

pms 302

pms 185

pms 000

blood red pms 1815

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silver

black

red

white

red 128green 130blue 132

red 35green 31blue 32

red 185green 32blue 37

red 255green 255blue 255

blood redred 105green 12blue 13

silver

black

red

white

cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0 black 60

cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0black 100

cyan 18 magenta 100 yellow 100black 2

cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0black 0

blood red

cyan 32magenta 100yellow 100black 39

silver

black

red

white

pms 418

pms 302

pms 185

pms 000

blood red pms 1815

web colors4 color - cmyk spot color

silver

black

red

white

red 128green 130blue 132

red 35green 31blue 32

red 185green 32blue 37

red 255green 255blue 255

blood redred 105green 12blue 13

silver

black

red

white

cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0 black 60

cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0black 100

cyan 18 magenta 100 yellow 100black 2

cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0black 0

blood red

cyan 32magenta 100yellow 100black 39

silver

black

red

white

pms 418

pms 302

pms 185

pms 000

blood red pms 1815

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B L A C K J A C K

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Za b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y zLogo Typeface

Gotham

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRST UVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890

E u r o s t i l e B o l d C o n d e n s e d

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0

Eurosti le Bold Extended Two

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRS

TUVWXYZ

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

1234567890

Secondary Typeface

and non-uniform numbers

Bank Gothic Md BT

24 13 32Uniform Number

Typeface

PUSH

Typeface Standards

1234567890

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THANKS!

TO:Jesus Christ, for without Him, I probably wouldn’t care about graphic design...or much else.

My mom, who told me what an artist does when I was four and for introducing me to the tools for creativity.

My grandmother...because school is not free.

My wife, who supported me and understood what it took for me to get it done.

My most admired instructors who pushed for better: Michael Kilgore, Phil Hamlett, Jeremy Stout, Allen Gaoiran, Jennifer Sterling, Jay Wilkinson, and Hunter Wimmer. And also Mary Scott who was a big influence on me attending the Academy of Art.

My most helpful and inspiring collegues and classmates: Donald Koide, Jenny Pan, Werm Goh, Mike Moss, Gracy Leal and Brandon Loper.

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WHY GRAPHIC DESIGN?

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From a very young age, I enjoyed drawing, arts & crafts, and just being

creative with whatever toys, gadets, or materials I had. From as far back as I

can remember, I used to draw logos by putting together various letters with

scribbles and doodles. Back then, it was just letters and I had no clue that it

was actually a career path within graphic design. Or at least, I had yet to make

that connection.

I went college with every intention of being the best architect that ever lived

(after my NBA dreams died). My beginning pursuits of architecture during

undergrad were okay until I encountered physics. We didn’t get along too

well, thus ended my pursuit of architectural happiness. So, I then found myself

in my academic advisers office stressed out and looking for a new major.

After taking a look at some of the architectural drawings I had in hand, he

recommended graphic design. Intially I had no clue what that really was and

still wasn’t all that sure after leaving his office that day.

By the end of that following semester, I was not only sure what graphic design

was, I was also confident in it being the career path direction that I wanted to

take. Years later, I still enjoy what I do. I often find myself asking the question

of “do I really get paid for this?” And the answer has yet to change. I am an

individual with a unique path that has developed me into the designer I am

today. Some good stories, and some bad...but all mingled together to create

me. And now this has been my opportunity to show you pieces of my work

which have been influenced and inspired by so many things. Experiences that

have provoked me to speak. Thank you for viewing.

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© 2012 by Michael Bell

Master Portfolio

Instructor: Jeremy Stout

All rights reserved by the artist. No part of this

work may be reproduced in any form by any means, elec-

tronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording,or

by any information storage or retrieval system, without

permission in writing from the designer.

Attributes

fonts : Gotham

photography: of work: C. Michael Bell

within work: C.Michael Bell, istock.com,

liquidlibrary.com, ablestock.com,

flickr.com, google images

paper: pages; Matte finish presentation paper;

printer: Blurb

designer contact:

[email protected]

301.213.6918

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