Sunday, March 29, 2009
ad crit-7
For my seventh ad crit, I decided to analyze the cover of a book. The ‘For Dummies’ series is something bright and funny, and I figured something with which almost everyone was familiar with.
At a first glance, most of us recognize the brightly colored cover. The yellow, black and blue cover has become almost an icon in itself to many who read fairly regularly. The very simple ‘cartoon’ illustration is also a familiar face, but let’s takes a look at how the cover is really broken down.
While the book uses very limited colors, it has somewhat the same impact as one of the many cereal boxes we have looked at in the past. Large font, too much font and sporadic placement confuse the eye. I suppose one’s eye is drawn to the large black banner covering the top half of the cover, but then one is quickly confused on where to look next. There are way too many large elements for any kind of flow, and I feel if it weren’t for the immediate recognition of the cover and where to look for the particular subject, you wouldn’t know what was going on!
The cover follows the rule of thirds for the most part, which appears to be one of the only design aspects used correctly. Again, there is too much information being stated on the cover for the placement of it. Rogue blurbs and banners are highlighted with information that could be listed much smaller or in a more concise order that would make the book more attractive. The consultant’s name and title could be included with the cartoon bubble text without loosing any pertinent information. I also feel that the ‘A reference for the rest of Us!’ could be included somewhere under the main title in the black banner-box cleaning up the cover to help it’s haphazard design.
At a first glance, most of us recognize the brightly colored cover. The yellow, black and blue cover has become almost an icon in itself to many who read fairly regularly. The very simple ‘cartoon’ illustration is also a familiar face, but let’s takes a look at how the cover is really broken down.
While the book uses very limited colors, it has somewhat the same impact as one of the many cereal boxes we have looked at in the past. Large font, too much font and sporadic placement confuse the eye. I suppose one’s eye is drawn to the large black banner covering the top half of the cover, but then one is quickly confused on where to look next. There are way too many large elements for any kind of flow, and I feel if it weren’t for the immediate recognition of the cover and where to look for the particular subject, you wouldn’t know what was going on!
The cover follows the rule of thirds for the most part, which appears to be one of the only design aspects used correctly. Again, there is too much information being stated on the cover for the placement of it. Rogue blurbs and banners are highlighted with information that could be listed much smaller or in a more concise order that would make the book more attractive. The consultant’s name and title could be included with the cartoon bubble text without loosing any pertinent information. I also feel that the ‘A reference for the rest of Us!’ could be included somewhere under the main title in the black banner-box cleaning up the cover to help it’s haphazard design.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
ad crit-6
For my sixth ad crit, I decided to search the net instead of finding something in the house to examine. I found this 'logo' for the College of the Sequoias Social Work Club and decided to use this as the example.
I'm very confused, what's going on here? I am attracted to the use of color, which may indicate unity of some kind, but the whole design is very angular and cold to me. I suppose the little jagged people running or dancing or whatever look like they could be holding hands as a united front as well, but I don't understand the correlation of anything. Are rainbows a symbol of social work? Is the 'jaggedness' of the rainbow-like image representational of chaos and social workers can band together and fix it? What is the white spot in the center-bottom of the rainbow?
Another problem I have is with the font across the top. The bottom of the 'COS' and 'club' are cut off, and the 'social work' is akwardly bold and while curved, flat somehow. Maybe the jagged people are supposed to be holding up the heavy social work banner, but not reaching it-?
While I can't find much of anything that draws me to the logo, I think it could be reworked and be a powerful image. One thing I would do is play off of the sequoia aspect. They are huge, strong and can obviously stand the test of time-what better idea to use in your image? I also would use a circle or elipse to contain the sequoia, to give or reinforce that united feel, feeling of comfort and security. I would then find out if there was anything meaningful they would like to represent or associate with their club.
Bless their hearts, maybe I will contact them and offer to redesign their logo for them. I'm sensing a good resume builder and summer project!
I'm very confused, what's going on here? I am attracted to the use of color, which may indicate unity of some kind, but the whole design is very angular and cold to me. I suppose the little jagged people running or dancing or whatever look like they could be holding hands as a united front as well, but I don't understand the correlation of anything. Are rainbows a symbol of social work? Is the 'jaggedness' of the rainbow-like image representational of chaos and social workers can band together and fix it? What is the white spot in the center-bottom of the rainbow?
Another problem I have is with the font across the top. The bottom of the 'COS' and 'club' are cut off, and the 'social work' is akwardly bold and while curved, flat somehow. Maybe the jagged people are supposed to be holding up the heavy social work banner, but not reaching it-?
While I can't find much of anything that draws me to the logo, I think it could be reworked and be a powerful image. One thing I would do is play off of the sequoia aspect. They are huge, strong and can obviously stand the test of time-what better idea to use in your image? I also would use a circle or elipse to contain the sequoia, to give or reinforce that united feel, feeling of comfort and security. I would then find out if there was anything meaningful they would like to represent or associate with their club.
Bless their hearts, maybe I will contact them and offer to redesign their logo for them. I'm sensing a good resume builder and summer project!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
ad crit-5
For my fifth ad critique, I decided to take a look at the cereal box "Honey Bunches of Oats". I figured since our class had reviewed several different cereal boxes recently, this would be the a natural choice for the next ad.
Upon first glance, this box is pleasing to the eye. The majority of color used, (a warm, golden yellow and a soothing, medium blue), do their job and make the palette visually interesting.
As far as the composition of the box, or the layout of the design, I feel it works fairly well. It's not screaming chaos and confusion like Fruity Pebbles and some of the others, while it is simple, it is effective. There are only a few eye-catching components: the 'sunny' Honey Bunches of Oats round emblem, the spoon and actual cereal with matching colors to the golden yellow emblem, and the almonds and font. The 'POST' name and the double box sign, both in red are relatively small and unobtrusive.
Another design element that ironically helps the eye- catchiness of the box is the use of white space. Although the main logo is dead center, and it could be a bit more interestingly placed, it is surrounded by an even amount of white space, making the design simple yet strong.
While the box only uses a limited color scheme and very basic design elements, it still stands out against others more wild and confusing designs.
Upon first glance, this box is pleasing to the eye. The majority of color used, (a warm, golden yellow and a soothing, medium blue), do their job and make the palette visually interesting.
As far as the composition of the box, or the layout of the design, I feel it works fairly well. It's not screaming chaos and confusion like Fruity Pebbles and some of the others, while it is simple, it is effective. There are only a few eye-catching components: the 'sunny' Honey Bunches of Oats round emblem, the spoon and actual cereal with matching colors to the golden yellow emblem, and the almonds and font. The 'POST' name and the double box sign, both in red are relatively small and unobtrusive.
Another design element that ironically helps the eye- catchiness of the box is the use of white space. Although the main logo is dead center, and it could be a bit more interestingly placed, it is surrounded by an even amount of white space, making the design simple yet strong.
While the box only uses a limited color scheme and very basic design elements, it still stands out against others more wild and confusing designs.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
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