Design Practice III//Re-Written, Finalised Briefs.

My finalised re-written briefs for the four significant and one additional brief put together for the OUGD301 Design Practice III module, including briefs written for:

Jessie Leong Photography

UK Greetings / YCN 2013

Leeds University Union Ballet Society

James Maxwell Architectural Design

+ Leeds College of Art Christmas Card 2012

Design Practice III//Bibliography.

My completed bibliography submission form for the OUGD301 Design Practice III module.

Ideally, throughout the module I would have kept a continuous written list of all of my sources to help ease the writing up process, (something which I will ensure I do during the final major project module) so, as a result, not ALL of my sources are listed, but perhaps the most significant ones. All other sources can be found on my Design Context blog, here.

Design Practice III//Module Submission Form.

The finalised written document for the module submission form, to hand in tomorrow with the body of work presented in wallets and branded folder, with an overview of my briefs and outcomes, as well as a rationale for a brief summary and overview of the work executed throughout the OUGD301 Design Practice III module.

Design Practice III//OUGD301 Evaluation.

The finalised written evaluation for the OUGD301 Design Practice III module, in which I have evaluated my progress throughout the module, my design processes and outcomes, as well as my particular strengths and weaknesses, with elements to improve upon for the next (and final!) module... the final major project.

Design Practice III//Brief Five: Leeds College of Art Christmas Card 2012 Submission Boards.

The finalised submission for the additional, two-day brief for the live competition Leeds College of Art Christmas Card 2012 design, as viewed and judged by marketing (results of the contest are yet to be published).

Again, overall I'm quite happy with the design outcomes of the project, particularly considering the turnaround times, however, I wish that I could have produced a high enough quality print and photographic image to feel happy to represent it on my boards as opposed to a vector-based design, which would have ensured more consistency across my boards, as well as being able to apply it directly to my personal and professional design portfolio.

Design Practice III//Brief Four: James Maxwell Architectural Design Submission Boards.

The finalised design/submission boards for the James Maxwell Architectural Design brief.

Again, like the Leeds University Union Ballet Society brief, I'm a little disappointed with the outcome of both the products and the boards (in regards to the photography), as, by comparison,  I feel that they look particularly rushed and not to the standard I was hoping to achieve- particularly considering that in the Architecture range none of the single-shot photos were of good enough quality, so had to use a group shot again. Hopefully this won't effect the outcome in regards to professionalism/marking of the brief too greatly, and hopefully the concepts and design outcomes can still be successfully conveyed.

Design Practice III//Brief Three: Leeds University Union Ballet Society Submission Boards.

Final boards for submission for the Leeds University Ballet Society brief, developing both the printed stationary range for networking, communication and brand and product outcome professionalism, as well as designing the branded hoodies for existing members of the society.

Overall, I had quite a lot of difficulties with the photo editing, as the pictures were very over-exposed I had to edit out a lot of vignette, and was purely a technical error on my point (but I've definitely learnt from this now). As a result, I couldn't avoid having a real mix of colours on my design boards, so the brand spot colour isn't very distinct, and will, therefore, go on to add artwork files for my CD/module submission.

Design Practice III//Brief Two: UK Greetings / YCN 2013 Submission Boards.

The finalised module submission boards for the UK Greetings / YCN 2013 brief, in which I created my own brand of greetings card and range of gift products to accompany them.

In terms of the scope of my briefs for the module submission, strangely, considering the short time frame and quick development of the brief, this is probably the one I am most proud of, as I took a step out of my comfort zone to work on packaging design (albeit simple packaging) and a really quick turnaround with production values that have impressed others during crits.

Doing a quick competition brief like this one with successful results has definitely given me a confidence boost in regards to what I can achieve, and hope that I can carry this on through to FMP and later on in my personal and professional design practice and career.

Design Practice III//Brief One: Jessie Leong Photography Submission Boards.

The final boards (now printed and presented in A2 wallets) for module submission for the Jessie Leong Photography branding brief, with an overview of work, concept and deliverables produced throughout the duration of the collaborative brief along with potential design development and working towards a focus on digital design together in the New Year.

On the whole, I'm pretty pleased with the outcomes of this brief. I feel that I've been given some great and really supportive feedback from both Jessie and my peers, and believe that the product outcome range is extensive and well considered, and hope that the presentation and delivery on the boards does the project and the time exude on it, fair justice.

Visiting Professional//Joe Gilmore & Qubik.

Notes from today's talk with visiting professional, Joe Gilmore of Qubik, who I was fortunate enough to spend a day working with a couple of weeks ago, and gain further insight into his design practice.

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NOTES

* Ultrasound- Letting the content poster, 2005, determine the grid.
* Concept derived from content.
* Soundhacked app- converting sound files as RAW images in Photoshop- treats the data as an image.
* Glitch book visualises data through an InDesign file.
* Tauba Auerbach- Experimental typography (studied as a sign writer).
* Joe's image blog, Void, collective images and inspiration from an art perspective, has also helped him to gain contacts and work through mutual interest and followers.
* Carroll/Fletcher gallery, designer...branding to be clean, conservative and corporate. Outcomes include catalogue, invites, signage, designing for every exhibition.
* John Wood & Paul Harrison catalogue and metallic spot varnish invites (costing around £2 each...).
* Pulp notebooks created (similar to Muji style), Paperback paper supplier (Dice pattern created for 1,2,3 and 4 notebooks).
* Matt Smith- pulp board cover and bronze/copper foil, printed type.
* Chromatologies materials (the study of colour), colour gradient throughout the text on high-gloss stock.
* Chums Exhibition (cover, all the images overlaid in the grid system of the book- representation of the contents of the book on the cover).
* Sharmen (Newspaper printers, and also uses newspaper club.
* Radim Pesko, Amsterdam- based typographic designer (owner of type foundry).
* Colophon, designers of Apercu typeface (foundry).
* Designed website for LCA Fine Art lecturer, Sheila Gaffney (Head of Fine Art), Used InDexibit as a content manager, good for artist's portfolio.
* Algorithmic drawing, computer-drawn, slightly different angles of lines.
* Fuse by Neville Brody- with floppy disks (experimental typeface journal from the 80s).
* Lulu Printers.
* Swiss font foundry- Greer (?) type... GT Wallshine (Good for Alex Warren Architecture Branding... approx $40 per type weight).

Professional Development III//Contacting The Lift Agency, Harrogate.

theliftagency.com

This morning, hoping to continue to strengthen my industry contacts, studio visits and networking both personally and throughout the PPD module, I contacted The Lift Agency in Harrogate in regards to potentially organising a studio visit.

The studio specialises within branding design, but has influence within the sports industry and digital design, which is certainly something a little different to the work I currently produce, and could prove to be a really interesting insight into that particular sector.

Anticipating a reply to potentially go and learn more about the studio, and, again, expand upon my experience of meeting industry professionals.

Professional Practice III//Stockist for Crafty Praxis.

After initially contacting homeware and design store, Crafty Praxis, in Huddersfield last week (after being introduced to the shop by my friend and fellow BAGDer, Lisa), I was, of course, naturally delighted that after a couple of emails back and forth with my design portfolio, and links to my online work, that the store are interested in stocking some of my work (as shown in the email above).

Hopefully, I'll get the opportunity within the next couple of weeks to go down and meet the girls (Elisa and Helena) and will continue to develop and strengthen my network of stores and stockists to increase my retail profile and future potential.

Really exciting stuff.

Design Practice III//Computer Arts Graudate Showcase.

computerarts.co.uk

One of my real ambitions upon graduating is to be featured in a national design magazine, not only for the personal experience and process of seeing my design in print, and hopefully getting a widespread critique and feedback from my work, but, of course, to also publicise my design practice and to get myself a little more known as I embark on seeking employment in the design industry.

Past alumni such as Arthur Carey and Johnny Packham have successfully gone on to have their work in print in varying issues/online at Computer Arts, and it's definitely up there on my priorities for self promotional devices in early/mid 2013.

PPD III//Placement at Glad.

weareglad.com

I'm delighted that today I've booked my accommodation in Newcastle from 28 October- 2nd November to pay another visit to Glad Creative in Gateshead, and work on a placement for the week.

I had a great time with them at the start of the summer, and I hope that returning will really help to build bridges with them, and potentially have long-term contact and a working relationship. Can't wait to get started on some more of their fantastic briefs- plus, staying up in the city on my own will give me a great opportunity to work on some of my dissertation in the evening... no excuses now!

Personal & Professional Development//LCA SU NEST Magazine Launch.

flickr.com/people/crashbangsnap

Yesterday saw the launch of the Leeds College of Art Student Union Magazine, 'NEST', at the Whitecloth Gallery and Bar Exhibition Space in Leeds, having been lucky enough to be the first issue's cover designer and featured artist, I was also lucky enough to have been offered a table to sell my work at, and to have my work up for sale in the gallery.

All in all, it was a really great night, and we (myself and the Student Union team) were really delighted to see so many people, not only visiting, but staying the whole evening, and as well as selling work, and got to speak to a lot of industry people, as well as students from other courses and disciplines, and found it really interesting to hear what everyone's up to, and the potential for collaborations.

All images taken by the wonderfully talented, Jessie Leong Photography.

Design Practice III//Negotiated Briefs//Finalised Briefs.

The finalised collection of my written initial ten briefs for Design Practice III, to review with tutors and discuss as I go on to Level 06 to develop both my personal and professional design portfolio.

For more evidence of contextual research, see my Design Context blog for more details and information about each individual brief.

Professional Development III//Level 06 Finalised Presentation.

The finalised design for my pre- Level 06 presentation, to be delivered to the rest of the Graphic Design tutor group and design tutors on either Wednesday or Thursday of next week, covering my current design practice and my plans for the rest of the academic year, lasting between 7-10 minutes.

More evidence and research towards my Level 06 briefs can be found on both my Design Context and Design Practice blogs.

Written notes and prompts are as shown below.

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NOTES

- Discuss placements at both Glad and Founded, what I've learnt, and how it's influenced briefs (branding and studio work).
- Discuss visits and networking with design professionals.
- Talk about Joe Gilmore and Qubik, being offered an extended placement (1 year).
- Talk about job offer in New York City.
- Talk about shop offers, Mariankadun Olkkari, Helsinki & Off the Wall.
- Brief overview of projects- discuss how they link in together, good balance.
- Skills plan: Past, present, future- all helping and influencing Level 06 briefs, again.
- Discuss plans for FMP 
- Brief talk about dissertation (don't bore..).
- Conclude with my aspirations for this year- potentially working in Newcastle, living in York, working in a small branding studio with freelance work on the side (continuing to sell online through Etsy, Not on the High Street, etc.).

Professional Development III//Pre & Post Summer Evaluation 2012.

As part of my self analysis and evaluation in preparation for putting together my pre- Level 06 presentation within the next couple of days, I decided that an important practice was to look at my design practice and mentality both before and after the summer, and how events that have occurred, such as placements, have helped me to develop as a designer, and has taught me a great deal more about my practice.

The written content below comes from (an adapted) evaluation form that we were first presented with in Level 04, and it's amazing to see just how different my answers are now, and, clearly, how much I've developed as a designer.

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PRE/POST SUMMER EVALUATION 2012

List practical skills that you have developed during the summer. When have they proved useful?

A developed understanding and practice of branding. Working at two different branding studios in Newcastle/Gateshead, and actively working on live projects, as well as working collaboratively with a branding studio has helped me to learn the important analysis, meaning and understanding of the practice of branding, and has inspired me to explore it a great deal further as a potential design specialism both within my projects next year, and in my future design practice.

My research skills have greatly developed from this time last year. My research and findings are now a great deal more focuses at professional outcomes, and I aspire, this year, to look far more at the quality of my research posts as opposed to quantity, as I would accuse myself of doing so in the past.

List transferable skills that you have developed. What have you used them for?

Giving and receiving feedback with Creative Directors has certainly been of huge benefit to me this summer. Getting regular, daily feedback from the CD, Dave Burdon, at Glad, in particular was a very enlightening experience, and I feel, as a result, I got to understand the brief far more effectively, and now will actively accept, and look for feedback from my tutors and peers as much as possible.

Also, at Glad, I was fortunate enough (to my amazement) to have been trusted to offer my own feedback in terms of their briefs and submissions into National design awards, which I felt truly flattered by.

At University, I think at times, whether it be my own lack of confidence which has caused it or not, some situations, particularly feedback sessions have felt a little "us and them", although something I've learnt from the studios, is that respect can be mutual, and I hope to maintain that on my return to University this year by working as hard and effectively as I possibly can.

I feel that this summer I've definitely become more courageous in terms of talking to people in the industry and "putting myself out there". Naturally, though it may be hard to believe, I am quite shy, but good at acting over it. A motto I've tried to live by this summer is "do something every day that scares you". From the beginning of the summer til now, I feel like a much braver person.

Just say "YES". As long as you try to commit to something, it shows your willingness and motivation. If you can't fulfil it, at least you tried. If you just say "NO", you'll be forgotten about- and it looks like you don't care. I'm applying this to all work and opportunities this year. Sometimes you just have to go for it; make time for it, don't be afraid of it, or what it means, just go for it.

Whilst you can just say "YES", it's okay to say "NO" too. Don't do briefs to make other people happy if it doesn't fit into your schedule, or you'rd really rather not do them. Don't compromise your beliefs and ethics for a bit of money or out of fear that you "might not be liked". Your personal and professional integrity is worth more than that. 

List things that you have achieved. How have they helped you progress?

I have been fortunate enough to gain two studio placements over the summer, which have undoubtedly helped me to understand the studio environment that, in the past, I have been absolutely intimidated by. I've loved my time working in the studios, and now know that I could just as easily, if not more so, work in a studio as I could freelance, and I love that I now have the option between the two.

List problems that you have had to face. How have you over come them?

On my first day at Glad, I was set on a brief that, really, was my worst nightmare- logos. At this point, I had only just really "discovered" branding for myself, and a potential future working within it, but logos had been a real bug- bearer for the past two years. Instead of vocalising this, as in a studio, you really do the work you get given, I kept quiet, got on with it, and learnt that, actually, I was really enjoying it. 

Only at the end of the week did I mention the issue, and I was told "You would have never been able to tell". Negativity and lamenting on bad experiences (whether they be personal or professional) is the reason why you dread something, or don't enjoy it. This year I aspire to be as open- minded to design as possible, and look upon every brief and client as a new experience, and don't let negative experiences bring me down.

List things that you will never do again. Why?

Contact too many studios at one time. Sure, at the time, I felt like I was "on a roll", but I certainly didn't expect six Newcastle studios to all contact me back at once (positively) when I only had a couple of weeks within the summer to spare. On a good note, I've now developed lots of industry contacts, however, I have concerns about coming across as "flaky" for not being able to commit to all offered placements, and just hope that good will between me and the studios is effectively maintained.

Which of these words describes the way you work as part of a group?

Confident

Passive

Ethical

Open

Vocal

Decisive

Informed

Critical

Determined

Considerate

Tolerant

Withdrawn

Which of these qualities do you most appreciate about yourself?

Honesty

Creative

Originality

Commitment

Responsible

Flexibility

Ambitious

Focused

Punctuality

Humorous

Organised

Criticism

Which of these attitudes best describes the way you worked at the start of the summer?

Organised

Impulsive

Entertaining

Focused

Laid back

Direct

Informed

Critical

Objective

Committed

Flexible

Entertaining

Passive

Unrealistic

Indecisive

Ethical

Which of these attitudes best describe the way you work now?

Oragnised 

Impulsive

Entertaining

Focused

Laid back

Direct

Informed

Critical

Objective

Committed

Flexible

Entertaining

Passive

Unrealistic

Indecisibe

Ethical