Recruitment Notepad Project

For the first project in Digital File Preparation this semester, we were given the task of designing recruitment scratch pads that were aimed to catch the attention of high school students considering the Graphics and Imaging Technology program at PSU. Here are some images below that chronicle my process of designing this project.

Word Matrix: The word matrix is used as a tool get get the creative juices flowing. Begin with target audience and work your way out with different traits that your target audience would have, be interested in, buys, etc.

Thumbs: Thumbs are the second step of this design process. Drawn out closely to the same scale as the final project, these are where the ideas get plotted out in order for the designer to begin the process of elimination. Most designers just draw out their thumbs, but I enjoy doing some digitally for a different aspect of inspiration.

Roughs: Once the thumbs are narrowed down and redesigned, next comes the roughs. Drawn out to exact scale, the roughs include visible margin and bleed lines and display a more detailed (but still rough) rendering of what the final design will portray.

PDF Proof: As part of the final packaged file, the PDF Proof is used to display the design as is, with color bar at the top for printing purposes. 

The initial guidelines that we face in designing this project were easy but still restricting. This design can only use black ink in order to stay within budget, size is unspecified (however we once again had to consider the budget), must have 50 sheets, and be perfect bound with chip board backing. After studying my target audience, I decided to go with the distressed punk theme. I used the reversed border to create a style while designating the scratch pad area. Overall the design of this project was enlightening mostly in the printing aspect of the assignment. It truly is very crucial to have the correct packaged file prepared before going to print, which includes all fonts, the correct instructions, dimensions, file format, and absolutely nothing extra that could possibly cause confusion in the long run.