Monday, 25 May 2020

Extended Practice Final Briefs [3]




Extended Practice Final Briefs [3]











Extended Practice: Timetable


My new timetable according to the schedule that I've been tying to work at. I tried to allocated as much as to briefs as possible however, this does not include PPP scheduling therefore sometimes I tend to spend more time on PPP that I should so I get lost track of time and feel behind from all my work.

Extended Practice Brief #7: Irrational Fears [Evaluation]

Overall, the publication was refined rigorously and came out effectively. It successfully considers design elements and visual according to the content, reflecting it’s ideas only the visuals for a more effective and striking effect. It also address the target audiences well as followed in the brief. Not only is it engaging content wise but also with carefully considered elements all in all it has been produced to both inform audiences who are interested in the topic but also pleases them aesthetically, diverting from plain research publication which can also attract other audiences who engage with the visuals first then its content. Also, it also explores the topic of ‘irrational fears’ in a deeper more societal and cultural aspect discussing it’s effects on society minorities and it’s effects on communities overall. The theme itself provided an overarching theme that unveils deep sensitive topics that are extremely meaningful in today’s climate.

As physical production restrictions were inevitable due to the lock down, the publication was only mocked up on a digital version, however if given the chance to print the publication stock and binding methods have been considered. The publication will be perfect bounded for quick mass production and a professional neat finish. Paper stocks will be the following: Front and Back (Curious Collection Matter Black truffle, 270 gsm) It has a smooth tactile texture but not too thick that it’ll be too hard for a perfect bound book. The content pages will be printed on (Keaykolour Grey Fog, 120 gsm) it is a slight cold off white colour complimentary to the cover as well as the pop of colour from the images. Page 13, (Keaykolour Pumpkin, 120 gsm), page 20, (Keaykolour Carmine 120 gsm), Pages 3 and 4 (Keaykolour Holly, 120 gsm) ages 32-39 (Keaykolour Deep Black, 120 gsm), page 8 (Keaykolour Cappuccino, 12o gsm() and pages 26-31 (Keaykolour navy Blue, 120 gsm) – all stock will be from Arjowiggins. 

Although, the publication wasn’t published physically, they are still as strong on digital spreads and mock ups. For future references, the publication is aimed to be published as soon as possible. All in all the outcome successfully answered the brief and tackled ideas which are thought-provoking and engaging for the target audiences. 

Extended Practice Brief #7: Irrational Fears [Final Publication Outcome]







After all the extensive development done on the publication this is the final outcome. Firstly, the front cover was amended as the previous cover felt too common and does not particularly set with the rest of the publication. The title now wraps around the bottom of the front and back of the book, reflecting how we ‘cover up’ with a mask and with the subheading “An Exploration of the Racialisation of Face Masks” having wide kerning, emphasising the distance we have to be apart of in this pandemic. The preface of the publication states the intentions of the publication, explains the topics explored in it. As it’s a sensitive topic it highlights how the book is an exploration of these themes and topics in order to give more understanding and knowledge about the reasons for the increased racial crimes towards Asians worldwide in the midst of the pandemic through all the research done. It is emphasised that it is not necessarily imposing a certain view on the readers but exploring sides in order to see where both are coming from.

Most of the design from the development stage made it easier to finalise the outcome quicker. Full bleed pages where added prior to start of chapters in order to keep a cohesive layout all throughout the publication as it was only done for certain pages but as colour is significant in the publication it was meaningful to add the pages too. Not only that, but it also gives a sense of anticipation and time, directing at the readers about the continuation of each chapter and theme. 

Each chapter title is also designed in literal ways according to the meaning of them such as “Splitting Cultures” having a slash in the middle and “Facing the Mask” having reflected text as titles. It gives an extra foundation of meaning to what each chapter is, emphasising each topic through subtle yet literal  visual interpretations of each title. Some pages have been amended with more images to accommodate the extra pages that have been added in front but also to give more context to the text. Furthermore, the image layout was changed some pages too, to highlight the landscape  image more and also keeping a balance with the grid to text layout due to the placement of the text on the grid. 

An addition, to the survey chapter “The feelings behind the Mask” was also added. As they are a series of question and answers from a survey, at the end of all the questions a page questioning the readers was added with bland speech bubble, indicating to them to answer the same questions they just read answers to. From the content they just read they can create their own interpretations and opinions of an answer, but the question may also challenge their beliefs and opinions too. 

All in all the publication was developed, refined and finished to the best quality with carefully considered design elements as well as content which makes it both functional and visually engaging at the same time.

Sunday, 24 May 2020

PPP: Module Evaluation

Overall, in PPP this year I've learnt and realised of what I really want to do after graduation. I found what truly interest me as a designer and the field of design(s) that I want to further explore and refine my skills at. I also learn a lot more technical stuff about being a designer like handling legal terms and conditions, invoices, how to properly 'sell' myself to employers and clients. And, because of these, I think I've successfully created a cohesive and representative personal branding for my personal practice. I think the collateral that I've created is representative of me and is also reflective of the work that I do. I think definitely, I've also become more confident with my skills, and my networking and communicating skills have improved and made me want to collab with people more!

One thing that was really disappointing was the fact hat I couldn't do a work placement. Because of my initial scheduling for it to be in easter, and the pandemic which no one really expected I could not get a placement. Although, I did attend some talks online, being able to experience the workspace and to communicate and learn in person is just so different that listening online. If I was to do anything different this year it would probably be to do my placement earlier or in summer! :(

Through PPP I've also realised that realistically I'm not ready to work get a studio job, through my current portfolio, barely any experience and our current climate. Therefore, during my time after graduating I will continue to refine my portfolio by doing more personal projects, collabs and possible commissions to have a stronger more confident portfolio that i can show to clients/employers in the future.

PPP: Presentation & Notes