Sunday, 16 October 2011

WHAT IS GRAPHIC DESIGN PART ONE//OUGD402

Identify 5 examples of Graphic Design appearing in different contexts:

-advertisements
-smartphone software
-branded clothing
-packaging
-websites


Stella Artois 4% campaign:
Design, layout and typography:
Mother London
Paintings by Robert McGinnis
http://bfourb.com/root/stella-artois-4-campaign/


Smart phone software:iPhone 4


Branded clothing:
Packaging


Web design
What is Graphic Design?
'Graphic design is the most universal of all the arts.  It is all around us, explaining, decorating, identifying: imposing meaning on the world.  It is in the streets, in everything we read, it is on our bodies.  We engage with design on road signs, advertisments, magazines, cigarette packets, headache pills, the logo on our tee shirt, the washin label on our jacket.  It acts on our emotions and helps to shape how we feel about the world around us.'  -'What is Graphic Design?'- Quentin Newark.  

The first set of posters are an advertisment campaign for a popular beer, Stella Artois.  From first glance its not obvious that its advertising beer, the images are subtle and have a retro feel to it, 1960's and has a holiday theme running through the campaign, abroad.    A very modern example of graphic design is the iPhone and Apple in general, it is designed very graphically, things such as apps and the general layout of Apple products rely on visual appeal as well as its obvious functions.  The third design I chose to show in a different context to the others are on fabrics/clothing.  Brands often use graphically designed logos and designs on tee shirts which will all have to of been done by a designer.  My forth type of design is probably one of the most popular, packaging, which is everywhere.  Recognisable brands design logos and packaging to associate themselves within the advertisement world.  And lastly web design, which is a massive part of graphic design as we rely more and more on the internet and computers everyday.

Identify 5 examples of Graphic Design performing different functions:
-to instruct/guide
-to warn
-to entertain
-to promote
-to raise awareness
TFL: London underground tube map


Road signs

                      Theatre Poster: Birdsong                'Keep Calm...' Poster



NHS Drinking campaign posters

These five designs all have different functions, the first one is a map designed to instruct people on the London underground.  A complex set of instructions, if your'e not familiar with the underground.  A basic design of stops and the lines that each stops are on.  This isn't a work of graphic design to visually please anyone, it is purely to instruct people.  The next set of design is probably one of the most iconic works; basic road signs, these are also to instruct but abide by.  Basic block colours with one word or just basic symbols, to the point and simple, to insure saftey.  The third design is a poster promoting a west end show, this is promoting entertainment whereas the others were either informing, warning or persuading.  An interesting image and the title of a famous book made into a show, already has a fan base so doesn't need to do much more than give the title.   The forth poster is a spin on an original poster 'Keep calm and carry on', it has been made for comical effect, light hearted, and has no other purpose than to purely entertain.  The final poster i chose that has a different function is a health warning.  Created by the NHS to raise awareness to people about the harm and effects of drinking.  This poster shows the most information and facts about its topic, with fitting images.


Identify 5 examples of Graphic Design delivering different types of messages:
-Warning
-Fictional
-Instructions
-Campaign
-Propaganda

 'Fire kills, you can prevent it' warning poster

Fictional  Graphic Novel illustrations 

Instruction manuals


(left) UNISON campaign poster against slavery (right) Nazi propaganda poster

All these posters deliver a different message through graphic design.  The first one is a very basic design with obvious imagery, its not for visual appeal, its trying to make a quick and informative point, a warning about an important topic.  It uses limited colours for a standard design but I think this works well as its not distracting and allows the advert to address the point quickly and effectively.  Essentially, it is a warning about fires in the home, the font used is big and bold, effective and eye catching.  The second function of delivering a different message within design is illustrations within graphic novels, it doesn't highlight an important message compared to the first one, its a fictional message to compliment the story in the novel.  The third design is an instruction manual from Ikea, which is quite recognisable around europe.  This is sending out a set of instructions on how to communicate to someone a guide of what is appropriate actions to take in order to successful achieve whatever it is that comes with the instructions.   The forth poster is a massive contrast to the fifth poster, the unison one uses basic graphic design of quite a symbolic image relating to the topic being addressed in the company colours.  It is a campaigning poster engaging the audience in an important issue, the font sits at the top of the page simply stating the purpose of the poster.  The final poster is a propaganda poster from the Nazi party encouraging anti semitic behaviour, using abusive and exaggerated images of Jewish people to persuade the general public to blame a race.  All have worked in different ways and all send out a different message through the use of graphic design.

Identify 5 examples of Graphic Design produced using different media:
-Letterpress
-Photography
-Installation
-Web Design
-Motion Graphics


Letterpress:


Photography:  Nick Knight 


 Installation: Saatchi Gallery (London)


Web Design:



Motion Graphics:
Blockhead- The music scene:

All five of these things are different examples of graphic design produced using different methods and techniques.  The first thing i chose was Letterpress, photography which had become increasingly more popular as an art form in recent years.  These are shots taken by Nick Knight.  Installation (Saatchi Gallery) and web design both use differnet methods and lastly motion graphics which takes animation and video footage to create the illusion of motion.

Identify 5 examples of Graphic Design produced at different scales:
-window display
-book card design
-business card design
-billboard advertisments
-stamp design

Window displays: Selfridges London


Book cover design:

Business card design:(small scale)


Billboard advertisement campaigns:



Stamp design:

All of these designs differ in terms of scale,some on a larger scale than others but all use graphic design to create these works.  The first set of designs on a large scale is the window display in Selfridges, London.  This is on a big 3D scale, an interesting design attracts costumers and lures them into the shop.  This scale of design is a big contrast to book cover design.  A cover of a book is quite important, it initially attracts the reader, or has a helping hand in drawing attention in alongside with the reputation of the book/author and the blurb.  The book cover designs are interesting and eye catching, and fitting to the context of the book, which is the exact criteria needed for a successful design.  Business cards are an example of graphic design on a very small scale.  The design on a business card is very important as it gives a subtle impression about the person and their work.  Some business cards will keep it simple with basic type and information, others however, will have a design or basic logo, probably depending on what profession the individual is in.  Another large example of graphic design is billboard ads, these have to be eye catching and persuasive because ultimately it is advertising, most billboards are product based but the more interesting the design of the billboard is the more viewers it will attract.  All three examples chosen I think work well and are definitely eye-catching because they are different and don't take the standard approach of 2D poster designed work.  The last example is one of the smallest examples of graphic design I could think of.  A selection of special edition stamps created by Royal Mail featuring famous quotes and characters from Shakespeare's plays.  Although the design of stamps wont be taken into account as much as the design of a billboard they still need to be created and be functional to serve its purpose.

OUGD403//ALPHABET SOUP TYPEFACE: CRIT FEEDBACK

Crit feedback:

For this crit we were put into groups with our partner that we based the alphabet on and had to pin up our tracing paper alphabet poster on the wall next to eachothers.  Then we had to present it and explain our thoughts and reasons behind the project.  It was useful getting feedback, I found my font didn't work on a smaller scale, because I had put quite a lot of detail into the inner part of the shape it wasnt as clear when scaled down, the smaller it got the harder it was to see the small detail.  I think it could work quite well as a typeface although i added knitting needles to each top part of the letter to give it more context which I don't think could be included in a serious type face.  I think as a set they work well but a few of the letters need to be edited slightly becuase some of them looked less successful.

Thursday, 6 October 2011

ALPHABET SOUP//OUGD403AS1

CRIT NOTES FROM ALPHABET SOUP//OUGD403AS1 BRIEF:
We were put into groups and then had to observe another groups set of letters, other words that were used in other groups included:
-stretch
-condense
-expand
-pop
-build
-layer

We had to eliminate letters that didn't instantly meet the criteria and keep making cuts until we were only left with five letters, that we felt best met the brief and worked well.  Criteria that my group decided was outcome of final product, whether it communicates the message, exploring different methods and techniques.  Stretch's criteria included craft, legibility and creativeness.  Layer's group consisted of quality, communication and explorations.  I think the crit worked well in enabling us to get group feedback about our work and to see what other peoples ideas worked well.

Monday, 26 September 2011

FIVE PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES I HAVE:

Professional:                   
  • Passionate
  • Efficient                                                                                                                           
  • Ambitious                                                    
  • Range of techniques                         
  • Creative     
Personal:
  • Down to earth
  • Out going
  • Positive
  • Open minded
  • Loyal       

Sunday, 25 September 2011

WHY AM I HERE???//WHAT DO I WANT TO LEARN//OUGD402

·         Identify and explain 5 reasons why you chose to study on this programme.
-I decided I wanted to study on the programme after researching the course, the type of work the college produced, particularly the graphic design department, really appealed to me.  I looked at past students blogs and photographs of graphic design work on the college website and it looked really professional and impressive.
-I read the college prospectus and the description of the graphic design course covered all the aspects of graphic design I was interested in.  The course highlighted the importance of communication through text and imagery and listed areas I would like to learn about and experiment with.
-When I came for my interview I was given a tour of the college which showed me the various facilities that would be at hand to me, such as the printing room and the studio space.  They also explained that you could work closely with other students on other courses such as the photography department etc.  Overall the college had a good feel to it and a good reputation with respectable alumni.
-The course has a practical application; it opens different pathways to broaden career opportunities.
-Having a full time table will enable me to engage in my course without any distractions.
  • Identify and explain 5 things that you want to learn during your time on the programme.
-I want to learn how to use my blogs effectively, to record my progress throughout the time on the course.  To get into a habit of uploading my work/things that inspire my work/specific pieces of design work that I like/a reflective journal of progress/photographs I have taken/notes I have made etc.  This will be the best way to show development throughout the three years. 
-I would like to develop better skills within the digital aspects of graphic design.  Improve my skills with programmes such as Photoshop and Illustrator. 
-I would like to take advantage of some of the facilities offered within the college and the introductory classes and learn to apply some of these things taught to my work.
-I would like to broaden my knowledge and skills within typography
-I would like to improve my presentation skills as I am not a confident public speaker
  • Identify and explain 5 skills that you think are your strengths.
-I tend to pay attention to detail.
-I am open to new ways and techniques of learning and like to incorporate new methods into my work.
-I pay attention to layout, playing around with composition and the detail within the layout.
-Generating ideas that I feel I want to communicate.
-I like a challenge.
  • Identify and explain 5 things that you want to improve.
-My time management and organisation skills, to not work late into the night- a couple of hours before the project is due...
-How to use colour appropriately.
-Learn to screen print.
-Explore other possible outcomes and try ideas even if I think they won’t work.
-Generate more ideas quickly.
  • Identify and explain 5 ways that you will evaluate your progress.
-Throughout the course I will use my blog as a way of recording thoughts, ideas and progress.
-Comments and advice from tutors.
-Through crits and group discussions, general feedback from students on my course.
-Set myself targets within briefs to keep up to date and achieve the best I can in that particular brief.
-Compare my work to others and see if my standard is at a similar level.

  • Identify 5 questions that you want to find the answer to
-What is Graphic Design?
-What will i be doing this year?
-What skills makes you a good graphic designer?
-How competitive is this industry?
-How do I network to gain contacts?

Sunday, 18 September 2011

TEN THINGS I WANT TO ACHIEVE THIS YEAR:

-Develop a good body of work which shows progression from foundation portfolio and incoperates new skills.
-Learn more about the contextual aspects of graphic design and become more knowledgeable on designers.
-Give myself enough time to complete a brief and maintain the same working standard at the end as I did when I first started.
-Improve time and organisation skills.
-Be on time.
-Work on developing better presentation skills and gain more confidence when explaining my work to others.
-Learn how to use programmes such as Adobe Photoshop etc. 
-Don't fall behind.
-Handle working well under pressure.
-Take advantage of the facilities offered from the college to broaden my techniques as a graphic designer.