More than Just Magazines

It has come to my attention as I´ve been walking on the streets of Madrid that magazines sold here are so much more worth buying than those sold in America. Aside from the small language barrier that obviously gets in the way of thoroughly enjoying a magazine, purchasing magazines in Spain makes the consumer feel much better about splurging. Whereas in America where one can purchase a magazine that may be almost as expensive as six dollars, some specialized magazines even being up to twenty-five or thirty dollars, here in Spain, magazines c0me with additional gifts, fun packaging, or other magazines. These extra items may be another magazine or a gift ranging from perfume, shampoo, lipstick, a toy, etc. Usually the magazine will play off its main story or magazine´s theme to match their gift to the consumer with some sort of relativity. For instance, a newlyborn magazine for moms would include a baby toy or thermometer for the baby, whereas a fashion magazine will sample a designer´s new shampoo line or a type of lipstick. What makes the act of buying magazines more fun in Spain than in the U.S.A is that the consumer can see that the magazine is trying to give you something more than just the magazine; it wants you to go the extra mile and make you happy with the freebies included. It also creates a relationship with the consumer, developing a trust with the consumer in hopes for the consumer to come back and buy their brand again.
Considering the decline of media publication in the U.S. such as in the magazine industry and newspaper industry, it is a good idea for companies to find ways to promote their publication, such as the magazines here in Spain do. It is a great marketing technique and has definitely convinced me to buy magazines in Spanish that I won´t be able to comprehend fully. Rather than raise its costs and shorten magazine lengths and their quality like some of the U.S. magazines have done, media publications should figure out ways to work with other companies to do promotions and make their product more than just about its one issue of the month; they should make consumers feel much better about spending money for the magazine and feel like they got their money´s worth.

The Strike was not so Striking

The strike this past Wednesday was really uneventful. I admit, I expected something epic. I expected traffic jams, jammed-packed subways, over-crowded buses, and most of all, I expected school to closed down because all the teachers made it sound like the world was ending. On the contrary, it was another normal day going to school. Unfortunately for us students, we did not really get to experience something epic like it seemed like it could have been. I haven´t seen a real strike in the U.S.A and I hoped media would cover the strike greatly and not only cover the stories, but help spread the news for workers to go on strike. According to the Reuters website, ¨Zapatero cut civil servants' wages by 5 percent as part of an austerity package after investors drove up Spanish borrowing costs earlier this year over fears the country could be heading for a debt crisis that would trigger a Greek-style bailout.¨ For a wage cut as much as five percent, I would think that more of the Spanish population would have been outraged.

According to Reuters Website, “Trade unions said 10 million people, or more than half the workforce, walked off their jobs, but the government said less than 10 percent of public administration workers and 20 percent of Madrid transportation workers were on strike.” I did not think numbers were this high because I did not see any remote of trouble when I walked to the metro in the morning nor did I have a problem going home after school. But most of all I thought the strike was not a big deal and really did not prove a point to Americans such as myself. According to Western Europe analyst at ControlRisks, ¨The Spanish protest doesn't seem to be large enough to really change anyone's view, either in the market or amongst the Spanish people." I too felt as though the strike did not make much of an impact and was weak. Perhaps the next strike will make more of a difference.

Nudity and The Simpsons

While I was away at Ibiza this weekend, it came to my attention that once again, nudity and sex was not something that was hidden nor a subject matter that the media felt shy towards. Since I arrived at the Ibiza airport, there were posters and billboards that solely promoted the ¨discotecas¨around the area. These clubs had posters that looked risque, yet looked acceptable to promote in such a public area or in other words, they were posters I would see around in the U.S. However, once I arrived at the Ibiza hostel, I found fliers that promoted the different clubs with events that would never occur in America. For instance, a club that my friends and I were planning to go to had a stack of fliers and had a description of the events of the night at the club. While nowhere did it say before we bought the tickets for the club online that there would be porno stars at the club, the fliers informed us that there would be a porno filming taking place at the club. This boggled my mind as to how it was legal...or even how it was socially acceptable. That is when it hit me that Spain can essentially get away with anything sexual; there is no such thing as too sexual and too graphic for the public eye. As long as the public is okay with it, the media follows.
One show that I´ve seen here in Spain, once in Toledo and once in Ibiza is The Simpsons. I am not sure why this show is so popular here, however I´ve tried to see why it might be so appealing to Spain. The Simpsons in America is a blunt show in terms of its
dialouge and the events that occur. Since the Spanish people are very direct in their way of manner, I realized this aspect of the show might be appealing to them. What was also interesting was that according to my friend who is fluent in Spanish, the dialouge of the show in Spanish was a lot harsher and direct than it usually would be in America. It was as if they took the American version and changed the words to make the show even more vulgar.
I am trying to get more into the tv shows here in Spain as well as the magazines to find more interesting qualities that I can learn about however it´s been difficult to follow the media here because aside from the language barrier, I haven´t had any interest in reading the newspapers here. I will try to watch more tv and read more through the internet for more exposure to Spanish media.

The Beginning of GRA 345.1

It has definitely been a culture shock transitioning from the U.S. to Southern Spain, and finally to the long awaited destination, Madrid. Even from the first few classes in Visual Issues in the Media, I´ve learned how different the culture in Spain is in comparison to the United States. When I do look at the media here, I try my best at all times to distance myself from being American and having a biased view; through this I have seen both positives and negative aspects in the Spanish media.
The first thing I noticed about the media here in Spain is that it is liberal and opinionated; the media really has no restrictions to how one-sided an argument can be. The newspapers themselves are outwardly left-sided or right-sided, a few being neutral as well. While the newspapers outwardly choose a political stance, the journalists also are not hesitant to fully support or criticize an event, person, or political decision. This is really far from how the news works in the United States where news must be indifferent to sides in order to be valid and credible. U.S. journalists practice the form of writing that tells a story based strictly on facts.
The lack of censorship in Spanish media was also very surprising. I have seen many gossip magazine covers here with topless women on the front cover. Although these women may be on the beach, American media uses censorship even in gossip magazines to avoid vulgar pictures in the media and any sort of nudity. It may be because while America acknowledges sex and sexuality as a big part of our culture, it still feels the need to oppress it in its media. Spain on the other hand embraces sexuality and sex as part of the culture and really finds no need to deny its presence through its media. As of my first month here in Spain, these are the biggest things I have learned and I hope the longer I live here the more I will be able to open my eyes to even more things.

My Hallmark Comp

hasta luego baby

This semester has gone by too quickly – in the blink of an eye, a computer illiterate being like myself has managed to grasp the adobe programs...and learned to love graphics more than I can imagine. Just like everyone else, I was petrified going into this class. Given that it was a requirement for my then major public relations, I enrolled, expecting boring lectures and an inundated amount of tests and quizzes. Of course, graphics turned out to be one of the most pleasant surprises in my schedule this semester. It became my favorite class, despite the fact that I think I sold my soul to the Newhouse lab devil since. 

But expectations aside, I really am so genuinely happy to have taken the course. My world has been provoked once again, and I enjoy the minute details that typography and great design brings into my life. I feel I've been challenged as a observer through graphics 217...and trying to dissect a logo or design beats those awkward moments in Newhouse when you run into people you really don't want to see. Learning how to design resumes, logos, magazines and websites have also been a huge asset towards my path as a student. Graphics solidified my decision in changing my major to magazine, because I realized that I very much want to immerse myself in an industry that values aesthetics and detail. 

I only hope that other students who have taken graphics 217 can say the same about the course. Greg's genuine concern and interest in students and an otherwise honest (and very much critical eye) has changed how I look at magazines and logos. And in addition, it's great that our class had such a great TA like Chloe who was so extremely helpful and open to suggestion throughout the projects. I very much have a bittersweet feeling departing with this course – knowing that there will be no more manic 3 am moments in the newhouse lab trying to figure how to salvage a file will be blissful – but this class has been one of the most thought-provoking and interesting class I've taken in Newhouse so far. I've realized that all the hype with graphics was true; I fully embrace the nerdiness that I actually secretly love sitting in front of a computer, trying to perfect a design. 

C'est la vie.

Wrap Up Post

I didn't think I would be cut out for a graphics course. I never tried anything creative outside of writing, and I had only basic, minor experience with InDesign. But, this class has been beneficial in many ways that I didn't expect. I now have a strong grasp of previously daunting programs (and can show off to all my "artsy" friends back home who think they know everything). Typography is now a big deal to me. Alicia and I even had a serious discussion about how Rolling Stone got the Madonna layout all wrong. You know a course was important and worthwhile when it changes your perspective outside of the classroom. I don't look at logos, type choices, magazines, etc., the same way I did when I was apprehensive about enrolling in the class. All of the hard work and extra time in the labs were frustrating at times, but now, as I think about it, I'm extremely glad this course immerses you within the topic. Our final products were of course important, but the process of learning what works, what doesn't and how to put it all together will stay with me as I move on to other courses and projects. Learning how to design is like riding a bike...I'll withhold the rest of the metaphor.

Oh, The Places You'll Go

Before this semester, I didn't really know what I wanted to do. Did I want to do advertising? Journalism? Did I even want to be in Newhouse? (actually, that last one's a lie, I definitely knew I wanted to stay in Newhouse). But anyways. So I took this course with much trepidition, as I had heard that it was hard and involved a lot of hours. I imagined long hours sitting in the library studying for tests on typography and other boring (sorry Prof. Hedges!) things. I was very wrong though. Yes, we learned about that, but it wasn't a chore. There were examples in everyday life that I had never thought about, and soon I found myself analyzing the type and layout of an advertisement, instead of the new pink dress that it was actually advertising. The projects we did we useful, and everything we learned in class was actually utilized. We didn't have tests....it wouldn't have helped. Instead, we learned hands on in the labs and on projects. I've also never had a teacher so available for help and critique. Overall, I learned so much in this course. I never saw myself as a graphic designer, but this year I was so incredibly proud of myself, my work, and the effort I put in. This course proved that I could really motivate myself, and for that I'll be forever thankful. This course and Prof. Hedges influenced my semester and caused me to declare Advertising as my major. It also made me put CS5 on my Christmas List. So thanks Professor Hedges, for everything. You really made me enjoy this course. Have a good break, and see you next semester!

Wrapping Up GRA217

Before I took this class, the word 'anxious' could not even begin to describe how I felt about the class. Due to an unfortunate incident back in my early days of childhood, I was told that I had no "art skills" and since then, I have come to accept my lack of creativity and all skills of that form.

I remembered the first time I saw Professor Hedges in his office, I told him that I wasn't the best artist in the world... or something along those lines. I also recall Hedges telling us during class that if we think we're not creative enough for this class, he will prove us wrong.

Well, after three long months of GRA217, I am glad to say that Hedges is right. I may not have aced all the projects in this class but I have learned the skills needed to come up with things that I didn't even think I was capable of producing. It's been a tough ride (especially with almost all my weekends spent in lab) but the whole journey was worth it.

So, I just want to take this opportunity to thank Professor Hedges and Chloe, our lovely TA, for their willingness to help and for believing in each and every one of us! THANK YOU! :D

Final Post For Class

When I saw my friends doing Graphics projects last semester, I was really worried about how I would survive the class...I'm not too savvy with computers to begin with, and on top of that, I did not have any knowledge of the Adobe programs. Although I did take a Commercial Art class during my freshmen year of high school, which allowed me to explore creating projects through programs on the computer, I assumed that college level Graphics would be so much more difficult.

This class was definitely my most challenging, yet rewarding class in college so far. I was never a good test-taker so it was a nice change for me to be able to determine my own grade in a sense. I also had more motivation to do a good job on the projects, not because it was for a grade, but because it was my work with my name on it. There were many times I was frustrated with the programs and myself because I could be at lab for hours and come out with my project looking like I barely did anything; or I would end up having made two changes from a previous draft. Although I felt I put so many extra hours in, I felt like it was never enough.

I also feel like I learned something new about myself. I never thought I was a perfectionist, but through working on these projects I found that in a sense, I am a perfectionist and want everything "just right." I would basically be done with a project, but would spend another hour literally fixing the most minute details possible. I think this class has also taught me the importance of details, rather than the overall picture. It was most definitely a good change of atmosphere and study material from my other classes and although it was hard work and challenging, I secretly enjoyed it a lot!

Wrap Up Post

If GRA 217 had not been a requirement, I know I wouldn't have bothered taking it. Graphics never really interested me, and although I did have minor experience in Photoshop, I didn't really care much for it. After taking this class, however, I notice so many things about typefaces and designs. I unintentionally analyze whether that poster works for the event or if that logo accurately represents the company. I never noticed these things before, but now it's a part of my daily routine.

Even though the class required a lot of time commitment outside of lectures and labs, it was never boring. There were times when I was frustrated and unsatisfied, but it always felt rewarding to be finished with a project and to know that I had made it. I learned so much about InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop that I would not have learned otherwise, and I know it can only help me in the future. I'm glad this class gave me a chance to express my creativity and to appreciate design in the way it deserves. I feel like I got a lot out of this class, and I'm definitely satisfied with the experience I gained while doing all these projects.

Wrap Up Post

I was initially really worried about this class because I had no previous experience in the graphic design field. I must say that this was a pretty intense course. It was very time-consuming and stressful at times. When deadlines approached, I found myself thinking about concepts and visuals that I could use in my project everywhere I went. It essentially became a big part of my life throughout this semester. Although it was stressful, it was a different kind of stress compared to other classes. I actually really enjoyed learning about the topic itself and the skills (InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop). I learned so much within the past 4 months. Since I’m a Public Relations major, graphic design skills and knowledge will be extremely helpful in the future, especially in creating posters, newsletters, or annual reports for a company. I’m really glad that this course was a requirement, or else I would have never taken it. After taking this course, I pay so much more attention to typefaces and graphic designs wherever I go, which scares me from time to time.

Overall, I think the process of working on the projects was much more important than the final products in this course. Despite the fact that I was always stressed during the process of completing the project, I realized that the actual process allowed me to learn a lot. Although I am truly happy that there aren’t any more projects, I am definitely going to miss this class! :( 

Wrap Up Post

GRA...what a time consuming, frustrating and yet beneficial class! Yes, it took over my life this semester with the deadlines and trying to figure out how to use InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop, but I am pretty sure that I have obtained some really important skills for my field of advertising. Although I want to be a copywriter, I will have the basic knowledge to work with the artists and know what is possible to create in these programs. Furthermore, if I was to work for a smaller agency where one wears many hats, I would be able to complete graphical requirements. Already, I have been able to use it in my current job, helping the graphic designers and pointing out revisions to make. Besides the career-wise benefits, I feel like I am able to critique real-life posters, signs, billboards, etc. Also, typeface choices have become a huge deal to me. Actually being able to see how they interact with a piece, I know will be an asset. It is almost scary though, when I find myself noticing everything, leading, tracking, use of white space, hierarchy, etc. with almost every graphical piece I look at!

Wrap Up Post

I was really happy that I was able to take this course. Growing up, I always wanted to express myself creatively through photography or graphics or anything. However, my family did not have the money for me to do these things and I didn't have the right connections so I always longed to learn how to use the programs and create stuff. And since I'm on scholarship here I was finally able to develop the skills that I've always wanted by taking this course. For me, the experience was very freeing and exciting. This course really helped me to take the step in the creative direction that I've always wanted to go in.

Here's one thing I learned this semester: Even if you're getting an A in one class, that class can still bring your GPA down. How? It sucks a lot of your time and energy out so you can't concentrate on all of your other classes. Yes, I'm talking to you GRA 217!!! This class was very time consuming and that would be the only negative thing about it. It should be 4 credits. (Like seriously. Biology is 4 credits and that has a lab... just like graphics!)

Besides learning technical skills like using inDesign, I learned how to appreciate graphics and see it in a different way. When I look at an ad or text now, I always look at it from a graphic designer's point of view.

So thank you Hedges for teaching me all of that. It totally sucks that you're leaving SU after Spring semester =( ... who am I gonna take Advanced Graphics with now!??

-Christine Oh

Wrap It Up Post

I have to agree with what Ryan said. This was one of those classes that going in, I was dreading. I had no idea what to think when we started learning about this typeface and that typeface. Typography and images never seemed all too special to me. But once we actually got into doing the projects, I realized how fun design could actually be. Although it was a little painstaking and dreadful staying in the lab for hours trying to fix up the tiniest little things to try and perfect the projects, running back and forth from the lab to Hedge's office with something new to fix each time, I actually enjoyed it. This was the first class in a really long time that actually allowed me to be creative, and I'm happy I took it.
Now, when I look at different ads or logos or whatnot, I find my self saying, "Really?" and analyzing it and thinking of all the things they should have done to make it better. Even though I don't know if I'll ever take another graphics course, or ever do anything that deals with graphics, I'm glad i learned the things I've learned in this class. Especially since I plan to go into the magazine world after college, it's definitely a plus to know how to lay out a magazine design. All in all, I'm actually really happy i took this course.

Ryan Gerhardt: Final Wrap Up Post

For me, the original reason that I took the class was because it was a requirement in Newhouse. If it hadn't been, I'm not so sure I would have chosen it. However, I'm glad it was a requirement. While this class has been a lot of work, a lot of it is pretty fun most of the time. Plus, I think it was good to have developed some skill and familiarity with these programs. I am quite technologically illiterate and was scared of most of the software when we started out. Now that I'm leaving the class though, I feel that I have a decent grasp on how to use most of it even if I'm not as proficient as I probably could be.

Being an advertising major, I'm sure some graphics knowledge and ability will come in handy when I get into some of my upper level courses and out into the real world. Like I said, some of the projects such as the magazine project I found to be fun and may even take another graphics course at some point. (so long as it is graded very leniently). If nothing else, I now know how to make a pretty cool looking resume.

The New Sun Maid Girl Controversey

The Sun Maid Raisins girl got a makeover and it has caused so much controversy! I don't understand why people are making such a great deal about it, but I personally don't like this new change. Betty Crocker did it, Aunt Jemima did it, and Mrs. Butterworth all did it so I guess the Sun Maid Girl thought she had to keep up and become younger and "prettier" as well. It's probably a result of all the media images that we have around today in television, movies, magazines, etc. Although I have no problem with modern images and such, to me, this Sun Maid Girl looks like Barbie. I thought the old Sun Maid Raisins Girl looked fine the way she was and if anything, gave a more home-ier touch to the brand. Now for some reason, the brand looks like it isn't as authentic and established as it was before. This new Sun Maid Raisins Girl, who by the way looks like she had a fake tan and has a lot of make-up on, makes the brand look cheaper. If I were a loyal customer to the product, I would also start to think if my raisins would change or taste different too. For some reason, the new face of the box bothers me. It just looks so fake and superficial and unpromising? I don't know why, but I don't think I'll buy these raisins anymore. Supposedly the girl is going to get a name and have advertisements that portray her doing "womanly" things such as working out, and going shopping/grocery shopping. She might even speak multiple languages. I understand the company is trying to modernize their brand, but I'm not buying it.

Art Directors Club, really?

The Art Directors Club was formed to bring together layout artists, managers of art departments and art buyers to explore the role of art in advertising. The old logo (the one on the left) was said to have been designed based on an update of Albrecht Durer's signature as he was an appropriate model having had sold his commercial prints on the street directly to people instead of working on commission.

Personally, I feel that both logos do not do a good job of representing the group well. But if I had to choose between the two, the old logo makes more sense than the new one as the old logo has a story behind it. The new logo seems plain and uninteresting especially for a group that is meant to explore the role of art in advertising. The new logo is also misleading as it spells out the name of the club and may just end up confusing people who do not know of this club to think that the group is exclusive to art directors only.

Although the color of the new logo is striking, it is not relevant to the club at all. The typeface used in the new logo has no depth to it. While the old logo doesn't say much about the club, it is at least artsier than the new logo which will most likely attract people in the art field.

In a nutshell, both logos are not doing their job of representing the group's cause and the Art Directors Club NEED to come up with a better logo!

Source: Brand New

New Logo, New Identity

The Oakland Museum of California is creating a new identity for itself, starting with a change in their logo. Whereas the older logo seemed to give off a traditional and professional feel, the new logo is more young and modern – but not necessarily in a good way.

One thing that surprised me about the new logo is that it is completely different from the old one. The font is different; the spacing is different; the emphasis on hierarchy of words is different; the colors are different. In fact, it’s hard to imagine that the two logos are representing the same brand at all, as if the designer wanted the new logo to have absolutely no associate with the old one.

The old logo, with its blue and white colors, looked a lot more reputable. It gave people the idea that OMCA was a museum dedicated to enriching visitors about the history of California. However, when I look at the new logo, I get the sense that it is not a historical museum, but a museum for modern art. The emphasis the old logo placed on “CA” disappeared in the new logo because the letters “O” and “M” are given the same exact treatment. This makes it harder for people – especially visitors who do not live in California – to realize that the museum is about California. I would think this would be one of the more important details of the logo, but it seems as if the designer assumed that everyone already knew what OMCA was and did not take into account the people who may be unfamiliar with it.

Another disappointment with the new logo is that it is hard to read. In an attempt to emphasize OMCA, the designer made those letters bigger and bolder. However, in the process, he split up the word museum into two lines: “mu” and “seum.” Although this may not be the case for everyone, when I first looked at the new logo, I didn’t realize that the two lines were supposed to be combined to spell out “museum.” Instead, “mu” looked like it was supposed to be one separate word, “seu” another word, and the letter “M” looked like it had been placed there randomly. I am not very fond of the way the designer spaced out the name of the museum or emphasized the hierarchy of certain letters. Instead of giving it the modern look that the designer might have been going for, I feel that it makes the logo look like a jumble of random letters that don’t make sense.

Learning about Flash from...Jim Carrey?

Recently, I saw Entertainment Weekly posted a short blog entry about Jim Carrey's unique and extremely cool new Web site (check it out here). Since it heavily utilizes Flash and we just finished discussing the capabilities of Flash-based designs, I thought it would be useful to post.

This is not a typical Web site. Visuals, not text, become the main interaction with a reader. The links to other pages are far from simple cuts to a static page (click around to see what I mean). Carrey's official site shows the immense possibilities of interface technology.

Also, it might be helpful to visit the company (65 Media) that designed the Web site. Their design is very similar to their work for Jim Carrey.

If only we could design something like this.