Personal Development//Self Promotion.

Blogging some more ideas and inspiration in terms of self- promotion in design and portfolio work- here, some new designs I've seen which have stood out as being particularly creative or thought-provoking- hopefully to inspire me to get working on my own design to promote myself, and my work, for potential placements in the summer. Times going by fast, and ideally I don't want to have be applying after Easter, as I feel that may be a little too late- want to start moving forward with ideas imminently. More details, reviews and thoughts of the individual self- promotion designs are posted below each corresponding image.

http://dsmy2muqb7t4m.cloudfront.net/articles/2011/article-self-promo-tuts/1-self-promo-book.jpg

A really simple- bold, block colour, use of type and composition, but with a really creative and visually communicative die-cut cover, which really helps this design to stand out amongst other paper- based, printed publications- a great example of simplicity and minimalism proving far more effective than any additional flourishes or embellishments would have given.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHL18BuSL70rL3teovVjL8zs4NI7Czssrw4607NKYvNovy50XMwleEL61oc-YLTaFogPr211HkPbIoRm9iiWiaT6w5f_IZs5jZruOq82TOavGNlV4uf1JJl1jhwyl-apz5npb994h0t-W/s1600/6a00d8345250f069e20120a8f7811c970b-550wi-1.jpg

"I'll have some fresh ideas to go, please!" sounds like the perfect lunch to me! A fun, and simply executed idea by this designer (featured above), in which the iconic brown paper lunch bag (of American school children, most notably) is utilisied to promote the recipe of perfect design in 'concept', 'fresh ideas', and 'talent'- direct visual communication with a creative use of hand-rendered typography on the labels to add a little hint of the designer's style.

http://www.canvasboy.co.uk/files/gimgs/19_set.jpg

BRILLIANT idea- not only a playful, creative, and unique self promotion method of delivery, but perfect for the creative director in need of a bit of stress relief! A truly inspired design, though, presumably high in production costs. Really smart- designing like this is ~the dream~.

http://behance.vo.llnwd.net/profiles/91354/projects/541539/342f9681a4e31af93ede40716950f4dc.jpg

Bold, typographically- driven design, with a strong monochrome colour palette and clear branding and identity in it's aesthetic. Not a style I am very in touch with at the moment, but I'd definitely like to expand my portfolio of typographic work, and know how much of a necessity it is in visual communication- something I'll definitely be working on before creating my own self- promotion work. 

http://cart208design.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/fortune.jpg 

A really inspired and creative idea- using fortune cookies to direct the "fortunes" of potential employers to call the designers number- and a snack to chow down on while you're at it. Definitely original...maybe a little difficult to get through undamaged through the post office, mind...

http://uploads.notempire.com/images/uploads/Picture_1-749.jpg

Love this bold, child- like illustrative style that reminds me of the work of one of my favourite designers, Steph Baxter (a recent graduate of the LCA BAGD degree programme). Great colour palette- minimal, but still eye-catching, vibrant and fun. Great idea making a "fun pack" too- something which really appeals to me and my outlook on design- with the aim to have as much fun as I possibly can whilst doing it!

http://www.jeanniejeannie.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/jamie_reed_promo_07-290x290.jpg 

I've blogged this design throughout a past module on the course- and still think it is one of the most creative, skilled and fun self-promotion designs I've ever seen... a real "I wish I'd thought of that first" moment. I love the interactivity of the product, and the idea of the undoubted delight it must have generated when it landed on the creative director's desk- a great talking piece, and truly memorable- I strive to create designs like these.

http://www.frederiksamuel.com/blog/images/helena_pen.jpg

Again- a great example of interactivity and innovative thinking- a real sign of creative talent- and a great first impression upon the person/company you are aiming to promote yourselves too. Love the way that this product directly links with the designer (proofreader)- ensures that the design is fun and truly memorable.