ARTS 215 Graphic Design History Podacst

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Podcasts are a great mix of information, analysis, and entertainment. For this project, you and a partner will produce an episode of an audio podcast about graphic design.

Part 1: Podcast outline & reviews Outline and review 2 podcast episodes to become familiar with a podcast’s structure. Choose an interesting episode and outline the topics/sections, such as introductions, music segments, Q&A, sponsored segments, etc. Also pay attention to how they transition from one segment to another, how the hosts divide up the speaking time, how many sponsored segments (commercials) there are, when and how music is used, etc. Be sure to include the length of each segment in your outline!

Then write a 250-word review of the episode focusing on format/presentation and anything else you consider noteworthy about the episode. Focus on the structure more than the subject of the podcast. Include at least one thing that you think can be done better.

The podcasts don’t have to be about design; they can be about anything you’re interested in. The point is to help you write your own script later on.

Choose podcasts with at least 2 hosts. I know there are a lot of great podcasts with a single host, but since you will be working with a partner, a podcast with multiple hosts makes more sense. ARTS 215 Graphic Design History Podacst

Below is a brief list of recommendations to get you started, but you are free to find your own podcast.

The Observatory — hosted by Michael Bierut and Jessica Helfand; about graphic design Switched on Pop — about pop music NPR Politics Podcast — political analysis What A Day — news and current events recap BBC Art & Ideas — cultural issues Gastropod — food, science, and history Sound Opinions — music

Part 2: Podcast script Make a written script for your podcast episode. You will use this script to plan your episode and to stay on track when you record your podcast. It should not be a verbatim transcript of the episode, but it should be a detailed plan covering the topics, sub-topics, which host is leading off each segment, length of the commercials, etc. One exception is the interview with a historical designer (see below)—the entire interview should be written out, like a movie script.

Your podcast should be at least 25 minutes long and have at least 3 main segments:

A design topic that somehow relates to design history. For example, you could do a deep dive into

the 50th anniversary of Otl Aicher’s Munich Olympics design or the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus.

An interview segment in which you “interview” a deceased historical designer. You will come up with questions to ask him/her as if they were still alive. You will be responsible for writing out both the questions and answers, like a movie script. Although this segment is obviously fictional,

ARTS 215 Graphic Design History Podacst

it should be grounded in reality. Research their lives and study their work to develop good questions to ask them and make up their responses to your questions.

A contemporary design topic of your own choosing. This can be anything from a logo re-design to a review of a design exhibition that you saw. I would prefer if you were able to relate it back to design history somehow, but you have considerable latitude for this segment. For example, you can critique the Constructivist-inspired identity of the New School, but also be able to relate it back to the Constructivist movement of the 1920s.

In addition, your podcast should have the following “extras” in order to be a bit more realistic.

Intro and outro music: please make sure the music has a Creative Commons license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/. It is NOT acceptable to use commercial music from Spotify, YouTube, etc.

At least 1 commercial or sponsored segment. You can make up the sponsor—be creative!

A catchy podcast name: again, be creative with this! Try to think of something better than “Mike’s Podcast”.

Part 3: Podcast recording There will be an in-class demo of Audacity sound editing software for recording and editing your podcast. Simple tips for optimizing sound quality will also be given. While this is not a course in audio production, everyone should strive for a good-sounding and well-produced podcast. All podcasts must be in .mp3, .m4a, or .aac file format.

Evaluation Criteria Both partners will receive the same grade for this project. A successful project will:

Demonstrate your knowledge of a basic podcast structure

Demonstrate your knowledge of at least 1 historical design topic

Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of a historical designer

Demonstrate your knowledge of at least 1 design topic relevant to contemporary culture

Demonstrate an ability to present your ideas in natural and engaging spoken form

Demonstrate an ability to record audio of acceptable quality and to make simple edits to an audio file. ARTS 215 Graphic Design History Podacst