STUDY TASK SEVEN//SAMPLES OF WORK: RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS//OUGD502

STUDY TASK SEVEN//SAMPLES OF WORK:
Task: Based on the exercises, feedback and discussion in the module so far:

Part 1 - Identify document and evaluate a minimum of 10 examples of professional designer's and/or design studios who have used a range of media and formats to distribute samples of their work. You should aim to select a range of examples using a rage of media.

Part 2 - Produce a short (50 word) SWOT analysis of each example in order to analysis its relative merits and effectiveness as a promotional tool or strategy.

SWOT ANALYSIS: 

• Strengths: characteristics of the business or project that give it an advantage over others
• Weaknesses: are characteristics that place the team at a disadvantage relative to others
• Opportunities: elements that the project could exploit to its advantage
• Threats: elements in the environment that could cause trouble for the business or project

SAMPLE ONE:  TOUCH BRANDING
'When creating our own identity, we set out to prove our key message: that every point of communication is a chance to advertise our company. We created a simple brand message and applied it across multiple touchpoints. One of the key elements of the identity was a direct mail piece in the form of a blood bag, which we personally delivered to creative directors in several ad agencies in Prague. As a result we’ve received several jobs, two bronze awards from the Czech Art Directors Club and worldwide exposure in the graphic design community.'

This is the self branding for design company TOUCH BRANDING:

SWOT ANALYSIS: 

STRENGTHS:

Really strong idea and concept, definitely something memorable and something interesting that you wont have seen before, a new take on self promotion in terms of idea, method of delivery, processes/presentation of final promotional pack.  The concept works really well and as a branding company they would want to come up with their own self branding in a way that catches peoples eyes and raises awareness of the company which is what they have managed to do with an innovative twist.

WEAKNESSES:
I think because the concept is so strong its harder to find weaknesses, however, within the design, aesthetically a blood bag with fake blood might not be the most attractive design.

OPPORTUNITIES:

The company have actually gained many clients and won awards for their own self promotion as I can imagine its something not many companies have seen before and would be intrigued.  They also had photos taken for PR purposes to tie the branding together.  They then hand delivered the promotional pack to various companies in Prague with appropriate uniforms and a branded van.

THREATS:
Costly to produce several times.


SAMPLE TWO:  BALLAST CREATIVE
'Rooting my identity in my love for the outdoors and the geography along the north 46th parallel, I designed and constructed a unique item. The "fly box" was inspired through both my love of fly fishing and the high level of respect the sport commands amongst outdoorsmen. It is an art that takes discipline and uses beautiful lures designed specifically to attract the intended quarry - much like graphic design.  

Each fly box is constructed with the recipient's location in mind - the two flies included are effective lures for trout in the intended area. Each fly box also lists a nearby stream in which the recipient would find use for these flies. My business card is included along with an informational brochure - complete with a short biography and personal snapshot of my qualifications. '

This is the self branding and promotion for designer Matt Ludvigson:

SWOT ANALYSIS: 

STRENGTHS:

The presentation, attention to detail and the overall display quality makes this promotional pack as success.  In terms of strengths its executed really well and is consistent within the design.  The theme definitely says something about the designer, in this case his love for the outdoors, geography and fishing.  He uses a variety of stocks and embosses the business card.  This promotion pack and self branding reflects the work the designer does as most of it is based on the time he spends outdoors.

WEAKNESSES:
It definitely communicates one specific style of design, overall the presentation and design is visually appealing to anyone but more so if you are interested in an 'outdoor/nature/geography' aspect of design.

OPPORTUNITIES:

The designer has only used this promo pack one time, at a AIGA portfolio review event, where they received good feedback and kept by the reviewers.  However, if the designer needed to use them again I feel this would bring work and attention as its something that is memorable.

THREATS:
Costly to produce several times, could appeal to a certain type of client.

SAMPLE THREE:  BENJAMIN DOOLING

I am committed to quality both professionally and personally.  As a conceptual thinker and award-winning package designer, I possess high work ethics, adaptability, and the belief that outstanding creativity can be achieved through effective planning and strategy.

This is the self branding for designer Benjamin Dooling: Designed and screen printed on 16oz Kraft Paper Stand-up Pouches and 5lb Gusseted Bags filled with locally roasted coffee, with a message aimed at specific target audiences emphasising on the skill set of typography, packaging and hands on creativity.

SWOT ANALYSIS: 

STRENGTHS:

Creative idea, especially as this designer focuses heavily on package design and this sends out a clear message about the quality of his packaging design and allows the audience to see his skills visually as well as in a CV type format.  The information is delivered cleverly through word play, for example 'date roasted' is the term used for when this piece of self promotion was created.  Authentic, good quality packaging design.

WEAKNESSES:
I assume the link of advertising his graphic design skills on a coffee package is to do with the fact he has a strong passion and success in packaging design.  The idea in general is clever and creative but is there a specific reason why its coffee packaging? Does that say enough about him as a personal designer?

OPPORTUNITIES:

Interesting idea, something that you could remember.  Its interactive which is always something good for this type of design, Inside the bag contains a small card reading "lets talk over a cup of coffee".

THREATS:

High postal cost? and not personal enough to the designers self branding.

SAMPLE FOUR:  STUDIO WORLDWIDE

Studio Worldwide is a multi-disciplinary design practice specialising in crafted and considered graphic design and art direction.

Established by Dutch designer Thijs van Beijsterveldt and British designer Joel Priestland, Studio Worldwide's foundations are based on a combination of international backgrounds with extensive design experience to produce unique, effective and engaging creative.

This is the WW identity and promotion they have designed including a poster, business cards and compliments slip:

SWOT ANALYSIS: 

STRENGTHS:

This is the self branding for design company WW.  They have used a range of stocks that all run consistently  throughout the branding's colours, which works nicely as a set.  All the business cards and letter heads have the contact information and website to enable viewers to log on and see the work.  The poster is the best form of promotion in this self branding pack, raising awareness of the company and getting the branding and information out there.

WEAKNESSES:
They have done nothing out of the ordinary to promote themselves, the general business cards, compliments slip and poster, unless you were in close contact with the design agency I struggle to see how people would come across and interact with the branding unless the poster was placed in popular creative environments.

OPPORTUNITIES:

The standard promotional pack for a design agency, business cards can be circulated and people can recognise the brand throughout the consistency of the design.

THREATS:
No real methods of distribution , how would audience see it?

SAMPLE FIVE:  RADFORD WALLIS 
We are a visual communications agency, committed to creating distinctive, quirky and intelligent (sometimes all three!) ideas that engage a specific audience, communicate effectively and make the whole experience memorable. 
Ideas that stand out.

RADFORD WALLIS ON SELF PROMOTION:

Self promotional jobs are often amongst the trickiest. Having to come up with a brand new approach when your message is so familiar can be difficult. However we believe that we have created playful and engaging “cards” for our clients and friends.

EXPLANATION OF WORK:

Some examples are shown here: typography found in packing tape on boxes was used as change of address card; a festive story embossed into turkey foil and a poster of charade games, broken down frame by frame, were both used as Christmas cards. All these ideas reflect our approach and hopefully raise a smile.

SWOT ANALYSIS: 

STRENGTHS:

I think this is one of the strongest types of work promotion I've found so far, the idea to promote your work through products such as christmas cards and a festive embossed poster sent to people from the design company will surely raise design status and promote their work in a way thats fitting, current and exciting.  The use of interesting a different materials (tin foil embossed festive poster) is something memorable and eye catching.  Images of the designers on the christmas cards is always good for self promotion.  Playful and engaging.

WEAKNESSES:

This current work is only relevant seasonally (Christmas) so other ideas and designs would need to be created to ensure this kind of work promotion all year round.

OPPORTUNITIES:

Work and self promotion advertised in a way that is engaging and has a purpose, audience are more likely to keep these designs as they are more than just the design agency advertising and promoting themselves.

THREATS:

Audience specific, how could they distribute these christmas cards to existing clients and people they already interact with?

SAMPLE SIX:  EFFEKTIVE

We designed these two colour litho self promotional mailer/resumés for approaching Sydney based agencies at the end of 2008. The idea was to create a promotional piece which would have impact and showcase work examples and information as well as become a physical example of work in itself. The response to these was excellent and resulted in a variety of interviews at some of Sydney's top agencies.

SWOT ANALYSIS: 

STRENGTHS:

This is a very clean and well thought out lay out.  I feel the format is successful as it folds up nicely and is easy to send and distribute at a low cost.  It has vital information displayed as text and as you read more and open up the folds a poster of nicely presented work from the design studio is displayed.  This is easy for the audience to respond to and works not only as a self promotional tool but as a piece of work in itself.

WEAKNESSES:
In terms of format this works really well, allowing clients to see a variety of work, however certain parts focus heavily on type, clients could be put off by the amount of text shown to them for something thats meant to be effective straight away.

OPPORTUNITIES:

This is allowing many opportunities to showcase their work as a design studio and because of format cost wont come into the mailing of the work.  This got the design company received the opportunity to have interviews at some of the top design agencies based in Sydney.

THREATS:

Quite disposable

SAMPLE SEVEN: SWINK

Swink “Let’s Tell Better Stories” Direct Mail

There's nothing like a good campfire to get people talking. We put together a direct mail piece to invite people to reconsider the way they've been marketing themselves and to believe in the power of a good story — their story.  


This is a direct mail piece put together by Swink to encourage people to look at how they have been marketed and whether it tells a story about them? Advertising their company as an option for personal branding.

SWOT ANALYSIS: 

STRENGTHS:

The distribution of this piece is strong, a direct mailer which will reach its target audience.  Letter press, high quality stock.  Its main strength is that its interactive, something the audience can engage with and construct the pieces to form a 'campfire' scene.  Its also something they are likely to keep as its well executed.  The concept works well, asking the audience what their story is and linking it to a 'campfire' theme as this is usually associated with telling stories.

WEAKNESSES:
One use, once assembled not much use for it.

OPPORTUNITIES:

Opportunities for new clients and more work, something memorable.

THREATS:

Costly letterpress technique

SAMPLE EIGHT: POPCORN DESIGN
POPCORN DESIGN: Popcorn is a creatively-lead graphic design studio based in East London. We help our clients increase awareness of their brand through cross-platform media. We are a complete creative resource, using a trusted network of experts and suppliers. Collaboration means we can fulfill any or all parts of your brief. Regardless of scale or budget. From branding and design to websites and digital media – we get the job done.

Studio mailer sent to our beloved clients for valentines day. Hand silk-screened in 1 colour on 270gsm Context Ivory by Loligo. A limited run of 100 were printed, hand-numbered and embossed.

SWOT ANALYSIS: 

STRENGTHS:

The main strength of this work is the thought behind it, this is a great way of showing existing clients the design company appreciates their custom.  Its something personal and the client will take that into consideration.  Good use of processes and quality finishes.  Only 100 made which makes it unique to the clients.

WEAKNESSES:
Only select amount of people will actually get to see and receive this work.

OPPORTUNITIES:

This is a great way of keeping their existing clients interested and a way of letting the clients know they are thinking about them, this way, the design agency stays in the minds of the clients hopefully leading to more jobs and other opportunities.  Depending on where displayed by the clients can attract new clients.

THREATS:
Costly technique - hand silk screen and embossed.  High postal cost?

SAMPLE NINE: ONLINE PORTFOLIOS
Cargo Collective, Behance, Tumblr etc.

This is something that has become increasingly popular recently within graphic design and is a different way to print based distribution.

SWOT ANALYSIS: 

STRENGTHS:

Easy access for everyone to see your work, gives you online presence and allows you to get feedback and comments from other viewers and designers.  Easy to keep posting updates and progression in work.  Very easy for everyone to look at, minimum effort required to showcase your work.

WEAKNESSES:
Online could take away from the quality of the printed final work, limitations with how much the viewer can actually see, unable to interact with the work, pick it up, feel it etc. which is an important factor within print and various other processes (embossing, foiling etc.)  Amongst thousands of other designs, hard to make your specific design really stand out.

OPPORTUNITIES:

Accessible to everyone, online presence! Anyone can come across your work and you can then be given opputunities to collaborate or 

THREATS:

Costly technique - hand silk screen and embossed.  High postal cost?

SAMPLE TEN: GENERATION PRESS
GP  is  10-Brochure - A  dual-purpose, limited-edition  brochure  for  printers .  Generation  Press,  both  to  celebrate  their  10th  anniversary  and  also for  the m  to  showcase  their  print  prowess  and  techniques  to  new  and  existing  clients.   We  also  enlisted  the  talent s  of  photographer  Timothy Saccenti,  illustrator  Sanna  Annuka  and  copywriter  John  O’Reilly  and  added  our  own  contributions,  to  make  this  a  piece  that  would  be  coveted  and  kept  for  years  to  come.  The  piece  was  selected  for  D&AD ‘in-book’  2010.
Client-  Generation  Press.   Year-  2 009

This  is   the work  from  generation  press  to  s howcase  their  skills  to  existing  and  new  customers.

SWOT ANALYSIS: 

STRENGTHS:

A really high quality piece of design to receive as a mailer, something that allows customers, existing and new, to show of their skills within print, a range of stocks and processes compliment the design and allow the audience to see the range of possibilities with Generation Press. A good way of keeping existing customers in the loop and definitely opportunities for new clients with this sample of work.

WEAKNESSES:
Limited amount of people will see the mailer as it will be sent to specific clients and possible new ones.  Needs to be a way that they can get this distributed to more people without the cost effecting it.

OPPORTUNITIES:

A few opportunities can come from this mailer, its a piece of work that showcases Generation Press' best assets and is a nice piece of design work in itself that will be kept by many of the receivers.  This gives existing customers a reminder of the services offered and attracts new clients.  It also was selected for D&AD's  'in-book' 2010 which raises publicity.

THREATS:

Costly to produce and send out to a lot of people