Download - MFA Graduate Portfolio
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PROVOKEDTO SPEAK
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PROVOKEDTO SPEAK
CONTENTS
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CONTENTS
PROJECT TITLE PAGE
ONE KAPLAN 11
TWO CHICAGO BULLS 27
THREE COLORFUL TRUTH 49
FOUR LORENA GARCIA 77
FIVE DIRTY AMERICA 95
SIX POETIC WEEKDAYS 109
SEVEN TRANSLATED SIGNS 127
EIGHT PHILIPS: HARMONY 143
NINE THESIS: PUSH 159
LIFE EXPERIENCES ARE THE DEVELOPMENTAL PROCESSES THAT CREATE AND INFLUENCE A PERSONS VOICE. EVEN THE QUIETEST PERSON HAS SOMETHING TO SAY. I HAVE A VOICE AND I’M LETTING IT OUT AS I’VE BEEN PROVOKED TO SPEAK.
PROVOKEDTO SPEAKINFLUENCE
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Every project that I’ve taken on is somehow influenced by some other
experience in my life. It’s been said that experience is the best teacher.
I could not agree more as I have been fortunate enough to learn, take
inspiration, be encouraged, and become a bit wiser thanks to others and
the many different experiences that I’ve had in life. It’s also great to be
able to pass those same benefits on.
It’s my firm belief that most designers who are conceptual thinkers are
influenced by the things in life that have had some type of impact on them.
It might be that architectural design or simply their routine of grabbing ice
cream with family on hot Sunday afternoons...both things that can influence
the creative process. My influences range from the unexplainable courtesy
and patience that someone once showed, to the written artistic talent of
another type of artist, and even the experiences of racism...all influences
to my work. These are all things that spark and hold my interest and push
me to be a better designer. No matter if it’s been a bad, neutral, or positive
experience, they all have worked together to form my opinions, ideas, and
my voice. And I only find it fitting to share them.
THE DAILY GRIND ROUTINE. WORK. PLAY. SOME IN BETWEEN. NO MATTER THE OCCASION, DRESSING WITH STYLE IS NEVER OPTIONAL.
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PROJECT ONE | KAPLAN
OBJECTIVE: Find and photograph handmade signage throughout the city. Take
the initial intent of the signage and create a branded campaign based on it. This
project involved a men’s clothing store with the original signage advertising the
price of a particular brand of coats that were on sale.
CONCEPT: In analyzing the original intent of the signage, I considered what the
store could look like with an unlimited budget and rebranded. The designed
was tailored to the urban male with the idea of taking subtle city elements and
blending them with an upscale look in a complete system. The items designed
for the store included a catalog, clothing tags, shopping bag, magazine ads,
and fashion show DVD.
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ONE KAPLAN BRANDING
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course instructor photography
VISUAL IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
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ONE KAPLAN BRANDING
15THE PROCESSThe development of the Kaplan rebrand started with a handmade store sign and progressed with a series a sketches, mood boards and writings.
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VISUAL IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
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ONE KAPLAN BRANDING
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VISUAL IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
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ONE KAPLAN BRANDING
19MAGAZINE ADSKAPLAN has stores in all the major U.S. markets and advertises to each uniquely. One form of advertising is through fashion magazines.
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VISUAL IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
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ONE KAPLAN BRANDING
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VISUAL IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
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ONE KAPLAN BRANDING
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VISUAL IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
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ONE KAPLAN BRANDING
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VISUAL IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
HOW WOULD IT FEEL IF YOU WERE TOLD THAT YOU HAD TO FILL THE SAME SHOES THAT ANOTHER MAN ONCE WALKED IN?
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PROJECT TWO | THE CHICAGO BULLS: REBRANDED
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TWO CHICAGO BULLS BRANDING
OBJECTIVE: Research an existing brand that has either died or does not have
the same impact that it once had. Take that brand and revitalize it with a new
look. Also create a brand extension aimed at giving more life to the company
beyond what regular product or service they provide.
CONCEPT: The chosen brand was the NBA Chicago Bulls. Despite being one of
the most historically popular teams in the NBA, it is also one of the teams that
has evolved very little over the years as its uniforms and logo look pretty much
the same as it’s original concept designed during the 60’s. The championship
era during the 90’s was something great and may never be repeated. Since then,
the Bulls have been living under the shadow of that era and trying to return to
that place. It may be better to let history be and bring a new era and attitude of
winning back to the city of Chicago and the Bulls organization.
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NATURE OF IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
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TWO CHICAGO BULLS BRANDING
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“Play. Win. Evolve!”®
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NATURE OF IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
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TWO CHICAGO BULLS BRANDING
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NATURE OF IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
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TWO CHICAGO BULLS BRANDING
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NATURE OF IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
.com
CHICAGO BULLS.com
tickets players team news schedule store
search
98%
six+.com
enter
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TWO CHICAGO BULLS BRANDING
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NATURE OF IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
OFF THE COURT
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TWO CHICAGO BULLS BRANDING
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NATURE OF IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
CHICAGO BULLS
United CenterFri, Oct 10 2008
CHICAGO BULLS
Detroit Pistonsvs.Chicago Bulls
Sec Row Seat112 5 B
United CenterTues, Oct 21 2008
Phoenix Sunsvs.Chicago Bulls
Sec Row Seat112 5 B
CHICAGO BULLS
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TWO CHICAGO BULLS BRANDING
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NATURE OF IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
logo typeface alone
logo typeface with Bull logo
CHICAGOBULLS
0.75
CHICAGOBULLS
1.5X
X
1.5X
1.5X
0.25’ = X
Logo space treatment
logo typeface with Bull logo
logo typeface alone
logo typeface alone unstacked
logo typeface alone stacked CHICAGOBULLS =
0.5
0.5
0.5
CHICAGO BULLS
1.5 = x
logo typeface alone unstacked
logo typeface alone stacked
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TWO CHICAGO BULLS BRANDING
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silver
black
red
white
red 128green 130blue 132
red 35green 31blue 32
red 185green 32blue 37
red 255green 255blue 255
blood redred 105green 12blue 13
silver
black
red
white
cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0 black 60
cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0black 100
cyan 18 magenta 100 yellow 100black 2
cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0black 0
blood red
cyan 32magenta 100yellow 100black 39
silver
black
red
white
pms 418
pms 3 2x
pms 185
pms 000
blood red pms 1815
4 color - cmyk spot color
Bank Gothic Md BT
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Logo Typeface
Eurost i le Regular
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghi jk lmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890
Eurost i le Bold Condensed
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghi jk lmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890
Secondary Typefaceand non-uniform numbers
Bank Gothic Md BT
24 13 32
Uniform NumberTypeface
CHICAGO BULLS Typeface Standards
1234567890
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NATURE OF IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
silver
black
red
white
red 128green 130blue 132
red 35green 31blue 32
red 185green 32blue 37
red 255green 255blue 255
blood redred 105green 12blue 13
silver
black
red
white
cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0 black 60
cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0black 100
cyan 18 magenta 100 yellow 100black 2
cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0black 0
blood red
cyan 32magenta 100yellow 100black 39
silver
black
red
white
pms 418
pms 3 2x
pms 185
pms 000
blood red pms 1815
silver
black
red
white
red 128green 130blue 132
red 35green 31blue 32
red 185green 32blue 37
red 255green 255blue 255
blood redred 105green 12blue 13
silver
black
red
white
cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0 black 60
cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0black 100
cyan 18 magenta 100 yellow 100black 2
cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0black 0
blood red
cyan 32magenta 100yellow 100black 39
silver
black
red
white
pms 418
pms 3 2x
pms 185
pms 000
blood red pms 1815
web colors
THE STAMPEDE A magazine extension of the Chicago Bulls brand. It can be compared to similar magazines such as The New Yorker and The Washingtonian. There are four versions of the magazine that are published quarterly.The Stampede is an up scale magazine which has something in store for all of the organization’s target audience. Although the magazine is a part of the Chicago Bulls, it is not a focus on basketball. The main focus is on everything that pertains to the Chicago and its surrounding cities.
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TWO CHICAGO BULLS BRANDING
1 3
2 4
45(1) STAMPEDEChicago AdventureFor both locals and tourist, it holds the latest information of things to do throughout the state of Illinois.
(2) STAMPEDEChicago FashionThe latest fashion from urban trends, to the finest styles found in Hollywood.
(3) STAMPEDEChicago ArchitectureYou can find everything from the cities history to current day real estate.
(4) STAMPEDEChicago LifeA broad look at life in Chicago from politics to the inner city streets.
The 2012 BMW X5 ranks 13 out of 20 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of
74 published reviews and test drives of the BMW X5, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2012 BMW X5 is one of the spor tiest SUVs on the market, and reviewers love how nimble this
family hauler can be. But the X5 is more expensive than comparably-equipped competitors, and its
third row of seats is only suitable for the smallest of passengers.
2013BMW X6
STAMPEDEChicago Adventure
For the first time, there is a hydrogen powered engine for
series produced vehicles. The new MMW Hydrogen.
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RUNNING WITH THE BULLS
For the first time, there is a hydrogen powered engine for series
produced vehicles. The new MMW Hydrogen.
INNER CITY LIFE
For the first time, there is a hydrogen powered engine
for series produced vehicles. The new MMW Hydrogen.
THE NEW SITES
For the first time, there is a hydrogen powered engine for series
produced vehicles. The new MMW Hydrogen.
MOVING FORWARD
For the first time, there is a hydrogen powered engine for
series produced vehicles. The new MMW Hydrogen.
CHAMPIONSHIP WINNINGS
COVER STORIES
FEATURESAA
For the first time, there is a hydrogen powered engine for
series produced vehicles. The new MMW Hydrogen.
FOR THE LOVE OF WINNING
However, since those years, the Bulls have experienced a
number of lows from early playoff exits.
ILLINOIS UNDER FIRE
Bulls have experienced a number of lows from early playoff
exits, to not coming close to making the playoffs.
SETTING A NEW STANDTT ARD
For the first time, there is a hydrogen powered
engine for series produced vehicles. The new MMW
Hydrogen.
HOME AWAYAA
For the first time, there is a hydrogen powered
engine for series produced vehicles. The new
MMW Hydrogen.
JOIN THE CHILDREN
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REGULARS
Jordan along with his supporting cast, built a dynasty as they won 72 games
in the 1996 season. With six championships total throughout the nin-
ties, the Chicago Bulls made history. However, since those years, the Bulls
have experienced a number of lows from early playoff exits, to not coming
close to making the playoffs. The Bulls of today and the Bulls of the post-
dynasty years sti l l l ive in the shadows and expectations of a previous team.
That era wil l go down in history as possibly the greatest era of the game.
Therefore, in order for the current Chicago Bulls team to get away from the
dynasty shadow, they need to make a change. A change that is something
new for the city of Chicago sports fans a change that wil l bring about a new
evolution of todays basketball as well as new innovative looks for the entire
Chicago Bulls organization. Are you ready for the new stampede?
New Sitess Explore YourNew 2012
ChicagoAdventure
I f moneywere not anissue for you,where exact lywould yoube spendingyour f reet ime whi le inChicgo?
Neww ScenessNew Siteew s
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NATURE OF IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
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TWO CHICAGO BULLS BRANDING
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NATURE OF IDENTITY HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
WITH UNDER MOUNTING TENSIONS WITHIN THE CITY, DO YOU ACT OUT, OR DO YOU DO THE RIGHT THING?
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OBJECTIVE: Design a film festival after researching and selecting a prominent
movie director. Find a common theme within that directors body of work and
design the visual look for a festival to be held. Design a series of elements
that are integrated. The elements for the festival included: a catalog, schedule,
posters, advertisements, environmental signage, website, tickets, stationary, and
DVD set.
CONCEPT: The chosen movie director was Spike Lee. I chose Spike because I
have an appreciation for the types of films he makes and his boldness to tackle
issues that are controversial in nature. The goal was to research as much about
Spike and develop a look and feel based on elements of his movies and brand.
Additionally, I sought to create a design that could emulate how Spike Lee
would make his own actual festival. The challenge was in creating a look that
was celebratory of the film festival while still keeping within the underlying
commonality of his films (racial tension).
PROJECT THREE | SPIKE LEE’S COLORFUL TRUTH
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THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING
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INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
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THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING
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INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
DESIGN INSPIRATIONSpike Lee has has onw line of shoes made by the Jordan brand. Early in the process, this served as a point of inspiration design-wise for the font choices, patterns and textures.
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THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING
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INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
ADVERTISINGUpon entering the film festival, all attendees would receive a perfect bound catalog book. Each catalog contains all festival information such as the schedule, messages from Spike Lee, and the list of actors that’ll be in attendance.
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THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING
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INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
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THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING
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INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
LIMITED EDITION DVD SETThis six dvd set was designed with the idea that it could not be found in your typical store. The set was designed and made exclusively as a collectors item for the Colorful Truth film festival.
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THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING
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INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
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THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING
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INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
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THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING
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INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
THE TICKETTickets to enter the festival were designed using the vernacular of city elements and here that is a train pass within a holder.
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THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING
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INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
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THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING
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INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
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THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING
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INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
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THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING
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INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
ENVIROMENTAL SIGNAGEWith just about any event where there will be several people, it’s always helpful to have signage guiding you to where you want to go. The signage for the film fiestval was designed with the same character and feel.
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THREE COLORFUL TRUTH BRANDING
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INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS HUNTER WIMMER MICHAEL BELL
TRADING LAW PAPERS FOR A CUTTING BOARD AND KNIFE. IT IS CRAZY FOR YOUR PASSION...OR JUST PLAIN CRAZY?
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PROJECT FOUR | LORENA GARCIA: REBRANDED
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FOUR LORENA GARCIA PACKAGE BRANDING
OBJECTIVE: Research and select an already existing famous chef and design or
redesign a line of grocery store packaging for that chef. The new line is aimed
at young “foodies” between the ages of 25-35 that love to cook and do not mind
spending extra money on the slightly higher end food items.
CONCEPT: Lorena Garcia is a very sparky Latin chef that got her start in law
school but eventually moved over to culinary school. I wanted to create a look
that was representative of her personality and heritage which said, “bold, ener-
getic, and artistic.” The design was also created to stand out on the shelf within
the foods that are of a healthier quality.
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PACKAGING II ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL
lorenagarcia
lorena lorena
lorena
LORENA GARCIAlorena garcia
lglorena g a r c i a
LGlorena garcia
v ladamir
lorenagarcia
lorena garc ia
lorenagarcia
lorena garcia
orena arcialorena garcialorena garcia
lorena garcia
lorena garcialorena garcia
lorena garcia
l o r e n a g a r c i a L o r e n a G a r c i a
LorenaGarcia
LorenaGarciaL Gorena arcia
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FOUR LORENA GARCIA PACKAGE BRANDING
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lorenagarcia
lorena lorena
lorena
LORENA GARCIAlorena garcia
lglorena g a r c i a
LGlorena garcia
v ladamir
lorenagarcia
lorena garc ia
lorenagarcia
lorena garcia
orena arcialorena garcialorena garcia
lorena garcia
lorena garcialorena garcia
lorena garcia
l o r e n a g a r c i a L o r e n a G a r c i a
LorenaGarcia
LorenaGarciaL Gorena arcia
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PACKAGING II ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL
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FOUR LORENA GARCIA PACKAGE BRANDING
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PACKAGING II ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL
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FOUR LORENA GARCIA PACKAGE BRANDING
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PACKAGING II ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL
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PACKAGING II ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL
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FOUR LORENA GARCIA PACKAGE BRANDING
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PACKAGING II ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL
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FOUR LORENA GARCIA PACKAGE BRANDING
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PACKAGING II ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL
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FOUR LORENA GARCIA PACKAGE BRANDING
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PACKAGING II ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL
TELLING ME THAT YOU DON’T RACIALLY STEREOTYPE, IS LIKE TELLING ME YOU DO NOT BREATHE AIR.
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PROJECT FIVE | DIRTY AMERICA
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FIVE DIRTY AMERICA BRANDING
OBJECTIVE: Select a topic within the realm of social, political, economic,
historical and cultural contexts that is debatable from multiple perspectives
and worthy of discussion. Design a series of collateral pieces which are
representative of that topic and reflect the extensive research conducted.
CONCEPT: In America, no matter what your race, we all tend to have biases and
hold stereotypes about other races and cultures—some more than others. Dirty
America is a brief study of Americans from various racial backgrounds and
the lives they live from a racial perspective. The look of the project is intended
to reflect the ugly realities of racism that have existed throughout American
history as well as what still exists today. The design pieces included: a 152 page
book, invitations, DVD set, and a “how to” booklet.
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VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS PHIL HAMLET MICHAEL BELL
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FIVE DIRTY AMERICA BRANDING
TEN DISCUSSIONSPart of this project entailed gathered a minimum of ten people all at the same time together in order to have a discussion about the selected topic.
AT RIGHT: The event required an invitation for all attendees in the form of a vernacular that related to the subject to be discussed.
AT LEFT: Bringing together several different people from different backgrounds proved to be very encouraging and educational to all as there were many view points and stories shared that enlightened some to the experiences of others.
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VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS PHIL HAMLET MICHAEL BELL
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FIVE DIRTY AMERICA BRANDING
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VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS PHIL HAMLET MICHAEL BELL
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FIVE DIRTY AMERICA BRANDING
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VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS PHIL HAMLET MICHAEL BELL
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AT LEFT: For the ten discussions,
there was a How To guide which was
designed in order to show someone
else who wanted to have a group
discussion on the topic of American
racism just how to go about it.
AT RIGHT: This is another deliverable
which hypothecially gives individuals
the opportunity to view and learn the
stories of real American racism with
a dvd set.
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FIVE DIRTY AMERICA BRANDING
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VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS PHIL HAMLET MICHAEL BELL
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FIVE DIRTY AMERICA BRANDING
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VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS PHIL HAMLET MICHAEL BELL
AAU GRADUATE SCHOOL—A PLACE WHERE NO PUNKS, WHIMPS, OR CRY BABIES ARE ALLOWED. BUT PLENTY OF CAFFEINE AND OPINIONS ARE APPRECIATED.
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PROJECT SIX | POETIC WEEKDAYS
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SIX POETIC WEEKDAYS TYPOGRAPHY
OBJECTIVE: Conduct extensive research, writing, and image gathering. The main
source of material was my own environment or habitat. By documenting the
things I typically see, hear, touch and smell, I’d use these as fuel to designing and
writing a book.
CONCEPT: My life as a full-time graduate student while living in San Francisco
was everything but normal. Every day was just about the same whereas Mondays
were no more important or dreaded than any other day of the week. It was all the
same in terms of my journey’s to class, working from home, and even my “free
time”. Poetic weekends is a non-chronological look at my life as it was in a typical
week while designed and written in an abstract and poetic way.
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EXPERIMENTAL TYPE JAY WILKINSON MICHAEL BELL
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SIX POETIC WEEKDAYS TYPOGRAPHY
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EXPERIMENTAL TYPE JAY WILKINSON MICHAEL BELL
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SIX POETIC WEEKDAYS TYPOGRAPHY
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EXPERIMENTAL TYPE JAY WILKINSON MICHAEL BELL
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SIX POETIC WEEKDAYS TYPOGRAPHY
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EXPERIMENTAL TYPE JAY WILKINSON MICHAEL BELL
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SIX POETIC WEEKDAYS TYPOGRAPHY
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EXPERIMENTAL TYPE JAY WILKINSON MICHAEL BELL
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Someone once said,
“wow Mike...you got a lot of friends”
yeah, but most are there to play pretends
541 last I checked-
or at least that’s what facebook told me.
I got an addiction and can’t wait til it
grows old and dies like yourspace did.
My modern day replacements of Tonkas
and g.i. joes—–-
like medication that takes me away
from my design woes.
An open invitation to tell others
whats on my mind-
or a small window to look outside so
I can see what’s going on 3 thousand
miles away.And estimated log out of
3 thousand times a day.
Do I have a.d.d. cause I’m not paying
attention to leading or point sizes
RGB, black & white, or maybe CMYK.
Man I can’t wait til it’s the next day
or even better, when its 12 days
after the first day of May.
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SIX POETIC WEEKDAYS TYPOGRAPHY
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EXPERIMENTAL TYPE JAY WILKINSON MICHAEL BELL
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SIX POETIC WEEKDAYS TYPOGRAPHY
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EXPERIMENTAL TYPE JAY WILKINSON MICHAEL BELL
THEY SAY THAT THE BIBLE IS THE BEST SELLER OF ALL TIME. PERHAPS ALSO WHY IT’S THE MOST HATED, DEBATED, AND CELEBRATED BOOK OF ALL TIME?
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PROJECT SEVEN | TRANSLATED SIGNS
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SEVEN TRANSLATED SIGNS TYPOGRAPHY
OBJECTIVE: Design a multi-chapter book based on the theme “survival”. Theme
could be self interpreted in any way and use of any relevant text from external
sources. The book had to be at least 100 pages and typographic in focus.
CONCEPT: I chose to create a book that relates to the Bible and how, to
Christians, it is their source of survival in life from a spiritual and practical
perspective. The book uses various everyday situations, signs, and scenarios
while providing scriptures and relevant quotes as a means to overcome. The book
emphasizes this concept with a typographic visual solution and parallels the
scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments.
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TYPOGRAPHY III JEREMY STOUT MICHAEL BELL
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SEVEN TRANSLATED SIGNS TYPOGRAPHY
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TYPOGRAPHY III JEREMY STOUT MICHAEL BELL
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SEVEN TRANSLATED SIGNS TYPOGRAPHY
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TYPOGRAPHY III JEREMY STOUT MICHAEL BELL
“Many people think that
what’s written in the Bible
has mostly to do with getting
people into heaven—getting
right with God, saving their
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eternal souls. It does have to
do with that, of course, but not
mostly. It is equally concerned with
survival on this earth—living well,
living in robust sanity.”
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SEVEN TRANSLATED SIGNS TYPOGRAPHY
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TYPOGRAPHY III JEREMY STOUT MICHAEL BELL
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SEVEN TRANSLATED SIGNS TYPOGRAPHY
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TYPOGRAPHY III JEREMY STOUT MICHAEL BELL
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SEVEN TRANSLATED SIGNS TYPOGRAPHY
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TYPOGRAPHY III JEREMY STOUT MICHAEL BELL
“IN THE END WE WILL CONSERVE ONLY WHAT WE LOVE. WE LOVE ONLY WHAT WE UNDERSTAND. WE WILL UNDERSTAND ONLY WHAT WE ARE TAUGHT.”—Baba Dioum
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PROJECT EIGHT | PHILIPS’ HARMONY
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EIGHT PHILIPS: HARMONY PACKAGE BRANDING
OBJECTIVE: To design or redesign a line of light bulb packaging, while creating
secondary packaging to contain and protect the light bulbs on a store shelf and
at home. The new line must consider the environment with packaging while
targeting 30-55 year old individuals who are environmentally conscience.
CONCEPT: I first looked to develop a name for the new line that was geared
towards what the new product line was about. I then wanted to have a look
and feel that was consistent with the already existing Philips brand. The end
result needed to be a clean and refreshing look that said integrity. The bulbs
which are at 40, 60, and 100 watts are individually designed and represent
the three natural earth elements abstractly with earth, wind, and water.
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project title category
EIGHT PHILIPS: HARMONY PACKAGE BRANDING
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EIGHT PHILIPS: HARMONY PACKAGE BRANDING
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EIGHT PHILIPS: HARMONY PACKAGE BRANDING
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EIGHT PHILIPS: HARMONY PACKAGE BRANDING
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“TO LOVE THE PROCESS IS TO LOVE DESIGN”
C. Michael Bell
THEY SAY THAT DIVERSITY IS WHAT MAKES THE WORLD GO AROUND. PERHAPS...BUT NOT IN THE GRAPHIC DESIGN FIELD. WHAT IS THAT?
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PROJECT NINE | MFA THESIS: PUSH
project title category
NINE PUSH MULTIPLE
OBJECTIVE: To fully investigate a particular topic. The materials and concept
are intended to make a contribution to the graphic design community as a
whole while conveying a specific message. The entire project is also meant to
display the mastery of design skills acquired throughout the MFA program.
CONCEPT: As a minority designer, I found it interesting to learn that the total
graphic design field is currently 86% White. There are many contributing
factors to why that is, but the main one being that most people are not
sure what graphic design as a profession really is. PUSH is a project aimed
at creating awareness to what the profession of graphic design is and the
potential benefits of a career within. PUSH is also targeted at minority teens
which would in turn help increase the number of minorities within the field
and bring a more diverse representation of cultures and ideas.
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IF GRAPHIC DESIGN IS SO PREVALENT, WHY IS TODAY’S GRAPHIC DESIGNFIELD 86% WHITE & 14% MINORITY?
project title category
NINE PUSH MULTIPLE
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Since GRAPHIC DESIGN is so abundant, it’s only a wonder why in America,
a country that’s composed of immigrants from all stretches of the globe,
it’s a career field that’s predominantly White. Today’s graphic design field
is 86% White and 14% minority. That 14% encompasses all other races—
Asians (6%), Blacks (2%), Hispanic/Latino (4%), and Mixed/Other races
(2%). These numbers are particularly alarming because it is vastly different
than the race percentages of other occupations.
push is an arts program aimed at building the numbers of minorities in
the graphic design field. The current problem is a lack of awareness as to
what graphic design is and the stereotype of it not being a reputable career
financially due to its close relation to the art field. The target of this project
that is aimed at two different audiences. One audience is kids and teenagers
at the middle and high school level in areas where minority numbers are high.
My second audience is the parents of that same group and also the general
public which may not know or understand what graphic design is and may be
misinformed as to the potential benefits and many different options within
the field.
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MFA THESIS ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL
project title category
NINE PUSH MULTIPLE
increasing diversity in design.
!increasing diversity in design.
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MFA THESIS ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL
increasing diversity in design.increasing diversity in design. increasing diversity in design.
push
THE PROCESSThe development of the PUSH logo came through a series of explorations in what the program would be about and who the target audience would be. Originally the name was Urban Push, but that was shortened once it was decided that the program would not be limited to urban youth.
project title category
NINE PUSH MULTIPLE
“DIVERSITY IS CRITICAL IF THE DESIGN PROFESSION WANTS TO REMAIN RELEVANT TO BUSINESS AND SOCIETY.” —Bill Grant former AIGA president
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169GOOD DESIGN EXAMPLES:
For many teens who may be
visual, it may serve equally
as important to show great
design as it is to verbally
talk about it.
project title category
NINE PUSH MULTIPLE
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ACCORDING TO THE 2000 CENSUS, BY 2025 WHAT ARE CURRENTLY CONSIDERED MINORITY POPULATIONS ARE PREDICTED TO BE 40% OF THE U.S. POPULATION. BY 2050, MORE THAN HALF OF AMERICANS ARE EXPECTED TO BE MEMBERS OF CURRENT MINORITIES. IN CONTRAST, A RECENT SURVEY OF AIGA MEMBERS FINDS THAT OF GRAPHIC DESIGNERS WHO RESPONDED, 2% ARE BLACK, 4 % HISPANIC/LATINO, 6% ASIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER AND 2% OTHER. THE DESIGN PROFESSION IS STILL OVERWHELMINGLY HOMOGENEOUS IN ITS RACIAL COMPOSITION.
ACCORDING TO THE 2010 CENSUS, BY 2025 WHAT ARE CURRENTLY CONSIDERED MINORITY POPULATIONS ARE PREDICTED TO BE 40% OF THE U.S. POPULATION. BY 2050, MORE THAN HALF OF AMERICANS ARE EXPECTED TO BE MEMBERS OF CURRENT MINORITIES. IN CONTRAST, A RECENT SURVEY OF AIGA MEMBERS FINDS THAT OF GRAPHIC DESIGNERS WHO RESPONDED, 2% ARE BLACK, 4 % HISPANIC/LATINO, 6% ASIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER AND 2% OTHER. THE DESIGN PROFESSION IS STILL OVERWHELMINGLY HOMOGENEOUS IN ITS RACIAL COMPOSITION.
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NINE PUSH MULTIPLE
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NINE PUSH MULTIPLE
BACK
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MFA THESIS ALLEN GAOIRAN MICHAEL BELL
FRONT
project title category
NINE PUSH MULTIPLE
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project title category
NINE PUSH MULTIPLE
Today, one of the quickest ways
to get a message out to the world
and those “friends” closest to use is
through facebook. Facebook took a
while to catch on to younger teens
as it was originally geared towards
college students only. However,
with its expansion, it’s only fitting
to tap into how teens are getting
their information. Social media is a
huge vehicle to spreading the word
of what graphic design is and share
is connections to other graphic
design facebook pages for youth to
tap into.
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THE DOCUMENTARY
With quickly advancing technology,
PUSH has to have multiple avenues
in which its message is delivered
to its target audience. Many youth
today has access to several different
kinds of media and are not just lim-
ited to the home computer internet
connection. MakeYourIdeasReal.org
is the host site for viewing the docu-
mentary not only gives viewers a
current glimpse at what young teens
views are about graphic design, but
also helps those same teens relate
with current designers who are
minorities within the field.
project title category
NINE PUSH MULTIPLE
THE DOCUMENTARY
This video which is housed on the
website serves the purpose of further
defining what graphic design is. It
provides a perspective from real world
minority designers. The designers within
answer a number of questions about
design such as how they got their start,
what design is, and what are some of
the things that inspire their work. The
video also includes takes from some
interviewed teens on the top as well.
“HI. MY NAME IS , AND I’M A GRAPHIC DESIGNER.”
FRANCES LIDDELL MFA GRAPHIC DESIGNER
DONALD KOIDE MFA GRAPHIC DESIGNER
MICHAEL BELL GRAPHIC DESIGNER
& PROJECT CREATOR
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BRIAN SINGER DESIGNER & OWNER OF ALTITUDE
KIRSTEN RITSCHEL GRAPHIC DESIGNER WITH
GOODBY SILVERSTEIN & PARTNERS
project title category
NINE PUSH MULTIPLE
January - Park Kum-Jun
February - Emory Douglas
March - Qian Qian
April - Byung Hak-ahn
May - Alex Trochut
June - Kiko Farkus
July - Kashiwa Sato
August - Alexandro Posada
September - Juan Pablo Cambariere
October - Oded Ezer
November - Educardo Recife
December - Joyce Yu
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THE CALENDARThe calendar is a deliverable aimed at getting teens a look at minority designers that may be like themselves that are making some type of impact of the design field. The calendar feature information about the designer and a sample of their work to serve as inspiration.
project title category
NINE PUSH MULTIPLE
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THE BROCHUREThe calendar is a deliverable aimed at getting teens a look at minority designers that may be like themselves that are making some type of impact of the design field. The calendar feature information about the designer and a sample of their work to serve as inspiration.
project title category
NINE PUSH MULTIPLE
In this new digital age, many young teens have
smart phones. As technology improves and the cost
for one decreases, there will be even more teens
that own one. So why not give them something
more constructive to do with it other than text
there friends. The Inspiration Saver allows teens to
use their smart phone as an easy way to record the
things that they encounter on a daily basis that can
serve as inspiration. It also allows teens to capture
those design ideas when pen and paper are not
readily available.
With the camera feature, teens can take photos of
design or anything inspirational that they encounter
with a quick push of a button. Sure their phone is
already equipped with a camera, but the Inspiration
Saver makes the managing, archiving, and sending
of the captures much quicker and easier.
Not having a pen handy to sketch out that idea
can be annoying, especially when the idea can
be forgotten. With this same app, teens have the
opportunity to pull out their smart phone and sketch
out their ideas with their finger on the touch screen.
Then, just like with regular photos, they can later
transfer those sketches to their home computer.
(Also available on Droid and HTC phones)
there’s an app for that!
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silver
black
red
white
red 128green 130blue 132
red 35green 31blue 32
red 185green 32blue 37
red 255green 255blue 255
blood redred 105green 12blue 13
silver
black
red
white
cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0 black 60
cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0black 100
cyan 18 magenta 100 yellow 100black 2
cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0black 0
blood red
cyan 32magenta 100yellow 100black 39
silver
black
red
white
pms 418
pms 302
pms 185
pms 000
blood red pms 1815
project title category
NINE PUSH MULTIPLE
silver
black
red
white
red 128green 130blue 132
red 35green 31blue 32
red 185green 32blue 37
red 255green 255blue 255
blood redred 105green 12blue 13
silver
black
red
white
cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0 black 60
cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0black 100
cyan 18 magenta 100 yellow 100black 2
cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0black 0
blood red
cyan 32magenta 100yellow 100black 39
silver
black
red
white
pms 418
pms 302
pms 185
pms 000
blood red pms 1815
web colors4 color - cmyk spot color
silver
black
red
white
red 128green 130blue 132
red 35green 31blue 32
red 185green 32blue 37
red 255green 255blue 255
blood redred 105green 12blue 13
silver
black
red
white
cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0 black 60
cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0black 100
cyan 18 magenta 100 yellow 100black 2
cyan 0magenta 0yellow 0black 0
blood red
cyan 32magenta 100yellow 100black 39
silver
black
red
white
pms 418
pms 302
pms 185
pms 000
blood red pms 1815
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B L A C K J A C K
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Za b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y zLogo Typeface
Gotham
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRST UVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890
E u r o s t i l e B o l d C o n d e n s e d
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0
Eurosti le Bold Extended Two
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRS
TUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890
Secondary Typeface
and non-uniform numbers
Bank Gothic Md BT
24 13 32Uniform Number
Typeface
PUSH
Typeface Standards
1234567890
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NINE PUSH MULTIPLE
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THANKS!
TO:Jesus Christ, for without Him, I probably wouldn’t care about graphic design...or much else.
My mom, who told me what an artist does when I was four and for introducing me to the tools for creativity.
My grandmother...because school is not free.
My wife, who supported me and understood what it took for me to get it done.
My most admired instructors who pushed for better: Michael Kilgore, Phil Hamlett, Jeremy Stout, Allen Gaoiran, Jennifer Sterling, Jay Wilkinson, and Hunter Wimmer. And also Mary Scott who was a big influence on me attending the Academy of Art.
My most helpful and inspiring collegues and classmates: Donald Koide, Jenny Pan, Werm Goh, Mike Moss, Gracy Leal and Brandon Loper.
WHY GRAPHIC DESIGN?
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From a very young age, I enjoyed drawing, arts & crafts, and just being
creative with whatever toys, gadets, or materials I had. From as far back as I
can remember, I used to draw logos by putting together various letters with
scribbles and doodles. Back then, it was just letters and I had no clue that it
was actually a career path within graphic design. Or at least, I had yet to make
that connection.
I went college with every intention of being the best architect that ever lived
(after my NBA dreams died). My beginning pursuits of architecture during
undergrad were okay until I encountered physics. We didn’t get along too
well, thus ended my pursuit of architectural happiness. So, I then found myself
in my academic advisers office stressed out and looking for a new major.
After taking a look at some of the architectural drawings I had in hand, he
recommended graphic design. Intially I had no clue what that really was and
still wasn’t all that sure after leaving his office that day.
By the end of that following semester, I was not only sure what graphic design
was, I was also confident in it being the career path direction that I wanted to
take. Years later, I still enjoy what I do. I often find myself asking the question
of “do I really get paid for this?” And the answer has yet to change. I am an
individual with a unique path that has developed me into the designer I am
today. Some good stories, and some bad...but all mingled together to create
me. And now this has been my opportunity to show you pieces of my work
which have been influenced and inspired by so many things. Experiences that
have provoked me to speak. Thank you for viewing.
© 2012 by Michael Bell
Master Portfolio
Instructor: Jeremy Stout
All rights reserved by the artist. No part of this
work may be reproduced in any form by any means, elec-
tronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording,or
by any information storage or retrieval system, without
permission in writing from the designer.
Attributes
fonts : Gotham
photography: of work: C. Michael Bell
within work: C.Michael Bell, istock.com,
liquidlibrary.com, ablestock.com,
flickr.com, google images
paper: pages; Matte finish presentation paper;
printer: Blurb
designer contact:
301.213.6918
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