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.

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

PPP: Design Strategy

PPP Personal Branding: Final Website

My final website design! Mockups shown on laptop, ipad and iphone for added context. 

https://bvistaaal.cargo.site/

I didn't really have to change much from the development, though I added one more project in it.

Projects in the website:

• Hidden Behind the Mask
• Ruban Ketchen
• The Man on the Covers
• Nina Lou
• That's So Astro
• UK Greetings
• Stand on the pair of feet and Dance

Also, I added a sticker image along with the info on the homepage, to add more cohesiveness with my personal brand.Overall, I am really happy with the website as it is cohesive with the branding that I've already established ad it effectively showcases each projects that are presented. It is easily navigable as well as being professional. The copy statements for each project successfully describes each of them without being too long nor too short. The images are also highlighted properly and entices users to zoom through with the automatic slideshow function. Hyperlinks are added to credit other artists and copyright free typefaces. All in all it is an effective portfolio website that is very informative and functional at the same time is quite dynamic with vibrant, due to the functions and systematic navigation  - that is also cohesive with my personal branding with systematic navigation allowing for successful user experience. 

PPP Personal Branding: Final Collateral

Business card

• I've decided to just have one business card but combined the Baybayin with the tagline having - "Hello I'm Brylle (Bra-il) *in baybayin. and "Designer' - "Tigdisenyo" *in Bisaya my dialect. 
• I've opted for an off-white stock at the end, rather than white/grey something in between was better. I figured it was a good in between and not exactly ordinary which gives its a unique flair along with the deep orange type.
• Overall, i'm really happy with the result I think it definitely reflects the personal brand that I wanted to present. The card is both professional and approachable/inviting. The accent colour gives it a fun tone as well and the minimal structure balances the vibrant mood to it.
• In producing the card I am aiming to print it on - Arjowiggins Curious Collection Touch Milk (300 gsm) one side has a more tactile texture while the other has a more softer 'skin' like feel. The distinct texture of the paper will give a unique aesthetic to the stock which will highlight the design of the card overall. It also, emphasises my interest in print/publication with careful consideration to card stock as well.

Envelop

• I've created a light grey version of the poster I've made which will go along with the envelop design. Opting for the orange/red shade, it's gives a strong distinct pop to the perosnal branding and will be eye-catching when along with other letters when in context with sending it to clients/employers etc. It's easily noticeable and memorable. I made it simpler by only putting the tagline on the flap instead and moved the info on the bottom left, giving more emphasise on it's colour.
• I will produce the poster A4 on Arjowiggins Keaykolour Grey Fog 120 gsm paper stock - it has a natural soft texture fit for the style established; whilst the envelop will be printed on Keaykolour Chilli Pepper 120 gsm with a similar texture and  the same weight.

Poster

• Two variation of the poster design! I decided to keep the design from the development as I liked how they already turned out and doing more or less wouldn't make it look as good or approprite to the cohesiveness of the brand. 
• Adding a poster within the brand also reflects my interest in print/publication design, showcasing spread designs and layout within a simple poster design. 
• It includes my info on the bottom as well for more context.

Creative cv/ Invoice

• Creative CV - less illustrations used to make it look cleaner and neater. 
• Added baybayin elements to make it more cohesive to the brand. 
• I think the distinct look and irregular layout to the CV also reflects my interests and my personality. I think it'll be more memorable this way and would support my portfolio well.

• Invoice- cohesive with the collateral - using the tagline as a logo and a simple structure.
• Includes all essential info needed - Invoice number, account number, date, name of client, my info,
• breakdown (number, service description, quantity, rate per service *as I would only be starting out if I was to do commissions it would make sense for me to price my service per project rather than hour I think, but eventually as I establish a working flow I would change it depending on my circumstance), total, VAT, Payment methods, Terms and Conditions, Outro.

ALL

This is how all the collateral together. I think it turned out really cohesive as a whole. I'm happy with how it turned out overall. It also goes well with my website and portfolio altogether. It reflects the aspects that I wanted to show as my personal brand. I wanted it to be professional and inviting enough with the usage of distinct typefaces and colours. at the same time I think it also showcases my interest in Print, publication, research through careful stock considerations and design and information. It shows both me as a designer and also has subtle traits of my personality and culture which shows my audiences an effective idea of who I am, and together with my portfolio they ca understand my practice and apply my personal brand to the work and projects that I have done giving a full understand of my brand successfully. 

PPP Personal Branding: Final Portfolio

From my portfolio development this is my final portfolio design. 

KEYCHANGES:

• Typeface - instead of Mazius Display I have changed the typeface to Sporting Grotesque, in accordance to the shift in personal brand aesthetic that I did for the rest of my colateral (business card etc.) 
• I have added the newer projects that I finished which made the portfolio look fuller and more representative of my practice. It also has a similar approach in 'griding' as the previous development that I did. But, the order is based on which projects I think are strong are appealing, to 'middle' to strong again, overall making the pacing of the portfolio satisfactory and effective in keeping audiences engaged with it.
• The shade of orange is changed as well in accordance to the rest of the branding, which is actually closer to red now as I wanted it to look much richer and deeper in colour for high intensity contrast- C63525
• Project statements are changed to sound more similar to the website explanations, so when audiences may want to seek out the website information wont cross over too much that it becomes confusing. The information given is also as cohesive as the visual design. 

 Thoughts & Reflection:

Overall, I am satisfied of the outcome of the portfolio itself and is cohesive to my personal branding as well as also show and represent my ongoing work successfully. It also become more refined and more professional which I am happy about and would be appropriate to send to future employers/clients. As there is a definite structure to it too, I can easily add or alter the file for more projects in the future.

PPP: Website Development

I've decided to look through the cargo templates again and decided to go with the Fixed Width template.

WHY?

• It is simple and easily navigable.
• The photographs are fixed in a certain dimension well as set to slideshow order already which makes the website look cleaner and easy on the eye.
• Having the photograph dimension of one dimension will also make them look cleaner and will look better as a whole, having a cohesive structure throughout that will be pleasing to the eye. 
• The three column structure of: Main info, Project info and project photographs also makes it easier for users to navigate and scan through faster. 
• Theres only one page (though more can be added if wanted) less clicking and makes the experience feel less timely, engages the users to scan though the website and read thoroughly.
• Somehow, it can also 'force' users to read throughly in order because of the clear structure of each information.
• Though it is also has the infinite scroll function it because fo the clear and imposed structure it doesn't feel as chaotic or 'time consuming as the previous template that I used. 

New Website Development

• The website is much more cleaner and look more professional.
• The structure of the website highlights the photographs better and gives it more clarity, making the users focus on one project solely as well which will make them appreciate the content better.
• The slideshow function adds a more dynamic and interactive aspect the website in a less time consuming and confusing way that the last template I used. The slideshow automatically play for each set of photographs as well therefore users can click on photographs of their interest for more details. 
• It is also easier to lay out the copy with the photograph, making them as important as the photographs as they are constant on the same page as the relative photographs. 
• I applied the appropriate personal branding that I already have e.g. the deep orange colour (#da3218) - using it as an accent rather than the main colour adds vibrancy and pop of colour to the website and makes the important information stand out. 
• I changed the typeface in relation to the branding as well - however, Cargo does not support the typeface 'Sporting Grotesque' that I intended to use for the headings, therefore i settled for 'Neue Hass Grotesk' instead. It has similar qualities to 'Sporting Grotesque' as it is clean and neutral, emphasising the professional look of the website. For the body text, I used Work Sans as established with the rest of my personal branding. 
• I also added a separate page for the about me page as I also intended to present other information e.g. education, client, collaboration, so I thought it would be more appropriate to separate it to not make the page look too crowded. 
• My contact info is also available: email, contact number, and Instagram.