Professional Practice III//Industry//Reply from Supa Naught

supanaught.com

This afternoon, Simon Canaway of Supa Naught, a design studio in Newcastle-upon-Tyne I had originally contacted a couple of months ago, was kind enough to send a reply in regards to me sending along a copy of my portfolio and CV, as well as noting that I was looking to develop my industry experience through placements and studio visits throughout the summer.

Although, as stated in the email, Supa Naught aren't currently offering placements, he was kind enough to send through an extensive and very complimentary reply to my portfolio, which, of course, I greatly appreciate, and hope I can still keep in contact with him for any potential work or opportunities to meet again in the future.

PPD//OUGD203 Module Feedback 2012.

Module Feedback and grade outlines from the last studio module, OUGD203 (Design Practice II), from which I gained a 2:1 at 67%.


Although this is, disappointingly, my lowest grade of the year so far, it was almost expected, to be honest. The first half of the module, with the YCN collaboration, I particularly didn't enjoy, and throughout the entirety of the module I found myself tired and feeling half-hearted about the work that I was creating.


In hindsight, I should have experimented a great deal more with processes and print finishes, and concept development. Certainly from this module I've learnt a lot for preparation for next year, and, hopefully, it won't effect my overall grade for the year too much, and, hopefully, I'll still be able to achieved an overall first. 

PPD//Enterprise & Innovation Module Feedback 2012.

The feedback from the Enterprise & Innovation Module received on Thursday last week, with an overall grade of 75%, which, again, I'm very happy to say gives me an overall grade of a first for the module, which, naturally, I'm very pleased with.


Again, this module, unlike, unfortunately, the main Graphic Design studio modules, was one of my favourites for the year, as I felt it has positively affected the way in which I approach my freelance work, as well as making positive business and marketing decisions within my own design practice, and whereas it may have not developed my design skills to as full an extent as I may have liked, it has certainly developed my theoretical knowledge and understanding of the processes involved in successful graphic design practices and marketing oneself effectively. 

PPD//Module Feedback//OUPD201 Module Feedback 2012.

Module Feedback from the OUPD201 PPD Module, as received on Thursday of last week. Quite happy with the overall feedback given, and the module grade of 74%, which I'm very pleased with, as it means I have achieved a first overall.


Undoubtedly this year PPD has been my favourite module, as I feel that I have achieved and gained the most from it in terms of networking, building my portfolio, and gaining confidence in terms of talking to industry professionals and making those all important links to industry for potential studio visits and placements which are, of course, crucial. 


Really looking forward to applying what I've already learnt throughout the summer, and hopefully using these skills to benefit me throughout the future of my design practice.

OUCS205//CTS Module Feedback.

The results back from the past year's CTS module. 
Really, really happy with the feedback from Richard and the grade I received, and it's really given me the drive to work hard towards developing my dissertation proposal material next week (after module hand in this week, and before the CTS proposal hand in deadline!)


The thing that I am most pleased with was Richard's comments about my triangulation, which I felt was something I had particular  problems with, and it's encouraging to see I'm making progress.


Still lots of things I could improve on, but I'm glad the work paid off. Since day one I've really enjoyed CTS, and I hope I can keep it up for my dissertation next year. 

Image//OUGD205 Module Feedback.

Module feedback from the OUGD205 Image module that was sent back to us today. Happy with all the comments given, and definitely see the relevance of this within my work, and wish in certain areas I could have devoted more time or experimentation to my weekly outcomes.


A little disappointed with the grade, largely because it's only 1% higher than last year, and I feel that I put a considerable deal more effort in, though I understand that the years are graded differently. Plus, it's also my lowest grade of the year so far. However, I still maintain that it's been my favourite module of the year, and I really appreciate the ideas, inspiration and challenges it has provided me, and that have given more focus and direction into the future of my design practice.

Design Practice II//YCN/Graze/Final Crit Feedback.

Final Crit Feedback and information from today's session. Working in groups of three (with the two members of each group- Charlie and I, Simon and Will, Oli and James), we each went around viewing the final design boards that we had created to present, writing on the feedback sheets about our initial thoughts and opinions before then openly discussing our design intentions and plans for the future of the project before Tuesday's final submission. 

Before the crits began, Charlie and I wrote a list of five specific questions that we felt would be important to address in the crit and get feedback from:

1/ Is our colour scheme appropriate for the brand and/or product?
2/ Is the branding suitable for our target audience?
3/ What do you think about the idea of a miniature box for mailshot deliverables?
4/ Aesthetically and physically, is there enough balance between print and digital design outcomes?
5/ Is the box and branding eye catching and engaging enough?

The crit, as ever, was really useful, and I can speak for both Charlie and myself when I say it was really useful to get the opinions of our peers, and maybe to realise that we were doing okay for the moment (and not to be too worried about getting it finished on time!). 

One particular topic that was bought up by James and Oli was the notion that the knife and fork logo wasn't very appropriate because of the "nibble" nature of Graze. This is something that I had worried about when creating the design, but without being overly conceptual (and therefore not very visually communicative) I found it quite difficult to come up with any other ideas that were contemporary and suited our campaign.

After discussing the integration of the spork/spoons to the Graze box to suit the more formal working environment, as a group, we came to a mutual agreement that, although not ideal in terms of visual communication, we would keep the logo (for now at very least) as it is- a good lesson in branding for me!

OUGD202//Additional feedback question.

Got a quick email from tutor Fred today with an additional question to be incorporated into the standardised module feedback that we receive after the end of each module.


The PDF above shows my response for this section- to be given in on the next tutorial session.

Design Production for digital//Module feedback.

Module feedback I received today from my Design Production for Digital module- really happy with the grade I received, and quite surprised to be honest! Not at all shocked that the design outcome section of the module grading was my weakest area, as, admittedly, I found the design production stage quite difficult in this entirely new and (comparatively) complex software programme. Although not my best grade, I am pleased with what I got out of the module and feel that if I were to repeat it there is so much more I could have done with it, or could have learnt from it to go on to utilise in designing a much crisper, professional- looking design outcome.


Again, like with the majority of my projects, I'm pleased with the grade I received for my research and analysis and hope to keep this up for all of my projects in the future- however,  I need to balance it a little more to ensure that my design outcomes are of equal grading measure.

Design Production for Digital//Top 10//Presentation of design outcomes.

This afternoon in the a studio workshop, we had our very last opportunity to take feedback from our peers about our design development through the module- and, in particular, looking at our final outcome designs and how effective they are in terms of visual communication, technique and ability in terms of general software use (as well as testing if our burnt DVDs were working before submission!).


In a small group, we went round assessing the work of two other members within the group- mine being marked by Claudia and Charlotte. I was really happy with the feedback I received (which can be seen in the Issuu PDF document above)- and it's probably higher than any other mark I've been given in this category before (Haha! I am usually more successful with my (I quote) "Shit hot" design context and research, but I've definitely tried to level it out  a little more this time). 


Also some constructive points from other members of the group with key points that I will try to look at potentially editing and altering (particularly the format for file saving) before submission and module deadline tomorrow afternoon.

Image//Editorial//Feedback.

(Design sheets above for the final resolutions, in context, of my designs for the week- long brief of Editorial Image).

Today we had our second Image session- and a chance to showcase our week's designs and receive feedback from other members of the session.

In a group of four (along with Matt Chatfield, Mitch Weaver and Steph Lawson) we discussed each of our designs, potential improvements, and things we could do if we were to revisit the brief- my notes were as follows:

FEEDBACK//EDITORIAL IMAGE

- Good ideas, clear, well represented

- Perhaps try out a different colour scheme for the colour blind test so that it doesn't actually affect those who are colour blind (thus the design being a bit pointless!)

- Experiment with different shapes (as opposed to two circles) on the x2 article page

Really happy with the feedback I got, people seemed to like the concept development- particularly of 'This column will change your life', and given the time, I felt I did an okay job, yet still lots more room for improvement- looking forward to the next brief to apply the feedback and criticisms in the design I got from this session to make a positive change in the next set of designs.

Good Is//Final Crit Feedback.

Feedback and notes today from the final crit session, in which presentation boards (as previously shown on my Design Practice presentation boards- via Issuu post) and printed outcomes (thus far) were displayed for critique.

Working in a group of six (Sadie, Matt C, Sam, Ben H, Sarah P and myself) we, once again, divided into groups of two (I worked with Sarah) to give feedback to one another before the module hand in on Tuesday afternoon.

Some key points and notes taken/how I will go on to develop my products:

- Consider audience and relevance with my products

- Consider stock for outdoor advertising- weatherproof/covered?

- Emboss logos as opossed to spot varnish- too much contrast with cartridge stock

- Reinforced cartridge for box for more structural support

I actually really enjoyed today's session, and felt that I got a lot from it- and a bit of encouragement to stop worrying about my designs. Despite all that I would want to edit or change with them, they're okay- not perfect, but they do a job. Given the opportunity to redesign there would be a very long list of design possibilities I could pursue, but for now, at least, I'm on a reasonable enough target for my printed outcomes.

Design Production for Print//Feedback Session.

In today's morning session we had a Feedback/Crit session- working in groups of six, as in a task a couple of weeks ago, we paired up and marked the opposing two group's work. Although I felt totally unprepared for the crit, and still, to be honest, a little nervous about my work's development, I was happy with the feedback I recieved- having considered a great deal- for example, colour on my design sketches being a huge priority (major drawing session at the weekend is in order)- as well as getting more work printed. In hindsight, I definitely agree with what the other two groups said in terms of quantity- I need to be more realistic, and will amend this as soon as possible by condensing my product range once more.

Design Production for Print//Crit Feedback Session.

Today's feedback session was really great- very constructive and it has really inspired me for the future development of the project and design development- taking in my design sheets, nets and of course, ideas for product development so far. These are the notes I made from Lorenzo, and the other members of the feedback session's opinions (some general feedback for the entire group also included):

- Look at other film festivals in Design Context- other launch night promotional events, etc.
- Less "tech" illustrations and drawing in design development- research the specific products (possibly shorten list for design development?) expand these fluidly and creatively- expressive drawings, natural- not forced.
- Get all designs ready to go on Illustrator before, in the drawing process, this will make it a lot more focused, and a lot less daunting. 
- Think chronologically- expected interaction. Plan for when mailshots would go out, when posters would be pasted, etc. 
-  Go drawing CRAZY.
- Consider future of my project- other venues and exhbitions.
- Work out my numbers, quantities and costings.
- Look at editorial layouts for programmes.
- What IS an event? Think national promotion, have a reason for EVERYTHING.


* Note to self: for promotion, locations could include:


LEEDS, MANCHESTER, LONDON, CAMBRIDGE, OXFORD, SHREWSBURY, GLASGOW, EDINBURGH, BRISTOL, CARDIFF, FALMOUTH, BRIGHTON*

PLAN FOR REST OF TODAY, TOMORROW AND THE WEEKEND- CHOOSE MY SELECTED ITEMS TO DRAW AND BE CREATIVE- ADD COLOUR AND BE NATURAL.

Design Production for Print//Crit Feedback Session.

Today's feedback session was really great- very constructive and it has really inspired me for the future development of the project and design development- taking in my design sheets, nets and of course, ideas for product development so far. These are the notes I made from Lorenzo, and the other members of the feedback session's opinions (some general feedback for the entire group also included):

- Look at other film festivals in Design Context- other launch night promotional events, etc.
- Less "tech" illustrations and drawing in design development- research the specific products (possibly shorten list for design development?) expand these fluidly and creatively- expressive drawings, natural- not forced.
- Get all designs ready to go on Illustrator before, in the drawing process, this will make it a lot more focused, and a lot less daunting. 
- Think chronologically- expected interaction. Plan for when mailshots would go out, when posters would be pasted, etc. 
-  Go drawing CRAZY.
- Consider future of my project- other venues and exhbitions.
- Work out my numbers, quantities and costings.
- Look at editorial layouts for programmes.
- What IS an event? Think national promotion, have a reason for EVERYTHING.


* Note to self: for promotion, locations could include:


LEEDS, MANCHESTER, LONDON, CAMBRIDGE, OXFORD, SHREWSBURY, GLASGOW, EDINBURGH, BRISTOL, CARDIFF, FALMOUTH, BRIGHTON*

PLAN FOR REST OF TODAY, TOMORROW AND THE WEEKEND- CHOOSE MY SELECTED ITEMS TO DRAW AND BE CREATIVE- ADD COLOUR AND BE NATURAL.

Design Production for Print//Concept Crits.

Today, in small groups of six (mine being myself, Claudia Griffin, Chris Lawson, Sarah Roberts, Emily Fairbank and Kirsty Fruin), we presented our concept boards and presented to the other members of the group to receive feedback and a focused direction before pursuing the design development of the project. This is the generalised feedback I received from the crit immediately after the discussion:

'GOOD IS...?' CONCEPT CRIT

//STRENGTHS

* Good, clear direction of where you want to go.

* Lots of different types of media and formats to be covered.

//WEAKNESSES

* More examples of why other people love him rather than own opinion.

//ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

* Hyde Park Picture House- could mock up posters on billboards.

We then divided into three groups of two, and went around marking the other members of the group on more specific/constructive critera:

'GOOD IS...?' CONCEPT CRIT

1//COMMENT ON THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE INITIAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONCEPT DEMONSTRATES A SIGNIFICANT UNDERSTANDING OF THE CHOSEN SUBJECT MATTER.

* Researched into design styles as well as facts and direction techniques.

INSUFFICIENT/SATISFACTORY/GOOD/VERY GOOD/EXCELLENT

2//COMMENT ON THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE CONCEPT PROPOSAL EXPLOITS THE PRACTICAL AND CONCEPTUAL INVESTIGATION AND APPLICATION OF DESIGN FOR PRINT

* A lot of potential for promotion, using different print processes.

INSUFFICIENT/SATISFACTORY/GOOD/VERY GOOD/EXCELLENT

3//COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED RANGE OF PRODUCTS TO BE PRODUCED IN RESPONSE TO A CLEARLY IDENTIFIED PROBLEM. 

* Signs, info booklets, promotional material for event all display a diverse range of media.

INSUFFICIENT/SATISFACTORY/GOOD/VERY GOOD/EXCELLENT

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

* Ridiculously well researched. 

* Make sure you don't make work that's just relevant to you (because you're a massive fan).

ACTION PLAN

ACTION

* Primary research of places and promotion.

REASON

* First hand understanding.

* Ideal times for event.

ACTION

* Research stock and printing processes.

REASON

* A wide variety.

***

'GOOD IS...?' CONCEPT CRIT

1//COMMENT ON THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE INITIAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONCEPT DEMONSTRATES A SIGNIFICANT UNDERSTANDING OF THE CHOSEN SUBJECT MATTER.

* No facts and figures... it's quite personal, need to include other people's opinions and statistics rather than your opinions.

INSUFFICIENT/SATISFACTORY/GOOD/VERY GOOD/EXCELLENT

2//COMMENT ON THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE CONCEPT PROPOSAL EXPLOITS THE PRACTICAL AND CONCEPTUAL INVESTIGATION AND APPLICATION OF DESIGN FOR PRINT

* Good research, relevant but you need to maybe think bigger in terms of media.

INSUFFICIENT/SATISFACTORY/GOOD/VERY GOOD/EXCELLENT

3//COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED RANGE OF PRODUCTS TO BE PRODUCED IN RESPONSE TO A CLEARLY IDENTIFIED PROBLEM. 

* Larger range needed- at the moment it is all towards the film festival.

INSUFFICIENT/SATISFACTORY/GOOD/VERY GOOD/EXCELLENT

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

* Good idea, well researched but you need to look at why other people could find his films good, what is attractive/appealing about the films other than how they are shot.

Age range stated but what type, eg rom com, factual, comic, horror, fantasy.

ACTION PLAN

ACTION

REASON

ACTION

REASON

***

Generally, I was quite pleased with the feedback though I felt confused by the second groups- as I hadn't had time to discuss the feedback with them, and they hadn't initially mentioned it in the presentation, I don't understand how they think I could expand or look outside of the festival, so hopefully I'll get a chance to talk to them again soon.

Also, the feedback was very varied- from "satisfactory" to "excellent"- is this personal taste, subjective taste?

Another point- I think my enthusiasm perhaps got in the way when delivering my presentation, or I was not as direct with my presentation boards as many topics were intended to be other's opinions (such as the use of Futura which is highly regarded among critics, etc)- should have been more direct and factual.

In all, the vast quantity of points raised were points I had hoped to go on to, or develop, so it was an encouragement that others thought similarly- and will re-write my concept brief for tomorrow's session to give it more audience focus.

What Is Good...PRINT PROJECT Feedback Considerations & Potential Concept Development.

After today's feedback session, I wrote down some important notes to develop my project and for consideration in a brain storming session.

Notes and areas of research include:

* Research necessary info: genre of film, grossing amounts (USD), nominations and awards, background- personal story of Wes Anderson.

* Bio on Wes Anderson- concise summary.

* Summary of his films- in depth story.

* Research info graphics to show corellation within auteur qualities in films, grossing amounts, popularity, etc.

Potential development and concepts...

- Packaging and branding of "collector's addition" boxset of DVD's... 15th anniversary of  Wes Anderson feature films? Consistent style, illustrative, typographic.

- Promotion- definate consideration. Few people knew about Wes' films...need to get the word out there.

- Infographic book about Wes and his films.

- Narrative and illustrative book/zine about Wes and his films.

- Infographic exhibition about Wes and his films.

- Wall vinyl character design- large scale...perhaps advertising or promoting? (Inside somewhere like 'The Core' shopping center, by HMV...prime location).

What Is Good: Group Presentation.

Fortunately got into Uni around an hour early today...fortunate as I had to make a few tweeks to the presentation (of course, not realising that my fonts wouldn't be downloaded on the GD macs...silly mistake!) These screenshots show the final version of the presentation as demonstrated within our small groups, and discussed over the 3-minute time frame, plus feedback.

Members of our discsussion group were:

* Chris Van Niekerk

* Baljeet Samra

* Mitch Weaver

* Beth Yates

* Myself (Sophie Wilson)

The feedback was as followed...

Feedback was completed by the four other members of the group, in reflection of my presentation.

HOW GOOD...? WERE YOU CONVINCED

List ideas, opinions and observations below to help develop and focus the idea.

What else is interesting about their good that hasn't been mentioned?

-What genre are his films?

-Which films made the most money?

-What awards has he won?

-What is his background?

Is there a flaw in the argument? What do you disagree with and why?

-Many people don't know who he is- raise awareness?

What processes, scenarios, or contexts might improve the potential impact of the concept?

-Know more about his films- info in context with his films.

How else might the concept by creatively improved? Any other comments...

-Correlate similar elements in different films.

-Top trumps!

 

Really helpful feedback from the group, and a whole new set of eyes. In my feedback, and from friends I have discussed at home, many people are familiar and fond of Wes Anderson, but to the group it was a completely new load of information. This has inspired me to not be so focused and to develop my promotion more- to get the "Wes word" out there. Great feedback.