Project 3 Preliminary Critique

[jmkreno]

Unfortunately, I just got home from work (started at 7am) so I hope this isn't too late.

I didn't have time to finish my 2nd prelim design so it's hand sketched, but I do have the other one I did in photoshop.

Prelim design (my fav). I am not sure if I want to go retro and use a CRT monitor...
Design 1:

Design 2 - colors are black outside. Image of reno in upper right.:

[R3YNO]

Woot a Windows User user!

I like the idea of using a LCD instead of the CRT since people may assume oh hey they must use CRT monitors they must not get enough money. I like the idea of changing the Samsung logo to the TMCC one on the display. You may want to consider having a adobe like software up since that is our primary tool set.

[jmkreno]

I was thinking of putting up a "graphics" program. I was tempted and may still use Windows "desktop", using the icons as links and then have open a program like photoshop...or even CADD or something similar showcasing the program. It would have to be Windows since I don't have ready access to a mac desktop...

Thanks!

[deni]

I like the top one and I agree with Chris about the TMCC logo. I think the Reno Arch photo is not the best choice - maybe use a photo of the campus from the hills or something like that. I think the Arch conveys so much more about the area and not so much about TMCC. Maybe that's just my preference though.

I like the computer screen idea a lot and it's and great idea.

Denise

[cheyanne]

I am honestly not a big fan of the whole computer within a computer concept. I think the juxtaposition between the monitor and the windows-95 style stuff is a little confusing. I think the design would be cool if you took away the computer and the windows and just let it be.

[angelraiders]

I like the retro monitor better. The new one sort of looks like an advertisement to me. I like your overal concept of having A computer within a computer.

[sktlz1965]

Well, it seems there Is a little battle between those liking the computer in the computer and those not, but with putting that aside if you make the choice to go with the computer you should push it a lot further...Honestly when I saw it I thought it looked like a TV screen, I did not pick up computer until I saw your little browser window, And with that said I would play with that as well, its very old school (like Windows 95???) not sure but I if you go old school then take it OLD SCHOOL ALL THE WAY, but if you choose to go MODERN TAKE IT MODERN, personally I think Macs speak more openly of graphic designers and its something very embedded in the industry of design and something designers relate with, so I would consider using it. You can find PLENTY of imagery of macs and mad desktops online in good quality, high-resolutions...just something to think about. Hope my input helped!

Faith

[TommieGuy]

I'm leaning towards the sketch. I kept trying to make the terminal type and CRT image work in my head, thinking the coolness factor would make it win. But I can't reconcile the vintage look with what this GRC program speaks to me. --I think prospective students could be subliminally programmed by your depiction of old machines and think we're very 'old skool'. OK, I'm being silly. but that's only because I don't know how to communicate what I'm trying to say.

so inept.

tommie

[Instructor]

I tend to like the sketch paper idea as well.

I think the monitor design can go some interesting places, but I think it needs to be a Mac (to reflect that this and most graphics programs use Macs). I'm also not sold on the pseudo HTML navigation. Our program is about making stuff look pretty, the code is only the man behind the curtain. A more "code looking" website might advertise that we teach more coding than we do.

The sketch on the other hand could be taken in many different directions, you cold have the sketch morphing into a real design to reflect the programs design process. Or you could have it as a thumbnail background with "real designs" placed on top. You cold have collages of the million supplies the program makes you buy along with a mouse or a WACOM tablet. The sky's the limit.

Good luck and good work.

[JohnLemieux]

I like the first design more but I will have to agree with changing the photos. The Reno Arch doesn't exactly scream TMCC Graphics Communications. I also like the idea of if you are going to go retro with the Windows 95 look, go even more retro, and use an old Apple computer, which both reflects how graphic designers tend to use Macs while still having a "dated" look. Of course one problem with using something like and Apple II would be graphics then were very limited. Play around with it though and look for a middle ground.