Project Description: Create a Compact Disc cover. Invent your own music band or video game!

Project Directions: Design the front and back covers.

You will create:

• 3 thumbnail sketches,
• 2 mockup sets in Photoshop, and
• 1 rubric.

This project will be very similar to how a graphic designer works with a client:

• brainstorming & research
• thumbnails
• mockups submitted to client (in this case, me)
• client requests revisions
• make revisions and refine final design

The results will be shown and critiqued with the class. This final project will be worth 100 points.

 

Getting Started

• Start by researching online how music CD/video game covers are designed. A good place to start is amazon.com.
• If you have a CD collection at home, look at how the front and back covers are designed to work together (unity).
• Decide what your product (music CD or video game) will be.

 

Part 1 : 3 Thumbnail Sets (10 points, Due December 3rd)

• All three thumbnail sets will be for the same product.
• Draw six squares on a sheet of paper (three sets of two).
• Write your name on your paper. Label the sets "front" and "back" at the top. Number the sets down the side.

• Complete three thumbnail design sets, front and back covers, in pencil.
• Color with colored pencils (NOT markers, which bleed and do not allow for subtle color.)

• Turn in your 3 full-color thumbnail sets before continuing with Part 2.

 

Part 2 : 2 Mockups (20 points, Due December 8)

• Create a folder in your group folder called lastnamefirstinitial final.
• Both mockups will be for the same product you chose for your thumbnails.
• Create two "mockup" designs in Photoshop, each having a front and back cover. That will make four total files.
• Each file must be started as a NEW file in Photoshop:
  • File > New
  • Name: (name it mockup 1 or 2, and identify whether front or back: e.g. "mockup 1 front.psd")
  • Width: 4.75 inches
  • Height: 4.75 inches
  • Resolution: 300 pixels/inch
  • Click OK.

• Your files MUST be this image size and resolution, or I will not accept them for a grade.
• I will be available to help you figure out any tricky maneuvers or effects you are attempting.
• The mockups must be distinct from one another, giving a client a good choice between designs.
• When you are done, you should have four files with names similar to these:
  • mockup 1 front.psd
  • mockup 1 back.psd
  • mockup 2 front.psd
  • mockup 2 back.psd
• EXTRA CREDIT (10 points): You may design a spine (the side edge) if you like. It should be 4.75 inches wide by 0.25 inches high and 300 pixels/inch.
  • mockup 1 spine.psd
  • mockup 2 spine.psd

• Turn in your 2 mockups in your group folder before continuing to Part 3.

 

Part 3 : 1 Rubric (10 points, Due December 10)

Complete a rubric and self-assessment.

 

Requirements (General)

• All designs must be for the same product, whether it be a music CD for a specific band and album, or a specific video game.
• You must turn in Part 1 to get credit for Part 2, and you must turn in Part 2 to get get credit for Part 3.

 

Requirements (Mockups and Final)

• All Photoshop files must be layered.
• You must have at least one graphic on both the front and back covers.
• You must have identifying text on both the front and back covers.
• Add at least three alterations to each cover design. These may include but are not limited to:
  • altered colors
  • a filter
  • a layer effect or layer style
  • a blend mode
  • warped text

 

Turn in Your Work

Put all of your all your work into your group folder.