FDA1 essays

Lilly ( FDA2) needs an email copy of the first year essays - I am working away for a couple of days, as is Gary - does anyone out there have them that I can pass on?

R

End of year marking for FDA2

It has now been informally agreed today that your Final Major Project will be marked by assessment panel on the morning of Friday June 17th - you have a legal obligation to be in college at this time in case the panel needs to talk to you - you CANNOT FAIL TO ATTEND!!!!

I'll let you know straight away if there are any changes here - but I'm 99% certain it will be at this time. The External Examination is the following week - you will also need to attend at specific time then too. I'll keep you posted and let you know as soon as I do when they will be.

Graphics / Exhibition design

Really great project here, clever and simple but very effective.

Book Cover Worship / Book Cover Archive

Handy blog here - very useful for next years 2nd year.

I didn't set this up... honest

BBC Radio 4Extra is broadcasting a very good 2 part adaptation of Frankenstein - listen online here.

Showcase: Madison Graphic

Very good small studio here with smart presentation of well judged and clever work. I really like this clever typographic job for Zoe Williams.

Revolutionary Photography

Good article and gallery here about the revolutionary Hungarian photographers.

Zine Resources / Zinaphobia

Very good site here found by Will - perfect for FDA1 summer brief

Something different for half term

Just letting everyone know about a free lunchtime concert of Baroque opera music on Wednesday 1st June (next Wednesday) starting at 1.10 pm.

Venue: Holy Trinity Church, Hastings town centre (entrance in Trinity Street opposite Trinity Wholefoods).

Music by Handel, Purcell, Scarlatti, Pergolesi and Monteverdi.

The concert will be performed by Baroque Opera Live, with soloists including Claire Sheffield, Jeremy Vinogradov, Karen McInally and Carolyn Bruce. Accompaniment on piano by Duncan Reid and Nigel Howard.

Entrance is free, although a donation is kindly requested when leaving. Refreshments are available for sale and you can eat sandwiches while watching the concert.

Tony Ray Jones

Some great photographic work here  - British identity in the 1950's and 60's by Tony Ray Jones, and link to exhibition.

Identity

Nice project here found by Gary Neill (via Under Consideration) - lots of dialogue and relationship building

Brandon McLean

Nice collage work here.

Dogs & Dice

Martin O'Neill has a new blog - clicky here.

The Information Blanket

 - from Gary Neill, really interesting - as he said 'Graphics for something other than selling snizzel'

Information here and here.

Very good interview with James Joyce

 - no, not THAT James Joyce.

Zine Watch

This is interesting.

Posters in Amsterdam

Nice little photo group here to follow.

FYI

Please be aware that all mitigating circumstances forms and supportive
evidence must be given to me no later than Monday 6th June.

Alison Smith
Administrator The Arts
Sussex Coast College Hastings
01424 458505

Fred Perry revisited

I'm forever banging on about understanding a brand before you can begin to work with it, here is a very nice article about the review of the Fred Perry brand and it neatly examines the relationship between the future and the past - you can't move forward until you understand where you came from - good work.

Graphic Design at Epsom and other stuff.

This is the website and blog for the Graphic Design and New Media course at ECA Epsom I taught at Epsom a few years ago and it was always a very well regarded course, it's appropriate for you all to keep an eye on other courses - you will be in competition with graduates from all over the country. I think it's also interesting to see how they use the site and the blog - as I told you, I'm going to migrate the blog to another platform later in the summer and include things like marketing and showcase sections - and we are soon to have a re-designed H.E section of the college website that is a real improvement in how we present ourselves. It's a really good time to be at SCCH - lots of exciting things happening and big changes on the horizon.

FDA1 have technically finished but are welcome to use the facilities and it's nearly time for the FDA2 and diploma shows. The degree show will start going up from today - the blog will continue all summer so keep an eye out for developments.

Myles will be available today and at the start of next term in the Screen Printing room - and Charlotte will be running the final evening session on Monday after half term - If you need anything from me - drop me a line and I'll make sure I'm available during half term, but actually... I might have the weekend off, for a change.

Friday 27th / Screenprinting

Don't forget - Myles is booked for all students, FDA1 and 2 - all day today - so make use of the time to brush up your skills in the print room.

Something to do on Friday Night

There will be a Private View of Richard Webb's new work at LIDO (Electro Studio) this Friday from 6-8PM. All the information is here:

( found by Olga, cheers )

Zine Watch

Nice find here by Will.

Press Release from Hastings Pirates

Hastings Pirate Day  5th August · 10:00 - 22:00

Last year Hastings became the scene for the greatest ever gathering of Pirates and obtained the Guinness World Record with an epic 6,166 Pirates. Beating the then current record by over 4,000.

Because of this, Pirates are planning to descend on Hastings from all over the World on Friday 5th August and as such a spectacular event awaits them and YOU !!!

Make a date in your diary NOW, you will not want to miss out on one of the most memorable Pirate Days ever !!!!!!

Our New Pier - open event

From HWRPT - The new pier ( with £8m lottery funding ) and the Jerwood will significantly change the cultural landscape of Hastings over the next couple of years, so it's a pretty exciting time to be here -

This is an invitation to attend a drop in session on Saturday June 4th,  from 1:00 to 4:00 to take place at St. Mary in the Castle for an update from Hastings Pier and White Rock Trust and the Pier's architects, dRMM. This will be an opportunity to learn about the status of the project (including the successful lottery fund bid), find out the results of the public consultations undertaken to date, and leave further comment on emerging ideas for the redevelopment. 


Summer Courses in Brighton

Running during July and August 2011 the diverse programme of fortnightly, weekly and one-day courses, offers the chance to explore a range of arts subjects, to learn from our knowledgeable staff and benefit from the use of our specialist facilities.

You could spend a fascinating fortnight exploring Leonardo da Vinci’s gadgets and producing your own installation; prepare a diverse portfolio for further art and design study for a week; or enjoy the satisfaction of completing a one-day course with a book you have bound yourself.
Visit the website to find out more and book your place

New/Vintage Rock and Gig Posters make real money

That old art school staple. Info here.

You must all realise that everything you do has value - there are plenty of  place in Hastings, Lewes, Brighton and Rye that can retail stuff you make - prints are a really good way to make cash - something to think about over the summer - you have all the facilities here, sop why not.

Cheap advance rail tickets

Up to 90% off, available today only - buy now!!!!!

Fanzines and the like

Useful article here about small publications - Ideal for FDA1 students and their summer  brief and FDA2 students with their FMP and small print portfolios. At the end I would also suggest ordering The Print Book - it's only £4 - well worth it.

The Hepworth, Wakefield

Nice article about the typeface designed for the Hepworth Museum, Wakefield. Really lovely font with a clever little detail. All of you are capable of something like this - just needed a bit of care, thought and consideration. It's also important to see how much difference the size, scale and materials make.

Summer Fun.

Cocktails, ice cream, deck chairs, palm trees, pedalos, sun loungers, telescopes, music, fun... beach life comes to the Pavilion roof this summer with everything you need for that ultimate seaside experience. Bring your coolest beachwear, towel and sunscreen and relax on Dune - Bexhill’s first ever beach on the roof. Free entry.

11 June - 4 September
10am - 5.30pm
(Opens 11 June: Red Arrows fly-past at 3.55pm)

Sundown Live on Dune
From 24 June (most) Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until 9pm, free
Join us for drinks, music and films while the sun goes down. Check here for event listings.

Dune Discs On Friday nights throughout the summer, Dune plays the music that you would choose to take to a deserted beach. You and your friends can have a drink, a bite to eat and listen to the music you couldn’t live without! Why not create a playlist with your work mates, team mates, friends or family?

Please email your playlist (no more than ten tracks) to dune@dlwp.com with the heading 'Dune Discs', stating both the artist and track name. Alternatively you can compile your playlist on Spotify and share it with us via Facebook or burn it onto CD and drop it off at the Pavilion Information Desk. You can send disks by post to:
Dune Discs
De La Warr Pavilion
Marina
Bexhill on Sea, East Sussex TN40 1DP

The playlists selected to feature in the Dune programme will be announced on the website, along with the dates you can hear them. If yours has made it through we will inform you by email. It would be great to hear the reasons for your choices – perhaps they remind you of summer, a holiday or a life-changing moment? Enjoy musical milestones at the Pavilion’s very own beach - Dune.

Please submit all playlists by 12th June.

Please note : The De La Warr Pavilion cannot guarantee to play all the playlists submitted to them. It reserves the right to withdraw any playlist for any reason.

In the event of inappropriate weather, the music will be played in the Café Bar.

Details here

Screenprinting.

Myles is available all day Friday and the first Monday back after half term - just for you ( and Thursday if he's not busy ) - make sure you take advantage of the time.

I had a long chat with him tonight... so I know who worked hard for the whole 3 weeks, and who managed to knock it all out in the last 15 mins - but there was some really lovely work - well done.

Please complete this important survey.

The MEC has been really suppoprtive of us and what we are trying to do at SCCH - please complete the following and try and retain some of their services for the future.

The Media Enterprise Centre has set up an online survey to more accurately establish the needs of local creatives.  The results will be submitted to Hastings Borough Council and East Sussex County Council to assist them in their provision for this sector within the town and surrounding areas.

We would be very grateful if you would take a couple of minutes to complete this survey.  In doing so, you will be in with a chance of winning a meal for two or runners up prizes of some rather nice wine!

The Media Enterprise Centre (MEC) was set up in March 2010 as a council funded project, with the aim of assisting local creatives through access to subsidised facilities and a range of training courses and events.  In the last 15 months, we’ve engaged with a number of local creatives and have witnessed the arrival of a number of new creative practitioners in and around the town.  Sadly the MEC will be closing at the end of August, as our funding comes to an end.  However, we hope the results of this survey will confirm there is an increasing audience for similar forms of support for this industry once our particular project has ended.

To complete this survey, please click on this link or copy and paste it into your address bar.

Great Opportunity for Photographers!!!!

FREE 15 minute one to one sessions with professional photographer Grace Lau at the Fishermen's Museum in Hastings Old Town available for anyone interested in entering the Stade Stories Photography competition:

Grace Lau: a photographer/writer who has exhibited at Tate Britain and Brighton Museum and also been a past judge at the National Portrait Gallery's annual Portrait Photography competition and is a judge for Stade Stories. Ideal opportunity for Photography students. A chance to discuss your ideas.

Wednesday 25th May 2011: 4pm to 7pm

Call the Fishermen's Museum to book: 01424461446

Organised as part of the Stade Education Project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

FDA1 / Shipping Forecast

Interesting and funny - the best bit comes right at the end.

Correct Addresses / FDA1

Can all FDA1 students ensure that Ali has your corrects postal address for the summer holiday period, as we will need to write you regarding next year. Cheers!

Wordpress Clinic

Nick Weeks will be in the main studio 10am - 4pm on Wednesday June 8th to do a 1 day Wordpress Clinic. Come in to have 1-2-1 session and go through your sites, make sure that you are taking full advantage of the software and getting the most out of your online presence.

This is for both years, I know all the first years have sites - and that several of FDA 2 are interested in moving towards Wordpress - one of you is basing a large part of your FMP on Wordpress - so take advantage of what would otherwise be very expensive tuition.

Royal Mail Insignia

Nice article here and some typically nerdy design resources - including a rather cheeky look at what 'King' Charles might be getting.

This week.

It's worth repeating that half of FDA1 have their tutorials this week, starting today - and that you must make sure all work is complete and marked before the end of term  ( Wednesday ).

If you do not pass any modules, fail to submit or are given too low a  mark for your essays and are not available on Wednesday with gar to revise them - you cannot pass the year, and cannot go up into year 2.

Nice work

Via the Dieline - simple and effective - I like the map usage - the staple on map ticket for the plain bags is very good.

Timetable, week starting May 23rd

FDA2 - Your last week of the term - Myself, David and Gary Neil ( Wednesday 8th ) will be about to assist with your FMP. Remember - you only have a week after half term before the room is stripped out.

ALL PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE PORTFOLIOS must be handed in on Wednesday for marking over half term. If you fail to do so - the maximum you can be marked is 40% - I'm not being flexible here - you have had a year and plenty of warning - getting a low grade will drag all your over grades down, I've also been disappointed by how few I've seen, some have been excellent - most a bit dull and some pretty terrible. Make sure you check for spelling and punctuation errors - and poor formatting.

If you do not complete your portfolio - you fail your whole FDA

FDA1 - Your final week of the term (on paper)

Monday May 23rd

Last day with Peter Quinnell - Crit in the afternoon

Extra day with Myles Calvert - for anyone who needs him ( also June 6th )

Photography with Charlotte in the afternoon - she was really pleased with the results last week - but I could do with a few more of you ( FDA2 are welcome to join in ), She is also opening up the studio on the first Monday back after half term.

4 more Tutorials as timetabled

Tuesday May 24th

Last day with Myles for this project - but we have booked him for 2 more spare days if you need anything, Crit in the afternoon.

4 more Tutorials as timetabled

Wednesday May 24th

Gary Neill - last day of C&C.

All first years must clear the studio on Wednesday - anything left behind will be thrown away.

Wednesday PM - end of year drinks in The Jenny Lind from 6pm. All Welcome.

Next week is half term, with Monday as a bank holiday. If you wish to come in - make sure you email me first to check what's happening, but you should have access all the time. The first week back is the last week the studio is open - stripping down starts on Friday, very few computers will be available after this date - and they will be shared with the whole floor.

Showcase: Damian Conrad Design

Very good portfolio site here in the 'Swiss' style ( from Geneva - obviously ). Nice range of work but very clear handwriting - you all need to be able to detect territorial styles and fashions. Nice balance of commercial and self initiated work - design isn't just for earning a living.

I really like his bisiness card -

"I consider my self as a kind of "coiffeur" who has to deal with how clients need to appear in order to solve their own communication problems. Cut hair, change shapes, create meanings and make clients happy is our aim. The card is also a mirror that let you know when you need a new haircut."

Pattern Matters

Nice work from Triangulation Blog - explorations of pattern and interactivity - nothing rocket science - just common sense, paper, scalpels, cutting mats and a colour printer. Thinking in 2 and 3D is an essential part of your craft - as is attention to detail and standard of finish - read on here.

More Screenprinting

Some great stuff here based on random maths from Marius Watz and Jer Thorp.

Now that we have access to screenprinting - I really urge all of you to take advantage of the facilities - it's a very current and fashionable graphic medium, and the skills and disciplines you learn will really help you - very few graphics courses offer the kind of facilities we have here ( almost nobody has wet photography, I think there is only one college in the whole of London ) - and it's exactly the kind of thing that clients and employers look for.

Showcase: Mark Weaver

Very good portfolio here from the designer and illustrator Mark Weaver. His screenprints are a nice example of what FDA1 could do if they are still thinking about the collage and screen printing elements of the Frankenstein brief.

ReBranding Seaside Towns

I've done projects like this with students before - it's interesting to see it in the real world, and I'm probably going to look at it again next year. For anyone who does not know Rhyl... It's a dump.


Recently Icon Magazine issued a challenge to UK-based Proud Creative to develop a branding program for the struggling seaside resort town Rhyl in Wales. A decades ago tourist destination Rhyl fell into decline with the advent of cheap flights which allowed British travelers to venture to warmer destinations for holiday. The design team at Proud saw an opportunity with re-branding Rhyl to respond to the ecological impact vacation travel via air caused. The new design needed to get people’s attention and create a strong modern identity which would unify the look of the town.

Proud drew some inspiration from nostalgia which can be seen in the new color palette. They aimed to convey the feeling of a festive atmosphere that is sunny, warm and optimistic. Secondary colors were chosen which relate to the local surroundings, the sky, sea and beach. A primary red color anchors the brand which also has connections to Welsh heritage. The design team created a modular rectangle shape which is derived from the angled orientation of the Rhyl coastline. The rectangle becomes a repeatable element forming a pattern which resembles waves, wind and a sense of festivity.

10 Numbers

Lovely piece of work you can all participate in here.

Show Dates 2011

Fashion Show 2011 - In The Atrium

6.30pm Wednesday June 15th ( Doors 6pm )

8.30pm Wednesday June 15th ( Doors 8pm )

Ticket only event - available from Alison Smith during normal office hours. A great event and well worth attending.

Degree Show 2011 - Circle Gallery and FiSh Gallery

Private View

Friday June 17th - 6pm - 9.00 pm

Open to the public

18th June - 24th June, 10am - 4pm.

Diploma Show - SCCH

Private View

Friday July 1st 6pm - 9.30pm

Open to the public

Saturday 2nd - 10am - 2pm

Monday 4th - 10am - 60pm

Tuesday 5th - 10am - 5pm

Two quick posts about photography

Here are some fantastic Victorian photographs of spiritualists and ectoplasm - supposed ghostly matter that appeared during seances. It's hard to believe that people were taken in by something so crude - but this was an age when photography was 'magical' and there were many people who believed the camera could steal your soul. The techniques here are exactly the same as the ones you have just used.

- and here is an AMAZING archive of Australian mugshot images from the 1930's - from City of Shadows - these are real people, some of them look so modern you could almost recognise the faces, and the large plate photography is absolutly beautiful.

This week and Next

I'm not going to be around during most of Thursday - but there will be a session and presentation for Industry people starting at 5pm in the main studio tomorrow ( Thursday ) and the room needs to be cleared ( won't effect any of you ) and I will be setting up at about 4pm.

If anyone needs me to be in on Friday ( FDA 2 ) - let me know - I'm not booked in but I'm happy to come in if you need help.

Next week - Peter will be with FDA1 on Monday, Myles on Tuesday and Gary on Wednesday.

Gary will also be in next week for FDA2

Over half term, I can be around if anyone needs help - I will probably be in most days preparing for the exam board and getting all your paperwork ready.

FDA1 finish on Wednesday - but are welcome to come in all the way up to June 10th -  and beyond to use the rest of the college facilities.

On Wednesday of next week - you are all invited to The Jenny Lind at 6pm for a drink ( that's both years!! ) - it may be quite warm again and the gardens will be open - please bring your ID if you look under 21, they are quite strict at the bar.

Generation Press

Good work via September Industry

A new identity to establish the printers Generation Press as ‘the designers printer’, whilst stressing its excellent environmental credentials. The identity includes extensive collateral for everyday use, new website (also optimised for the iPhone), environmental icons, and Colorplan Barry™, a custom-made paper exclusive to Generation Press. The logo is a simple marque based on paper moving through a printing press.

Interestingly - they use the logo to create icons for a range of accreditations and endosements - very clever.

Extra Screenprinting

Myles has been booked into screenprinting next Monday ( 23rd ) and the Monday after half term ( 6th ), for any FDA1 and 2 students who need to print.

I'd really like all FDA1 students to print a favourite from their 'Shipping Forecast' brief for an exhibition at the same time as the diploma shows - I'll talk to you about this today.

June 6th is the day of the Brighton tour - but you can go to see the show at any time that week - so make sure you use the screen printing facilities if uyou need them - this is the only time Myles is available.

Secrets of the Superbrands

Gary Neill found this ( I don't have a telly now - I use iplayer and sometimes I miss stuff, feel free to suggest anything you think might be useful ).

The Secrets of The Superbrands - if you can get past the occasionally annoying Alex Riley - it's the story of how big brands keep us buying their stuff, idolising them and building up a faithful following, part 1 of 3.

BBC news teaser here

iPlayer link here

Walking Men

Great little personal project here by photographer Stephen Wragg, something you could all do. Main site is here.

F is for Failure ( and font.. )

Great little piece of animation here found by FDA1 Olga - simple concept and straightforward technique - but a lot of hard work and concentration went into this.

Excellent work from Brigham

Really first class piece of animation here created with simple stop motion and creative use of simple techniques. Everything in here is 'real' - no stunts or computer generated graphics, and if you scrutinise it carefully - it's all remarkably simple. The clever bit is the imagination, and teamwork... that went into it. ( I may have posted this as Brighton - it's ctually Brigham Young University in America - sorry, 5am and no glasses on, easy mistake to make... )

Link through here to film

Newspaper Club

Thanks to David McG ( Top Up ) - for the information that Newspaper Club have reduced their colour minimums to 5 pieces ( rather than 100 ) - much more practical for FMP.

Mark Lazenby

“Mark Lazenby is a very good colagist in the best tradition of collage making, via Kurt Schwitters and Joseph Cornell. What makes him even more interesting though, is an interest in, and a beautiful use of typography in his work. I am a fan, and owner of a collage by him” Sir Peter Blake

Lovely work here that ties in very well with the FDA1 collage brief.

FDA1 and 2 Professional Practice

The portfolios I've seen so far have been very variable in Quality - most of you I've asked to make changes. I'm going to take all of them off you on Wednesday 25th and give a final mark over the half term. ( this includes anyone I have already seen )

Anyone who does not hand in their work will be failed and cannot pass into year 2, or finish their FDA.

Tuesday

FDA1 are screenprinting with Miles, or in their Tutorials - make sure you check the correct list - it's the one I handed out last week - and the one here has been corrected.

FDA2 - I've only see a few of you with your PP work, you all need to get that out of the way. Progress on the FMP projects is slow, too slow - only a week and a half left this term!!!

How the Apple logo was designed

Interview with Rob Janoff here - interesting and informative.

Week starting May 16th

All FDA 2 need to be in on Monday so that we can review your FMP progress - this is mandatory!!! There are only 2 weeks left this term!!!!! I have so far only seen 2 PP portfolios - you should bring them in as soon as possible so I can mark them - failure to present will mean failing your FDA.

FDA 2 are with Peter Monday, Myles Tuesday and Hannah / John on Wednesday, end of year Tutorias start on Monday and continue Tuesday - you have already been instructed what to bring - to makes sure you are ready, this weeks tutorials are-


Monday May 16th

Sam - 11am

Lucy - 12am

Chris - 2pm

Charlotte - 3pm

Tuesday may 17th

Alessandra - 11am

Camille - 12pm

Dean - 2pm

Will - 3pm

End of term looming

We only have 2 weeks left - so everyone I have loaned books, camera's, tripods and DVD's to - please let me have them back by the end of next week - you know who you are ( and so do I!)

Data Loss

Google ( whoown Blogger - the platform that runs this site ) have had a bit of a blip and there has been some data loss - can't remember what was posted here this week - if anyone is mossing anything, drop me a line and I'll try and repost.

R

Important Information.

The studio will be closed from June 10th at 4pm - that is a Friday.

All the computers will be removed on that date and the furniture will need to be removed - everything you own needs to be taken out - if you want me to store work for you - then you must get a large plastic box with a lid - and make sure your name is on it - and I'll put it into storage - otherwise it will be thrown away.  There may be a few computers available in Ilustration - but they will be busy.

The following week, all FDA2 students must be in every day to start getting the room ready - no exceptions.

Special Offer, reduced prices on Pop Up Cinema

£5 per ticket if you use the promotional code CINE5 when purchasing tickets.

15-17 May
Brighton Festival & CINECITY Present POP-UP CINEMA
The Basement, 24 Kensington Street

‘Underground Cinema’ has been used to describe film-makers’ exploration of the political, transgressive and poetic possibilities of the moving image. More recently a grass roots movement of clandestine cinema has been wrestling the movie-going experience back from the multiplex. With Brighton Festival, CINECITY and the Duke of York’s have created an underground cinema – literally – in The Basement, a pop-up picturehouse with a festival programme of previews and special events.

Please note tickets available at Brighton Dome & Festival Box Office in advance or on door.

- I've selected a few highlights - the rest are on the site.

Monday 16 May, 7.45pm
PROFESSOR HEARD’S OLD CURIOSITY SHOW
A magic lantern slide-show-side-show of strange tales and unnatural acts; bearded ladies, alphabetical acrobats, prodigious pigs, baby juggling and curious cinema advertisements.

PROFESSOR H****’s EROTIC MAGIC LANTERN SHOW (18)
A sniggerfest of artistic fluffing material
A prurient look at Victorian erotica, plus further examples of the way in which Victorian gentlemen and ladies got their jollies. Definitely not for children.

Monday 16 May, 10.15pm
SPIKE AND MIKE’S SICK AND TWISTED FESTIVAL OF ANIMATION (18)
For the first time in Brighton the legendary Spike & Mike’s festival of tasteless films dredged from the proverbial gutter.

Good work.

This is an exceptional piece of work, apart from the clever and respectful image ( I hardly think the word 'witty' is appropriate here ), the type is suitable sober and refined.

There are lots of clever references, the background is somber and black - but the title is bright sky blue - an echo of the weather on the day - the image reflects the medium of paper and also the millions of pages that rained down on the streets after the attacks - and also mirrors the smoke and flames. It has an emotional punch but without sensationalism or lazy, crass references. Visually - aligning the text to left and image to right is also well judged and satisfying. The designer was comfortable enough to only show one 'tower' - a lazy or less confident designer would have used both. Even the perspective and point of view are well considered - as most people would have seen the towers from the ground - looking up.

It's clear that the designers and publishers understood the subject material AND the customer.

Very good work indeed.

FDA2

I'm starting to pull in all the Professional Practice work. So far I've only seen two - and to be fair, they were both pretty good. You all know what needs to be included and have had two years to get ready - so from Monday, all of FDA2 must have their PP portfolio with them and I'll review with you and instruct you to make changes as needed.

PP is an independent module - if you do not pass, you fail your FDA and if you get a low mark, it drags all your final grades down..

I'm also a bit concerned that attendance is low, and that most of you are still mulling over what you are going to do - rather than actually getting on with it.

YOU ONLY HAVE 2 WEEKS OF TERM LEFT

More Toy Soldiers

In reference to Tom's post - here is something from Gary Neill, I'd forgotten about this - but it's a similar theme. Somewhere I have a set of images by an American artist that show very bad things happening in snow globes, and later the same concept was used by a homeless charity, with little benches and rough sleepers in the snow - as part of their Christmas campaign. You can't keep a good idea down.

Societies and Social clubs

Lydia Leonard - the Youth Worker, will be in the H.E. common room on Thursday to consult with any student who wants to suggest clubs and societies for next year.

This will be supported by the University and College - so I suggest gettiung in there quick.

Have you thought about anything ? Camera Clubs? Museum Visits? Sociual Clubs ? Brighton University Students run a club night through the year to raise funds for their shows - it's up to you, if you don't ask, you don't get.

She will be available 12.30 - 1.30pm.

New Stamp Designs

These are really interesting - appart from being an engaging solution - they tie in with several of the current FDA1 projects - presenting 2 themes at once ( Duality ) and image collage / creation - nice work.

Sanskar / India - Organ Donation

This is interesting, spotted by FDA1 Olga - it's from an Indian campaign to promote organ donation.

The comments are very harsh - and all seen to miss the point, different territories have very different visual languages - this may work very well in the countries it is intended to serve, but not here - the references don't work. India and the rest of the region are very important new growth areas for design, many UK consultancies are establishing offices there - you all need to think globaly rather than just London - your careers depend on it.

Ties in with Frankensten and artists like Vesalius, Da Vinci and Durer

Toy Soldiers

Moving and intelligent piece of work here spotted by Tom from Top Up, simple but veery effective.

Brighton Visit.

Just Confirming - we are invited to Brighton on Monday 6th June - 2pm at Grand Parade - a tour by Paul Burgess of the degree show - you can get reduced price tickets from the town hall or railway station - I think they are still doing 4 for 2 offers.

Showcase: Lily Dunlop

Nice, well edited and put together website for a recent graduate - the work here is very comparable to the projects that you should all be doing - in paticular, the book here which neatly ties in with the narrative illustration, photography and FDa1 summer projects - also the Octopus book and H.G.Wells projects are important for FDA 1 too.

Photography / Identity / Mythology

This is interesting, and ties in with the work that FDA1 are doing with John and Charlotte - and also touches a bit on a couple of FDA2 projects. Link to Gallery Here

Madame Yevonde's pioneering colour series Goddesses in which 1930s society ladies took on guises based on classical myth

The series Goddesses is part of Role Play, a joint exhibition of photographs by Madame Yevonde and Neeta Madahar, at the PM Gallery and House , Walpole Park, London W5 from 20 May-3 July.

Showcase: Andreas Neophytou

Lovely website full of refined and elegant work - some really beautiful typographic exercises here

Fresh Fonts

Something different, experimental and creative - font wise.

Clerkenwell Design Week

Well worth a trip up to town for - it's the week before half term. Link here.

The Genius of Design

Excellent Documentary available to watch here.

Brighton Festival 2011

Starts this weekend - link to the website and full program here.

Photography Evening Classes

You have been working with John already using large the format camera and have talked about portraiture, identity and how to capture personality on film.

Charlotte will be running 4 weeks of Evening classes ( Mondays - 5 - 7.30pm ) allowing you access to the darkroom, shooting studio and her tuition. Use this time to make yourself familiar with manual camera work, process and equipment, there will be plenty of image based work next year and you need to be expert enough to use the facilities without waiting for a tutor to guide you - basic skills like this are essential in the creative industries.

Your guide brief for these classes is the theme of 'duality' - which is the basic concept of Frankenstein. There are many ways to produce photographic images that convey duality - using double exposure, two negatives, printing twice, using two techniques of approaches - the choice is yours. This brief is about experimentation and discovery - use the time to increase your knowledge and understanding and become more expert at investigating your ideas through the medium of photography.


I have a couple of spare cameras if anyone needs to borrow one - and there are a few more hanging about - and Charlotte is happy to teach you how to make a pin hole camera.

Image - Double Exposure by Dietmar Busse

Art Fund Special Offer

Get free or reduced access to hundreds of galleries and exhibitions - special offer via the guardian, apply for your art pass today via this link

Cassette tape Archive

Fantastic archive of retro cassette tape covers, spotted via today's Guardian here.

Nice concept advertising

Sent in FDA1 Olga - Lithuania based design practice Love Agency creates this engaging new campaign for Mint Vinetu Bookstore, showing how easily you can Become Someone Else, handy that it includes Frankenstein - which FDA1 are working on now, - and as she points out, it's very similar to the sleeveface project. 

Marc Newson for G Star

I like this collection - 'star' designers working with fashion houses is pretty common - for me - the printed fake turn ups on the jeans are the best idea - I'm going to repeat the T Shirt projects for both FDA1 and 2 next year, so start looking for things that inspire you. ( Link here via Dezeen )

Visit from UoB

We had a visit from the University of Brighton yesterday - Paul Burgess and Phil Taylor ( he is the Graphic Com link tutor) were here for the day, primarily to talk to illustration students. They went through their website, which is designed and maintained by students - there is a link to it here, and also talked about 'It's Nice That' - which I have flagged up on here before - created by X Brighton students - it's a showcase for student work - and selected projects can expect 10,000 hits in a week - well worth studying.

Paul did reiterate that if you want to go to any of the lectures or meet the staff and industry professionals at Grand Parade - you are welcome, and he is happy to arrange a visit over to Brighton during the shows and will take you on a tour of Graphics and Illustration Degree shows ( start of June ). I'll ask him to give me a date that suits him and let you know when that will be.

Wednesday May 4th / FDA2

There was not a full house today - despite you all knowing that both Gary Neill and Andrew Robey were expected, Andrew will now be in on Wednesday to talk to you all about Top Up and FMP.

You are all required to attend.

Tuesday May 3rd / Weds May 4th

Tuesday

FDA1 - you start screen printing with Myles Calvert, in groups as arranged.

FDA2 - You have Andrew Robey to talk about Top Up and FMP, and Gary Neil will be marking your essays ( final day )

Wednesday

FDA1 - either Hannah or John - depending on your group  ( swap over from last week )

FDA2 - FMP work in studio.

Our Link tutors from the University of Brighton, our Partner College - Paul Burgess and Phil Taylor, will be at Station Plaza from 11am, they may want to meet you and I understand that they have a presentation.