Draft Timetable - term 3 ( subject to change )
Week 1 - starting April 16th.
Monday - non teaching day - Handover to new SL
Tuesday / Wednesday - FDA2
Thursday / Friday FDA1
The rest of the term to be confirmed by Vanessa Marr
Fwd Dates
The New SL will confirm the dates when the ground floor room is available to put up the show - it will hopefully be a full week
External Examiner ( required Attendance FDA2 ) - 19th / 20th June
Exam Board ( required Attendance FDA2 ) - June 20th
Show Private View 22nd June
Show Dates 23 - 27 ( attendance / take down required )
Final Day of Term - June 29th ( FDA1 teaching )
Notes.
I have asked Martin Symons ( Head of School ) to draft a letter / policy document regarding the responsible and appropriate use of social media - in p[articular, anything associated with or branded as the course.n In a professional environment - abuse, or misuse, of social media platforms may result in dismissal, and in a college context - removal from the course. I also suggest that you make groups 'closed' - and not allow people from outside the course to view, follow or post. That is just common sense.
I have marked the work that you presented to Gary Neil ( FDA2 ) - it will also be cross marked by Vanessa. I was very disappointed by some of the poor standard of presentation - it seems that some of you failed to grasp that 15% was dedicated to presentation quality - and simple re-presented the same work - costing you the extra grade. I cannot understand the logic in this - you were given a huge amount of time and very clear guidance here.
John Reynolds was very disappointed at the poor turnout on Thursday - however - the first years made good use of him. I would remind you that you are contracted to a full time course, 5 days per week, 32 weeks per year.
Jackie Attwoold would like to thank the first years for cleaning up the print room - it is much appreciated.
Friday 30 March 2012
Tuesday 27 March 2012
Important Note about Wednesday 27th
FDA2 should have had this by email - I'll make sure that there is a note on the door - it means that both years have an extra studio day. If anyone is desperate to talk to John - he is in the Foundation studio
MIS have made an error in timetabling that has only come to light today - and have double booked John Reynolds for tomorrow - he is down for both Foundation and Graphic Communication.
MIS have made an error in timetabling that has only come to light today - and have double booked John Reynolds for tomorrow - he is down for both Foundation and Graphic Communication.
It only came to light because I make a point of confirming the timetables weekly, and I've only just picked up the email from them.
I've talked to everyone this evening and have had to let Foundation have John on Wednesday, because of the way that their course is structured - and he's moved to Graphic Communication Thursday - that's the best possible result, because you really need him this week.
It's not ideal because I have Erica Smith with the first years on Thursday and I will need to change their accommodation for the day.
If I had known any earlier - I'd have let you know.
Monday 26 March 2012
Presentation Tuesday March 26th
Starts 2pm with Gary Neill, who has kindly agreed to take the session at short notice.
Present all 3 projects for the 2D/3D brief - and your packaging brief for the final 15%.
He has already been given detailed feedback and mark sheets for each student.
This is the formal end of module mark, on projects that you have been working on for up to 3 months. Non attendance will be marked as a fail.
Wednesday - John Reynolds will be in the studio as arranged to help shoot work for your websites/portfolio etc.
Gary has been instructed to ask you to leave the work behind, it will be collected and cross marked by Vanessa Marr ( incoming Subject Leader )
Jane Paget will provide Gary with Module Briefs for the Final major Project and year 2 professional Practice brief, and a 'to do' list for the shows. Make sure that ALL year 2 collect a copy.
Ali will confirm the timetable for term 3 by the end of this week,. this will include show dates, examination board and anything else you need for term three - for both years.
The year 1 presentations will be on Friday as timetabled - make sure you take advantage of John Reynolds.
Present all 3 projects for the 2D/3D brief - and your packaging brief for the final 15%.
He has already been given detailed feedback and mark sheets for each student.
This is the formal end of module mark, on projects that you have been working on for up to 3 months. Non attendance will be marked as a fail.
Wednesday - John Reynolds will be in the studio as arranged to help shoot work for your websites/portfolio etc.
Gary has been instructed to ask you to leave the work behind, it will be collected and cross marked by Vanessa Marr ( incoming Subject Leader )
Jane Paget will provide Gary with Module Briefs for the Final major Project and year 2 professional Practice brief, and a 'to do' list for the shows. Make sure that ALL year 2 collect a copy.
Ali will confirm the timetable for term 3 by the end of this week,. this will include show dates, examination board and anything else you need for term three - for both years.
The year 1 presentations will be on Friday as timetabled - make sure you take advantage of John Reynolds.
Saturday 24 March 2012
Week Starting March 26th
Because most of the FE and HE courses are on holiday next week - both FDA1 and 2 are able to use all the facilities on the 4th floor, all week. Make the most of this. After Easter, you will either be concentrating on Website Design, or FMP. I REALLY want to see everything else completed and put into a portfolio ready format. None of you need to have any work hanging about getting in the way. You also have Professional Practice after Easter - so you should be getting ready to form a Portfolio that can be marked.
Monday - Open studio, I shall be in all day
Tuesday - FDA2 presenting their 2/3D projects ( RSA/YCN/D&AD ) and their packaging for the final 15% marks. This is a final deadline, 2 students have been given extensions formally - nobody else has requested them - so I'm assuming that you are ready./
Wednesday - John Reynolds will be running the studio, photographing your work, USE THIS DAY!!!
Thursday - Erica Smith will be talking to the first years 1-2-1 as an external professional advisor - there is also at least 1 2nd year who needs to see her. I had some very good, and interesting feedback from her time with FDA2.
Friday - FDA1 are presenting their 2D module briefs for marking.
....and then you get 2 weeks off.
I shall also be handing out the following items.
FDA2 - FMP Module Brief
FDA1 - Professional Practice Brief
FDA 2 - Professional Practice Brief
FDA1 - Website Design Brief
FDA1 - short holiday project.
FDA2 - list of things you ned to think about for the shows
When you return to college on Monday April 16th - Vanessa will be the new Subject leader, so I hope you all make her feel very welcome, she will set dates for the professional practice presentations - a great way to get to know you all.
I'll be back on the Monday 16th to help her with the hand over.
Monday - Open studio, I shall be in all day
Tuesday - FDA2 presenting their 2/3D projects ( RSA/YCN/D&AD ) and their packaging for the final 15% marks. This is a final deadline, 2 students have been given extensions formally - nobody else has requested them - so I'm assuming that you are ready./
Wednesday - John Reynolds will be running the studio, photographing your work, USE THIS DAY!!!
Thursday - Erica Smith will be talking to the first years 1-2-1 as an external professional advisor - there is also at least 1 2nd year who needs to see her. I had some very good, and interesting feedback from her time with FDA2.
Friday - FDA1 are presenting their 2D module briefs for marking.
....and then you get 2 weeks off.
I shall also be handing out the following items.
FDA2 - FMP Module Brief
FDA1 - Professional Practice Brief
FDA 2 - Professional Practice Brief
FDA1 - Website Design Brief
FDA1 - short holiday project.
FDA2 - list of things you ned to think about for the shows
When you return to college on Monday April 16th - Vanessa will be the new Subject leader, so I hope you all make her feel very welcome, she will set dates for the professional practice presentations - a great way to get to know you all.
I'll be back on the Monday 16th to help her with the hand over.
Thursday 22 March 2012
Union Jack
FDA1 had a project to re-work the Union jack, in anticipation of the Olympics, and to make it a positive symbol - rather than anything tainted by nationalism etc. I had intended to make it more about the costumes and sports gear - but decided that was too complicated - however, Stella McCartney's actual designs have been unveiled now - and here is a link to them.
Good Self Promo
Start thinking about promotion for the show - this was something that Olga found.
If you are going into industry, you need to start thinking about picking up clients, if you are going into Top Up - start thinking about getting freelance work and creating income for yourself - you will regret it if you don't.
If you are going into industry, you need to start thinking about picking up clients, if you are going into Top Up - start thinking about getting freelance work and creating income for yourself - you will regret it if you don't.
CD Packaging
Sony have designed the packaging of the American remake of 'The Girl With The Dragon tattoo' to look like a pirate copy ( blank box, hand written text ) - nice idea, reflecting the movie content - but it's causing chaos for retailers and renter - many have been returned and they are being swopped for fakes by customers.
Sometimes, you really need to think things all the way through. Sony have claimed that it's a comment on film piracy - but really? By producing something that appears to have no value - it has... no value.
Wednesday 21 March 2012
Brilliant work
French food advertising using observed and found typography that is appropriate and has theatre and supports the 'story'- you've all heard me talk about using what is in the brief, doing research, collecting environmental graphics and understanding what the client needs before you start - this is a piece of work that ANY of you should haver been able to do at this stage. It's simplicity and appropriateness makes it elegant and beautiful.
Congratulations
Due to Olga, Will and Mel - who have all been offered places at LCC, University Of The Arts London, to complete their degree at Top-Up.
We've never been able to get a student into LCC before - and it's a testament to your hard work.
Well Done.
I've always said that the students on this course should feel that they can compete with any student, anywhere - and that's the way it should be.
We've never been able to get a student into LCC before - and it's a testament to your hard work.
Well Done.
I've always said that the students on this course should feel that they can compete with any student, anywhere - and that's the way it should be.
This week.
I've had very good feedback from Erica after yesterday's 1-2-1 sessions, and I'm meeting her next week to go through everyone in detail. If you missed her yesterday, she is back in next thursday with FDA1 - so book a session.
I will be back in on Friday, both years have Wednesday and Thursday to develop their outstanding work - FDA1 have a last chance to go through everything with me 1-2-1 on Friday, before the presentation next Friday, and FDA2 must make the best possible use of their time before they present their outstanding work next week. Don't forget - if you are using John Reynolds next week, be ready to go first thing.
I will be back in on Friday, both years have Wednesday and Thursday to develop their outstanding work - FDA1 have a last chance to go through everything with me 1-2-1 on Friday, before the presentation next Friday, and FDA2 must make the best possible use of their time before they present their outstanding work next week. Don't forget - if you are using John Reynolds next week, be ready to go first thing.
Monday 19 March 2012
Good Work
These posters were created by using macro photography from inside musical instruments - creating the impression you are inside a vast building, or concert hall - with the light creating typographic shapes.
It's something I constantly emphasise - the solution is always in the brief, understand what the client really needs and what you can offer before you begin work - and do thorough, creative research.
It's something I constantly emphasise - the solution is always in the brief, understand what the client really needs and what you can offer before you begin work - and do thorough, creative research.
Sunday 18 March 2012
Timetable, week starting March 19th
Monday is open studio for both groups.
Tuesday is Myself and Erica Smith for FDA2.
- I need to talk to all of FDA2 about the show, Newblood, publicity, marketing and Professional Practice at 10.30am - and then you will all be able to work 1-2-1 with Erica who is ready to look through all your work and portfolios. As an expert Typographer, it's a great opportunity to have an fresh eye over your work and see how it can be improved.
There is also an exciting potential Live Brief that I want to talk to you about
I'm not timetabled again until Friday - when I'm due to work with FDA1.
You MUST use this week to clear up any outstanding work from this module, and prepare for your FMP. Quite a few of you will have interviews. Don't forget that o Wednesday of next week - you have a day with John Reynolds to record any work you have completed, and I am marking to packaging presentation (15% ) and the 2D/3D module.
FDA1 - you must be ready for me to go through your 2D module work on Friday - as I'm marking it next week.
If I am needed - I may be able to add myself into the timetable on Wednesday or Thursday.
Tuesday is Myself and Erica Smith for FDA2.
- I need to talk to all of FDA2 about the show, Newblood, publicity, marketing and Professional Practice at 10.30am - and then you will all be able to work 1-2-1 with Erica who is ready to look through all your work and portfolios. As an expert Typographer, it's a great opportunity to have an fresh eye over your work and see how it can be improved.
There is also an exciting potential Live Brief that I want to talk to you about
I'm not timetabled again until Friday - when I'm due to work with FDA1.
You MUST use this week to clear up any outstanding work from this module, and prepare for your FMP. Quite a few of you will have interviews. Don't forget that o Wednesday of next week - you have a day with John Reynolds to record any work you have completed, and I am marking to packaging presentation (15% ) and the 2D/3D module.
FDA1 - you must be ready for me to go through your 2D module work on Friday - as I'm marking it next week.
If I am needed - I may be able to add myself into the timetable on Wednesday or Thursday.
Thursday 15 March 2012
Turing Exhibition
"Nissen Richards won a tender for the exhibition’s 3D design in Febuary and has sought to tell Turing’s story across five zones ‘delineated by graphics and lighting, rather then thresholds,’ according to Nissen Richards designer Joel Cassy.
The zones will examine both ‘Turing’s personality and the objects he worked with’ says Cassy, who is working with consultancy founder Pippa Nissen on the ‘post-concept stage of the project.’
Large-scale graphics will show the human nature of his work - ‘He wasn’t a lonely maths nerd; he workled in big teams and archive graphics of Bletchley Park will show this,’ says Cassy."
Found in room
some 'stuff' has been found in the room. If you are missing something - you will know what it is - they have been put away safely.
also.... we seem to be missing a laptop power lead....
also.... we seem to be missing a laptop power lead....
JOB!
|
The University of Brighton is seeking a graphic designer to join its award-winning design team based in Marketing and Communications. Taking direction from the lead designer, you will liaise with customers and colleagues within the university as well as with external suppliers to ensure customer needs are met, visual identity rules are followed and deadlines and budgets are adhered to. Happy to work within the parameters of a strong visual identity, you will demonstrate expertise in the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign in particular), experience of producing editorial layouts and a keen attention to detail. You will have worked in a graphic design studio or produced graphic design work on a commercial basis and have a recognised qualification in graphic design. Experience of specifying, commissioning and managing the print and production process is also required. The post is fixed-term for six months pending a review of the design and web team. Job sharers welcome.
If you are a member of staff applying for a secondment this will need to be agreed by your manager before taking up the post.
Ref: MK5016
Closing date: 27 March 2012
If you are interested - contact me - or direct to the UoB |
Tuesday 13 March 2012
End of year show / Publicity
We have been given the chance to create to publicity for the end of years shows ( Marketing are taking care of the Fashion Dept ).
This is quite a difficult brief - because it covers all the FE and HE art departments, however, I've suggested a typographic solution - and Myles has agreed to produce the print, so we shall have a quality product. My idea was a basic poster that would be printed in a single colour - and then a 2nd colour applied for each individual department - so that they could customise the posters to suit their needs.
It's REALLY important that you have a go at this, it's also open to both years, and I'll help everyone with the artwork and production. Lots of brownie points, great for the CV and portfolio.
There are some other developments ( all very good ) that I will be able to talk to you about soon.
Some existing stuff here - do plenty research. I love this one.
This is quite a difficult brief - because it covers all the FE and HE art departments, however, I've suggested a typographic solution - and Myles has agreed to produce the print, so we shall have a quality product. My idea was a basic poster that would be printed in a single colour - and then a 2nd colour applied for each individual department - so that they could customise the posters to suit their needs.
It's REALLY important that you have a go at this, it's also open to both years, and I'll help everyone with the artwork and production. Lots of brownie points, great for the CV and portfolio.
There are some other developments ( all very good ) that I will be able to talk to you about soon.
Some existing stuff here - do plenty research. I love this one.
Monday 12 March 2012
Sunday 11 March 2012
Timetable, week starting march 12th
FDA2 - you have Monday morning to complete and upload your competition briefs and prepare for the presentation in the afternoon. The extended deadline is noon. We can monitor the entries, so I will know who has uploaded.
In the afternoon - at 2pm - you have the formal presentation of the 2/3D module - mid point. You will be given feedback that you must act on.
You should also be starting to bring back the packaging work for your final 15% mark, remember - this part is ONLY for presentation - and I'm not going to re-mark any of the work that was submitted at the end of the project.
I will be in on Monday and Wednesday.
FDA1 - this is your academic week - you must use it for your essays. Seriously - use this time well. You can have access to Hannah for mentoring - just let me know and I'll arrange it.
The studio is 'open' to all of you this week - you may come in at any time and work. I will be in Monday and Wednesday - Jane will be in every day except Friday.
Both years, also take the time to re-read the template brief for Professional Practice - and prepare for the final term. You only have 2 weeks break at Easter - after that, FDA1 are working on Website design with Vanessa - and FDA2 are straight into FMP with myself.
In the afternoon - at 2pm - you have the formal presentation of the 2/3D module - mid point. You will be given feedback that you must act on.
You should also be starting to bring back the packaging work for your final 15% mark, remember - this part is ONLY for presentation - and I'm not going to re-mark any of the work that was submitted at the end of the project.
I will be in on Monday and Wednesday.
FDA1 - this is your academic week - you must use it for your essays. Seriously - use this time well. You can have access to Hannah for mentoring - just let me know and I'll arrange it.
The studio is 'open' to all of you this week - you may come in at any time and work. I will be in Monday and Wednesday - Jane will be in every day except Friday.
Both years, also take the time to re-read the template brief for Professional Practice - and prepare for the final term. You only have 2 weeks break at Easter - after that, FDA1 are working on Website design with Vanessa - and FDA2 are straight into FMP with myself.
Saturday 10 March 2012
D&AD
The entries can be submitted on Monday Morning, as usual - the site keeps crashing. We are also monitoring the site, and checking who has entered.
British Posters; Art And Activism / Catherine Flood
A great new book that everyone can use - very important reference for FDA1 - this piece, for example, identifies with 2 of the current briefs.Although it goes without saying that in an age driven by digital, the role of the poster is rapidly changing, British Posters: Advertising, Art and Activism demonstrates the enduring importance of posters as a hugely powerful medium.
Indeed, what other format would allow the 1962 Keep Britain Tidy next to rock band the Pixies’ Victorian freakshow-esque promotional poster, the 1987 lithograph by Vaughan Oliver? What else could seamlessly link 1960s acid-soaked psychedelia and Tony Blair-as-devil?
The book examines the duality of posters as ephemeral - torn and frayed on billboards, and littering pavements - to prized possessions adoring the walls of teenage bedroom and galleries alike. Split into three main sections - Moving Through the Mainstream; Alternative Directions; and Into a Digital Age, we see posters as post-war communication, political propaganda, pop-art and psychedelia, to 21st Century Street Art.
There’s a fascinating photograph of some original 1959 works that were lost and forgotten in the depths of Notting Hill Underground station, and rediscovered in 2010; as well as the iconic 1951 Festival of Britain posters - reinvigorated last year for its 50th birthday.
The book shows the power of advertising, including the famous 1969 pregnant man by Saatchi, a potent, yet inherently funny ad for The Family Planning Information Service. There’s also terrifying political propaganda in the form of John Morris’ ‘There’s Only One Loony Left’ Labour poster form 1987, emblazoned with a deranged-looking Thatcher; and the ‘New Labour, New Danger’ Saatchi campaign with Blair as the devil, from 1997.
Chapter two goes on to chart the rise of the poster’s power not only to persuade, but to adorn, as aesthetic pieces of beauty in their own right. Led, perhaps, by pop-artsits such as Richard Hamilton, posters promoting gigs and clubs, such as those for the UFO Club in London by Hapshash and the Coloured Coat [http://www.designweek.co.uk/turn-on-tune-in/3029474.article]; Barney Bubble’s iconic Ian Dury artworks, and Jamie Reid’s 1977 god Save the Queen Sex Pistols poster, have gone on to eclipse in visibility the things they initially set out to promote.
British Posters: Advertising, Art and Activism is published by V&A Publishing priced £19.99
Friday 9 March 2012
D&AD entries
When you enter ( and that's today ) - you select Andrew Robey as your tutor from the drop down menu.
From CPB / Shine
Hello,
We recently sent three A3 posters to your University, advertising this years 'Shine' Award, which offers the 'Shiniest' young student entrant £3000 cash prize and a 3 month internship in the Coley Porter Bell London design studio.
Attached is a PDF copy of this poster. It would be fantastic if you could make this available to your Art and Design students, to whom this opportunity would be of interest.
Please do not hesitate to make contact if you have any additional questions or queries.
Kind Regards,
Sophie Charalampous
Coley Porter Bell
*
We make brands beautiful. *To find out how, go to www.cpb.co.uk
Or why not visit our blog www.cpb.co.uk/blogs/
To follow us on Twitter, look for '@coleyporterbell'
*We have updated our website. Visit it here: www.cpb.co.uk*
Thursday 8 March 2012
Jerwood Opens next week
Opening Times
Please note that on our opening date, Saturday 17 March 2012, the Gallery will be open from 10am, following a civic celebration, and will close at 8pm. We will operate our usual operating times from Sunday onwards.
March, April and May
Tuesday – Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays
11am – 4pm
June – September
11am – 6pm Daily
11am – 6pm Daily
October, November, December
Tuesday – Sunday
11am – 4pm
Tuesday – Sunday
11am – 4pm
School Holidays throughout the year
11am – 6pm
11am – 6pm
The Gallery is open on bank holidays with the exception of Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Free entry to locals first Tuesday of each month 4pm – 8pm.
Free entry to locals first Tuesday of each month 4pm – 8pm.
Admission Prices
Adult £7
Adult (Local Resident*) £2
Children 5 -16yrs £3.50
Children (Local Resident*) 5-16yrs £1
Family ticket (max 4 people – up to 2 adults) £17.00
Local Resident Family* £4.50
Adult (Local Resident*) £2
Children 5 -16yrs £3.50
Children (Local Resident*) 5-16yrs £1
Family ticket (max 4 people – up to 2 adults) £17.00
Local Resident Family* £4.50
Concessions (ID Required) £5
Students, Registered Disabled, Pensioners, Unemployed
Group entry (ten or more people) £5 each
Students, Registered Disabled, Pensioners, Unemployed
Group entry (ten or more people) £5 each
Free:
Carers for registered disabled.
Under 5’s
Carers for registered disabled.
Under 5’s
* Local Residents are defined as those living within Hastings Borough Council. Proof of residency (e.g. utilities or council tax bill) is required on admission
On the opening weekend of 17 March 2012, we ask that you respect other visitors to the galleries by limiting your visit to 90 minutes. Thank you.
PARTY!
EXHIBITION OPENING PARTY..
Saturday 17 March, from 5pm
Cerith Wyn Evans opening party
(Exhibition continues until 10 June 2012)
Free entry
Join us to celebrate the opening of an exhibition of work by Cerith Wyn Evans. A newly-commissioned text firework installation will be lit on the roof at 6.30pm. Followed by a party with music from DJ Princess Julia. Twitter: @_PrincessJulia.
Saturday 24, 31 March, 2-5pm
Gallery Interaction
Creative activities to enjoy every Saturday. Explore themes and issues in the Cerith Wyn Evans' work, supported by our team of artists.
Free - no need to book info
We also have a fantastic range of exciting and engaging courses for adults this season, related to the exhibition.
Saturday 17 March, from 5pm
Cerith Wyn Evans opening party
(Exhibition continues until 10 June 2012)
Free entry
Join us to celebrate the opening of an exhibition of work by Cerith Wyn Evans. A newly-commissioned text firework installation will be lit on the roof at 6.30pm. Followed by a party with music from DJ Princess Julia. Twitter: @_PrincessJulia.
Saturday 24, 31 March, 2-5pm
Gallery Interaction
Creative activities to enjoy every Saturday. Explore themes and issues in the Cerith Wyn Evans' work, supported by our team of artists.
Free - no need to book info
We also have a fantastic range of exciting and engaging courses for adults this season, related to the exhibition.
Wednesday 7 March 2012
Excellent!!
This is beautiful - it's exactly the sort of thing that makes me proud to be a designer. Simple, concise, well judged and intelligent - and... beautiful, clean, emotionally responsive typography.
I keep emphasising how important it is to be able to articulate, be literate and use language - it's quite clear that the designer worked with the author to 'engineer' the text material to bring the concept to life - you have to participate in design - not just stand back and dress things.
Evoke the past
Several of you are really struggling to create design work that references the past, stylistically. It's quite difficult - and some of you have found it more than a challenge.
Remember, keep it simple. If you want to refer to something, or 'reference' it - try to be inspired, rather than derivative.
You need to create an 'homage' - or 'honour' the past - rather than a pastiche or parody - and try to be honest, rather than copy. A consumer will subconsciously know when something is weak, or you have cheated, visually - or your research is incomplete.
To create strong, intelligent, design - you must reference and research carefully - and look at what you have found as both designer and consumer, talk to other people and ask them what they see. This is why I've always emphasised the creation of moodboards, and insist on more dialogue.
There is a real weakness in the competition brief output - precisely because of the lack of process.
This is a sample of some work by Simon Walker - simple graphic exercises, but they are evocative, and visually pleasing in the right way. Just enough reference of the past, just enough technique, and plenty of visual space so that a consumer can 'fill in the dots' and complete the design process for themselves, and take ownership of the product.
You want people to develop an instant emotional bond with a product, it's what makes them select it from the shelf and take it to the till - and to do that, you need to really understand the brief - and do your research to a very high level.
Remember, keep it simple. If you want to refer to something, or 'reference' it - try to be inspired, rather than derivative.
You need to create an 'homage' - or 'honour' the past - rather than a pastiche or parody - and try to be honest, rather than copy. A consumer will subconsciously know when something is weak, or you have cheated, visually - or your research is incomplete.
To create strong, intelligent, design - you must reference and research carefully - and look at what you have found as both designer and consumer, talk to other people and ask them what they see. This is why I've always emphasised the creation of moodboards, and insist on more dialogue.
There is a real weakness in the competition brief output - precisely because of the lack of process.
This is a sample of some work by Simon Walker - simple graphic exercises, but they are evocative, and visually pleasing in the right way. Just enough reference of the past, just enough technique, and plenty of visual space so that a consumer can 'fill in the dots' and complete the design process for themselves, and take ownership of the product.
You want people to develop an instant emotional bond with a product, it's what makes them select it from the shelf and take it to the till - and to do that, you need to really understand the brief - and do your research to a very high level.
Tuesday 6 March 2012
Packaging
Quite a few of you in both years are looking at beer and whiskey packaging, there is a lot to see on LovelyPackaging blog. Ideas here for Arrun, Camille and Cortney
Student Work Online
A couple of FDA2 projects have hit the web - nice work here from Vincent and William.
Martel Print
I popped into see Paul at Martel last night, as we come up to competition briefs and FMP time - there will be a lot of work going to print, and Paul has kindly agreed to come in and talk to everyone about best practice, how to prepare work and explain what is possible and what he can do for you.
We are really lucky to have a supplier that is prepared to experiment and try new things and materials - but the down side is, hes always REALLY busy - so I've talked to him about timetabling and asked him to come up with suggestions to make work flow quicker and easier for everyone.
last year we had students turning up days before FMP marking with badly put together or incomplete artwork - and it put a huge burden on him and was very stressful for the students, I really want to avoid that this year.
We are really lucky to have a supplier that is prepared to experiment and try new things and materials - but the down side is, hes always REALLY busy - so I've talked to him about timetabling and asked him to come up with suggestions to make work flow quicker and easier for everyone.
last year we had students turning up days before FMP marking with badly put together or incomplete artwork - and it put a huge burden on him and was very stressful for the students, I really want to avoid that this year.
Monday 5 March 2012
'New Modern'
Something for the font designers of FDA1 - I found quite a lot of similar projects over the weekend, I'll print them out today.
More Advice
Found by Olga FDA2 - advice for everyone - 12 tips for graduates looking for design work.
Sunday 4 March 2012
Week starting March 5th.
This is going to be a fairly busy week for everyone.
As you know, we have part 2 of our IQER inspection this week and the staff have been working hard all year for this. It's not expected that there will need to be any participation from the students ( except the reps ) but there could be people wandering about getting a feel of the department.
Because there are several meetings and presentations - and as I'm still representing you - it looks as if I will be in college every day this week.
On Monday and Tuesday - FDA2 are working on their competition briefs
On Wednesday - Gary Neill will be with FDA1 in the studio for their C&C session, the Common Room is booked for you too, all day from 10.15am.
On Thursday - I will be in the studio with FDA1 - we have a live brief from Marketing that we shall be working on together for half a day - starting at 10.15am
On Friday - starting at 10.15 - we shall be going through all your 2D design self elected projects, there are quite a few things to look at - so we could be busy all day. I'll be giving you mid module feedback and advice, and it's important that the whole group participate.
There are times when I will be in the inspection meetings - generally for no more than an hour at a time - but I'm available for the whole week.
As you know, we have part 2 of our IQER inspection this week and the staff have been working hard all year for this. It's not expected that there will need to be any participation from the students ( except the reps ) but there could be people wandering about getting a feel of the department.
Because there are several meetings and presentations - and as I'm still representing you - it looks as if I will be in college every day this week.
On Monday and Tuesday - FDA2 are working on their competition briefs
On Wednesday - Gary Neill will be with FDA1 in the studio for their C&C session, the Common Room is booked for you too, all day from 10.15am.
On Thursday - I will be in the studio with FDA1 - we have a live brief from Marketing that we shall be working on together for half a day - starting at 10.15am
On Friday - starting at 10.15 - we shall be going through all your 2D design self elected projects, there are quite a few things to look at - so we could be busy all day. I'll be giving you mid module feedback and advice, and it's important that the whole group participate.
There are times when I will be in the inspection meetings - generally for no more than an hour at a time - but I'm available for the whole week.
Interesting Project
This is a link to a small American design agency that has created a nice for itself, concentrating on work and art that promotes their philosophy of healthy eating and ecology. It's one of the great things about this industry that you can make your own career into anything you want, if you work hard enough and are passionate about it.
Saturday 3 March 2012
Degree that guarantee jobs?
This is a very important article from today's Independent newspaper, that you should all read carefully and make the effort to think about and understand. Obviously, we are in a very complex and fast changing economic environment - but we've had recessions before ( it's my 3rd ) and the great thing about the creative industries is that they are adaptable and evolve to suit the environment - it's all about problem solving, after all.
The parts that apply to you directly include -
The parts that apply to you directly include -
"There is no such thing as a career path - it's crazy paving and you lay it yourself," says Robin Linnecar of The Change Partnership Ltd.
- that's particularly pertinent for you
But the market is changing. The proportion of graduates employed by small and medium sized companies is increasing, and they are likely to be looking for recruits who already have a set of "usable skills". Equally, the number of graduates on short-term employment contracts is increasing, reflecting the decline of the job-for-life and an increasing tendency for recent graduates to take short-term employment before finding something better.
- something we have already talked about
Most problematic of all, in terms of job prospects, are the courses which are creative, extremely popular, look highly vocational but where related job prospects are actually very poor.
Art and design courses perform best in this area. More than 60 per cent of graduates found jobs last year, although unemployment was high at 13.3 per cent. But only 20 per cent of first jobs were art-related, and another 16 per cent "creative". The rest had to make do with the usual range of jobs in administration and sales, with a significant proportion working as waiters, check-out operators and bar staff.
- you've all hear me talk about how I left college with 2 high degrees and spent a year running a bar in London and working unpaid in design studios during the day because the industry was in deep recession - I learned more in that period than at college - and had a fresh new portfolio by the end of it, loads of contacts and lots of real experience - and now, with computers and the internet - it's so easy to start working for yourself and thinking of yourself as a professional while still at college - all it takes is determination and hard work.
Friday 2 March 2012
Branding Places
I did post this last year - but it's worth re-visiting. Branding places with typography - lovely work.
Brad Surcey
Very good body of work from an excellent commercial designer - nice range of disciplines and everything done to a very high standard. I like the way that each solution has it's own personality but it all still had the designers handwriting on it. This xmas wine brief is lovely - and a couple of you have considered printing directly onto bottles - so this is how it could look.
Dan Reynolds
A bit heavy going, but if you are interested in typography as an art - this is an exceptional resourse - the personal website of Typographer Dan Reynolds - very informative and educational - with good reading lists and an insight into what it's like at the top of the industry.
September Industry
Very good collection of work here - including a nice project that focus's on British Culture as visual currency and part of a brand - useful for FDA1
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