Friday's Package Workshop with Allyson Lack

The Nancy Clarvit Design Week 2010 concluded with a daylong package design workshop with Allyson Lack. Students designed a new package for Paddywax candles; the assignment was taken from one of Allyson's real-world creative briefs.

In total, there were more than 250 attendees to the week's events, a huge success for the first-ever Nancy Clarvit Design Week! Each event offered freebies for the attendees; from copies of Communication Arts' 50th Design Annual to Pixar posters and pens to paper samples to Paddywax candles, most students did not leave the week empty-handed. The University of Maryland Department of Art and Design Concentration faculty are indebted to these generous supporters as well as all of talented presenters, the company supporters. Finally, we send our heartfelt thanks to Nancy Clarvit for helping us make this happen.

Thursday's Events

Marc Thorpe, a UMD alum, architect and industrial designer, kicked off our Thursday events with a presentation about this multi-disciplinary work. Marc's proud father is Professor James Thorpe, below right, who introduced his son with a touching tale about the time Marc first became interested in design.


Thursday night concluded with an inspiring keynote by Allyson Lack, another UMD alum. Along with design, Allyson studied business and marketing while at UMD and she served as a great example of the potential for the Design and Innovation in Marketing Fellows program. Allyson found her calling for design in Prof. Thorpe's ARTT100 class and narrated how she benefited greatly from her knowledgeable, enthusiastic design teachers.

Wednesday's Events

Wednesday Tom Desmond and Kurt Waldo, above, shared paper beautiful goodies and need-to-know knowledge with our students.

Tuesday's Events

Tuesday's “lunch & learn” speaker was the talented Ted Lopez. One of the most impressive aspects of Ted's presentation was that he and the creative team at Eason Associates turned potentially dull, dry and boring publications—such as those for the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers and the National Association of Convenience Stores— into lively, beautiful, smart and engaging designs. Ted iterated a mantra one of this teachers had passed on to him: “What's more exciting than risk?” He also told students: “Don't sell yourself short. You guys can kick ass if you want to!”


After his presentation, Ted worked with the students in Prof. Lozner's class with their magazine design assignments, offering his insight and suggestions to their projects.

Monday's Events

Our inaugural Nancy Clarvit Design Week has seen our Design Studio packed with students, plenty of pizza and lots of great design. Francheska Guerrero’s presentation type design was inspiring. The amount of work that goes into designing a single typeface can be overwhelming. Francheska showed us that she, like many other typeface designers, has the discipline to create functional and beautiful (and sometimes quirky) typefaces, such as Miss Sassy. Her presentation was a great kickoff to the week's events.


After Francheska's presentation, students tried their hand at creating logotypes through modifications of classic typefaces and explorations of new letterforms.



Later Monday afternoon, Professor Ruth Lozner's students showed off the presentations they made for Target and General Motors in two separate case studies. Plenty of research as well as stunning design and thoughtful suggestions and recommendations made their winning presentations so successful. Team members for the GM presentation were: Tiffany Lin, Brianne Macy, Ashlee Sasscer, and Cassie Stuper. Beth Summers, Kelly Lai, and Cassie Stuper made up the Target team.


From left: Kelly Lai, Brianne Macy, Cassie Stuper, Tiffany Lin, Prof. Ruth Lozner and Beth Summers.

Door prizes at EVERY event!

Attendees will be able to win fantastic items during every Nancy Clarvit Design Week 2010 event. In addition to the incredible information and ideas the presenters will be offering, here are several freebie reasons to attend the events:

• Communication Arts' Design Annual

• fun Pixar items including pens and movie posters

• Seymour Chwast posters

• @ Issue

• beautiful eye candy paper samples from RIS Paper

• a Bamboo from Wacom!! (www.wacom.com/bamboo)

Project Brief for Friday's Package Design Workshop

If you curious about what Allyson Lack has up her sleeve for Friday's package design workshop, here's the project brief:

DESIGN BRIEF

Paddywax Candles (Atlanta, GA) is looking to refresh and redesign one of their current candle collections called Destinations. They are known for their preppy-chic style which permeates their packaging, trade show displays, collateral and retail web site. In this economic downturn, Paddywax is looking for ways to cut costs on this line and wants to move to a one-piece box that will save them money in production. The new box construct will also allow them to lower the retail price on this line with the hope of boosting sales. Three new “destinations” are being considered for the relaunch. The goal is to visually express the essence of these cities through layout, imagery, color and typography. A brief description of each city is listed below, please choose ONE destination to design and prototype. Illustration/photography and typography can be used to evoke the spirit of your city. Keep in mind the more colors you use, the more expensive it will be to produce—sometimes less is more. Designs should not reflect the current Destinations packaging whatsoever, your designs should be completely original. The Paddywax logo and a packaging template will be provided.

CHOOSE FROM ONE OF THE FOLLOWING NEW PRODUCTS:
A. BUENOS AIRES (agave blossom, fresh lime)
First-time visitors tend to associate Buenos Aires with tango, steak, and wine—that trifecta of local passions—but the Argentine capital’s French buildings, Italian food, and Spanish nightlife also tell the story of a city with one foot in Latin America and the other in Europe. Beyond the “Paris-of-South-America” clichés, this is a city of world-class art, exceptional cuisine, and internationally acclaimed design. After a 2001 crisis battered the nation’s economy and the value of its currency, B.A. became one of the world’s few high-gloss/low-cost travel destinations; the resulting influx of visitors and expats transformed the city, in some ways arguably saving it from an even worse downturn.

B. B ALI (cardamom, ginger and bergamot)
Lapping the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, Bali is but one of 17,500 islands in the Indonesian archipelago, yet even among its colorful neighbors—and even after decades of tourism development—it stands alone in its lushness and incomparable beauty. Long, sugary beaches lead inland to hillsides terraced with jewel-green rice paddies; forests dotted with ancient temples abound. These centuries-old shrines—there are thousands scattered across the island—are evidence of Bali’s deep, enduring spirituality. For the island’s three million, mostly Hindu residents, daily routines are punctuated by prayer, blessings, and rituals—and it’s these traditions, even more than the spectacular landscapes, that make Bali such a compelling, authentic, and utterly singular destination.

C. SANTA FE (red amber, cedarwood and sandalwood)
The heady aroma of burning piñon logs permeates the air every night in Santa Fe, New Mexico where the altitudenearly 7,000 feet-ensures that even summer evenings are crisp enough for locals to light up their kiva fireplaces. The smoky scent is a constant presence in this ever-changing city, where thick-walled adobe buildings four centuries old stand cheek-by-jowl with avant-garde art galleries and lively new restaurants. It’s a reminder that, despite its vibrant population of skiers and hikers, painters and photographers, alternative healers, hippies, gays and lesbians, and émigrés from seemingly every one of the other 49 states, this city remains strongly connected to its Spanish-Native American heritage-and to the pristine landscape that surrounds it.

Content that needs to appear on the box:
The word “Destinations”
Name of city
Fragrance Notes (listed in italic next to each city)
Paddywax Logo
Made in the United States of America
www.paddywax.com
Fine Artisan Candle / Soy Wax Blend / Natural Fragrance Oils

Keynote Speaker Allyson Lack Featured in Communication Arts!

Our keynote speaker, Allyson Lack, and her design firm, Principle, were featured in a 10-page article in the September/October issue of Communication Arts. Check it out!

Schedule For The Week's Events

MONDAY, MARCH 1

11:30-12:30 p.m. Things You Should Know About Designing Your Own Typeface by Francheska Guerrero. Workshop to follow. Location: ASY 2322

Francheska Guerrero is a designer and educator; she’s currently the Interim Chair of Undergraduate Design, an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at Corcoran College of Art + Design and the Principal and Design Director of Unfolding Terrain design studio. Clients include Ford Motor Company, Car and Driver, ATA, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, and the Contemporary American Theater Festival. She holds an MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art and a BFA in Communication Design from College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan. Guerrero’s work has been published nationally and internationally in the following publications and books: SUGO, the Italian design publication; 2D plus 3D magazine, the Polish Designer Quarterly, Rockport books: Design for Special Events, Visual Language for Designers, Principles for Creating Graphics that People Understand, and Really Good Logos Explained; the Rotovision book Color Management for Logos and Japan’s P.I.E. books Logo World and Postcard Graphics. Three of her projects received recognition in the Art Directors Club of Metropolitan Washington’s 2009 60th Annual Show. Her work was published in the 2009 edition of HOW International Design Annual, and five of her studio projects were published in 1000 Fonts, An Illustrated Guide to Finding the Right Typeface by Chronicle Books. www.unfoldingterrain.com

3 p.m. Target & GM winning student presentations Location: ASY 2322

The General Motors Case Study and Collegiate Challenge was a national case study and competition to create a comprehensive, integrated marketing campaign for GM’s new college discount program. A creative brief, marketing data and a digital presentation were required of the campaign. Prof. Lozner’s BMGT458B Special Topics in Marketing: Design Applications in Marketing and Branding class took on the Challenge. Teams of four students from seventy-seven universities initially entered the competition. The field was narrowed to 49 eligible submissions. After a formal presentation in Detroit, the UMD team won 2nd prize! Student members of the team will show the presentation made to GM and discuss the project.

Target Case Study: The Prince Georges Plaza Target store asked students in Prof. Lozner’s BMGT458B Special Topics in Marketing: Design Applications in Marketing and Branding class to think creatively and offer redesign solutions that would better meet the store’s needs of its changing customer demographic and diverse clientele mix. Teams of 5 students chose a different aspect of the store to redesign and presented their solutions to Target. In creating these proposals, students had to consider how the different cultural issues such as language and tradition could influence the store’s design. Student members of the team will show the presentation made for Target and discuss the project.

TUESDAY, MARCH 2

10 a.m. Things You Should Know About Wacom Tablets. Location: ASY 2322

Adam Marc Weitzner of Wacom tablets will show off the latest gadgets and technology options from Wacom, a leading manufacturer of pen tablets, interactive pen displays, and digital interface solutions. From product development and graphic design to the media and entertainment sectors, Wacom facilitates the work of individuals and workgroups with truly natural ways to work with digital content. Wacom’s pen and touch input technology has helped professionals around the world create extraordinary characters, digital art, films, special effects, fashions, and industrial designs. www.wacom.com

11:30-12:30 p.m. Things You Should Know About Magazine Design by Ted Lopez. Location: ASY 2322

Ted Lopez is currently Art Director and Principal at Spicer Design Consultancy and previously Art Director at Eason Associates for more than 16 years. Lopez has also worked for design studios in Philadelphia and Washington DC. Among his achievements are awards from the Society of National Association Publications, the Art Directors Club of Metropolitan Washington, and the American Graphic Design Awards. Eason Associates clients include Smithsonian’s Air & Space magazine, American Insurance Association, American University, Mystic Aquarium, Americans for the Arts, and S&S Graphics. The firm also redesigned the National Newspaper Association’s Presstime Magazine and the Armed Forces Journal. Join us at 12:30 when Ted Lopez participates in Prof. Lozner’s ARTT458 Design Studio magazine project critique.

3 p.m. Objectified Screening Location: ASY 2322

Objectified is a feature-length documentary that addresses the creative processes of some of the world’s most influential product designers, and looks at how the things they make impact our lives. It’s a look at the creativity at work behind everything from toothbrushes to tech gadgets. It’s about the designers who re-examine, re-evaluate and re-invent our manufactured environment on a daily basis. It’s about personal expression, identity, consumerism, and sustainability. www.objectifiedfilm.com

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3

11:30-12:30 p.m. Things You Should Know About Paper & Working With A Printer by Kurt Waldo from University Printing Services and Tom Desmond of RIS The Paper House. Location: ASY 2322

Calling a printer about a design project can be intimidating but it doesn’t have to be. Kurt Waldo will share words of wisdom and offer advise on how you can avoid the mistakes beginning designers make when working with a printer. Also, knowing about, choosing and using paper is a big part of being a print designer. From sustainable sheets to digital papers to textured and multicolored options, Tom Desmond will take you through today’s options and fill you in on what you need to know when choosing paper for a design project. RIS The Paper House is one of the largest paper distributors in the United States. www.rispaper.com

3 p.m. Things You Should Know About AIGA. Location: ASY 2322

AIGA DC Education Chair Jake Cheney and UMD AIGA student group members will fill you in on AIGA, the professional organization for designers, and they will talk about upcoming events happening both in the DC area and for UMD students. If you’ve been wondering about AIGA, now is the time to get plugged in! www.aiga.org; www.aigadc.org

4 p.m. Things You Should Know About Applying To The Design Concentration. Location: ASY 2322

The UMD Design Faculty will be on-hand to discuss specifics of what they are looking for in the portfolios as well as give tips on compiling a professional portfolio and writing a strong essay. The design faculty will also be conducting individual one-on-one reviews of portfolios, so bring digital files of your work to discuss with them. Students interested in applying to the Design Concentration are highly encouraged to attend. www.art.umd.edu/design

5:30 p.m. UMD AIGA Student Group Meeting. Location: ASY 2322

The AIGA student group will be discussing the upcoming New York City trip, listening to the candidates for AIGA next academic year's officers and holding elections for the positions. In addition, the group will also be discussing the benefits for students of joining the AIGA.

THURSDAY, MARCH 4

10 a.m. Things You Should Know About Design As A Multi-disciplinary Profession by Marc Thorpe Location: ASY 2322

As the principal architect of New York-based Third Eye Studios (3E), an architectural and design co-operative, Marc Thorpe is active in the creation of design solutions for the commercial, residential and leisure sectors. He has worked extensively in Italy and New York as an industrial designer, and continues to collaborate on projects with a wide range of partners. He has taught in the Architecture Department at Parsons School of Design and the Industrial Design Department of Pratt Institute in New York City. Thorpe has been published internationally in design journals and texts including Wallpaper*, International Design (ID), Viewpoint, Surface, Interni, Frame, Absolute Architecture and Interior Design Magazine. Thorpe was selected for inclusion in the text Ultimate New York Design, highlighting 50 of New York City’s top design talents and is one of the newest signature designers for famed American design house Bernhardt Design. www.3estudios.net

5:30 p.m. Keynote by Allyson Lack: Things You Should Know About Design. Location: ASY 2309

Allyson Lack is a partner and co-founder of Principle, a multi-disciplinary design firm. Lack received her Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Maryland Smith School of Business, but discovered her true passion for design while taking a design fundamentals class. Upon graduation, and with design as her true calling, Ally headed to Atlanta to attend Portfolio Center for 2 years of graduate studies in graphic design. She serendipitously began her design career side-by-side office mates + future business partners (Jennifer and Pamela) at Rigsby Design in Houston. There, she sharpened her talents for rich typography and masterful production. Following, she was Senior Designer for Rutka Weadock Design in Baltimore, developing a deep knowledge of publication design for educational institutions. Before joining Principle, she ran her own one-woman studio where she made a name for herself with exceptional work for museums, art schools and cultural institutions including the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and The Walters Art Museum. As a partner in Principle, she has the good fortune of working with a diverse and inspirational group of clients including Nordstrom, Paddywax Candles, The National Building Museum in D.C., Chronicle Books, Texas Children’s Hospital, and more. Ally’s work has been featured in Communication Arts, AIGA 365, Print Magazine, HOW Design, and The Type Director’s Club. Most recently, Communications Arts magazine did a full feature article on Ally’s firm, Principle, in the September/October issue. She and her partners were also included among many of their own design heros in the publication “WOMEN OF DESIGN: The Original Trailblazers to the New Groundbreakers,” published in 2009. www.designbyprinciple.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 5

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Things You Should Know About Package Design: A Workshop. Location: ASY 2322

During this short workshop, Allyson Lack will lead students through the process of concepting, designing and executing a design for Paddywax Candles. By the end of the workshop, students will have designed a solution for a real client. Come have fun and learn about package design from our talented UMD alum!

Potluck lunch: Bring a dish made with a food that is contained within your favorite package design. Don’t forget to bring the inspiration for your lunchtime contribution — the actual package — to the workshop, too!