Christmas Cards

Dead Good

Helped out at the 'Dead Good' exhibition organised by 'Rabbit Portal', by cutting out the bats to ensure a halloween atmosphere. 

"The show featured rabbit Portal, Hammo, Jay Cover, Luke Pearson, Kristyna Baczynski , Steven Chan,Patrick O'Leary, Jack Teagle, Lesley Barnes, Ubberkraft, Guy Mckinley, The Pern, Kate Prior, Muxxi, James Burlinson, Helen Entwisle, Seb Mesnard, Gemma Correll,Owen Davey and many more "

End Of Module Self-Evaluation

1. What skills have you developed through this module and how effectively do you think you have applied them? 
I think throughout the project I have definitely developed a few new skills, but the biggest one for me is beginning to learn how to use Illustrator. Before I came to uni I only really ever used photoshop. However after the tutorials and discovering things myself by just experimenting on the programme, I now feel much more confident in my ability and will hopefully continue to learn and improve on Illustrator. The things I have created on Illustrator have has positive feedback which I wasn't expecting so I feel like I have applied this skill to the best of my ability at this current time. In terms of a skill my time keeping and overall attendance is something that I have noticed a change in. I think the nature of the course really allows me to think ahead and prepare for what needs to be done and when for. I feel as though my crit skills have improved. As the crits are quite frequent I think my confidence has improved. I feel like I contribute towards a progress crit and explain my work well in a final crit which is something I wouldn't of had the confidence to do originally. 

2. What approaches to/methods of idea generation have you developed and how have they informed your design development process?
I think the way I approach a brief now is much different to when I started this course. The workshops that we do allow time for generating ideas that may not of thought about if were just left to do it ourselves. But often in the workshops we will be given something a bit different to do but then as time goes on it will relate to our project. This then generates and develops concepts that are very specific and most often effective.

3. What strengths can you identify in your work and have/will you capitalise these?
I think that my main strength in my work is the way I generate and develop my ideas quite efficiently. I also think that as the colour theory sessions have gone on I have been more aware of the colours I have been using in my work and how to uses them effectively. Lastly the way I use type now improved. My choice is type face is now much more relevant to my the topic I am focusing on. 

4. What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how you will address these in the future?
I think within in my work I could think more about layout and composition. In some of my feedback, this has ben bought up. I feel when it comes down to the final pieces I should take more time in developing the way something is presented. Also, I think I could experiment with different resources and think more about how the final piece will be printed. For example, the type of paper I am printing on. 

5. Identify five things that you will do differently next time and what do you expect to gain from doing these?
The first thing I will do is start blogging more often, especially more research so then when it comes to a module deadline, everything will be up to date. The second thing I will do differently is develop projects even further, even after the crit. It isn't something that I would do differently but I want to continue learning and improving on illustrator. I will also try and take more advantage of different resources. Lastly, I will ensure that I will book a printing slot within plenty of time so I don't miss out. 

Attendance- 5

Punctuality- 5
Motivation- 3 
Commitment- 3
Quantity of work produced- 3
Quality of worked produced- 3
Contribution to the group- 4 

5 Crit Questions

Here are five questions that will be asked when assessing other peoples work.
1. Does the proverb and the occupation work well together?
2. Is it obvious who the target audience is?
3. Does it communicate a real/relevant problem/message?

4. What do you expect the people receiving the information to do next?

5. Does the format of the card interfere with the understanding of the message?

Progress Crit

Issues Raised
1. Who is the target audience?-NEED TO SPECIFY. 
2. What are they going to do with the information once they have received it?- ACTION PLAN
3. Does the proverb and the occupation work well together?-REALISTIC OUTCOME?
4. Is the message trying to communicate a REAL problem?-IS IT RELEVANT?
5. Does it work as a set?-CARRY ON FROM POSTERS?


Action plan
1. Look into who would receive the information.
2. Make it more 'science' related.
3. Research topic area to incorporate more information. 
4. Illustrate symbols of science.
5. Work out how it is going to fold out so that the message is still understandable. 

Blog Group Task

How cigarette packaging/adverts raise awareness


As time has gone on, the perception on people who smoke has changed, the discovery of illness that smoking can cause has changed and the way cigarette smoking to promoted to the world has definitely changed. Smoking has always been a popular thing, however it used to be recognized not for its link to bad health or poor will power, but wealth and class. Smoking used to be taken up by people with status and money to show that they have it. 


Posters/campaigns 
It is interesting in the way that smoking hows progressed in terms of advertising. 


For example this advert promoting 'Lucky Stripe' uses Marilyn Monroe as though to glamourise the the lifestyle of smoking. The advert isn't at all threatening, it is aesthetically pleasing and shows no signs of negativity.

http://www.tobaccoworld.org/

In contrast, this modern day advert only expresses danger and warning. The image is very impacting, almost scary. Openly warning the population who smoke or who are thinking of taking up smoking that their are many extreme health problems that come with it. This advert, unlike the one above is in no way encouraging people to smoke or giving it positive connotations. 

http://www.care2.com/

Motion Picture

This video shows a 'Lucky Strike' cigarette advert, which is very misleading. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeRSaPqIVYA&feature=related

This British anti-smoking advert from 2007, shows impacting, shocking images in a cause to encourage people stop smoking. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMRFIU_sADI

Packaging 

Nowadays all cigarette packing contains health warnings weather this is through just type or type and image. Often it takes up a large amount of the box therefore for the person purchasing the packet, it is quite hard to ignore. The strong black and white type is very bold and threatening. Equally, the images are very effective as they are quite disturbing and incredibly off putting. Which is in fact the idea, to put people off smoking cigarettes. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobacco_packaging_warning_messages

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/63488

http://www.boxvox.net/tobacco/

In contrast to this, older cigarette packaging showed no signs of health warnings or negativity around the topic. In fact, it was the opposite. Often, bright colours would be used and a fun, positive typeface. Even the name of the brand was encouraging, such as 'Happy Hit'. 

http://www.antiquehelper.com/catalog.php?id=150&page=5

Study Task 2 - What Is Graphic Design - Part 1

Identify 5 examples of Graphic Design appearing in different contexts: 


Book covers 

Every book we read has a cover that has been carefully designed to portray the contents by a designer/illustrator. I particularly like Harriet Russell's collection of illustrated book covers as they are simple and clear yet at the same time very eye-catching. I think these factors are what make successful book covers. 


http://www.harrietrussell.co.uk/


Packaging 

All packaging contains some aspects of Graphic Design. Whether it is typography, illustration or imagery,  packaging relies on these things to advertise a product. However the way that these factors are used and presented determines how well a product will sell. I love the design of 'Jimmy's iced coffee' mainly because of the typography and the colourways.  


http://www.jimmysicedcoffee.com/


Smart Phones 

As technology has developed within the 'smartphone' market, so have the graphics. For example the iphone successfully displays good use of design in layout, symbols and legibility. Graphic Design in this market is constantly becoming more and more progressive. Always trying to make this communicate in a simpler, quicker way. 


http://www.thegamersmag.com/


Stationery 

Everyday items such as stationery, display Graphic Design. Often a range of patterns, colours, photographs and illustrations are used to create an aesthetically pleasing piece of design. The target audience is also a big determination of how well a product or pattern will sell. 

http://www.paperchase.co.uk/

Posters  

Posters is one of the most common ways to communicate something. Anything from events, films, bands, all of these can be advertised through the design of posters. How well they are being promoted depends on the composition and relationship between image and type within the poster. 


http://www.mediastorehouse.com/


Identify 5 examples of Graphic Design performing different functions:

To raise awareness 

Graphic Design is widely used to raise global issues and attempt to communicate a message successfully to the target audience. Often the more shocking or controversial an campaign/advert is, the more effective it is. 


www.nspcc.org.uk 


To promote/advertise 

Design such as CD covers, posters, magazine covers etc. are all trying to promote or advertise a product. For example this 'blur' CD cover I have chosen is typically trying to promote a band in the most effective way the designer feels is possible. 


http://sleevage.com/blur-the-best-of/


To Inform 

Information graphics is a very effective way in informing a target audience. Even though I personally don't find it particularly eye-catching, some of the design has obviously been thoroughly thought about in terms of layout and keeping it straight to the point. 

http://www.theitguys.biz/tag/information-graphics/

To communicate

Graphic Design is used to communicate something to an audience. Leaflets and flyers etc. do exactly this. Through the use of type, layout and imagery a designer should be able to communicate clearly what the brief has expressed. 

http://starbucks.co.uk/

To guide

Graphic design is used a lot within maps and guides. Good Graphic Design, in this case, should be able to communicate internationally. The purpose of a guide is to be simple and easier to apply, therefore well chosen layout, keys and colourways are the main factors for a successful map/guide. For example, the London Underground is one of the most recognised and understandable form of maps in today's world. 

http://underground-maps-pictures.blogspot.com/

Identify 5 examples of Graphic Design delivering different types of messages:

Educational 

Whether it's on prospectus's, posters or leaflets, Graphic Design is definitely used to get across an educational message. it may be done subtly or more obviously, but we are constantly being educated through good design even if we don't realise it. 

http://a-makin0811-fmp.blogspot.com/

Comical 

All over the world Graphic Design is used to entertain people and make people laugh. Often light-hearted slogans and fun colours are used to express this. 

http://www.keepcalmgallery.com/

Health and Safety 

Health and Safety posters, adverts etc. use simplistic and eye-catching Graphics. It needs factors like this to make it effective and have a purpose for whats it's trying to communicate. 

http://www.optima.org.uk/

Instructions 

Step by Step instructions definitely use a repetitive way of Graphic Design. Even from a far, you can often tell by the layout that it is instructions that a poster or leaflet is trying to communicate.  These days, you get instructions for most products therefore they are more effective when they are presented simply as they are targeting a wide audience. 

http://www.doobybrain.com/

Fictional 

Graphic Design is used in storybooks and comic strips to get a message across. Illustration is a very effective way to present a fictional storyline. 

http://www.fanpop.com/

Identify 5 examples of Graphic Design produced using different media:

Paper 

For me, designers such as Yulia Brodskaya are what make using paper as one of my most favourite medias to work in. I that it is a material that we take for granted. So much inspirational and effective work can be produced from such a simple technique. 

http://www.artyulia.com/

Printmaking 

Printmaking is another media that I find incredibly effective. I like the idea that it is a traditional process yet still creates eye-catching work. I like the simplicity that the effect offers and the endless opportunities with the technique. 

http://www.sassandperil.com/

Letterpress 

Again, letterpress is a traditional technique which portrays an authentic feel to a piece of Graphic Design. I like the fact that it focuses on type. Also, the fact that it can be quite a long process makes the work even more valuable to the designer. 

Installations 

Sometimes bigger really is better. Graphic installations is another media in which Graphic Design is often used to communicate something. Even though it is time consuming and harder to resource it is a way in which presenting an idea can be very effective. And often it takes on a different perspective in response to a brief.

http://aestheticinterlude.blogspot.com/

Digital 

With the digital world forever developing, it makes sense for Graphic Design has its own input on the matter. Nowadays, designers are taking digital art to a whole new level and creating mind-boggling pieces. 

http://www.thereis.co.uk/typography-one/

Identify 5 examples of Graphic Design produced at different scales: 

Costers (small scale) 

Even everyday items such as coasters have a design in which someone has carefully selected. 

http://blog.thefind.com/

Hot Air Balloons (large scale)

Using hot air balloons to communicate or promote something is very effective. However it isn't the cheapest way to try and sell a product nor can it be done regularly. 

http://www.ballooning.fsnet.co.uk/

Shop Windows (large scale)

http://www.woozybmx.com/blog/woozybmx/selfridges-window-displays/

http://jstjessie.wordpress.com/tag/anthropologie/

Shop display windows are becoming more and more extravagant as time goes on. The time and effort the goes into designing one is incredible. It is a major factor which draws in the shops target audience. 

Business Cards (small scale) 

Because business cards are such a popular thing you often see many with poor Graphic Design. However, equally there are those which communicate a service with display good layout and a clear concept. 

http://creativefan.com/50-inspirational-letterpress-business-cards/

Cards (small scale) 

Whether it is Birthday cards, christmas cards or just a thank-you card, nowadays shops offer a range of variations. You can often find ones that are done through printmaking or just simple illustration and typography. 

http://www.studiotota.com/

Study Task 1 Why Am I Here - What do I want to Learn?

Identify and explain 5 reasons why you chose to study on this programme


1. The pre-interview task was one of the first of many things that made me feel that the course was right for me. The way the brief was constructed and targeted reassured me that the style in which the course is designed would suit my work ethic. I really appreciated the fact that even though the task itself was quite specific, it still allowed maximum opportunity to show experimentation and display my own style whilst meeting the brief.


2. After being shown around the college and all it had to offer, it became more and more obvious that it was a suitable work environment for me. The studio space in particular, in comparison to other universities I had visited, gave me the confidence that I would have a substantial amount of contact time with the tutors and be immersed in an influential and inspiring atmosphere. 


3.  Another vital factor that influenced my decision in choosing this course was the size, not only of the institution but of the course itself. Coming from a small area I have always been educated in small numbered classes. I feel more comfortable if I can talk and communicate to everyone on the course rather than just a select few. The small group size will give me the ability to do this.


4. I really felt that after completing the pre-interview brief and attending the interview, the course leader and tutors made it clear that the course is particularly good in developing you as a designer and an individual. I even spoke to a few third years who had already confirmed work placements for when they finished the degree. This definitely gave me the confidence that the course would be beneficial in applying graphic design into the real world, with success. 


5. Even though initially It seems scary that the course is intense, I am impressed with the level of commitment and effort the tutors of the course put in. It is reassuring to know that someone will always be available to offer good advice and guidance if you are willing to show you are eager and interested. I think in many ways, the fact that we are expected to go in everyday will definitely improve my way of working. I hope this will keep me motivated over the next three years and give me the support when I need it. 


Identify and explain 5 things that you want to learn during your time on the programme


1. Firstly, I would like to learn to become better at presenting my work in front of people without feeling embarrassed or overwhelmed. I think no matter where I am in three years, it is incredibly important that I can sell myself and my work to a client. 


2. I want to learn how to use design programmes more efficiently. I really enjoy incorporating illustration into my work therefore I am eager to learn how to use different techniques to make the progress quicker and more effective when mixing image and type. 


3. I am eager to broaden my knowledge of graphic design in general. Learning more about designers that have relevance and work that inspires me. I think it is important to have a good understanding of graphic design as a whole whether it is about the industry or just basic skills. 


4. I am looking forward to learning how to create my own unique style as the course goes on. Looking back at my work on art foundation has made me realise just how much work you can produce in one year. I am eager to learn how to handle the workload and the fast paced briefs. 


5. I am eager to learn in depth, new processes such as screen printing and other crafts. I really enjoy that way of working as I find the development and outcome of an idea more rewarding. 


Identify and explain 5 skills that you think are your strengths


1. I feel as though I am quite an organised and punctual person, therefore hopefully I can use this to my advantage when it comes to balancing my workload and planning out a brief. Also, I like to have a routine. By doing this I intend to stay focused and consistent with my work. 


2. I think i'm a good listener, especially when it comes down to group work. I like hearing other peoples perspectives on a brief, even if they take an angle that I would never have thought about. Bouncing of others peoples ideas is a good way of learning something new, therefore when you are asked to work independently you have broader range of ideas in how to attack a brief. 


3. I would like to say that I'm a versatile person when it comes to working. I love working traditionally but am also confident when working more digitally. I think it is good to have mix of medias rather than just focus on one area of design. 


4. I have always loved writing and think I'm quite an elaborate person at times. I think once I get going with an idea I can come up with various detailed ways in which to communicate it. 


5. Whatever I do I always but all my effort into. I am typically a hard-worker, especially when I have motivation from a good working environment. 


Identify and explain 5 things that you want to improve


1. I am eager to improve my presentation skills when it comes to talking about a brief. I am quite a nervous person when it comes to talking infront of groups, especially about my own work. Therefore I am hoping that with practice, overtime I will become more confident with the way I can deliver a presentation. 


2. The actual process I go through to reach a final outcome is something that I'm looking to improve. Being more efficient and taking time think an idea through rather than rush it is definitely a factor that I feel could be changed. 


3. Even though I really enjoy illustration and use it a lot in my work, I am keen to improve my drawing skills even further and the way that I apply to an outcome. 


4. I am looking to improve critiquing my own work and others. I think it is important to be able to analyse and evaluate peoples work to help improve my own understanding and capability. 


5. I need to improve my knowledge of designers. By doing this, hopefully it will help me define what kind of designer I am looking to be and therefore make the right choices when it comes to placements within the industry. 


Identify and explain 5 ways that you will evaluate your progress


1. Consistently keeping up to date with my blogs will be my a primary way of evaluating my process. I'm hoping to see a clear indication of my work improving as the course goes on. 


2. Even though the blogs are the main source in which we present our work, I am still going to keep some sort of a sketchbook/diary as I like working that way. Even if it's just a simple analysis I feel as though it could be beneficial. 


3. I think the asking people around me on my course will be a good way of evaluating my progress. Especially those who are in my blog group.


4. Having a good amount of contact time with the tutors should help me analyse and evaluate how my work is progressing. I think this will be the most productive way as they will be able to give good advice and guidance. 


5. Comparing my work with others during crits and designers that I am inspired by well be a reassuring way in which to indicate whether my work is improving. 


Identify 5 questions that you want to find the answer to


1. How can I gain good work experience that will benefit me? 


2. How can I improve my presentation skills?


3. What will my design style be like in three years time?


4. How can I balance my time to ensure I cope with the workload?


5. How can I use mixed media more effectively?