Extended Practice Brief #5: Evaluation [Ruban X Graphic Design]

Overall, the collateral that was created for this brief was very effective and successful. Each of the designs showcase the photographer’s personal style effectively, as they all share a similar style creating an overall cohesive amalgamation of her brand. Through subtle nuances like typeface choice to packaging aesthetic it all highlights what the photographer’s genre is and their target audiences and work they’d like to pursue. The collateral produced also went well together and will provide several good platforms and mediums for the photographer to advertise themselves e.g. through business cards or the whole travel pack itself, making it quite versatile in its use. 

Unfortunately, the business card in particular could’ve been done with more detail, however due to a lot of equipment restrictions in university as well as cost and time restrains, the best alternative was used instead which was good in a way but still a shame. The embossing in particular could’ve been done ore professionally in order to create a deeper more impressionable stamp on the business card. The words on the embossing can barely be seen, however the shape does make it up for it, giving it a nice silhouette which takes up the middle ground on the back of the business card. The offset effect also gave  the embossing space to stand out more as opposed to blending in to the logo and its ‘rough’ look also adds to the business cards’ aesthetic in a way. 

The communication with the photographer was very consistent through in-person meetings, email exchanges and Pinterest board updates, which made the collaboration very free flowing and there wasn’t any contradicting opinions or missing information as everything was talked about and discussed as to which would be the best approach towards each design. The photographer was also informed and involved in every step from initial ideas, developments to the final production, therefore it was a very effective collaboration which resulted in collateral and designs which answered the brief at the same time allowed the Photographer’s style to come through and also let the Graphic Designers’ skills and concept to communicate the Photographers personal brand successfully.

Extended Practice Brief #5: Final Outcome [Ruban X Graphic Design]

Following all the changes and refinements during the design development stage, this is the final outcome design of this brand identity collaboration. 

After, various embossing experiments and discussion with the photographer on its layout and outcome, it was decided to have a slightly offset embossing effect on the business card. The embossing plate enabled for a soft subtle effect to come out from on the back of the business card adding an interesting texture and depth to the business card itself. As the overall design and text are very minimal it creates a strong impression on the card that takes the audiences interest to it. The slight offset effect also gives the logo some depth as opposed to looking flat, especially as it’s very heavy on the curved lines. The dark stock (Conqueror Wave Pencil 300 gsm) colour also allowed for the embossing shape to really stand out. The text was also carefully considered through the minimal size just enough to create balance for the embossed shape in the middle ground. It’s also small enough to be read in order of hierarchy and the left aligned vertical text worked to make the card look dynamic despite its minimal effect. 

In addition, a similar left aligned construction was used for the postcards, using both the sans serif (Sofia Pro) and serif (Ratio Modern) as the typefaces. The photographer also chose black and white photographs for the postcards adding to the tranquil and minimal design. Furthermore, using an interesting shimmery and smooth paper stock (Opale Premium Wave Pure White Shimmer) for the postcard adds a curious edge to the design. It also gives more attention to the photographs themselves, and at the same time gives a subtle contrast that works against the textured zine and opaque packaging giving it a more premium feel and finish. 

Some photographs within the zine were changed in order to suit the project better, which in turn gave it a better rhythm and made the rationale more effective and shows the photographs more effectively. It’s printed on 120 gsm White Olin Regular stock giving it a slight roughness and smooth surface suiting the similar tone that the tracing paper packaging has creating a cohesive feel to the outcomes. In relation to the photographer’s rationale the photographs have been spaced out on single pages emphasising the isolation and or tranquillity that they are portraying in their photographs. The sequence of photographs are also broken up using the locations of the photographs were taken, showing a clear direction and change of setting and mood of the publication. As the photographer also focused on ‘leading lines’ the photographs themselves were used as grids in order to create a continuous feel with each photograph despite it’ various sizes; at the same time it is also these photograph sizes that were used to fit the continuous feel within the photographs that break the sequences highlighting the idea of someone’s mood changing abruptly. A saddle stitch technique was used to the bind the zine. The technique was effective for the zine as not only is it functional but it also adds a natural and a ‘constructive aesthetic’ to the zine fitting its concept and the images that are within it. Using white thread also gives the zine a clean look and adds to the minimal tone making it not distracting to the audience. 

Similarly, the packaging was also sewed with the same white thread creating a cohesive and clean aesthetic to the overall design. As opposed to the glued packaging, a sewed in packaging was much more effective and stronger especially when handling heavy objects. The tracing paper itself is not too tick nor too thin however it is still very fragile and vulnerable to tearing which is probably its main down point. Other than that, it fits perfectly with the designs and the overall concept of minimalism, clean and ‘natural’ aesthetic and concept, fitting the photographers personal brand and photography genre. 

Extended Practice Brief #3 [Brief Cancelled]

Unfortunately, it became apparent that this brief will no longer be continuing due to the unforeseen circumstances that we are facing now. It became harder to communicate due to the sudden change of setting for the both of use and we both became even more busy and since Adelaine is also an International student, she had to leave therefore we decided to stop the collab altogether.

Although, it was really dissapointing, hopefully in the future we can do other work together or finish this project in a much better state!

PPP Design Strategy: NO Work Placements :(((

Unfortunately, I have not secured a work placement. From all the studios that I have emailed I only managed to get one reply out of all of them and from the drastic changes that are happening in the environment right now it is even harder to even get studio visits. Also, it is really disheartening and I am quite worried that I have not managed to get myself a placement as it is important in this module. In addition, I also have no other option as I have initially set this in my timetable back in the beginning of the year to do a placement in Easter - however no one really expected a pandemic would happen, therefore a back up plan like an alternative studio visit is not possible either. Also, follow up emails would be hard to do right now and other methods as studios/agencies would most likely be too be as well and realistically their main concern is to adjust to working remotely from home etc.

Having said that, my only other option now it to participate in online talks and events as most talks have been changed to be online. On the plus side, they are more accesisble now  and are hosted by artists and designers themselves which is great. I am planning to attend talks which are focused on the careers that I want to particularly do which will hopefully give me insights into it. Although, it isn't as personal as I wanted them to be, it is still a great opportunity for me to hear talks from designers and from places which otherwise would not be possible for me to attend.

Extended Practice Brief #1: Brief Alteration

I was intending on creating a publication for this brief however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic I am now unable to do this outcome, therefore I have decided to revise this brief.

Initially, I wanted the brief to be a:

• celebration of the Baybayin Script
• showing audiences its history, origins etc through this publication and visuals.

But after reading further into the topic, it seems that the main root of the issue is the lack of education implemented for the script to actually be used properly and in daily conversations and writings but rather it is still a novelty and aesthetic pleaser. Therefore, rather than creating something that just describes and visually showcase the script, I wanted to create something that may be used in order to start learning the script itself in an easy and uncomplicated way.

(Original Brief)

(New Brief)

Thoughts & Reflections:

With this new brief set I think that now I'm able to concentrate more on specific research in order for me to continue with this project and to create the outcome that I am intending to create. Although it's quit different to the original brief, in terms of the idea of outcome, it still presents the ideas and theme behind Baybayin well, I think creating something that will help people learn the script is also a way of celebrating it, therefore both briefs share this idea in this sense.

PPP: Personal Branding Development

For my personal branding I am intending to create the following collateral:

• Business card - standard, the best way to use if I was to meet or network with someone, can easily show my personal brand through the visual/design. quick and easy 
• Creative CV - essential part when trying to find a placement/work. Can also visually show my interest visually through design. Shows my previous experiences and lets employers/ clients know what I can do- design skills wise, personality etc. 
• Poster/postcard - something fun and can show more of my personality side(?) 
• Website - Most easily accessible way for my work to be put out and be seen by a wider audience. Can show my work in a professional scale and can be used as a platform for me to show the best projects that I have done geared towards the career options that I want to purse (Brand Identity, Print/Publication, research based work).

*Current personal branding I already have:

• Instagram - I've had my instagram for a while now, although I don't have a specific visual layout for it. rather, I show a variety of work such as development of work, final outcomes and pictures that are of interest which I think can make the account more engaging and relatable for people. It is both professional and approachable in a way and showcases what I do in a ore relaxed way rather than seem "professional". 

I am intending to use the current visuals I have currently used for my portfolio for a cohesive look throughout:

• Colour - orange/black
• Typeface - Mazius Display/ Work Sans

PPP: Live Talk 2 [Massimo Pitis]

Pitis e Associate founder and Creative Director for WiredItalia!

• Publication design, Editorial!
• Showcases some previous editorial for the Canadian Embassy in Paris such as: Displacement by Dominique Blain

• They created 3 grids to accomodate the titles
• challenging how grids can be used in a less boring way
• have to accomodate for 2 languages.
• Really extensive research and production - contextually rich e.g. using and photographing silk as one of the main ideas for Wired Italia as the issue was about fabrics and fashion
• Bvlgari - The Perfume of Gems Magazine - was tricky as you cant easily 'see' perfume - an sysaesthetic idea
• Visuals and designs are reflective of the ingredient and fragrance by the position of images and their content and ingredients.
• Desole plus d'essence / Sorry out of gas (oil crisis) - asked to shape the content to create a consistent of the inside and the visuals. Think of content with same approach to Wired Magazine

I really enjoyed his talk as it way really informative in ways that I didn't think about with publications like going the extra mile and using the exact materials form the magazine content into the visual design.  Also, was quite inspiring in how he talks about the relation between content and visuals and the importance of connecting the two together to create a cohesive between the two. All the books that he showed were also really interesting as he talked about their process which I would like to look over myself. 

PPP Personal Branding: Existing Social Media Presence

I have Instagram as an existing social media presence. It''s the most easily accesable and 'trendy' platform to upload projects which can reach lots of people worlwide. It has a simple grid layout perfect if you want to layout your uploads a certain way. You can also upload videos, and stories that can last for 24 hours on everyone's feed. When uploading posts you can also use hashtags in order to reach more audiences other than your followers. I particularly like this feature, as it gives me a chance to showcase my post to people who necessarily won't be on mine or my friends feed. It's also another way to get more followers! The app if overall really easy to use but also very versatile in it's functions. The clean and modern aesthetic makes it's even better for design projects as well.

I personally, use the app to showcase more candid process, from developments to simple experiments or interesting photos or things that I found. rather than keeping it 100% just projects and 'professional' having more raw pictures makes my Instagram account look more relatable and approachable, it allows for more engagement in my post when people can relate or like them! I think it's a really good way of promoting your brand as long as you use the features to their fullest potential.

PPP: Live Talk 1 [Rifke Sadlier]

I watched the Live talk from web designer Rifke Sadlier. 

*creating coding/ website by 

website that people can submit an ideas to

website built on wordpress

organise a website and make a custom scene

you can submit comments on it because wordpress in built on a blog format foundation 

making it app like to make it fun and easier for people to use 

resources for creative coding

https://www.introduction-to-creative-coding.com/useful-links/

p5js - coding library, javascript based on coding language (processing) 

*really helpful especially when talking about the references and resources for different coding materials, I think this will really help me in the future if want to go into coding for publishing website etc. or eventually making my own website instead. At the same time it also inspired me to try coding especially now when we are locked in our houses, it gives me more excuse to try new things at the same time help me with doing something that will be beneficial to my future practice. 

sublime - good for trying to make different pages and upload it somewhere can guess what your trying to code

netlify - easy to drag and drop files and instantly connect it to a domain

Suggestions and advice

-have a specific project in mind, write a list of exactly what you want to do

-rubber ducking - when dealing with bugs 

PPP: Hawraf (2pm group)

Today we had a lecture looking at HAWRAF and uncover and analysing their Google Drive files after shutting down their agency.

• Pricing - 
• Financing Pitch 
• Totally Attainable Client List                                  
• Discovery Sheet - was really interesting and valuable to know; something to think about when talking to a client. Talking about the client first, then about yourself - shows you care about the client.             

PPP: I got ONE reply!

After sending at least 15 emails I managed to get one reply from Glorious Creative. However, as expected there are no placements available, however they did say that they'll keep my portfolio in the file which is promising?

Although, I didn't get a placement, it was still nice to get a reply of at least being told that my portfolio had been at least acknowledged in some way. However, I don't want to get my hopes up with securing a definite placement, especially because the pandemic is worsening and more and more studios are closing until who knows when, still I was thankful to get a reply! 

PPP: More Work Placement Emails

After not hearing much back from the previous work placement studious that I have emailed, I decided to possibly look more into more local agencies. In particular, I liked the works from Studio Build, analogue and Split Design. Their focus on branding and print publication/editorial designs would help me gain more  knowledge and understanding of the professional levels of tackling client briefs and the procedures that are taken care of to create successful designs.  I used a similar format to the emails that I have previously sent out as well.

I've also sent a couple more to agencies which have similar branding focuses that I want to know more off such as Rabbithole agency, Bandwstudio, Robot Food, Design by journal + more!

Thoughts & Reflections:

Though I have sent out these fresh emails to more agencies, because of the growing COVID-19 outbreak agencies are starting to work from how and are cancelling placements for safety reasons therefore I feel like my chances are slim.

PPP: Portfolio Development

Though my previous portfolio was positively acknowledged during the crit session, looking back at it I felt that it was too dark and don't highlight the projects as well as I'd like, especially as most of the projects use bright and light colour palettes, therefore I decided to change the layout. 

Instead of black I'm using white for a more tonal and less intimidating/dismissive feel. Using white also lessens the intensity of the portfolio which I found to be too much on the previous one and wasn't exactly me. For the typeface I'm still using Mazius Display (for Titles) but I've considered the body text more with using Work Sans - a san serif typeface. The typeface's light characteristics complements the bold structure of the title but also has a nice friendly feel to it, but also read really well too even in small point. 

On of the crits was that the images felt too all over the place therefore I changed how they're presented on each page. I didn't necessarily make a grid but mostly made sure that they were near full bleed, showcasing the design better. I also laid some images to make a more dynamic feel and fit the concept of the project better like the "Stand on the pair of feet and dance" project.  Also, instead of having the content/explanation on the bottom of a page, I decided to separate it with the title of the project, making it more important and noticeable for the audiences to read. It also introduces the project better and give the portfolio a better pace. I also decided to change the layout of the project order, from the most recent to least, as I feel it shows a better view of how my work has progressed but by showing the latest work it also gives a better and stronger impression to potential clients/ employers. 

Thoughts & Reflection:

I think through this portfolio development I have presented myself in a clearer and better way to potential clients/employers, and I am also quite happy with the projects that I have selected, although I am quite disappointed that some ongoing projects that I'd like to put in aren't finished yet, on time for me to start sending emails to potential work placement studios. Also, I am going to use this portfolio to send to potential studios that I have been looking at for my 2 week placement.

Extended Practice Brief #6: Evaluation [Nina X Graphic Design]

In conclusion, the final outcome for this brief successfully meets the criteria from the photographer and represents their brand identity effectively as a whole. Especially, as the photographer works in various genres of photography you could say that this is speciality (being able to cater to a wide cliental and audience), therefore the use of minimal yet exciting and modern business card and logotype establishes this to the photographer’s audiences. 

In addition, the use of a simplistic logotype also enables the photographer to use it across the mediums and platforms that they advertise themselves e.g. website, LinkedIn, as well as use the logotype in various ways apart from a watermark as well, such as an email signature or merchandise design. The subtle use of the feather also gives the business card a unique flair that is both design purposeful but also personally meaningful for the photographer which they can use a way to further communicate to their clients/audiences. All in all, the versatility of both the logotype and business card effectively represent the brand identity of the photographer, Nina Lou, creating cohesiveness throughout that will ultimately be reflective of her work and style. 

Thoughts & Reflections:

I really enjoyed this collaboration, although it was really short I am really satisfied with the outcome and was really glad Nina was really happy with it too. The communication was really smooth as well and we discussed the decisions thoroughly and she gave me a lot of encouragement to it how I wanted, as long as her conditions were met which was good, at the same time also always asking about her thoughts and what she thinks of the design decisions I've made as well. Overall, this was a really good collaboration brief. 

Extended Practice Brief #6: Final Design [Nina X Graphic Design]

The card stock finally arrived!!!!

I finally got to print to the final design on the stock that we choose. 

This is the final design for Nina's business cards, instead of the initial logo that she wanted I pitched to her that a logotype might be better, especially using her name as it's quite simple and easily to remember name that she can use it effectively as a brand itself. For the logotype I used lowercase 'Mazius Display' showcasing a contemporary tone matching Nina's style and at the same time create a branding look that is appropriate for the mediums and styles that Nina does – fine art, fashion photography, product photography, commercial. I replaced the dot of the 'I" with the feather that Nina wanted in the design as I didn't want to make the cliche 'circle feather' designs but still make it prominent on the logotype. I think it worked effectively and made the logotype more stylish whilst keeping a very professional feel. the slanted 'l' and 'o' also gives it a dynamic effect giving a playful tone to it as well. I choose burgundy as it's quite a bold colour which is still inviting and cheerful. It also has a sense of luxury that isn't over the top and a classic feel that when used in the contemporary logotype gives it an overall modern tone to it. 

The feather motif is continued on the back through a feather pattern, with the information centred on the card  for a familiar layout that the audiences can easily read. Also, as there are limited information available it's important to keep the white space and design balanced and for the space to be properly utilised. Along with the serif typeface, a sans serif typeface was also used balancing the professional feel with a more inviting typeface that also compliments the feather pattern, overall creating a playful and bright atmosphere that is reflective of Nina's work and style. 

The choice of card stock (Curious Collection Metallics – Rose Quartz 300gsm) also effectively compliments the playfulness of the design, as well as the contemporary and stylish style of Nina's work. The metallic shine also adds an interesting texture which highlights the design, which may also attract audiences to pick up her business card and look further more into her Instagram/ work, as it gives the audience an association of what kind of photography she does e.g. commercial, fashion photography. 

In addition, as she wanted a watermark, I created a way in which she can make the logo into a brush preset, which she can change the size and colour to, making it easier and flexible for her, instead of giving her jpegs of pngs of the logo in different colours. Especially, as she works in a wide range of background for her photos it'll be inconvenient as she'll constantly be needing new ones to fit the photograph. having it as a brush preset will make this much easier for  her to alter and navigate. 

Overall, I think it's a really successful branding design, though it's small I think that I delivered a design which effectively represent and reflects Nina's style and work, despite not making it exclusive that she is a photographer. By making the audiences focus on the design of the business card they'll have a idea of the work she does and hopefully by associating it with the other mediums that she has, it's clear that business card was made in order to be cohesive with her current work and layout. 

Extended Practice Brief #6: More Design Developments [Nina X Graphic Design]

After establishing the final business card idea, I printed physical drafts to see how the text and illustrations look in the actual size. The business card is of standard size but when I printed them out I felt like the illustrations were getting cut off and awkward therefore I decided to make it slightly bigger to (6.1 x 9.1 cm) to give more space for the illustrations to stand out more in a way.

Although, I only printed it on normal 130gsm off-white paper, I already knew what kind of paper I wanted it on whilst making the business card designs and from talking with Nina about her ideas and her styles. Luckily, we have Arjowiggins' sample papers in the studio and found the paper that I intended to use (Curious Collection Metallics Pink Quartz)

• A nice metallic shimmer on the stock that will highlight the text really well.
• A nice complementary colour to the burgundy text making it pop more. 

I also showed Nina the card stock and she liked it therefore I bought and decided it's my final card stock to use.

When the stock arrive hopefully I can print the final designs ready for Nina before their deadline next week.

PPP: Interview Week (No Session)

• One week left to send website drafts to Alec
• Commission 
• Christopher Morby and Ian Prentice from Commission will talk about portfolios.
• 10 AM
• Morning – talk session
• Afternoon – respond to real life brief (2 week) 
• groups of 5-6 for a presentation to showcase the response 
• RIMOWA - luxury suitcase brand
• experience in a website? - exclusivity, premium product, 
• Modern luxury brand - LVMH 
• New visual identity for rimowa - cultural leader, premium 

PPP: Emailing Possible Work Placements

I have emailed the three studios that i have initially researched about for a possible 2 week placement. The work placement session really helped me to construct my email as I outline my intentions as well as what I can offer to the agency/studio. In addition, I did kind of use a structure to it - and made it more personalised or each agency, as I wanted to relate myself more to how I can fit in the studio. Although, reading back it, maybe I could've shortened them a bit as they may not read the email altogether when seeing it's length, nevertheless I am hoping to get replies back or else I will probably wait a couple of days before following up.

Extended Practice Brief #3: [2nd Publication Draft + Email]

After doing the first draft for Adeline's publication we had a meet up about a month ago as I explained to her what I did for the publication, she mentioned that she doesn't feel confident about making books herself so she's giving me freedom to do what I want on it, which personally is quite hard as I also want her input as to how she wants it designed, e.g. layout. I also asked if she'd preferred text on it or if she has a rationale for it, but she explained she'd rather have it just pictures, which was fair enough as it is should focus on the pictures themselves. However, she did mention that she want to edit some of the pictures.

We didn't really meet up for a while since she's busy with her dissertation and other events, however I did make a second draft of the publication. Looking back at the publication I saw a lot of things that I didn't really think was appropriate anymore:

• It's too chaotic 
• Cropping pictures makes it really distracting and it's quite unnecessary. 
• The cover page looks too much – could be simpler

In the second draft, I made everything cleaner and less distracting. I also changed the font I used for the title to Roboto as I felt it was a more appropriate and approachable sans serif font as opposed to the previous one which looks a bit corporate. 

• Made the title cleaner with a full bleed image – title in white 'masking' the image; effective as its simple and doesn't take away the focus from the image. 
• Simplified the layouts of the images.
• Gave the images a sense of direction and story from the title page to the end page – images seem continuous, basing it on how she would've taken the pictures as she was walking along Sincheon during the festival. 
• I've decided to pick important and more enticing photos as I thought it would be more fitting and also to showcase her photography the best (however, I'll have to check with Adeline since it is her photos and she has better view and understanding of them that she can pick whether she wants all of them to be included in the end or pick which ones she thinks are the best. 

Thoughts & Reflection:

I've emailed Adeline the second draft but I've also assured her that we can continue it after she did her dissertation, so she'll have an idea of what I'm thinking of doing for the publication now. My plan is hopefully by the end of this month I'll be able to finish her brief and publication as she finishes her dissertation as well so we'll have more time to discuss in detail. 

Extended Practice Brief #6: Design Developments [Nina X Graphic Design 2]

We've finalised the logotype that we both agreed was the best which was:

From our second meet up I've refined versions of the colour palette that we both agreed on as well.

Using a slightly darker shade of the pink that I previously used to going to more drastically coral colours. 

• The bold coral doesn't really suit the burgundy logotype it's too warm and looks too strong, suits more white which I didn't really like as burgundy makes the logotype pop more and gives it a nice add of character to the logotype. 
• The white makes it look too muted. 
• The slightly darker pink works the best and is probably my favourite.
• The horizontally centred text looks nice at first but becomes too busy and distracting as you look at it more especially with the pattern design at the back
• The centred layout on the other hand creates a more balanced and familiar look that makes the pattern stand out less, making the information easier to read and separates the audiences attention form the background to the actual information needed. 

Thoughts & Reflection:

I messaged Nina for her opinions as well, and she agreed to the pink, therefore I think this will be the colour that we're going for. She preferred both info layout but I gave her my opinions on it, which she agreed on too. 

Overall, I think we've already agreed on the final design of the business card so the next time we see each other, I ca finally give her the physical of it.