Lesson 17 InDesign

Sorry that this brochure is SO many pages!!! 

For my example I downloaded the 2011 World Fest (In Branson, MO) brochure. On the computer this example is 6 pages of full color; text and pictures. The brochure looks very exciting and inviting, both good things when trying to catch the attention of a passer-by looking for something fun to do while in the entertainment city. To me, the design of the brochure is the typical Silver Dollar City style, visually showing the different aspects of the parks and family bonding. However, this brochure is unique in showing entertainment and fun all around the Branson area. There are other attractions such as Showboat Branson Belle, Dixie Stampede, White Water and more. As for the World Fest portion the designer certainly didn’t stay away from the added “pizzazz” needed to illuminate the different cultures present and their specialties especially with a headliner reading “OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD Performances.” I honestly don’t have any improvements to this brochure. If I was going to say something I would say to try a new style, but then it wouldn’t be as easily recognizable to the familiar eye. What I find so familiar are the pictures of the folks who work at Silver Dollar City, blowing glass, making pottery and the scrumptious food. It’s aspects like those that make this brochure so well-known to individuals who have previously been to the park or have researched. It is also staples like those that make people comfortable with the information being given.

The Yellow Brick Road to InDesign

As I've been struggling with understanding InDesign more than I expected, I've found that tutorials help; even with the MOST basic steps!!

Here is the site I've been using for how to maneuver around the program; I hope it helps.
http://help.adobe.com/en_US/InDesign/6.0/WS136D91ED-FAC8-4f4e-82A7-CF406D0131BB.html

Ahhhh.......HELP!!!!

As I've spent the past few days trying to finish up these first few InDesign lessons I am finding out that I really do NOT like this program. I feel like it doesn't have as many options as Photoshop and Illustrator, which I understand it's not so much for creating designs and objects but more so for creating publications. However I don't understand how to do some of the most simple things, like rotating an object with the selection too..maybe I just need to spend some more time with the program.

InDesign Shortcuts

Although the programs are greatly alike, it's always nice to have a refresher of the shortcuts and to know the new ones that are available in the new program.

Here is a good link for shortcuts for InDesign CS4
http://help.adobe.com/en_US/InDesign/6.0/WSa285fff53dea4f8617383751001ea8cb3f-7016a.html

Hope it helps :)

Lessons 12 & 13 Reflections

Lesson 12 B

For me, it was more difficult to find a logo for a company that puts together symbol, product and text. Coca-Cola seems to be the best fit for this option. There are many Coca-Cola logos and more often than not anyone could associate each logo back to the correct product because it is such a diverse and well known company. With this logo, the red color shows dominance, it proves importance. I think the symbol, shows unity, meaning the Coke is appreciated through-out the world, bringing everyone together; and the fact that it resembles a bottle top isn’t a bad thing either. Finally, the text was created just for Coca-Cola (something I learned on my tour of the Coca-Cola factory during spring break) I think that is important because it means when you see the font, you immediately associate it with Coca-Cola, and it shows dominance of the logo being white and centered. As for the product, the glass bottle, even though you don’t see too many of them floating around now, they are still the time-honored symbol of Coke. I think the glass bottle represents “from the beginning” for Coke.

Lesson 13 A

Integrating Adobe-The Dynamic Duo

1.      When using both photography and illustrations, it is good to use both programs, not just one, so that you get the best outcome.

2.      Determining the size of the art board or canvas is crucial. It is important for both to be the EXACT same size so nothing gets skewed in the process.

3.      It is easier to build from Illustrator so convert objects to smart objects once you’ve built them and then open them into Photoshop.

4.      Use bounding boxes to keep your objects aligned when placing between the programs. (The bounding boxes should be no fill, no stroke)

5.      Always work at 100%, from the beginning of your project.