I want to see:

Clear growth from the beginning of the semester

Strong use of both Illustrator and Photoshop

Professional effort

Attention to detail

This is your opportunity to show everything you’ve learned this semester.

Project:

Design a promotional campaign for:

• An original movie
• A video game
• A music album

You will use Illustrator for vector design and Photoshop for compositing and poster design.

This project will demonstrate your understanding of:

• Vector graphics
• Image masking
• Typography hierarchy
• Layers and organization
• Composition and design principles

You will turn in:

• Illustrator Logo (.AI + PNG)
• Supporting Vector Graphic (.AI)
• Final Poster (.PSD + JPEG)

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the eraser instead of masks
• Default fonts
• Stretched images
• Unorganized layers
• Poor spelling
• Low resolution images

PART 1: CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

(Days 1–2)

Step 1: Brainstorm

Answer the following:

• What is your title?
• What genre is it?
• Who is the target audience?
• What mood are you trying to create?

Step 2: Sketch

Draw:

• 3 different logo ideas
• 1 layout idea for your poster
• Take a photo of your sketches for submission.

Step 3: Mood Board

Create a small mood board showing:

• Color inspiration
• Typography style
• Image inspiration
• Overall vibe

PART 2: ILLUSTRATOR — TITLE LOGO

(Days 3–5)

Requirements:

• Title Logo
• Use a professional font (NO default fonts like Arial)
• Adjust tracking and kerning
• Add at least one vector shape
• Use Pathfinder at least once
• Expand appearance before final save
• Supporting Graphic. (Create at least ONE:
• Icon
• Badge
• Symbol
• Simple vector illustration. Must be fully vector.

Export as PNG (transparent background)

Save AI file

PART 3: PHOTOSHOP — POSTER DESIGN

(Days 6–8)

Create a professional movie-style poster.

Poster Size:

11×17 inches

Required Elements:

• ✔ At least 3 images combined
• ✔ Use layer masks (NO eraser tool)
• ✔ Use at least 2 adjustment layers
• ✔ Import your Illustrator logo
• ✔ Include a tagline
• ✔ Include a release date
• ✔ Include a credits block
• ✔ Use proper typography hierarchy

Technical Requirements:

• Organized layers (labeled clearly)
• Use blending modes at least once
• Use drop shadow correctly (if used)
• Use Smart Objects for imported graphics

PART 4: REFINEMENT & CRITIQUE

(Days 9–10)

Peer Critique

Students will give feedback on:

• Readability
• Composition
• Professional appearance
• Visual impact

Final Edits

Make improvements based on feedback.

Process Slides (sketches + mood board screenshots)