Monday 31 January 2011

FDA2 students who have interviews this week.

I've tried to keep everything low key and relaxed - nobody needs to panic, all the portfolio's look really clean and well put together.

Remember - leaving a good impression is the most important thing - try to be the first to speak and make sure they know you by name. Be positive and proud of your work - and if they offer any criticism, take it in good grace and thank them - don't be upset by it - it's still really early in the year and all a work in progress.

Don't show them anything that you are not happy with and be sure to point out all stuff you are proud of. Remember to memorise the 5 bullet points about each piece, and when they ask you "why did you choose this college and why do you want to get out of it and do afterward" - have an answer ready.

I know this sounds like a stupid thing to say - but be really comfortable and happy with what you are wearing, anything that distracts you or makes you feel uncomfortable will put you off and you will fluff your lines. This is all about leaving a good impression and letting them know WHO YOU ARE - so think about how you want them to see you.

Be confident, positive and professional.

Good luck! - ( email me if you need anything - or ask Jane Padget to call me - she has my work number )

Pathe Title Sequence

I meant to include this in the resources for FDA1 - appols.

Type on a bike

I found this on typography served - it reminded me of something that Camile FDA1 did for the bag brief earlier this term.

Sunday 30 January 2011

FDA1 Ident Links and resources

Archive of BBC Xmas Idens - here

Brothers Quay rejected BBC2 Ident animation - here

More assorted Idents montaged together - here

Assorted BBC2 Idents - here

BBC3 Idents - here

Ident created by a student for BBC6 music - here

BBC2 all day classic '91shows themed Idents - here

Classic BBC2 'Perfect Day' Ident - here

Titles for David Fincher's 'Se7en' - here

Title sequence for 'Panic Room' - here

Titles for Hitchcock's Vertigo - here

Clever titles for the film 'Catch Me If You Can' - here

Brilloant graphic titles sequence for 'Thank You For Smoking' - here

Simple and clever titles for 'Being John Malkovich' - here

Clever 2D titles for 'Sin City' - here

 - and most importantly, how the BBC2 logo was devised and how the Ident created, showing that it's not all about computers. - here

Klim Type Foundry
















Of interest to everyone - but FDA1 really need to look carefully at this site. It's a well know type foundry and design agency - a beautifully designed site with some lovely work - commercial font and custom typography logotypes, but best of all - they also let you see their sketchbooks - I cannot emphasise enough how important these are. This should really help you with the type project you are on now.

FDA2 Work Experience

You all know that you must compete 10 full days of W.E this year - and we have talked about the process of recording and getting feedback. Some of you have already arranged W.E, and that's great - but please make sure that you don't miss any C&C commitments.

If you are still looking for W.E - I have managed to get the following projects and they are now confirmed - as they are 'live' - they make really good portfolio and interview pieces too - but remember - they are real design jobs and you need to treat them as such.

Design a new brand identity for the Station Plaza Gym, and associated print work.


Design a new identity for the Station Plaza salon and beauty offer - with associated print.


Design a new identity for 'Coast' the teaching restaurant at Station Plaza, and all the peripherals - menu's - marketing etc.


Design a new brand identity for the Hastings and St Leonard's Tourist association.


Design a website ( in draft ) for the Hastings and St Leonard's Tourist association.


I have need of a project manager position to deal with the H&ATA - this is not a design role, but more client liason and still very important.

All these positions need to be filled this week - and you have approx 4 weeks to complete the project - you will need to liase with each client, manage the brief and produce design work at all stages - just like a real job, and follow the governance of the module. Remember - the marks really count on this project - so aim high.

Have think about them and come and talk to me - and I'll take it from there.

In previous years we have also included design of the marketing for the fashion shows - and the end of year diploma shows. As we are not 100% sure how and when these are coming up yet - I don't want to include them, and I'm not that keen on anyone selecting them as FMP projects unless they talk to me in detail first and are ready to put together a proposal.

Timetable - week starting Jan 31st.

Monday Jan 31st - FDA1

In the studio at 10am with Richard. I'm going to brief you on the Ident project, your last brief of this half term. This should take about an hour and I will be showing you some stuff on screen, and then you have the rest of the day to return to the Typo Brief. I am in Brighton in the afternoon - so David will be with you - please make use of him - it's really important to have lots of perspectives on your work. I would also like you to bring in your Tea Towels - rose Radcliffe, who owns Butlers Emporiun, and a number of other retail outfits in Hastings and London, will be in on Friday - I want to organise a display ( it's important I get them all in, please ).

Tuesday Feb 1st. - FDA1

You have Simon Cooper today - briefing in the morning and software training ( Cinema 4D ) in the afternoon - I will be talking to you all about this on Monday Morning, so you know what to expect.

Wednesday Feb 2nd - FDA1 - open studio, typo and Ident briefs ( Richard )

Wednesday Feb 2nd - FDA2 - open studio, packaging module in the morning.

As discussed - Simon Cooper will be training you to use Cinema4D to bring your packaging projects to life, I've arranged this so that he is in for 3 consecutive Wednesday afternoons and will teach you in groups of 4 - one group per week - so you get almost 1-2-1 training rather than the whole class at once - you will mae much more use of the time - and I'm setting asside the bay of 4 computers where Jane used to sit for these sessions.


Thursday and Friday Feb 3rd and 4th - FDA2 - in the studio with Richard.

Several of you have interviews this week - make sure you are all prepared, and I have a gust in on Friday afternoon to review some FDA1 work ( see above ). I also wish to talk to people about work experience briefs - I'll post the general descriptions today. On Friday morning at about 10.30 - we shall have a project review - call this a mid point assessment and I will give you predicted marks for the module. You have 2 weeks left to complete this module - so make best use of the time.

Paper milk bottles

Of real interest to FDA2 and their packaging module.

Saturday 29 January 2011

Showcase: Heads of State

Really good 2 man design studio in Philadelphia, some lovely work and a nice view of their working environment and history. I really like this book cover - handy for FDA1 Typo brief.

More for FDA1 Typo from FFFFound

Very nice letterpress work here.


I found these yesterday - they were FFFFound and Designworklife - but I can't find the attribution. They are really interesting for FDA1 - I did advise you to look at film titles from this period to help you with your typo brief, I think they are well executed and very witty.





Friday 28 January 2011

Advance Warning

Kay Avery Stallion will be in on Wednesday February 9th in the afternoon to look at the bags and tea towels ( FDA1 ) - I'll mention it again - but it's really important you have all the work ready and are there on the day.

Little White Lies

Great little film here that communicates the excitement of putting together a magazine ( no, really - it is exciting)!

Thursday 27 January 2011

National Identity





























Interesting little article here that should be of interest to FDA1 - you are looking at how the UK has a relationship wit the sea and it's status as an island nation - and transferring that to typography, here is an article about how we see ourselves as a nation - with a visual identity.

I also quite like this mug, ties in a bit with the post below.

Wednesday 26 January 2011

Student packaging online























Some interesting stuff here on Lovely packaging Blog - I like the milk bottle work here, there is a student catagory here too.

The Dieline also has plenty of soap and cosmetics concepts here.

I also found this - which is a nice throwback to the tea towels brief.

Tuesday 25 January 2011

Genius.

The power of design, inspiration and a bit of fun.

National Student Survey

Online now - I think it's also available via the student portal.

We need to get to 100% on this one, it's really important - we get judged on the percentage of students that respond - please fill it in as soon as possible, I don't want to have to do what I did last year ( stand over students at the computers waving a big stick )

FDA2 Wednesday Jan 26th

I am running portfolio clnics with you all day - so be prewpared.

Also - we need to tlk about W.E - I have some projects coming in already that need the right people.

R

FDA1 Flash animations

Well done everyone, Glenn was really impressed, I have all the marks and will give them to you tomorrow and have a quick chat with you all 1-2-1.

Bell Rock Lighthouse / FDA1

This is the drama-doc I mentioned yesterday that gives you an idea of what it's like out n the wild open sea. It's been re-edited for American Audiences and has a terrible voiceover - but it's worth watching. Plenty of visual material for inspiration.

Graph Paper Art





















London Design Guide editor Max Fraser has challenged more than 100 established and new UK-based designers to create a piece of artwork from a single sheet of A4 graph paper to raise money for Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres.

The signed works will be exhibited at London’s Somerset House from 15 - 21 March, and will be sold at the price of £250 each to raise money for Maggie’s.

Criterion DVD cover collection

Some exceptional graphic design work here.

Artists book collection















Huge collection of artists and designers books online here - click through the browse button.


Artists' books are exceptionally varied and creative by their very nature. The complex medium employs the book, in any of its various guises (scroll, codex, fold-out or single sheet boxed, to name but a few forms of books) as an original work of art. They usually integrate the formal means of conception and production with aesthetic or thematic aspects. Artists' books are considered unique works of art in one-of-a-kind or small edition multiples. Some now are mass produced. The variety of its form makes the artist book difficult to define. The twentieth century witnessed particularly varied and creative experimentation with artists' books culminating with an expansion of the medium in the '60 and '70s. California became a center of production.

The collection of artists' books at Otis College of Art and Design began and grew significantly during this period due largely to the efforts of Joan Hugo, a previous Otis librarian, and recognized expert in artists' books. Judith Hoffberg was also instrumental in building a fine Otis collection which was representative of the time. The Otis Library's current collection is approximately 2,000 works. Among the holdings are books by important contemporary artists such as Ed Ruscha, Joseph Beuys, and Vito Acconci.

Monday 24 January 2011

Daniel Weil: Drawing, Process for designers

Really good little film here from Pentagram

Film Title Archive

Here - I'll try and get this unblocked for college

R

Sunday 23 January 2011

Penguin Great Ideas

Reference material for FDA1 Typography

Series 1
Series 2
Series 3
Series 4
Series 5

References for FDA1 Typo Brief, Jan 24th

The Cruel Sea - Film Trailer


Man of Aran - 1934 original film segment


Man of Aran - British Sea Power recreation


Robinson Crusoe introduction and titles


Benjamin Britten - 4 Sea Interludes


1 - Dawn


2 - Sunday Morning


3 - Moonlight


4 - Storm


Radio 4 Generic Theme


Radio 4 Sailing By theme


The Shipping Forecast ( Archive Copy )

Party time

.. almost - there is beer. Useful to the students who are trying to get into Brighton - do a bit of networking.


University of Brighton SU recently became a charity – and we want you to celebrate with us.
Join us next Thursday 27th January from 6.30pm onwards in the Rumblin’ Tum, the Students’ Union café on the ground floor of the Cockcroft Building, Lewes Road, Brighton.

We’ll be providing a delectable buffet along with wine, and WJ King brewery are very kindly providing beer for the evening.

You’ll have the opportunity to chat with alumni who were active within the Students’ Union as well as SU representatives and staff; celebrate the progress we’ve made and share ideas for improving student experience.

You’ll also be able to hear briefly from:
· Me, Sam Mallender, about the recent remodelling of the union to better support students
· Carol Burns, University of Brighton Registrar and Secretary, about the close collaboration between the Students’ Union and the university
· Ed Bending , Wellbeing Officer, about the new Wellbeing Zone
· Spencer Gasson, former SU president and Head of Membership and Communications at the UK Council for Psychotherapy, about his experience of the Students’ Union.

It’s an informal evening, a chance to get everyone together to celebrate the union’s achievements and look to the future. So join us!

Please contact Tessa Gooding: t.gooding2@brighton.ac.uk 01273 641841 to let us know if you would like to come along, if you haven’t done so already.

Feel free to bring along family and friends and to invite anyone who may be interested in hearing about what we’ve been up to.

I hope to see you there.

Sam Mallender

This Week.

I've already posted the timetable - just to confirm that everyone is in at 10am please ( FDA1 ) - we have a briefing first thing.

Two quick things.

If you are absent - you must tell me by email beforehand, it's been getting a bit sloppy recently ( you know who you are!!!!) - I'm going to start pulling a few people up on this.


Also, I've had an email from the head of school about the state of the studio's. It's not specifically aimed at Graphic Comm, but - the coffee cups are starting to creep back in... I really don't want to have to make a big issue about this - it's a stupid little thing that shouldn't become an issue - so lets not make it into something.

Moon Shot Website

Very good website archiving the NASA Moon Shot - well presented and put together. FDA2 last year did a museums website brief - and FDA1 will have something similar - so pay attention here

Michael Wolff interview

Very good piece found by 'Top Up' Jonathon - about branding in the built environment - worth watching.

Thursday 20 January 2011

Next Weeks Timetable

I'm doing this a bit early, I'll re-post on Sunday.


FDA 1 Monday January 24th

New Brief ( Typography and Letterforms ) - 10am in the studio with Richard

FDA 1 Tuesday January 25th

Final day with Glenn Whiting, presentation in the afternoon

FDA 1 Wednesday January 26th

New Brief day 2

FDA 2 Wednesday Monday January 26th
Portfolio Clinic with Richard

FDA 1 Thursday January 27th

C&C with Gary, studio in the morning, Diploma Room in the afternoon

FDA 1 Wednesday January 28th

Portfolio Clinic with Richard

FDA2 - Portfolio clinic. Bring in all your work, sketchbooks and everything digital you have and we will go through everything and edit down to what you need for your presentations. Start thinking about what you are going to say in interviews and write short descriptive bullet points about all your work so that you can talk with confidence if asked about anything. Remember that research is an important part of the work you should have at least one project supported by sketchbook and creative investigation.-

Tuesday 18 January 2011

Showcase: North Kingdom

Really interesting consultancy - FDA1 need to have a really careful look through here - there are some paralels with an upcoming brief.

Their location - right up next to the Arctic Circle - demonstrates that yes, you can be a leading designer or consultancy.... even in a little town like Hastings. They are giving a D&AD lecture later this term - details here.

D&AD Black Pencil-winning North Kingdom is a world leading digital creative agency. Their spiritual home is Skellefteå, a small town next to the polar circle in Sweden. Depending on the season, the team enjoy 23 hours of sunshine or darkness a day.

Renowned for their stunning digital production combining 3D, live action and brilliant art direction, the team create beautiful interactive communication on projects such as ‘Get the Glass’, ‘Teamgeist’ for Adidas’ and Vodaphone’s ‘Future Vision’.

For North Kingdom’s debut lecture in the UK, co-founder Robert Lindström and senior producer Marcus Ivarsson delve deep inside their favourite projects and explain in detail how they were created. 



Facebook Page

Tickets are £12 for members, £15 for non-members
(£5 for Student Members, £8 all other students)
To buy tickets click here: http://bit.ly/eUeqeb



Logan Hall, Institute of Education, Bedford Way WC1H 0AL
London, United Kingdom


FDA2 / Packaging

Couple of things I found.
























I know that Robyn was thinking of mixing honey with amber - I found this packaging that uses the shape of honeycomb to create a self - display concept - really clever






























I also found this package that made me think it could be a liquid soap concept - and that the graphics could be printed onto the clear packaging to create the amber effect.

The Value of Work Experience

Interesting Article here. W.E. isn't just the part that comes with your course. Everything you do outside college counts, and how you record it and present it at interview is important. The module is written to give you a template on how to tackle and record WE - but it's there to start you off. Even tiny projects that you do as favours for friends are relevant.

Monday 17 January 2011

FDA1 - Monday 17th

Just spoke to Tim and he was very happy with the work and presentation - he is getting some marks together for me this week. Don't forget that you have Glenn tomorrow - Tim did say the room might need a spot of cleaning up!

Electric Blowhole 7

It survived the blizzard last time - and will be back on 19th February with it's first birthday party.

The theme is kids party - so Twister, Jelly Shots, Cakes and games ( for grown ups, please )

Anyone wanting to get involved - making stuff, doing animations or films - taking pictures etc - just drop me a line and I'll put you in touch with Michelle.

Bands and performers to be confirmed.

New Year Resolutions

From D&AD - click here

Titles to 'Toast'

FDA1 have a brief coming up soon with Simon Cooper - in preparation, I think the title graphics to 'Toast' - the Nigel Slater biopic, are excellent reference. They are also the sort of thing that FDA2 should be considering for their awards research.

Postcard Show 2011

I have the details and entry forms for this years Postcard Show. It will be on April 14th in Claremont as usual. The same rules as last year - you must produce something that is 6" x 4" - 2 or 3D work of any type or medium. The entry fee is £3 for 4 entries.

I'd like to make this compulsary - but as there is an entry fee, I can't - however - as I know the organisers well - I can take care of all the delivery and admin if you want to do a group effort, and the return of work as well if it's unsold.

All work will be sold at £10 per card - the venue will retain 20% - so you get to keep £8 per card. There will be plenty of publicity - so start thinking about it now. Most of the local artists and designers will enter - including quite a few staff member - and it is always a very popular show.

I'll bring in all the paperwork on Wednesday

Showcase, Pentagram





















Pentagram have launched a new website, they have an excellent blog and you can follow them on Facebook. Design blogs are an excellent way to know what's current in the industry, follow trends and find out who is working on what. You can also hear about potential internships and current work experience projects.

When FDA2 have their interviews later this year they will be expected to talk with confidence and be well informed about the industry. I suggest you select 5 agencies that you personaly like, use their social communication to have a really good overview of what they are up to at the moment and brief yourself to talk about them and the industry at large.

If an interviewer says something off-field like "why do you want to be a designer when the industry is in crisis" - the last thing you want to do is freeze up - you should be able to think of 20 real facts that prove it isn't.

I've selected Pentagram because they are a collective rather than a single agency - so there is always a lot happening at any one time - their Facebook feed is really busy and it's an easy way to keep informed - lots of agencies use twitter too.

Sunday 16 January 2011

Timetable week starting January 17th

Monday 17th.

FDA1 - in the studio with Tim Peplow.

This is your last day with Tim, but there may be some disruption between 10.30 and lunchtime as I've arranged for IT to connect 7 more macs onto the network in our studio. If it get's in the way of your work - I'll ask Tim to come in for another day to work with you.

Tuesday 18th

FDA1 - In the Studio with Glenn on the Flash brief

Day 2 of 3. Some really good results so far - Glenn has been really impressed.

Wednesday 19th

FDA1 - In the studio with Richard, catching up on all briefs outstanding.

FDA2 - Int he studio with Richard, talking through all your packaging work with the group from 1.30pm

Thursday 20th

FDA2 - In the studio with Gary in the Morning on C&C, and then in the Diploma room or the main studio working on the 'I am a Brand' brief. There will be some Diploma students using computers - we've talked about this already, you have plenty of research to do with these two briefs so make the best use of the library too.

Friday 21st

In the studio with me at 10am - and them at 10.30, Terry Lewis will join us to work on your packaging briefs; Terry is very concept based and is looking forward to seeing where you are. David was really impressed with the stuff you did last week.

Saturday 15 January 2011

Future Map

Future Map, the annual survey show from the University of Arts London, opened yesterday at Zabludowicz Collection in London’s Chalk Farm.






















MA Industrial Design Central St Martins MA Industrial Design student Alice Gallarate has transformed lottery tickets to encorporate the idea of crossing your fingers. She says, ‘I believe creativity originates from provocative thinking and makes the difference in how individuals experience the everyday.’

The show is compiled by a team of judges - this year 20 Hoxton Square Projects gallery founder Alexander Dellal, Grazia style director Paula Reed, visual arts editor for Time Out London Ossian Ward and associate director of international programmes for the Emirates Sharjah Art Foundation Judith Greer - who sieve though projects from all the graduate and postgraduate courses in art, design, fashion and communications to chose works that they best feel represent the next generation of creativity.






Future Map runs from 13 January – 6 February 2011 at Zabludowicz Collection, 176 Prince of Wales Road, London NW5.

Friday 14 January 2011

Interesting blog post

This is the kind of job I'd love.

UCAS

As of 4pm my UCAS approval account is clear. Well done everyone - some very good personal statements.

Steward work at St Mary In The Castle

FWD from Linda Grace.

"I'm involved in putting on a concert of Baroque operatic music at St Mary in the Castle in early April. If anyone would like to come to the concert free and receive a nice present in return for acting as a
steward (very light duties!) please let me know. Must be over 18 years age.
"

Linda - lindagrace@fmail.co.uk

Showcase: Effektive Studio

Effektive studio website is here. I really like this site - it's very monochrome which has the effect of bringing the whole site together - really useful if you have diverse work or are not a great photographer - it looks very professional. It's not too busy but has loads of interest. When you are looking at your own work - this is a good concept, having a small crop of everything on the front page - anyone looking at the site will get an overview of what you can do and a taste of your visual hadwriting - it engages interest.

Remember - when people are looking through sites trying to find new designers, they might see dozens - and you need to engage them straight away.

There is also a really nice blog - which is something I've asked you to look at for PP, and the first years should look at the T Shirt project in preparation for a print brief later this year ( no - you are not Printing T Shirts )

Printing - the movie

This is a really nice little film that shows the entire process 0f a simple print job. It's on Vimeo so it will play well on the studio computers - well worth spending 5 mins and watching through. As it's business cards and a custom mailer - it's also a useful thing for both FDA1 and 2 to look at for Professional Practice.

Icons, Icons everywhere.

Handy resource from Top Up David - lots and lots of icons. You never know when you need a good icon, oddly enough I was looking for anchors yesterday and there are loads here.

Thursday 13 January 2011

FDA 1 & 2 Proff Practice

The 60 Best Business Cards of 2010, click here. This one is for a plastic surgeon.

Article About Pears Soap

















Some interest for FDA2 students on the packaging brief. This soap can be melted down and re-shaped in a bain-marie or steam pan, if you want to mould to a new shape. It's transparent and you can add things inside - as described in the brief.

Wednesday 12 January 2011

UCAS Applications

So Far I have only receieved the following applications via UCAS.

Jeremy
Francesca
Robyn
Maddie

Lily has been received but I've asked for a couple of corrections.

I am not in now - so please email me as soon as you have sent your application off, and I'll keep checking during the day

UCAS

If I need you to make changes to your UCAS forms - I have to 'return' them to you ( I can't correct them myself ) - you need to log on and check that they are OK - so keep your eye open please, I have noticed a few spelling mistakes.

H.E. Newsletter

FDA 2 Francesca is holding a meeting next week - it's a great idea and if you want to get involved - go and talk to her as soon as possible.

Electric Blowhole / Decadence Ball

I've been given the nod that the next Electric Blowhole party will be in February - if you want to get involved - drop me a line, and there will be at least 2 more Decadence Balls at the Masonic Hall this year before Xmas, I know all about the next one... but it's still a secret - if you want to go, buy tickets as soon as they are available - they will sell out straight away. Emma and Joe can tell you what the last one was like, although I suspect they are still hungover.

Updates.

Both Gary Neill and Terry Lewis have updated their websites - click to see.

Minimalism in Packaging

Nice article here from FDA2 Matt about stripping packaging down to it's bare essentials - it's interesting that it makes the actual package or bottle much more interesting to look at.

The Art of The Sea / FDA1

There is a 1 hour documentary on BBC4 later today called 'The Art of the Sea. In Words' that I strongly suggest you try and watch - FDA1 have an important project coming up and I think this will really help you. The home site is here with a couple of clips. If anyone has a DVD recorder - can you have a go at saving it - mine is on the blink.

Restaurant Competition at SCCH

I'm having lunch in the teaching restaurant at Station Plaza today, the management have set a competition to rename it - the prize is only a posh meal, but it's a nice idea. Very short lead time!!

As part of the rebranding process we are currently undertaking for the ‘Food for Thought’ Restaurant on the 1st floor of Station Plaza, we have decided to run a competition to find a new name for the restaurant.

The winning suggestion may relate to our surrounding environment, the training element of the restaurant, style of service, situation or other college themes. We welcome all suggestions!

Please write down any ideas, include your name and telephone number, and either pop it into the top hat located at the reception desk, or e-mail to EHolland@sussexcoast.ac.uk.

The prize will be a 3 course lunch for two people in the Restaurant on a date to suit, and will be drawn on Monday 17th January 2011.

Tuesday 11 January 2011

Steve Price from Plan B Studio has something to tell you

Taken from the Design Week blog - I've reproduced the whole article because I want you to read it carefully, it's relevant, pertinent and 100% right - and I agree strongly with every word.... make sure you do read it - I may ask questions.

I spend most of my waking hours online, on my laptop, and on my iPhone. I’m not ashamed to admit that I am addicted to it - to being connected. When it comes to working as a designer I believe there’s never been a more exciting time to be in this industry. The possibilities are endless and the opportunities only limited by our collective, collaborative and individual imaginations.
However with every action comes a reaction. Is the ease of access to technology and information is also dampening craft and skill? Is the laptop generation at risk of becoming mere lapdogs unable to properly communicate because they never look up from their laptop screen.

I draw parallels between cooking and design because I’m passionate about both; both require the best (not necessarily most expensive) ingredients along with patience, skill and craftsmanship.
As a chef you have to work under incredibly intense conditions, highly levels of pressure, intense heat and stress. Working in a kitchen also taught me the necessity to learn the craft of your chosen profession is imperative, otherwise it’s like trying to bake a cake without having ever entered a kitchen.

So imagine my horror recently whilst working with a group of students when one of them told me the reason why he was on that particular course (interactive design) was because the graphics course wanted to teach him ’boring stuff like typography, kerning (or somethin’) and all that shit’.

My jaw hit the table. There he was plugged in to his iPad telling me that the fundamental basics of graphic design were not only ’boring shit’ but not important. Not relevant to his degree in interaction design. ‘What about how the UI of your iPad is designed? I asked him. ‘What?’ came the response.

Having worked with lots of students I can say that this particular one is not alone, in fact he represents a growing trend where the only research findings are sponsored by Wikipedia or Google. I wish I had a penny for every time a student’s presentation started with ‘Well I went on Google and found…’. I’m a big fan of Google, Wikipedia, Quora and the like, but the best solutions are often to be found elsewhere.

I too am guilty of turning to these platforms and so are you. Time constraints, pressures and the fact that I can quickly visualise what I mean with the touch of a few buttons means technology is not a hindrance, it’s a helpful part of the process. But a part of a process nonetheless.
I spent two years of my BA hand-rendering typography, creating grids, layouts and guides by hand. This doesn’t make me better than someone who hasn’t, but it gives me a fundamental appreciation of the craft it takes. Every time I go to Indesign Layout/Margins and Columns to alter my layouts grid I appreciate how long that would have taken me by hand and I thank my lucky stars for Adobe.

But it’s a trend that is spreading into the professional arena too. Most colleagues now take an assorted array of technological accompaniments with them to meetings like condiments to the dinner table. Their laptop, Blackberry, iPhone, iPad, Android, etc. They sit there clicking, typing, looking down through that window to the ’world’; replying, sending, forwarding, RT’ing, accepting, liking, following and blocking. Typically anything but focusing on the reason for being in the meeting.

I ban students from doing that and unless it is relevant. In meetings I ask colleagues, even clients to close down, put to sleep or turn-off their condiments. Not because I am against technology but mainly so I don’t have to sit in endless meetings which now seem to take longer because people’s attentions are elsewhere.

My point is that being a creative (the clue is in the name) is forcing yourself beyond the screen. It’s more than just having good ideas (although this does help), it’s about craft, skill, quality, talent, attention to detail and the execution of all of those combined. It is about making the time to fuel that imagination of yours. It’s about the precise combination of all those ingredients. Otherwise you’re just another amateur enthusiast at home who knows how to bake a cake.

Tiny Comics

From Creative Review blog, smashing little tiny comic books in a box - FDA1 need to think of self promotional items in their forthcoming Proff. Practice week - something like this works really well.

FDA2 - Wednesday 12th january

I need to see you all at 1.30pm in the studio for half an hour to talk about professional practice and how to tackle it this year so that everyone gets top grades. Which is.... as you can imagine... quite important!

FDA1 Wednesday January 12th

Please bring in your Xmas project ( who am I? ) for discussion in the morning. I also have all of last years marks and grades to talk through, do don't be late.

You then have the rest of the day to work on Tim and Glenn's briefs.

FDA2 Friday 14th

David Fowler will be with you from 10.30am.

It's really important that you have input from other tutors apart from me at the start of this module - talk to him about which project you want to use and use him as a sounding board for your ideas - he's not expecting to see loads of work - but he does want to help you make decisions and select the right creative direction.

Monday 10 January 2011

Important Information for FDA1

If there is any possibility that you may require mitigating circumstances this year as regards your final marks - you must have completed the paperwork, including provision of any evidence, by the end of May at the latest.

If you have an subsequent agreed arrangement to hand work in late - it must be MARKED before Tuesday 13th September 2011.

There can be no exceptions.

Album Cover artwork for The Strokes?

Why it's not always a good idea to be 'clever' or 'funny'. Link here.

Olympic Logo Gossip

This one will run and run... it always does.

Mitch Blunt in The Guardian














































Former Hastings Student has an image on the front cover of this weeks Guardian Guide - you can link through to his blog here.

Penguin Design Awards

A reminder - closing date, April 15th.

Sunday 9 January 2011

New Books in the LRC

Andrew Warne has let us know that the following two new books are available from the LRC.



Jan Tschichold, The New Typography: A Handbook for Modern Designers

An interesting book written when Tschichold was still very young.

Jan Tschichold, designer : the Penguin years

The interesting thing about this book is that is should be great, but it has the worst possible review I've ever read for a design book or biography - in fact, it's worth reading to see what Phil Baines is talking about - see the review here.

Designers and Climate Change

This came in from FDA2 Dan - aside from being an important issue, and I've already touched on ethics and how important it is that you all see your work in a wider context, it's very well executed.

Interesting Animation

This came in from FDA2 Zac. It's very well put together which disguises the fact that it's just a well organised, well thought through and quite simple concept - but still very engaging.

Timetable, Week Starting Monday January 10th 2011

FDA2 have already had a day and a half in the studio - but this is the first full week back for everyone, you will notice straight away that the studio is very different - I'll talk to all of you as a group at 10am sharp about what this means for all of us, and then hand you over to Tim for your next project - so please don't be late.


Monday January 10th FDA1

Week one of two working with Tim Peplow - you will need the magazine covers that you were briefed to find last year - and be ready to talk to the group about them - and then Tim will talk you through the brief, I'll be on hand first thing to introduce him.

Tuesday January 11th FDA1

You start your Animated Type project with Glen Whiting - I'll introduce him first thing - and you will be expected to talk about the research you were directed to do in Kinetic Type.

Wednesday January 12th FDA 1 & 2

Open Studio day. I will talk to FDA1 in the morning at 10am about marking and progress so far - you have the morning and afternoon to work on the briefs from Tim and Glenn, you will need this time because both projects are very short - and I expect to see you here all day.

FDA2 - you are working on the Packaging brief research, as discussed - this whole week is for you to complete you research and select your route - I will be expecting a presentation on Wednesday of next week from each of you with your initial research.

Thursday January 13th FDA2

C&C with Gary Neil all day in the Main Studio

Friday January 14th FDA2

Open Studio day on the packaging brief.

3D Typographic Posters

Some good examples here of a designer using 3D typographic techniques and hand crafted elements.

Interesting Letterheads

Some classics on here - useful for forthcoming professional practice projects.






























I found this interesting Tumbler site - it has an '&' for every day of the year, the ampersand is the typographers opportunity to show a bit of decorative flair and flourish - it's usually the icing on a font sized cake and has all the stylistic elements of the whole type face - well worth looking carefully at, I generally check out the '&' when I use a new font - just to get the temperature of the whole face.

FDA1 have a brief coming up soon that will refer directly to this process.






























I found this project - it's interesting to FDA1 who have just had something similar - in particular students like Olga who tried to do something along these lines looking at how the wine is used in increments and finding something that you can exploit - I think it's very refined and sophisticated - but more importantly, it demonstrates that you could have just used print on the bottle - simplify everything down and been very economic.

Friday 7 January 2011

Top Up Applications

Is anyone thinking of applying for this?

If so - I may have difficulty with your personal statements.....

Wednesday 5 January 2011

Thursday Jan 6th

A very Quick but important note for all FDA2

You have Gary Neill from 10 - 12.30 in the 'new look' studio as normal - but in the afternoon (1.30)  you are with Me and Gary in Jayne Mullaley's ND room - SP4109 for a meeting. It's an important discussion about something that effects you all and you must be there.

Monday 3 January 2011

Welcome to 2011

Hope you all had a good break and are looking forward to getting back to work.

Quite a long half term - 7 weeks for FDA2! This is a short week for the 2nd years only - so FDA1 still have a bit of extra time to finish their task. This is quite a full on term for everyone, so be prepared to knuckle down - but the days are getting longer and hopefully this winter will be a short one. Lots of stuff to look forward to. There is a new Principle now, Yanik Patel - so we are expecting a few changes. There are also some things for 'us' to worry about - like inspections, and you are all aware of changes in the world of education - so... exciting times ahead.


Timetable week starting Monday January 3rd. FDA2

Thursday January 6th

We don't start until Thursday with a full day of C&C with Gary Neill. You have a session in the morning starting at 10am SHARP!! The room has a new layout and it might be a bit awkward at first to set up the session the way Gary wants it - so be on time please. Last term you had a double session because of the snow - Gary want's to avoid this and would prefer to run a practical exercise in the afternoon - so bring with you the portrait exercise I gave you last year and we will use Gary to crit and help you finish this one off - It's an important brief and how you present it is part of the project.

Friday January 7th

Briefing for the Packaging and 3D module. This is another important day and I'm starting at 10am sharp again - you need to be ready to think and listen here - some of you found it hard to get your heads around what was required from the last module for the first couple of weeks so you must be on time and ready to listen. I really want to get past the stage of spoon feeding you and telling you what to do next - you all need to start working on your own much more and directing the project yourselves. I will also be talking to you about other important things this term, your marking and the program for the rest of the year.

Because of the changes in the room layout - I strongly recommend that everyone gets themselves a large, cheap plastic box or tub for their stuff that can go under the tables - part of the studio has been sectioned off and is no longer 'ours' - but we should be able to avoid the problems of people muscling in on our space and computers.