The PPP module has never been one which I have enjoyed in the previous years, however I think the self-directed development in this module is definitely something which has benefitted me. I definitely think PPP has become so much more useful this year and has helped shape me as a designer and not be afraid of going out and continuing a future in design.
Moving into third year I was very set on developing my self branding straight away as it was something that I was very unhappy with in the first and second year. I think this year I really realised how important it is and how it can be used. Previously it was just something to complete the module, but now I see it as a key component to my practice and representing myself as a designer. Developing this from the beginning of the year allowed me to try a huge variety of ideas and be able to create the end products which I am very happy with and feel are strong.
This module is also the push I needed to get a placement and start engaging with the industry. My two week placement at Cool Beans Creative was hugely enjoyable and made me realise how much I enjoy working in Web and App design. I think that this placement was a turning point for my design practice. Before going on this placement I hadn't been particularly confident in web/app design, and in this placement I was doing it every day, and developed my skills in this area a huge amount to the point where I am very confident in my ability in this area now, to the point where I have completed a second App project in my Extended Practice.
The main negative in this module is that I don't think I engaged with the industry quite as much as I would have liked to, and it is definitely something I regret. I have seen how positive engaging is and will definitely think about this as I move forward.
Overall I have found this module to be enjoyable because of how self-directed it. I think that I have grown as the module has progressed and I have a very clear idea of the way I want to represent myself and the work that I want to do.
Friday 22 May 2015
Wednesday 20 May 2015
Tuesday 19 May 2015
Friday 15 May 2015
OUGD602 - Website
An element to my self branding which I have not done yet is the creation of my proposed website. At this point I do have a Cargo Collective website, and I am in the middle of making that my permanent online presence, updating it with all of my new work before it goes live.
Before getting the Cargo and paying the money to get my own domain name for that, I did look into building my own website, however I felt that I did not have enough experience in website building to be able to do this successfully. Instead, I will work on the proposed website and hopefully in the future this can become a reality.
Second year website
To begin this process I looked over the website I proposed for my previous self branding at the end of second year. It's fair to say that I don't like it at all now and think it's quite childish, and just doesn't look professional at all. It definitely is not reflective of me as a designer anymore.
The main difference in my design from this time last year is that I have been able to refine my skills a lot more, particularly in web design, where I now feel I am excelling at and learning to improve on that every day. With this in mind, I decided on completely scrapping everything I did for the second year and starting fresh.
I wanted a really simple layout with large space for imagery and a consistent approach across all pages.
Development
Final Designs
Homepage - I wanted this to be really simple and for the top image to flick through images of my work, giving the viewer a taster of what I do. Below this is a short summary of my design practice. The latest work bit is something just so the viewer can see the most recent work and be able to click on these immediately.
Projects - I decided on a really simple layout in the end, removing the additional information of the date and tags. I think it works really well with just the thumbnails and project titles. It's clean and simple, and I think the choice of typeface works really well here.
Individual Project - After trying a variety of designs for this page, I settled on this one because it is consistent with my branding and the previous pages. The text at the top and imagery below means that the viewer can look through all the imagery together. I also think the layout variation of one large or two side by side images works well and this is something to keep consistent through these pages I think.
Overall I am really happy with the way this final website proposal has turned out. I think it is much more professional than my previous attempt, and the white space works really well in creating a clean and consistent layout and experience. It works really well alongside my branding as well, and I hope that I can have this built some time in the future.
Monday 11 May 2015
Sunday 3 May 2015
OUGD602: Studio Brief 2: Extending the Branding
To complete my personal branding and promotion, I thought about what I already had and what else I needed to create a well-rounded approach.
Currently I have the following:
Currently I have the following:
- An identity - bespoke icon & bespoke typeface
- An A3 Portfolio
- A coptic bound portfolio
- Business Cards
- Website - Run on Cargo Collective (+ Personal Domain)
- Behance
Overall I have a variety of things which to an extent do promote me, but there are a couple of other things that I definitely need in moving forward in networking etc.
A CV - When looking at design studios for their requirements for applications, a lot require a portfolio and a separate CV. At the minute, my CV is included in the portfolio, so I need to create a simple document which is just the CV. This also needs to be updated with comments that have been made previously.
A mailout - This will be instead of the coptic bound portfolio. The coptic bound portfolio is large, and with the stitching, it means that it can't be freely updated easily like the A3 portfolio. As something small to send out to studios, a mail out with maybe four or five projects in, instead of the amount in the A3 portfolio will be much better. As it is small it will be easier to work with and change when necessary.
Stationary - A selection of letterheads, invoices etc need to be created. To have a web version of these will also be good as not all clients will be in reach of a paper copy.
Realistically, these are the only three things that I need to complete my professional brand. It seems a bit wasteful to brand other items when its not necessary.
With the portfolio I previously created - the coptic bound one - I had chosen a new identity marker for myself. This is something that I am still happy with, and with a bit of editing, I have decided to continue to use it.
At this point I have also developed a sans serif version of the typeface previously used, so I will be using that from now on instead of the slab serif version. It looks a bit more professional as it is a cleaner and more consistent design.
I have also decided on a brand colour of grey to go with the black logo. It's quite professional and I think it works really well with the logo.
CV
For the CV I wanted a very simple layout, and while developing this I found that I really liked the use of a 'side bar' as it were - a strip of the grey along the left hand side where the branded information and contact information would be. It's something quite different to what I have done in the past.
Mail Out
I wanted the mailout to follow the same appearance as the CV in being a structured layout. The main thing for the mailout is that I wanted it to be easily changeable when it comes to the projects in it. To do this, I decided on a very simple layout with switches for each page turn. The grid is also simple so the image spaces can be changed depending on the project.
For this mailout I decided on including projects that showed a variety of skills.
Digital Version:
Stationary
Now that the CV design has been completed it is just a case of applying this to the stationary items which I need - a letterhead and invoice.
With the portfolio I previously created - the coptic bound one - I had chosen a new identity marker for myself. This is something that I am still happy with, and with a bit of editing, I have decided to continue to use it.
At this point I have also developed a sans serif version of the typeface previously used, so I will be using that from now on instead of the slab serif version. It looks a bit more professional as it is a cleaner and more consistent design.
I have also decided on a brand colour of grey to go with the black logo. It's quite professional and I think it works really well with the logo.
CV
For the CV I wanted a very simple layout, and while developing this I found that I really liked the use of a 'side bar' as it were - a strip of the grey along the left hand side where the branded information and contact information would be. It's something quite different to what I have done in the past.
Mail Out
I wanted the mailout to follow the same appearance as the CV in being a structured layout. The main thing for the mailout is that I wanted it to be easily changeable when it comes to the projects in it. To do this, I decided on a very simple layout with switches for each page turn. The grid is also simple so the image spaces can be changed depending on the project.
For this mailout I decided on including projects that showed a variety of skills.
Digital Version:
Stationary
Now that the CV design has been completed it is just a case of applying this to the stationary items which I need - a letterhead and invoice.
Something extra that I decided on adding is an A5 pad of paper with lists for every day. This is due to the fact that I like to write lists of things to complete for a specific piece of work or to complete in a day. It's something that reflects my design practice.
Friday 1 May 2015
OUGD602 - Studio: Parallax
Parallax is a web design agency based in Leeds and London. I first came across them because I saw on the Thompson Brand Website that they are the ones who built it.
Website
I really like the look of this agency because it's really contemporary and was only established in 2010, so it's current. With it being fairy new, I was surprised to see they had quite large clients, such as British Airways, East Coast and Dyson.
British Airways
Nespresso
I think its clear that this is a really innovative and creative agency, and it also seems really friendly too, which is a plus.
I noticed they have a job up for a UI/UX designer in Leeds, and I think that this would be something really good for me to apply for, especially following how much I enjoyed working in this area on my placement at Cool Beans.
Website
I really like the look of this agency because it's really contemporary and was only established in 2010, so it's current. With it being fairy new, I was surprised to see they had quite large clients, such as British Airways, East Coast and Dyson.
British Airways
We created software allowing BA to load and change their advertising visuals on huge LED billboards remotely. The software runs on a Mac Mini for each billboard and campaigns can be scheduled with minimal updating.
This software includes a web app which detects if there are any issues with the displays, sending a text message should any of the billboards fail so that any issues can be corrected promptly.
Nespresso
We worked with Nespresso’s existing assets to create something in line with their current brand guidelines, which would help them stand out and draw in crowds above the multiple brands competing for attention at the event.
We flew out to Berlin to install the iPads at the Nespresso stands in person, located next to their range of exciting products. The visitor feedback was that the app really added wow factor to Nespresso’s display.
I think its clear that this is a really innovative and creative agency, and it also seems really friendly too, which is a plus.
I noticed they have a job up for a UI/UX designer in Leeds, and I think that this would be something really good for me to apply for, especially following how much I enjoyed working in this area on my placement at Cool Beans.
Thursday 2 April 2015
OUGD602 - FindingVegan App Gone Live
Today I found out the FindingVegan App that I designed back in May last year has finally gone live and is available on the App store.
Link
My immediate thought are that clearly there have been a few changes to the design, which is because of the App designer and what they can move from a design into something being useable. I think the biggest disappointment is the individual product page, which doesn't look as good as I had originally designed it. Overall it is exciting that an App I created has gone live and is doing well, however it is a bit disappointing to see changes to the design.
Link
My immediate thought are that clearly there have been a few changes to the design, which is because of the App designer and what they can move from a design into something being useable. I think the biggest disappointment is the individual product page, which doesn't look as good as I had originally designed it. Overall it is exciting that an App I created has gone live and is doing well, however it is a bit disappointing to see changes to the design.
Thursday 26 March 2015
Monday 23 March 2015
OUGD602 - Studio Brief 3: Third Year Reflection
As the final part of reflection in preparation for the final PPP presentation, I looked over all the work and comments I had made since beginning this year to see if I had achieved everything I had set out to do and how far I have come as a designer since starting the year.
Aims for the year
PPP Design Strategy Presentation - 9/10/14
Manifesto
I am a typographically driven designer who works primarily in branding, promotion and editorial design.
Where am I now?
Branding, Promotion, Editorial
Typography, Typeface, Layout
Large amount of deliverables
Competent with digital software
What do I want to achieve?
To be a consistent designer
To create work over a variety of sectors
Have a stronger understanding of typography & form
Refine concepts, designs & presentation
Stronger research & sources
A strong portfolio
What do I plan to learn?
To create strong hand-rendered type
How to work designs across different medias
How to apply design theory more effectively
To create strong vector images
How do I intend to learn this?
Undertake experimentation in typography
Undertake primary research - tutorials, lectures, workshops, events
Skills to improve
Illustrator
Hand rendered type
Cross media design
Layout
Presentation
Consistency
Manifesto Presentation - 19/02/15
Manifesto
I am a typographically driven designer who works across both print and digital media, primarily in branding, promotion and editorial design.
Current direction of my work
Typographical
Cross media
Simple
Clean
To the point
Considered
Sophisticated
Clear
Where am I now?
What have I enjoyed?
The main thing I have enjoyed is being able to take control of the briefs that I have done throughout the year so far. Having control and writing briefs that excite me and allow me to grow as a designer has been beneficial to me as a designer as it has definitely helped in my confidence as I feel the work I am creating is what I want and how I want to come across as a designer. Being able to control the time-scales and deliverables of the briefs has given me the chance to come up with different sized briefs and experiment with the different kinds of briefs out there.
Another aspect that I have enjoyed is linked to this in that I have been able to explore skills and expand on them. A primary example of this is my web designing skills. I think in the previous year, where the coding was required, I was unable to really push my design skills because of the fear of not being able to code it. This definitely stopped me from exploring this, however this year, where the coding is not necessarily required at all, I have been able to push my skills in this area and create some solutions for web and App design which I am really happy with.
Something else I have enjoyed in doing my own briefs is that everyone in the year is doing completely different work, meaning that my outcome to my brief is completely individual to me as a designer. Previously I felt that I judged my work compared to others, however now I feel much more confident in my work.
The final thing I have enjoyed immensely was my two week work placement. Initially it was a bit daunting and I was worried that my work wouldn't be good enough for industry, however I really enjoyed it and found that the experience really helped me develop in confidence and as a designer, and definitely helped me prepare for moving into working in industry.
What have I disliked?
The main thing I have disliked is the number of live briefs given his year. While I think the outcomes I created have been of a good standard, I do think that some don't show off the best of my ability, and a couple came at times where it was a bit inconvenient or not when I would have liked to have completed it. The main brief which this applies to is the DSM brief. The subject I was given in this brief was the one that I definitely did not want, which did lower my enthusiasm for the brief. Because of this, I just didn't really want to do the brief, and while the outcome wasn't so bad, it's definitely nothing that I would ever consider using in any circumstance, and I feel that this makes it a bit of a waste of time when I could have worked much better off one of the other subjects.
What have I learnt?
A big skill I have learnt through practice this year is hand rendered typography and what kind of typography I am best suited to creating. Doing typography by hand has always been something I have wanted to learn how to do effectively and confidently, and by completing a brief where I was doing a piece every day, it really helped me see what kind of style I enjoy working in and gave me confidence to be able to sit down and do it instead of always worrying about how bad it will look. It also showed me that working at something over a sustained period of time is definitely the way to improve.
Another thing I have learnt is that I do have the skills to create good web-based outcomes. I have always been a bit cautious about web-based design following the module last year where this was necessary, and have always felt that while the original idea is good, my execution of this kind of design has never looked as professional as it could or as clean as it could. Through practice and through my placement, I have learn what works and what doesn't work, as well as what kind of web designer I am.
What is there that I still want to learn/do?
I do still want to continue on the path of creating hand drawn typography, so this is definitely something I want to come back to and continue to work on. As well as this, something I want to do is create a full typeface. Over the course, and especially through COP, I have learnt a great deal about typography construction and I want to put this into practice to create a full typeface which I can be really proud of.
What is there left to do?
At this point I have completed a wide range of briefs, however there are still briefs that I am yet to complete or start, and these are ones that I am really excited about doing.
Brief 1 - the first brief of the year, I am still yet to complete. I stopped work on this back in December with the idea of coming back to it after COP, and recently looked over it all again. With creating the App for this, which was unexpected but definitely a huge learning curve and enjoyable, I was able to move the brand through the design of this, and it has given me more ideas on how to work with the printed materials, so a bit of a redesign needs to happen to create a fully rounded project.
How have I progressed as a designer?
I have become a much more confident designer and my design has progressed to a much more sophisticated and professional level. At the end of last year I felt I had learnt the necessary skills but was frustrated in the fact that the outcomes I produced did not show off my potential. Through creating my own briefs this year, I do think that I have been able to develop these skills further and really create pieces of work that I am happy with.
Overall I think my progression as a designer has really happened this year. The first two years were all about getting the necessary skills and experience to be able to create the work that I want in this final year and really progress myself as a designer and figure out exactly what it is that I want to do. While I have a large focus on typography, I do feel confident in use of imagery as well, and I like to think that I am able to create design for a wide variety of areas instead of sticking just to one. I do favour areas more than others, for example, I enjoy promotional work, however I don't want to purely work in this. I like that I have the skills to be able to work in editorial or way-finding as well.
Aims for the year
- Create a sophisticated project
- Design an App
- Create self-branding
- Do hand drawn typography
- Create a book
- Collaborative project
- Get a placement
- Do a live brief
- Design a typeface
- Win YCN
- Try different production methods
- Get some client briefs
PPP Design Strategy Presentation - 9/10/14
Manifesto
I am a typographically driven designer who works primarily in branding, promotion and editorial design.
Where am I now?
Branding, Promotion, Editorial
Typography, Typeface, Layout
Large amount of deliverables
Competent with digital software
What do I want to achieve?
To be a consistent designer
To create work over a variety of sectors
Have a stronger understanding of typography & form
Refine concepts, designs & presentation
Stronger research & sources
A strong portfolio
What do I plan to learn?
To create strong hand-rendered type
How to work designs across different medias
How to apply design theory more effectively
To create strong vector images
How do I intend to learn this?
Undertake experimentation in typography
Undertake primary research - tutorials, lectures, workshops, events
Skills to improve
Illustrator
Hand rendered type
Cross media design
Layout
Presentation
Consistency
Manifesto Presentation - 19/02/15
Manifesto
I am a typographically driven designer who works across both print and digital media, primarily in branding, promotion and editorial design.
Current direction of my work
Typographical
Cross media
Simple
Clean
To the point
Considered
Sophisticated
Clear
Where am I now?
What have I enjoyed?
The main thing I have enjoyed is being able to take control of the briefs that I have done throughout the year so far. Having control and writing briefs that excite me and allow me to grow as a designer has been beneficial to me as a designer as it has definitely helped in my confidence as I feel the work I am creating is what I want and how I want to come across as a designer. Being able to control the time-scales and deliverables of the briefs has given me the chance to come up with different sized briefs and experiment with the different kinds of briefs out there.
Another aspect that I have enjoyed is linked to this in that I have been able to explore skills and expand on them. A primary example of this is my web designing skills. I think in the previous year, where the coding was required, I was unable to really push my design skills because of the fear of not being able to code it. This definitely stopped me from exploring this, however this year, where the coding is not necessarily required at all, I have been able to push my skills in this area and create some solutions for web and App design which I am really happy with.
Something else I have enjoyed in doing my own briefs is that everyone in the year is doing completely different work, meaning that my outcome to my brief is completely individual to me as a designer. Previously I felt that I judged my work compared to others, however now I feel much more confident in my work.
The final thing I have enjoyed immensely was my two week work placement. Initially it was a bit daunting and I was worried that my work wouldn't be good enough for industry, however I really enjoyed it and found that the experience really helped me develop in confidence and as a designer, and definitely helped me prepare for moving into working in industry.
What have I disliked?
The main thing I have disliked is the number of live briefs given his year. While I think the outcomes I created have been of a good standard, I do think that some don't show off the best of my ability, and a couple came at times where it was a bit inconvenient or not when I would have liked to have completed it. The main brief which this applies to is the DSM brief. The subject I was given in this brief was the one that I definitely did not want, which did lower my enthusiasm for the brief. Because of this, I just didn't really want to do the brief, and while the outcome wasn't so bad, it's definitely nothing that I would ever consider using in any circumstance, and I feel that this makes it a bit of a waste of time when I could have worked much better off one of the other subjects.
What have I learnt?
A big skill I have learnt through practice this year is hand rendered typography and what kind of typography I am best suited to creating. Doing typography by hand has always been something I have wanted to learn how to do effectively and confidently, and by completing a brief where I was doing a piece every day, it really helped me see what kind of style I enjoy working in and gave me confidence to be able to sit down and do it instead of always worrying about how bad it will look. It also showed me that working at something over a sustained period of time is definitely the way to improve.
Another thing I have learnt is that I do have the skills to create good web-based outcomes. I have always been a bit cautious about web-based design following the module last year where this was necessary, and have always felt that while the original idea is good, my execution of this kind of design has never looked as professional as it could or as clean as it could. Through practice and through my placement, I have learn what works and what doesn't work, as well as what kind of web designer I am.
What is there that I still want to learn/do?
I do still want to continue on the path of creating hand drawn typography, so this is definitely something I want to come back to and continue to work on. As well as this, something I want to do is create a full typeface. Over the course, and especially through COP, I have learnt a great deal about typography construction and I want to put this into practice to create a full typeface which I can be really proud of.
What is there left to do?
At this point I have completed a wide range of briefs, however there are still briefs that I am yet to complete or start, and these are ones that I am really excited about doing.
Brief 1 - the first brief of the year, I am still yet to complete. I stopped work on this back in December with the idea of coming back to it after COP, and recently looked over it all again. With creating the App for this, which was unexpected but definitely a huge learning curve and enjoyable, I was able to move the brand through the design of this, and it has given me more ideas on how to work with the printed materials, so a bit of a redesign needs to happen to create a fully rounded project.
How have I progressed as a designer?
I have become a much more confident designer and my design has progressed to a much more sophisticated and professional level. At the end of last year I felt I had learnt the necessary skills but was frustrated in the fact that the outcomes I produced did not show off my potential. Through creating my own briefs this year, I do think that I have been able to develop these skills further and really create pieces of work that I am happy with.
Overall I think my progression as a designer has really happened this year. The first two years were all about getting the necessary skills and experience to be able to create the work that I want in this final year and really progress myself as a designer and figure out exactly what it is that I want to do. While I have a large focus on typography, I do feel confident in use of imagery as well, and I like to think that I am able to create design for a wide variety of areas instead of sticking just to one. I do favour areas more than others, for example, I enjoy promotional work, however I don't want to purely work in this. I like that I have the skills to be able to work in editorial or way-finding as well.
OUGD602 - Studio Brief 3: Second Year Reflection
In the first PPP session of the second year, the task was given to write down 10 things that I wanted to achieve in the year.
Task: Pick out 10 successful traits that I want to explore & expand upon this year
Task: Pick out 10 successful traits that I want to explore & expand upon this year
- Continue to develop my skills and use of digital software; Photoshop, Illustrator & Indesign
- Learn how to create websites and experiment in this media
- Create work in a variety of different media, such as screen printing, drawing & use of the laser cutter.
- Begin to incorporate different processes on the same piece of work instead of sticking to one media throughout. Perhaps combing drawing and digital etc.
- Experiment with scale, particularly large scale.
- Spend more time on research in briefs to get a fuller understanding in my outcome and the reasons for it. Expand on my methods of collecting research.
- Start to use hand-rendered design work instead of relying solely on digital all the time
- Continue to develop my interest in editorial work and book binding.
- Gain a fuller understanding into the history of graphic design, particularly in typeface design and history.
- Work of essay writing.
In reflection of these points, I think I completed all of them to an extent, with a larger focus on some than others. For example, I definitely developed my interest in editorial work and book binding (7), doing this quite a lot throughout the year. However, points like incorporating different processes on the same piece of work (4), this was done to an extent and no necessarily fulfilled in the way which I had originally intended when written.
Practical Work
What did I enjoy?
In terms of the modules enjoyed, I particularly enjoyed the more Practical modules this year, with Responsive (503) and the final practical module (505) being the ones which I felt really developed me as a designer in both skill and confidence.
OUGD503
This module was the one which I definitely got the most out of. Initially I was a bit hesitant about this module as it was all about working in the professional world and putting my work out there for everyone and anyone to see. This is obviously very daunting, however I decided that the best thing to do was to quickly throw myself into it and get used to it as much as possible as there was a minimum of 5 live briefs to complete, as well as one major competition brief, and a collaborative competition brief.
After throwing myself into it, I quickly found my feet and found myself much more confident in presenting ideas to potential clients through the use of 99Designs. While this is not necessarily the best way to create good work, it was the easiest in terms of meeting the 5 live briefs requirement. I found that I was quickly enjoying the process and was getting positive feedback for work, which is always a confidence booster.
The brief I enjoyed the most in this module was the main competition brief I completed - Domino's Pizza for YCN. While the final concept created was not as solid as it could have been, I think the final design work was good and I got a good response from everyone who saw it. I enjoyed working with someone else's brand image and creating new concepts and work around this.
OUGD505
I found that this module was the one where my skills developed the most, especially when it came to applying a concept over a variety of outcomes to create a full brand etc. It is also the module which really opened me up to the idea of generating research and then creating an outcome from this in the first project of this module - creating a 16 page publication on my research topic. I thoroughly enjoyed this and found that the final outcome was strong.
The main project of this module which I enjoyed was the following project in creating a substantial outcome from the content in the publication. This was where I was able to work over a variety of outcomes and create both print and web designs, as well as create proposals for large-scale promotional material
What did I dislike?
There are a couple of project in this second year which I disliked. The first is the first project of the year - Design For Print. While the processes I completed during this project were enjoyable, I didn't enjoy the creation of my final outcome and didn't feel that it represented me as a designer. I was told a lot that I should move away from creating a book, something everyone was told in an effort o let us explore other options and see if there are other ways to work. However I definitely know that the best thing I could have done was create a book, and definitely regret not trusting my own instinct to move forward with this. The final outcome isn't something I'm proud of, and I do think it is now a wasted opportunity for what could have been a really good piece of design.
The second brief I disliked was the final project of creating a movie poster. I found this a bit of a waste of time, especially given I really disliked the content I was given, and the parameters given to complete this. I think that these really made me completely disengaged with the project and not bothered about the outcome at all.
The third project I disliked this year was the practical side of COP. In the previous year I had created something that I didn't really like, but it hit the criteria. This year I had planned on doing something that I was really enthusiastic about, however I found that the outcome wasn't something I was incredibly proud of and he execution of the brief could have been much better. Overall this project is a write-off and something that I even forget that I did.
What did I learn?
Produce a full concept across a variety of media past just one final outcome.
Manual Printing Techniques
Theoretical type/letterform history
What I enjoy to work with to create a good and confident outcome
What did I learn about myself?
Enjoy creating a large variety of outcomes for one brief
Enjoy branding & promotional work
I know what kind of design I am good at and what kind of outcome will bring out the best in my design skills
Heavily digitally driven
Enjoy creating outcomes for web as well as print
Enjoy typography design and typeface design
Overall I think the second year was successful in teaching me a lot about myself as a designer and how I like to work, however I do think that the majority of the work created is not anything I am too proud or bothered about - especially the work from the beginning of the year. I think there are a couple of projects which are strong, but past that, the work is nothing I like. My interest in typography has definitely increased through this year and my skills in this area are much more developed and confident.
As part of second year reflection, I also looked back at the summer progress post I had written at the beginning of the year as this is a large reflection of the work completed in the summer between second and third year - Link
OUGD505
I found that this module was the one where my skills developed the most, especially when it came to applying a concept over a variety of outcomes to create a full brand etc. It is also the module which really opened me up to the idea of generating research and then creating an outcome from this in the first project of this module - creating a 16 page publication on my research topic. I thoroughly enjoyed this and found that the final outcome was strong.
The main project of this module which I enjoyed was the following project in creating a substantial outcome from the content in the publication. This was where I was able to work over a variety of outcomes and create both print and web designs, as well as create proposals for large-scale promotional material
What did I dislike?
There are a couple of project in this second year which I disliked. The first is the first project of the year - Design For Print. While the processes I completed during this project were enjoyable, I didn't enjoy the creation of my final outcome and didn't feel that it represented me as a designer. I was told a lot that I should move away from creating a book, something everyone was told in an effort o let us explore other options and see if there are other ways to work. However I definitely know that the best thing I could have done was create a book, and definitely regret not trusting my own instinct to move forward with this. The final outcome isn't something I'm proud of, and I do think it is now a wasted opportunity for what could have been a really good piece of design.
The second brief I disliked was the final project of creating a movie poster. I found this a bit of a waste of time, especially given I really disliked the content I was given, and the parameters given to complete this. I think that these really made me completely disengaged with the project and not bothered about the outcome at all.
The third project I disliked this year was the practical side of COP. In the previous year I had created something that I didn't really like, but it hit the criteria. This year I had planned on doing something that I was really enthusiastic about, however I found that the outcome wasn't something I was incredibly proud of and he execution of the brief could have been much better. Overall this project is a write-off and something that I even forget that I did.
What did I learn?
Produce a full concept across a variety of media past just one final outcome.
Manual Printing Techniques
Theoretical type/letterform history
What I enjoy to work with to create a good and confident outcome
What did I learn about myself?
Enjoy creating a large variety of outcomes for one brief
Enjoy branding & promotional work
I know what kind of design I am good at and what kind of outcome will bring out the best in my design skills
Heavily digitally driven
Enjoy creating outcomes for web as well as print
Enjoy typography design and typeface design
Overall I think the second year was successful in teaching me a lot about myself as a designer and how I like to work, however I do think that the majority of the work created is not anything I am too proud or bothered about - especially the work from the beginning of the year. I think there are a couple of projects which are strong, but past that, the work is nothing I like. My interest in typography has definitely increased through this year and my skills in this area are much more developed and confident.
As part of second year reflection, I also looked back at the summer progress post I had written at the beginning of the year as this is a large reflection of the work completed in the summer between second and third year - Link
OUGD602 - Studio Brief 3: First Year Reflection
In preparation for the final presentation of this module, I reflected on the first year of the course as it will show me if I completed the aims I set out for myself, and what I learnt and how this shaped me as a designer.
To start this, I looked back to the original questions we were asked to answer in our first ever PPP session.
Why did I choose to study on this programme?
The emphasis on the professional industry
The intensity of the course
Constantly pushed to reach my potential
Prepare myself for the professional industry
Small class sizes - easier to communicate with people
What do I want to learn during my time on the programme?
How to prepare myself for the professional industry
How to get a professional finish into my work
Learn the software fully
How to analyse and evaluate my work
How to combine different medias of working to create the best possible outcome
Ways that you will evaluate your progress.
Tutorials
Group crits
Evaluating progress through my blog
Looking back over previous works
Listening to peer views on my work/progress
Where do I fit in within the Graphic Design industry?
What is my specialism?
What do I want to do?
What do I want to achieve?
To start this, I looked back to the original questions we were asked to answer in our first ever PPP session.
Why did I choose to study on this programme?
The emphasis on the professional industry
The intensity of the course
Constantly pushed to reach my potential
Prepare myself for the professional industry
Small class sizes - easier to communicate with people
What do I want to learn during my time on the programme?
How to prepare myself for the professional industry
How to get a professional finish into my work
Learn the software fully
How to analyse and evaluate my work
How to combine different medias of working to create the best possible outcome
Skills that I think are my strengths.
Presentation and layout
Typography
Generating ideas
Photoshop
Screen Printing
Presentation and layout
Typography
Generating ideas
Photoshop
Screen Printing
Things that I want to improve.
Drawing
Analytical skills
Written work
Doing research fully and applying it to work
Drawing
Analytical skills
Written work
Doing research fully and applying it to work
Recording everything I do
Ways that you will evaluate your progress.
Tutorials
Group crits
Evaluating progress through my blog
Looking back over previous works
Listening to peer views on my work/progress
Questions that I want to find the answer to.
What is Graphic Design?
Where do I fit in within the Graphic Design industry?
What is my specialism?
What do I want to do?
What do I want to achieve?
What is Graphic Design?
Where do I fit in within the Graphic Design industry?
What is my specialism?
What do I want to do?
What do I want to achieve?
Reading over the answers I put, I can see why I put them at the time, and it does show how far I have come to be where I am now as a designer. Some of the answers are clearly there because I didn't know what to say, not because I truly believed them - something which I now try not to do as it is a waste of time and writing honestly is the best way to do it.
Overall I think I've done everything I set out to do, some more than others depending on how my practice has developed. Something I find interesting is that I wrote that typography was a strength at the time, when really, looking back at it, at that point I had no idea what it was at all. Now I have a much larger knowledge of the subject, I can say that it is definitely a strength, so I think at the time I was trying to say that I was comfortable with that as a subject more than image.
I think the most standout comment I made was that screen printing was a strength. At the time it definitely was, however since I've been on the course, I've only done screen printing twice - once in the induction, and a second time for a one day collecting primary research in printing processes. Apart from that, I've not had any interest in using this facility. I did used to thoroughly enjoy it, however I think I've found that it's not too relevant to my practice now, but I would still feel comfortable using it as I spent a lot of time using it in my Foundation Year.
I think I am now at a point where I can answer those five questions that I wanted to find the answer to, which does show how much I have progressed.
What is Graphic Design?
The real question is what isn't graphic design. It is integrated into all media and industries, creating a foundation for work such as advertising and having a place in film and tv production. Graphic Design is more than letterheads and CD covers, with a large application in every day life. It is communicating messages in a visual, relevant and understandable language. This can be as small as a directional sign, to something as large as a football stadium interior design.
Where do I fit in within the Graphic Design industry?
I am a budding young professional with a lot of ideas, a strong work ethic and enthusiasm to do well and create design that is effective and something I can be proud of.
What is my specialism?
I don't have just one specialism. There are elements of design which I am much better at and have more knowledge at, such as typeface design or branding design, however I have experimented across a variety of areas in design and believe I have a good knowledge of this, with the ability to continue to explore and better myself in all areas.
What do I want to do?
I want to be an all round designer. I don't want to be sectioned off to one specialism. I want to be able to create a variety of deliverables for one project, all as strong as one another. I want to be able to communicate a brand effectively and professionally.
What do I want to achieve?
A sophisticated and considered approach to design. Success in design.
Following this, I looked over my work from the first year and decided on collecting together everything I learnt, liked and disliked about each of the projects. This will give me a clear idea into how I feel I progressed overall in the year and how this moved into my second year practice.
Practical Work
What did I enjoy?
Alphabet Soup - Creating a typeface.
100 Things - Creating a publication.
How to get people to read more - Creating a typeface.
COP - Practical
Speaking For Experience
What did I dislike?
Secret 7"
COP - Essay
Photoshop project
What didn't I do that I would have liked to?
Screen printing
Pushed my skills in Illustrator more
Experimented more with printing processes
Screen printing
Pushed my skills in Illustrator more
Experimented more with printing processes
What did I learn?
Illustrator
InDesign
Type Anatomy
Grids & Layout
Colour Theory
Building a concept
What did I learn about myself?
Fast learner
Enjoy digital work
Enjoy creating publications & binding them
Like the use of grids and layout design
Dislike presentations
Dislike crits
Don't know much about the design world - don't know blogs, websites, designers etc.
Don't mind not using screen printing
Typography driven
While there isn' any work from first year that I'm particularly proud of, I do think it was a fundamental stepping stone in my development as a designer. The skills we learnt have been a foundation and are what I now build my practice on, for example, the anatomy of type and grids and the execution of a concept.
OUGD602 - Follow Up Email From Cool Beans
This morning I received an email from Andrew at Cool Beans Creative, following my placement.
I think it's great that they're happy for me to finish the designs I was doing while there. I did the majority of the project, so it was only a few bits and pieces that needed sorting out. I think it's a great opportunity for me to be able to finish this and I can have a fully complete project in my portfolio.
Good morning Emily,
I hope you had great weekend.
I checked with Mark re using any work that you did over the last 2 weeks and he confirmed as I said on Friday.
I was wondering about the Unity job you have been working on.
With you using it as a portfolio piece, if there are any further bits to complete I wanted to offer you the opportunity to complete all.
There should not be too much to do at this stage and I can brief you by mail and then go through anything else on the phone if needed.
If something you would like to do, or not - let me know.
Thanks
Andrew
I think it's great that they're happy for me to finish the designs I was doing while there. I did the majority of the project, so it was only a few bits and pieces that needed sorting out. I think it's a great opportunity for me to be able to finish this and I can have a fully complete project in my portfolio.
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