Web Publication Design

Scenario: You are a graphic designer working for an in-house graphic design department for Spokane Falls Community College. The program coordinator for the graphic design program has requested an online publication to use as a marketing tool.

The client would like to create a publication that is accessible from desktop computers, tablets, and smart phones.

The client would like to see 3 different creative approaches. The client will then sign off on one for the final design. Once the creative approach has been determined you will then produce a tight comprehensive design. The client has asked that the files be put on a server for review.

You will work with your art director on research, idea exploration, and concept development. You will submit thumbnails to the art director, who will then choose 3 concepts to develop into 3 tight roughs.

Once the roughs have been approved by the art director, the client will select one for the final comp. In order to make sure that the job is... a) scheduled appropriately, b) views correctly on various platforms / browsers, and c) all electronic files are configured correctly, you will be in close contact with the production manager.

The final comprehensive design will need to simulate the final online design as closely as possible. The client has asked that all digital files be delivered in order to upload it to their internet service provider's (ISP) server. Production Notes:

Design Concepts must contain:

Nameplate:
The Home Page
(subhead) SFCC Graphic Design Program Update
Content:
All text files and images will be available on the server. The content will contain a mix of long-term information, and timely updates for current activities and events. These may include:
- Activities of the AdFederation; ADDY awards, Preflight Portfolio review, speakers and programs, and social events.
- Graphic Design Club activities; Graduate Show, guest speakers, fund-raisers, trips and tours, club merchandise.
- News from the alumni.
- Scholarships
- Marketing competitions.
- Industry news and reports; AIGA surveys, List Apart Web survey, etc.
- Explanation of the program and application process.
Target Markets:
The publication should effectively market the program to several audiences:
- High school seniors and other potential students
- Parents of potential students
- Design, advertising and marketing businesses (Spokane and Regional)
- Potential students seeking retraining or career change

Illustrations are needed, but clip-art from various sources must be altered to show a unified technique.
The publication should appear contemporary, informal, informative, and inviting to the reader.
The client wishes to appear authoritative, informative, organized and as a fun and exciting learning environment.

Roughs: Rough layouts should be JPG files. Roughs should be submitted as instructed.

Comps:The final will consist of JPG files and include all design components outlined as instructed.

CALENDAR
Instructors: Smith | Stiles & Crabtree

Step 1: Meet with your projects instructor.

Go to the Online newsletter project page and collect the project information: Projects Course Syllabus
Print out a copy of the sign-off sheet.
Schedule a meeting with the projects instructor, who will be your account executive for this project.

Step 2: Meet with your process instructor.

Go to the Online newsletter process page and collect the process information.
Schedule a meeting with the process instructor, who will be your art director for this project.

Step 3: Meet with your technology instructor.

Go to the Online newsletter technology page and collect the tech information.
Tech Course Syllabus
Schedule a meeting with the technology instructor, who will be your production manager for this project.
Determine prerequisite skills necessary to complete the project.
Complete project tutorials and exercises.

Step 4: Complete project research.

Define the target audience.
Define the client need.
Collect examples of online online newsletter designs.

Step 5: Develop thumbnails

Create three different concepts for the menu design.
Sketch the online newsletter design in thumbnail form.
Verify that your work meets thumbnail criteria.
Submit thumbnails to the art director for sign off / approval.

Step 6: Develop rough layouts.

Develop roughs from thumbnails which were approved by the art director.
Rough layouts will be to size of the online newsletter and communicate more detail than the thumbnails.
Verify that your work meets roughs criteria.
Submit roughs to the art director for sign off / approval.

Step 7: Submit rough layouts to the client.

After the art director approves your roughs, meet with the client and present your designs.
The client will sign off and approve the design to be taken to final stage.

Step 8: Meet with the lab instructor.

Determine the skills and steps needed to produce your design (digital strategy).
Discuss your digital strategy with the production manager.
Ask the production manager about any issues you are unsure of.
When it is clear that you understand how to produce your design correctly and efficiently, the production manager will sign off / approve your strategy.

Step 9: Produce the digital comp.

Create imagery using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
Assemble text, images and create html documents using Macromedia Dreamweaver.
Conform to standard web criteria for all file preparation and type formatting.
Make backup copies of all files after each work session.
Print a black and white laser proof within a browser window and check for correctness and accuracy.
Have "PEER REVIEW / CRITIQUE" of your grayscale digital comps.
Make appropriate revisions.
Copy all final documents to the server folder(s) specified by the client and production manager.
Make an appointment with your art director for sign off / approval.

Step 10: Verify correct file preparation with your lab instructor.

Using the the web checklist have a "TECHNOLOGY PEER REVIEW" of your project files before meeting a lab instructor
Make an appointment with your lab instructor to sign off on the following:
* hand in studio (lab) time sheet
* show back up filing system
* discuss file organization and naming conventions
* discuss learning strategies
Verify:
* Correct raster file sampling and preparation
•Correct color usage
• Only necessary files are included for ISP
* Correct sizing of web pages
* Web browser compatibility
* PC and Mac Platform compatibility
Submit project checklist to your lab instructor for approval / sign-off.

Step 11: Submit final comp to the client for sign off / approval.

Project should be linked up to the roster page provided.
Project should be presented using the html template provided.
Client should receive all digital documents and a composite pdf file on the server as specified by the client.