Curating the perfect graphic design portfolio is critical for designers everywhere. Regardless of whether you work freelance or full-time, a sleek graphic design portfolio is important! It’s important to show off your skills and objectives as a designer in your portfolio. You may have many designs to share with potential clients, so it’s key you carefully select which ones to include in your portfolio. You want to showcase the cream of the crop and display diversity in your work. The necessary contents in them have remained a popular subject of discourse in the graphic design community. Remember to understand your specialties in order to convey your shining strengths through your portfolio! Above all, it’s vital your portfolio showcases your ability and evolution as a designer. To ignite your creative spark and jumpstart your career as a graphic designer we’ve compiled a list of 5 key graphic design projects for your portfolio (with examples!).
Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s Graphic Design Program
1. BUSINESS BRANDING ESSENTIALS
If you’re interested in working in the business brand design industry, showcasing your ultimate branding designs are primitive! They’re an important marketing tool for the vast majority of businesses that shouldn’t be overlooked. Therefore, ensure your concepts use quality images and designs that have an impact on the target audience. Remember that the concepts you choose can range anywhere from brochures and business cards to stationary and stickers. Keep in mind these essentials play a pivotal role in increasing a brand’s visibility – therefore all your designs should hold a high degree of professionalism and relevancy.
Design Rationale
MUSA is unique museum located in Cancun, Mexico. Its objective is clear: to reduce the number of tourists who regularly visit the coral reefs, thus protecting the marine fauna of the area.
The challenge was to use a branding process to redesign its logo, keeping the essence of the entity and all that it means. The solution was a logo with few elements which represent the concept of art combined with the sea.
2. WEB DESIGN
Website making consists of two extremely important factors – coding and design. Graphic design serves as a supplemental aid into improving user experience through the use of fonts, imagery, colours, and more. Moreover, your concept should incorporate all of these features into a functional and visually-appealing mix. Always make sure your design fits with the brand’s identity! This means diligently selecting appropriate colour schemes, font selections, images, graphics, and more. Web design is an excellent asset to your portfolio – especially if you’re interested in showcasing your technical and artistic side!
3. ENTERTAINMENT
Have a book you adore whose cover you’ve always wanted to redesign? Or a movie poster you wanted to refurbish? Perhaps you’ve thought of some new DVD covers for your favourite show? If so, this project is most definitely a must-have for you! Brownie points if your cover is even better than the original. Most importantly, showcasing your innovative skills as a graphic designer is pertinent here. You’ll be asking important questions – such as the director’s objectives for the content, it’s genre, where it’ll be sold, it’s target audience, and more. Lastly, this project is perfect for bookworm and movie and TV fanatic graphic designers who aim to highlight their innovative work!
Design Rationale
The book’s title refers to the piles of bodies left behind for the crows to feast on after a battle, but it also hints at the big forces behind those conflicts, who, from the safety of their castles, can now reap the benefits from the aftermath of the bloodshed, unaffected by its cruelties.
4. PRODUCT PACKAGING
Product packaging goes far beyond just designing the exterior of a product. Great product packaging goes a long way! You’ll be telling a story, incorporating the brand’s narrative, and implementing your own aesthetics. Moreover, this project is great for a chance to truly showcase your unique side. Try redesigning a pre-existing brand with an innovative twist, or even creating your own from scratch! Your designs are entirely up to you. Pick your favourite brand and give them a makeover, or bring your imaginary brand to life! Last but not least, ensure your design is both practical and sleek.
Design Rationale
This is a series of herbal teas inspired by three most well-known ancient Egyptian gods: Anubis, Ra and Sekhmet. The herbal selection includes cinnamon, licorice and hibiscus roots, which are commonly used ingredients in Egyptian drinks and food.
The tagline of each flavour is inspired by the special powers and characteristics of the specific god. The Art Deco style of brand artwork is inspired by the Egyptian pyramids. The starry sky symbolizes the considerable role of astronomy with ancient Egyptians.
5. ADVERTISING
This project is most definitely a fun one! You’ll be implementing the principles of design – establishing purpose, balance, hierarchy, and readability all in one. Additionally, you’ll be exploring ways to make prints stand out in the crowd. Typography here is an asset – it plays a crucial role in editorial design. Lastly, the best part about print design is its versatile nature – make sure to have some fun with different layout templates, designs, and more! You can design magazine covers, brochures, newsletters, the list is endless.
Design Rationale
Pipeline is a modern take of surf magazine design with a palette inspired by the waves.
Related Links
7 Types of High Paying Graphic Design Jobs
How to Become a Graphic Designer
InFocus Film School Graphic Design Program
8 FILMMAKERS WHO WENT TO FILM SCHOOL
Can’t decide if film school is right for you? Here are 8 great filmmakers who went to film school!
Written by Sophia Lin
For aspiring filmmakers, arguably one of the most hotly debated decisions is whether or not to attend film school. While some directors have made it big without ever stepping into a classroom, film school can afford certain opportunities to develop your style, hone your craft, and break into the film industry. It offers a structured time and a constructive environment for students to practice the art form, doing away with the pressures that come with being a working filmmaker. Along with that, it affords a creative freedom that filmmakers may take years to find out in the industry. The most undisputed benefit of all, though, is the professional network you build by attending film school. It’s how lifetime collaborators first met, how directors met their muses, and how some household names got the big breaks that forever changed their lives.
Take it from these 8 iconic filmmakers who went to film school — and haven’t looked back ever since.
Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s Film Production Program!
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Top 10 Entry-Level 3D Animation Jobs
Ready to find the best 3D animation jobs? Here are 10 3D animation jobs to get your foot in the door!
By Felicity Flesher
What 3D Animation Jobs Are Right For You?
You have your degree and a stellar portfolio, but what’s the next step? Although 3D animation is a highly specialized field, the demand for new talent is high. The animation, gaming, and VFX fields are steadily growing, and talented artists and engineers can advance quickly. Globally, production companies and studios are keen to fill their burgeoning slate of 3D animation jobs. You can now get an excellent starter 3D animation job with zero experience, based on your portfolio alone.
Here are just a few examples of the kinds of entry-level 3D animation jobs you might pursue:
Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s 3D Animation and Visual Effects Program
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5 Key Graphic Design Projects For Your Portfolio (with examples!)
Curating the perfect graphic design portfolio is critical for designers everywhere. Regardless of whether you work freelance or full-time, a sleek graphic design portfolio is important! It’s important to show off your skills and objectives as a designer in your portfolio. You may have many designs to share with potential clients, so it’s key you carefully select which ones to include in your portfolio. You want to showcase the cream of the crop and display diversity in your work. The necessary contents in them have remained a popular subject of discourse in the graphic design community. Remember to understand your specialties in order to convey your shining strengths through your portfolio! Above all, it’s vital your portfolio showcases your ability and evolution as a designer. To ignite your creative spark and jumpstart your career as a graphic designer we’ve compiled a list of 5 key graphic design projects for your portfolio (with examples!).
1. BUSINESS BRANDING ESSENTIALS
If you’re interested in working in the business brand design industry, showcasing your ultimate branding designs are primitive! They’re an important marketing tool for the vast majority of businesses that shouldn’t be overlooked. Therefore, ensure your concepts use quality images and designs that have an impact on the target audience. Remember that the concepts you choose can range anywhere from brochures and business cards to stationary and stickers. Keep in mind these essentials play a pivotal role in increasing a brand’s visibility – therefore all your designs should hold a high degree of professionalism and relevancy.
Project by InFocus Film School Student Angie Nunez
Design Rationale
MUSA is unique museum located in Cancun, Mexico. Its objective is clear: to reduce the number of tourists who regularly visit the coral reefs, thus protecting the marine fauna of the area.
The challenge was to use a branding process to redesign its logo, keeping the essence of the entity and all that it means. The solution was a logo with few elements which represent the concept of art combined with the sea.
2. WEB DESIGN
Website making consists of two extremely important factors – coding and design. Graphic design serves as a supplemental aid into improving user experience through the use of fonts, imagery, colours, and more. Moreover, your concept should incorporate all of these features into a functional and visually-appealing mix. Always make sure your design fits with the brand’s identity! This means diligently selecting appropriate colour schemes, font selections, images, graphics, and more. Web design is an excellent asset to your portfolio – especially if you’re interested in showcasing your technical and artistic side!
Web Design by InFocus Film School Student Angie Nunez
3. ENTERTAINMENT
Have a book you adore whose cover you’ve always wanted to redesign? Or a movie poster you wanted to refurbish? Perhaps you’ve thought of some new DVD covers for your favourite show? If so, this project is most definitely a must-have for you! Brownie points if your cover is even better than the original. Most importantly, showcasing your innovative skills as a graphic designer is pertinent here. You’ll be asking important questions – such as the director’s objectives for the content, it’s genre, where it’ll be sold, it’s target audience, and more. Lastly, this project is perfect for bookworm and movie and TV fanatic graphic designers who aim to highlight their innovative work!
Project by InFocus Film School Student Bruno Cunha
Design Rationale
The book’s title refers to the piles of bodies left behind for the crows to feast on after a battle, but it also hints at the big forces behind those conflicts, who, from the safety of their castles, can now reap the benefits from the aftermath of the bloodshed, unaffected by its cruelties.
4. PRODUCT PACKAGING
Product packaging goes far beyond just designing the exterior of a product. Great product packaging goes a long way! You’ll be telling a story, incorporating the brand’s narrative, and implementing your own aesthetics. Moreover, this project is great for a chance to truly showcase your unique side. Try redesigning a pre-existing brand with an innovative twist, or even creating your own from scratch! Your designs are entirely up to you. Pick your favourite brand and give them a makeover, or bring your imaginary brand to life! Last but not least, ensure your design is both practical and sleek.
Project by InFocus Film School Student Jill Chao-Sheng Li
Design Rationale
This is a series of herbal teas inspired by three most well-known ancient Egyptian gods: Anubis, Ra and Sekhmet. The herbal selection includes cinnamon, licorice and hibiscus roots, which are commonly used ingredients in Egyptian drinks and food.
The tagline of each flavour is inspired by the special powers and characteristics of the specific god. The Art Deco style of brand artwork is inspired by the Egyptian pyramids. The starry sky symbolizes the considerable role of astronomy with ancient Egyptians.
5. ADVERTISING
This project is most definitely a fun one! You’ll be implementing the principles of design – establishing purpose, balance, hierarchy, and readability all in one. Additionally, you’ll be exploring ways to make prints stand out in the crowd. Typography here is an asset – it plays a crucial role in editorial design. Lastly, the best part about print design is its versatile nature – make sure to have some fun with different layout templates, designs, and more! You can design magazine covers, brochures, newsletters, the list is endless.
Project by InFocus Film School Student Abigail Winkler
Design Rationale
Pipeline is a modern take of surf magazine design with a palette inspired by the waves.
Related Links
7 Types of High Paying Graphic Design Jobs
How to Become a Graphic Designer
InFocus Film School Graphic Design Program
InFocus Film School launches new $100,000 Diversity in Film Initiative
The importance of on-screen diversity has been long emphasized across the globe. While on-screen diversity is becoming increasingly paramount, it is important to ensure underrepresented groups have more equitable opportunities behind the camera. When members of the BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ community take the seats of writers, directors, cinematographers, editors, and producers – an empowered, diverse filmmaking community is cultivated. These historic changes call for some exceptional works, as evidenced by blockbuster hits like Black Panther, Coco, and Crazy Rich Asians, to name a few. To contribute to the prosperity of this community, it is essential for marginalized communities to gain increased accessibility to equitable fiscal supports.
In a bold move, InFocus Film School, located in Vancouver, has decided to provide a few lucky students with up to $100,000 dollars worth of bursaries for their diversity in film initiative.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgPvYjWZw4s
These scholarships are aimed at amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups – a focus on supporting students that belong to marginalized groups worldwide. This list includes any students who feel they belong to diverse heritage, members of historically marginalized communities, or those who have faced adversity due to disability or systemic biases. This move serves to solidify InFocus’ commitment to supporting inclusion and diversity at their school.
Application for these bursaries can be submitted online here. All applicants must apply for one of InFocus Film School’s programs, submit a written or video essay detailing their story, and maintain an acceptable attendance and academic record while enrolled in the program.
All students who meet these criteria are highly recommended to apply! It’s time for the voices of underrepresented people to be heard and their stories told.
7 TYPES OF HIGH PAYING GRAPHIC DESIGN JOBS
By Tajmee Ali
Contrary to what most may think, graphic design is a vast field with innumerable job opportunities for you to choose from. Neither are jobs in graphic design difficult to come by. This feat is a spectacular combination of art, technology, and communication – enabling you to specialize in different industries around the globe. These opportunities include publishing, marketing and advertising, packaging, healthcare, video game design, and more!
No matter which specialty you choose to explore, a flexible professional schedule overflowing with creativity is nearly always guaranteed. While the list of creative endeavours in graphic design are endless, you can be rest assured knowing a career in this field is immensely rewarding. If you’re seeking a career opportunity to put your art and technical skills to good use on a daily basis, this blog is for you! Read more to learn about some high paying graphic design jobs.
Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s Graphic Design Program
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5 Steps to Getting Your Movie Idea Made in 2021
Getting your movie idea made starts with one thing: a great pitch! Read this article to see how you can write a great pitch in 2021!
By Ryan Uytdewilligen
You have a great movie idea. Perhaps you’ve even written your first screenplay. Getting your movie idea on screen can be a beastly journey. Crafting a scripted masterwork is only half the battle. Winning over busy producers is a whole other ball game that requires persistence, focus, and a winning pitch package.
Your pitch is the key to success. Whether you have a golden movie idea in your head or a fully written script, presenting a pitch package to the people who can make that dream a reality is a must for aspiring filmmakers.
It’s arguably the hardest step, but there are smart ways to go about it.
Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s Writing for Film and Television Program!
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6 TIPS FOR WORKING IN THE VFX INDUSTRY IN 2021
Working in the VFX industry is a great career path. Read these 6 tips for your success in the industry!
Working in the VFX industry can appear like a daunting adventure. If you’re interested in working in the VFX industry, look no further! Technical skills in this industry are extremely important, but did you know the development of your social skills are just as cardinal? Our VFX industry professionals Gudjon Kristjansson (Lead VFX at Redefine Studios), Werner ten Hoeve (Freelance Compositing Artist), and Miguel Rodriguez (Instructor at InFocus Film School) all offer extremely valuable advice for those interested in working in the VFX industry full-time! Here are 6 essential tips for those interested in working in the VFX industry.
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INFOCUS FILM SCHOOL EXPANDS, INVESTS IN FUTURE OF CANADIAN FILMMAKERS
8 TIPS FOR DESIGNING THE PERFECT LOGO IN 2021
Are you working on a new logo? Use these tips to make an impact!
Written by Felicity Flesher
A logo is the first point of contact a business has with the outside world and a good logo can be one quick way to stand out from the crowd and be remembered. However, arriving at the perfect design can be daunting. You are creating a whole new visual identity for your brand and understanding each constituent part will be crucial. Follow these tips and study the examples below by InFocus Graphic Design Instructor Leila Singleton in order to help guide your process!
Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s Graphic Design Program
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VSFF Presents: InFocus Student Film Showcase
Written by Tajmee Ali
Vancouver Short Film Festival (VSFF) is launching online this Friday, Jan 22 – Sunday, Jan 24! VSFF is an annual festival devoted to celebrating talented short filmmakers across the Canadian West Coast. Founded in 2005, VSFF is committed to linking artists and industry professionals, cultivating a community passionately bound through the love of film.
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