STUDY TASK FIVE//WHO AM I? WHO ARE 'THEY'?//OUGD502

STUDY TASK FIVE

Based on the principles that have been introduced so far in the PPP2 module, investigate who you are as a creative in relation to who is out there looking for creative talent.

Write a list of all the possible client groups that use graphic design in the development, production, distribution, promotion and/or communication of their products or services. Identify one client group that reflects your current ambitions within the graphic design area (music industry, retail, publishing, education etc.) and focus on identifying:-

• What skills / interests you have and how they relate to the needs of your client group?
• What skills are needed and what skills do you want to develop?
• What are your professional/creative aims and how do they relate to the needs of the client group?

It is essential that you make references to the ʻ4 Psʼ from the PPP2 Presentation. This is an exercise in applying that theory – it is not appropriate to write about the theory itself. Demonstrate your understanding of it by actually using it.

LIST OF CLIENT GROUPS:

• Music industry

• Retail 
• Publishing and editorial 
• Education
• Journalism
• Sport

• Fashion industry

• Radio 
• Television 
• Food industry

• Film industry

• Tourism
• Radio
• Advertising 
• Theatre
• Personal buyers

PUBLISHING AND EDITORIAL:

A client group that reflects my creative ambitions:  Editorial and publishing
Since starting the course I have become increasingly interested in a few specific areas within graphic design.  Two that stand out to me are editorial and publishing and branding and identity.  As I go into third year I would like to explore these areas further.  For this task I have chosen Editorial and Publishing. 

What skills / interests you have and how they relate to the needs of your client group?
Publication design // Print // Layout // Photography
I have always been interested in this area of graphic design since being on the course, its something I enjoy the most and would like to pursue in the future.  Print is something that interests me as does stocks and processes, both these things, I feel, can have a massive impact on the final printed design.  Whilst studying graphic design and looking at various design blogs and sites, publication design is always something that I find the most inspiring.  I like working with type and image in a way that is appropriate for the content and format.  Most of the publication design that interest me are to do with the layout and use of photography/images.  The products designed within publishing and editorial are changing all the time due to the latest trends, designs and content.  Even though I have a particular interest in certain areas of editorial and publishing than others, I find this creatively challenging and something that can push my skills within this field further, as you cant always design for yourself.  A vital skill that I have learnt on this course that will apply to any area of the creative industry and any professional industry is working to a deadline.  This is something I have has to do continuously whilst on this course, managing two or three briefs at a time and balancing them to get them all done before the deadline.  This is something that will occur in most working environments where there will be strict deadlines and more than one project at a time.

What skills are needed and what skills do you want to develop?
Skills that are needed within this creative field include, layout, working with type and image, a knowledge of digital print production, time management, working to specific deadlines and working as a team.  obviously a key skill within publishing and editorial is layout and working successfully with type and image.  Since starting the course and having to work on a number of projects where layout is a key element has vastly improved my awareness of grids, inDesign and the relationship between type and image.  I would like to develop these skills further to be able to produce publications for a number of different areas within design.  I would further like to develop my time management skills, even though I meet the deadlines I feel things could be organised and managed in a way that doesn't involve rushing towards the end, something I need to learn from.  Promotion and distribution are both skills that are needed for publication and editorial, it is important that the products are being distributed in the right places to allow the target audience to receive the information.  Promotion through print and screen is vital within most areas of graphic design, this is something I need to research into more to get a better understanding of what makes promotional campaigns and strategies successful.

What are your professional/creative aims and how do they relate to the needs of the client group?
My professional and creative aims include to develop work for a portfolio that suits the direction of my client group, in third year I would like to focus more heavily on editorial and publication design as this is the area that interests me the most.  I would like to try and include some photography in my work next year as I feel I have quite a strong interest in it but never pursue with it in terms of my design work.  I would like to try and create a range of different publications in third year that show a variety of skills within layout, print and processes.  Having this work in my portfolio should help to further my professional aims as my work should hopefully reflect the type of products a design company would be looking for.  I would like to look further into promotion as I feel this is a key skill within the industry that I need more knowledge on.  In terms of professional aims I would like to work for a company that specialise in publication design, a company that design interesting, contemporary and creative publications for various subjects.  

These are some examples of work that best reflect things that I would like to create:

OWT - MANCHESTER
This is something I usually wouldn't pick due to colour but I really like the designs OWT create, I think its there interesting eye catching illustrations and formats that interest me.

STUDIO LAUCKE SIEBEIN - This is a contrast from OWTS design and probably something that would be more my style of design.  Ideally I would like to create publications with creative processes and stocks using my own photography, this is something I will try and pursue in third year.

In terms of creative aims I would like to start developing my own style within design, not to restrict me, but to give some sense of personal identity within my work.  I want to start creating exciting and interesting work with creative concepts, I feel these are the skills the client group will be interested in.  We are now exposed to so many different forms of graphic design, both print and web, through product, promotion and distribution.  Creating work that is new and exciting should set you apart from the popular field.  I feel with my constant progress and direction into third year I will be able to develop the skills and knowledge combined with the work to allow me to work within this client group.