InDesign Project Evaluation.

Overall, I feel quite happy with the progress I have made through the InDesign and type and grid workshops throughout this module. 

Before I joined the course, I had rarely considered the type and layout of a magazine or publication, let alone designed and structured one for myself, so this was a great oppurtunity to be "lead blind" into a project, and try to make the most out of every tutor session and online tutorial advice, to ensure that I could achieve the best possible results from little or no knowledge of the software.

In my final design, I have been a lot more experimental with my layout, composition and imagery than I have previously been- even a few weeks ago, in my initial design, it is amazing to see the progression and the development of my work, and I'm really pleased to see how much affect such a short amount of time can have. 

Although, with more time, there are certainly points I could improve upon, I am reasonably pleased with my final design- using an eight-column grid helped to give my design enough flexibility without being messy or illegible.

I am also very glad that I have been able to encorporate a personal interest, portraiture photography in the design, spending the time to photograph Beth in the mezzanine with studio lighting was certainly worth the effort and time spent, as I feel it gives the design a far higher-quality aesthetic, and with a bold, sophisticated backdrop colour which works well with the reversed-out type.

Although motivation hasn't always been necessarily easy to find through the InDesign project, once I had got started with my designs, and the experimentation of combinations of type and colours, etc, I really got into the process, and found it very fun and stimulating- InDesign now is certainly a programme to which I shall apply all my future design work- I don't know how I made it this far without it!

Speaking from Experience: End of Project Evaluation.

This 'Speaking from Experience' brief has given me a lot of insight into my own, and other design practices. I feel as though my work has evolved greatly, and I am now able to analyse my work more fluidly as I design, as opposed to afterwards in reflection.

My initial plan was to create photographs which depicted high-energy diet recipes, constructed from paper food craft items. Whilst it was an interesting experience creating the nets and experimenting with different colours and stocks, I couldn't achieve the quality of design I desired in the short time frame.

Fortunately, this time, the realisation came soon enough to turn my project around- creating a series of vector-based designs for a "designer diet" information and advisory pack, including a swatch book of recipes, nutritional information cards, and printed tea towel designs.

Whilst I'm disappointed that my initial design plans and method of delivery was compromised, which led me to fall back into my illustrative "comfort zone", the kind and positive feedback I have received from fellow students and classmates has led me to believe that my project is a suitable, and of viable use to a first year Graphic Design student, in accordance to the project brief.

Whilst I think that my research and development has been of positive effect on my final designs, I really would have liked more time to experiment with the visual outcome, and experimented- testing my own ability and perceptions of the design.

OUGD103- DESIGN PRACTICE 1: End of Module Evaluation.

1. WHAT SKILLS HAVE YOU DEVELOPED THROUGH THIS MODULE AND HOW EFFECTIVELY DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE APPLIED THEM?

-Through this module I have learnt a lot about self-evaluation, and the evaluation of my work. In comparison to the beginning of the course and previous modules, I feel as though I am now far more capable to see faults in my work, and amend them sooner for a more refined outcome.

As well as self-analysis, I feel that I am now far more sophisticated in giving feedback. With guidance and support from the tutors, I feel that I could accurately and constructively assess another classmate's work, giving positive and helpful support.

Practically, I have developed my bookbinding and crafting skills, a particular area of my design practice I was keen to improve upon, now being able to make a wide variety of book styles and binds to an efficient and high-quality level.

2. WHAT APPROACHES TO/METHODS OF RESEARCH HAVE YOU DEVELOPED AND HOW HAVE THEY INFORMED YOUR DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS?

-My research and source material, I feel, has become far more sophisticated and appropriate throughout this module than any other on the course so far- now researching from specifically design-focused websites, such as the Behance Network, which have really opened up my mind to design and all of it's possibilities.

Through this module I have also expanded my own personal Graphic Design library, purchasing a wide variety of books and magazines of subjects and themes that I particularly falter or have little knowledge of, in hopes of expanding my skills set and capabilities- two recent purchases including 'Computer Arts' magazine, and 'The Production Manual' by Gavin Ambrose.

Because of the wider research, to a more suitable level, my passion for design has really grown- I now have a new interest and fascination for typography which I never really harboured before, and would love to develop this interest in further modules- experimenting with shape and form, as well as material used in the design process.

3. WHAT STRENGTHS CAN YOU IDENTIFY IN YOUR WORK AND HOW HAVE/WILL YOU CAPITALISE ON THESE?

-As aforementioned in this self-evaluation, I feel that I can see errors in my designs far more easily now, taking a more informed and analytical view as I work- not getting too involved or "falling for" a design too easily.

I have now opened my mind to many new ways of working and presenting my work, with the help of outside sources, research and influence- and feel inspired to try new methods and techniques. 

Taking influence from surface pattern and textile applications with methods of delivery such as screen-printing and digital textiles printing.

These methods help me to gauge an understanding of my design- the methods to which my style is most appropriate; learning what does, and what doesn't quite work.

4. WHAT WEAKNESSES CAN YOU IDENTIFY IN YOUR WORK, AND HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THESE MORE FULLY?

I still have a tendency to over-complicate my work, and concepts for myself.

Coming from an Art & Design BTEC course, we were very driven towards a Fine Art approach, creating a "deep, meaningful, complex concept"- and this habit is certainly something I need to drop towards future modules- focus on the design, and the concepts will come naturally. Focus on the brief, not being "clever".

Throughout this module, I think I have perhaps pushed myself too hard, and not been realistic with my goals- trying to experiment and push my outcomes too much, and not focusing on the individual quality of the designs. In the future, I shall try to remember that quality is greater than quantity- and whilst it is good to experiment with outcomes, it is a lot more important to focus on factors such as layout, composition, and type.

5. IDENTIFY FIVE THINGS YOU WILL DO DIFFERENTLY NEXT TIME, AND WHAT DO YOU EXPECT TO GAIN FROM DOING THESE?

1. One of the main issues throughout this module has been my 'Speaking from Experience' brief, in which we were "allowed" a little more free-rein, and had the last real opportunity to be experimental with methods and techniques in the first year.

With a great admiration and interest in paper crafts, I decided to follow this route- originally planning a design outcome built upon photographing paper objects. 

However, fortunately, I realised (before it was too late) that the method of delivery just wasn't appropriate for the subject matter, and managed to change my designs accordingly.

I have learnt, especially from this project, but along with others from throughout the module, and the year, that the brief is what matters- not what I want to do. I am designing to meet a need, a requirement, for the client. I need to focus on what best suits the theme- not a style I want to practice, or carve out for myself.

2. Sleep- Through the entire year, though particularly this module, I have been really pushing myself to achieve the greatest quantity of design possible, though the tiredness this has caused, I believe, has affected the aesthetic outcome. With more careful planning, consideration, and time spent brainstorming designs are opposed to "diving straight in", I'm sure that I could produce designs that are to the high standard that I hope for as I progress onto the second year.

3. Appropriate research- Developed more throughout this project, though something I hope to continue to gain from. Researching from specific design-focused materials, books and web-based publications. Taking more influence from practitioners will give me more ideas, and stretch my imagination to see what is possible with my current, or future skills set.

4. Online tutorials- Again, something that I have already been exploring which has certainly helped my design practice, though I must take more advantage of. With little software skills to speak of before joining the course, software tutorials (online, via sites such as YouTube) have really helped to develop my understanding of design processes- learning shortcuts, how to apply textures onto Illustrator, etc.

These tutorials have already developed my software skills a great deal, and taking more influence and interest in them will certainly help withstanding the pace of the second and third year as I progress through the course.

5. Group work- Though I felt that the group dynamic was OK through the 'Communication Is A Virus' brief, I felt as though we could have done more to keep in touch, share ideas and, consequently, produce a more solid and successful design outcome. In future projects, I hope to gain more of a rapport with all group members (I'm sure this will come with the familiarity and confidence with other group members) so that we have more of a trust and bond within sharing our design ideas.

6. HOW WOULD YOU GRADE YOURSELF IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

5= EXCELLENT 4= VERY GOOD 3= GOOD 2= AVERAGE 1= POOR

ATTENDANCE =5

PUNCTUALITY =5 

MOTIVATION =4

COMMITMENT =5

QUANTITY OF WORK PRODUCED =4

QUALITY OF WORK PRODUCED =3

CONTRIBUTION TO THE GROUP =4

Design is About Doing: Opposites Live Brief- Cress Finals.

Creating further designs in order to meet the brief criteria for the 'Design is about Doing' Opposites Brief.

I experimented with the plant, cress, to represent life and death- my chosen opposites.

After growing my cress, I decided to lay my paper cut stencil on top to see what sort of effect it created.

I put it into photoshop to edit any damp patches where the leaves had soaked the paper, but I still wasn't happy with the shadows that were created by the stencil overlay.

I put my three stages into Illustrator and drew around the type to create a white background on the original photograph- 'life' with the vibrant green, healthy cress...death with the dark brown cress that hadn't been watered for a week, and the 'and' bringing them together for the third image in the other stage of "cress' life"...as seeds. 

I quite like the effect that this created, and was quite unusual with the photograph method, and an interesting way to represent stages of life.

However, when I printed the designs, I wasn't overly happy with them- the cartridge paper I had printed them onto just didn't make enough of an impact and show the photographs off to the best of their ability.

When I printed onto glossy paper, the results were much better. Unfortunately, due to stock shortage I couldn't print all of the images- and the ones that I could were only in an A5 format.

(The one A4 version I managed to print- the photographic quality looked rather good this size!)

Given more time, I would have liked to printed onto an A4 scale, which I believe would have been the most appropriate scale for both the poster and book deliverables that the designs would could have been printed in, had I of had time to enter the competition brief with these designs, as oppossed to my original ones.

Whereas the designs aren't as successful as I originally imagined, it was fun to experiment with new methods. Note to self- use a less pungent material next time. Cress stinks.

Speaking from Experience: Final Designs.

Documenting my final printed designs so far- tea towels yet to be printed- in my 'Designer Diet' freshers pack- a guide to how to sustain a healthy, high-energy diet to support the shift in work load for the first year Graphic Design students.

The comparison between my original prints with the light blue shade (left) and my new designs in mint green (right). I'm really appreciative of the final crit feedback session- I now think that the green is far more suitable, and still remains as eye-catching and bright.

My final swatchbook- complete with an introduction page, explaining the results of tiredness upon the course, as well as ten recipes each for breakfast, lunchtime and teatime- each recipe containing one of the "top ten" high-energy foods I have highlighted.

Although I am pleased with the aesthetic of the design, a few things about it do frustrate me, that I couldn't get quite right given the tight deadline remaining- a few of the recipes don't quite meet the criteria I was originally focusing on- not being able to cook in half an hour, being more expensive than I would have liked to reproduce on a student budget. Given more time, more research and planning would have been taken for sure.

My selection of green products.

Definately a print-based designer, I love tactile objects, and the joy when something prints well. This project has definately taught me that print is the way forward for my practice, affirming it more so than ever before.

Throwing in a few cheeky recipes to capture the imagination of the student audience- for instance, a kiwi martini- as we all have to have a balance between regime and fun!

The green colouring, I found, also works a lot better with the white reversed-out type, bringing it forward, not competing with it- ensuring that it is both bold and easily read.

Considering the amount of changes and alterations I have made throughout the entirety of this five-week project, I am actually quite pleased with the results I have achieved. Whilst there are still many things I would change, it's been a real learning process, and it has shown me that I can produce a vast amount of work in a short time to an aimable standard, and that I should have more confidence in my ability.

From the feedback I have recieved from fellow Graphic Design classmates and students, tiredness is indeed a re-accuring issue within the course, and hopefully, I have been able to take suggestive steps towards a solution, or, at very least, a remedy.

Speaking from Experience: Formative Feedback.

On Friday, we entered the stage of the final crit for the 'Speaking from Experience' module. We were paired up (I was with Oli) to mark another partners work- we had Will and Kirsty.

The process was really interesting, being able to have another person's opinion in the evaluation process was really insightful, as well as getting to talk to Oli properly for perhaps the first time. We had an evaluation form with several questions and areas of analysis to focus upon, and to write about formally.

James and Alex marked our work, and this was the feedback I recieved about my project (having explained it wasn't quite finished yet, not being able to print my tea towels until Monday)...

FMP PROGRESS CRIT

PROBLEM ANALYSIS

"Identification and evaluation of key issues relating to the brief including creative opprtunities, target audiences and appropriate contexts."

Comments:

-Nice design but the colour scheme might suit a younger audeience.

-Nice subtle humour on the postcards.

-Tea towel would look very good, would work well.

-I feel the information inside the booklets and post cards is perfect for the target audience.

INSUFFICIENT  SATISFACTORY  GOOD  VERY GOOD  EXCELLENT

CONTEXTUAL UNDERSTANDING

"Awareness of the creative and professional context for the work produced, informed by the critical analysis in a range of appropriate contemporary creative practices and methods of distribution."

-I think this would be suited for students, however, I feel the light blue colour may appeal more to a younger audience.

INSUFFICIENT  SATISFACTORY  GOOD  VERY GOOD  EXCELLENT

RESEARCH

"Evidence of the ability to gather material from a breadth of sources using a range of diverse and inventive primary and secondary research methods appropriate to the brief."

-It is evident that a lot of research and effort has gone into this project.

INSUFFICIENT  SATISFACTORY  GOOD  VERY GOOD  EXCELLENT

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

-I think the content on the cards would work quite nicely as tea towels.

****

I was really happy with my feedback, and, if anything, that the boys had been overly generous (!)

I had had minor concerns with the colour, worried that it was perhaps a little too bright, so now this has been affirmed, it's a great oppurtunity to do some re-design and print out my designs again before the module hand-in on Thursday.

Speaking from Experience: Progress Crit Feedback.

On Friday morning I was part of a progress group session with several of my classmates, as well as tutor Jo, discussing the development of our project and where we should be taking it at this current stage.

I explained my thought processes and what I had planned, (see the rest of my design practice blog, www.s-wilson1013-dp.blogspot.com for details!) and this was the feedback I recieved from both Jo and the other classmates:

* Making a lot of work for myself...will I manage to do it all in time?

-I knew it would be a struggle and constant work load to get all of my work done, but am very determined- though could certainly see their point! I'm definately a perfectionist with my work.

* Bring it back to the design brief- making it specific to the Graphic Design course. E.g...inform about the energy-rich foods, but then apply them to a useful context..."oats will give a slow release through the day...perfect for an all-day workshop" etc.

* Perhaps make an instillaiton? Show off my work and create a tactile experience. 

-I was really pleased that Jo and the other group members seemed to respond so well to my work- Jo commented how whilst putting the designs onto tea towels was a fun idea, the detail might get lost (in the weave of the fabric) and the craft wouldn't be shown to it's best ability- a really valid point, and something which I started to consider greatly.

* Shop instillation? Allow for a tactile experience. Perhaps make take-away mini milk cartons with details of blog (?) and more info on the back.

* Make a blog about specific foods in the diet- the "big 20"(?)- write about why they specifically help designers, meal suggestions, etc. DON'T OVER COMPLICATE THINGS. BACK TO BASICS! 

* Possibly also create a hot dog fold booklet? Print and web based? Poster designs, etc. Photograph items.

I was really appreciative of the feedback, and it may be consider many outcomes which had completely passed my mind at the start. In the original workshop with Fred, I wrote about how much I enjoyed instillation paper crafts, yet, for some reason, completely by-passed the method of delivery for this particular brief.

I am strongly considering this for an outcome. As opposed to using my recipes, I would highlight the particular "high-energy foods" (therefore, reducing my workload...always a bonus!) and then provide meal suggestions on the online blog. Definately a feesable task in the time, now I just need to contact Amber about the possibility of setting my instillation up and seeing how she would respond to this.

Back to work!

InDesign Brief: Design Feedback.

Today in our workshop session with Lorenzo, we got into small group to discuss our design developments of both the magazine type and grid work, as well as the InDesign DPS brief, and had a really good oppurtunity to discuss and reflect upon our work and design developments. 

Generally, I recieved good reviews of my type and grid magazine development work- though it became clear to me even by looking and really examining the work that a lot more abstract experimentation would have been really beneficial- though I was pleased with the detail and attention that I paid to all of my thumbnail sketches.

The same sort of rules applied to my InDesign DPS of Beth- a good start, and particularly a good colour scheme ("looks very sophisticated") but a lot more experimentation would greatly benefit my work. The most important points raised by myself and other members of the group include:

* leading of the header- consider the spacing between lines and the typeface used.

* stretch out picture- unusual angle.

* define more grid structure- perhaps break down the type into 3 columns?

* "article by" section smaller- less attention needed.

* add folios- looks more professional.

* "arts and culture" page divide- adds more visual interest and professsionalism- more context.

* experiment more with type colours, typefaces, pt sizes, etc.

I intend to put this feedback into action as soon as possible- hopefully getting the oppurtunity to make ammendments by the weekend (at the latest!) in order to have everything ready to print by the module deadline of 26th May.

PPD Presentation: Preparation and Brainstorming.

Starting to make notes and reflect upon my first year of University, in preparation for my PPD presentation which I will present to a third of the year group on a select date in June. Considering particular elements of my development, what I have particularly enjoyed, what I have learnt, etc...

When I came onto the first year...

-Wanted to be a children's book author and illustrator.

-Not very many technical and software skills- never used Illustrator, InDesign or Final Cut Pro before.

-Reliant upon hand-rendered, traditional techniques. Very illustrative.

-No experience of working with typography- wasn't even aware of the terms "serif" and "sans serif" 

What I have enjoyed...

-CTS- given me a chance to develop my written feedback and critiquing skill. Influenced the way I evaluate my own work.

-Creative writing elective- given me an opportunity to escape the constraints of Graphic Design and allowed my imagination to grow.

-Photography- an extension of a personal hobby, I have really enjoyed grasping every opportunity possible to partake in photography work. Photographed models for the University (Fashion Students), as well as my own work.

-Typogateaux- any excuse to bake a cake! Taught me how much FUN Graphics can be- and how you should always add your own distinctive style and influence (PRODUCE CAKES FOR THE GROUP??)

-Learning software programmes- Feel so much more capable with my technical skills that I did at the start of the course. Now reasonably confident with my skills set.

-Experimenting- Enjoying the luxury of time when I get to experiment with new methods and techniques.

-Book Crafts- An extension of my own ambitions for the future, I hope to continue and progress in my knowledge and crafting development of book-making.

-Meeting new people- You guys are mega cool. Every day I feel truly inspired by being surrounded by so many hard-working and determined people.

What I have learnt...

-Over-complicating things doesn't pay- you waste your time, and simplicity is nearly always the answer.

-Take feedback and criticism graciously. Sure, you might feel tired, deflated, and ever-so-slightly grouchy, but these people aren't out to get you- they're here to help you.

-Specialising isn't the "be all and end all". Sure, it's great to mould and develop your own "unique", "distinctive" style in your career, but for now, it's okay just to have some fun.

-Cartridge paper rules. END OF.

When I left the first year...

-Still want to work in books (looking for work experience in a publishing house- particularly aimed at children), but now I'm enthusiastic to experiment within other fields too.

-Further confirmation that I want to work Freelance. I am fiercely determined to make my own name- however difficult it may seem at times, I know I have the willpower to do it.

-HUNGRY TO LEARN- Still really enthusiastic about learning new methods and techniques- especially with digital software. A magazine subscription may be in order...

Speaking from Experience: Planning my Method of Delivery.

Over the weekend and today, I have taken time out to reflect over my chosen method of delivery for my Speaking from Experience brief as a reaction to the crit feedback I recieved on Friday. Starting to wonder what utensils and items and commonly and safely found in the kitchen, two items sprang to mind- paper napkins, and tea towels. Surley these could provide great experiments for printing recipes onto. Quite unique, and of course, completely user friendly, this could be an innovative as well as functional design- with an attractive visual design to boot.

Also, on a more selfish, un-related note, this also ties in with my passion for print, and my desire to experiment with further printing process, including digital textiles printing- of which I am planning to book in a session for Thursday 19th May...cutting it fine before the final crit date on Friday 20th, but at least I will be sure I have absolutely everything finished and complete.

Talking to technician Caroline today in the printing area at University, she suggested two fabrics to print onto:

-Cotton Upholstery (a thick, denim-like weave) and

-Cotton Satin (more luxurious, used in dressmaking) 

Whilst neither of these options would be suitable on a functional ground, I will undoubtedly experiment with these facilties, but am also going to start sourcing local printers and providers that can print onto the specific canvas-like material that is commonly found within tea towels.

A good site which I have visited before, 

http://shop.thecleverbaggers.co.uk/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=5&idproduct=1670

I will hopefully be making a call to them in the very near future to enquire about their costings, services and turn-around times.

Speaking from Experience: Feedback and crit session.

Overall, I was really pleased with the feedback I recieved from tutors Jo and Amber in our feedback critque session. After presenting my ideas to the group, we discussed my deliverables and ways I could visually develop my concept- which I admit I am/was still a little unsure of.

My key points to discuss and develop upon were:

-How do I make it my own? Good sources of inspiration, but I need to make them individual and unique, and in accordance with my style.

-Method of delivery- how do I make it innovative and useful?

-Try to limit the food choices a little- don't want to confuse people, or give them too many options.

I will now go on to brainstorm and develop more ideas in regards to how I can create my final piece and develop my design practice for this project.

Speaking from Experience: Design Presentation Boards.

My final design boards (well, I hope so at least!)- keeping the same visual style, but tweaking the content ever so slightly. Really, just "beefing up" (please excuse the pun) the project a little- taking it from something quite two-dimensional, to hopefully have a real, positive effect.

Speaking from Experience: Project Consdierations.

Whilst I am looking to advice foods which are energy-rich, I also need to be aware of items that counteract this also. 

As well as this, some of the energy-rich foods I have picked up on- coffee, chocolate, can also have negative side affects- withdrawl symptoms or high fat content. This may be a point to consider when finalising my items selection- having a low calorie, high energy, low fat selection. 

Foods low in energy/"danger foods":

*chocolate or other fast-action sugar boosts- can often bring down a massive "crash" after the initial boost.

*fried/high fat foods

= foods with "empty" calories- a high calorie content but with little or no nutritional value.

I'm now definately considering creating "meal plans" as oppossed to just the food items alone, though, as I said before, I am a little considered that I may be veering away from the course element.

Considerations:

-A seven-day week meal plan- an easy guide to diet advice, without the worries but all the energy!

-A "designer diet" lunchbox- lunchbox meal suggestions to keep you going through the day- easy meals to make with all the nutrients and vitamins you need.

I now think that I much prefer the lunchbox idea- with foods that you could create the night before, ensuring you get enough sleep at night (not worrying about having to get up early to prep!) and also keeping you stimulated and alive and kicking throughout the day. I'm not entirely sure how well this would now work as a papercraft experiement- I think that there might be too much detail going on, as oppossed to the one element alone.

Hopefully I will get a chance to discuss this with tutors on Friday's crit session, and hopefully take more of a direction from then on. I will prepare and research some diet plan suggestions on my design context blog (www.s-wilson1013-dc.blogspot.com) until that time, in preperation.

Speaking from Experience: The plan of action.

After today's workshop experience, I feel as though I have a much firmer idea about what I would like to execute for the brief, and feel prepared for the explination of my ideas for the first concept crit on Friday 6th (whereupon I will present a concept, context, and method of delivery board).

My ideas thus far...

-research the types of foods that give you energy, make you feel better if you are tired or lethargic (lack of sleep)- "the designers diet: grub to make you feel good"- a handy guide for new students for how to feel at their best and keep themselves healthy.

-research food stockists in the local area- making in specific to the course- the best sandwich/smoothie/pastry shops, etc.

-research what scientifically improves attention, healthy skin, etc.

-research what my peers eat to perk themselves up.

-photograph foodstuffs.

-illustrate foodstuffs- hand drawn and vector.

-create paper craft versions of the foods- photograph for posters, leaflets, postcards- animate items for stop motion.

-distribute print-based media to local shops, around uni- SU, canteen, in plan chests, first day info pack.

-distribute online/web-based media on blog/website/facebook/twitter/USB stick/DVD-ROM.

Really excited to start with the project, creating some prototype designs for my crit on Friday, where hopefully the ideas I've designed so far will be strong enough to persue onto a final project.