When starting this project, I felt that the concept would need to reflect the entirety of my personal practice. However, as my portfolio of work was so varied it meant that the approach would instead need to focus on what was frequently found throughout all of these projects. Therefore, I began by studying the projects I had worked on over the last few months and began to realise what they aimed to convey. As it was clear that my practice had changed over recent months to become more commercially driven and focused on branding identity, I knew that the personal branding concept could evolve from these principles.
As a result, the project began by revisiting an interpretation of my practice and changing it to an embodiment of my current practice. This included the fonts frequently used, colour schemes I enjoyed working with and formats I had practiced with over several projects. All these ideas could then be applied to the personal branding concept in ways that meant it would work both physically and digitally. This was an important part of the process, as I knew it needed to run consistently throughout.
I think that working on the personal branding also allowed me to understand what my practice currently looks like and what sorts of projects I enjoy doing. As a result of this, it also became easier to see how my career prospects could work around this practice, either as a freelancer in the coming months or as a member of a design team within an agency. One thing that stood out to me about this project was the way in which it was presented by the final outcome. Creating a concept board in a similar way to industry professionals, meant the branding identity could stand out online as a professional introduction to my practice, but also as a way to entice audiences to check out the rest of the work posted on my Behance page.
In coming months, this concept could prove beneficial to my online presence when seeking a position at a design studio. However, if freelancing turns out to be a more viable option to pursue, the personal identity also prepares me for financial contact with clients and gives them a professional overview of my graphic design abilities. Overall, this project has helped to bring together the work produced over the last few months, in a way that can now be presented in a professional manner and through various formats.
Link to Behance page
https://www.behance.net/alexpankhurst
Showing posts with label OUGD602. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OUGD602. Show all posts
Saturday, 4 May 2019
OUGD602 - Personal Professional Practice Evaluation
During the course of the Personal Professional Practice module, I felt that there were several valuable assets to my practice made throughout the year. This included the ways in which to present my ongoing practice and self branding, contact industry professionals and understand who I am as a graphic designer. At the beginning of the course, I found it particularly difficult to pinpoint exactly where my practice would lie, in terms of career prospects. This was because my portfolio was so varied in its projects, that it made my practice open to different opportunities, without direction.
However, after initially designing a website structure early on, I found that some of the work I would need to produce would have to appeal more to the interest of potential employers and less to my own personal preference. As a result, my practice began to change over the months until I found a direction in which to take it. This meant taking inspiration from the studios I had worked with and the designers that gave advice to me based on their own experience. The result of this was a portfolio that became more tailored to the studios and agencies that I had taken an interest in. Therefore, the potential employers I would make contact with in the next few months would be able to see how my portfolio reflects my graphic design abilities and personality.
One thing that I did not enjoy was the consideration of a website, as this was a convoluted process when thinking about who my audience would be. Therefore, I instead chose to set up a Behance portfolio for the meantime while I look for a position at a design studio. However, if I am able to produce a more steady income then investing in a website may help to improve the presentation of my portfolio and reflect a more professional approach to my practice.
For the personal branding project, I felt that I was able to extend my options after the course. For example, creating tax return and proposal letters was one way to prepare me for the financial side of client handling. This could prove to be a useful asset to my practice, as it will allow me to work freelance during the period between graduation and a position at a design studio. Therefore, I will also be able to consider how my services are priced and how this will correspond with the needs of a client.
Having come into contact with graphic designers in the industry, I feel more confident in my ability to present myself as a design and reflect the specialties, as well as the interests I have within the creative sector. This will prove useful for future interviews and potentially presentations of my own design concepts.
However, after initially designing a website structure early on, I found that some of the work I would need to produce would have to appeal more to the interest of potential employers and less to my own personal preference. As a result, my practice began to change over the months until I found a direction in which to take it. This meant taking inspiration from the studios I had worked with and the designers that gave advice to me based on their own experience. The result of this was a portfolio that became more tailored to the studios and agencies that I had taken an interest in. Therefore, the potential employers I would make contact with in the next few months would be able to see how my portfolio reflects my graphic design abilities and personality.
One thing that I did not enjoy was the consideration of a website, as this was a convoluted process when thinking about who my audience would be. Therefore, I instead chose to set up a Behance portfolio for the meantime while I look for a position at a design studio. However, if I am able to produce a more steady income then investing in a website may help to improve the presentation of my portfolio and reflect a more professional approach to my practice.
For the personal branding project, I felt that I was able to extend my options after the course. For example, creating tax return and proposal letters was one way to prepare me for the financial side of client handling. This could prove to be a useful asset to my practice, as it will allow me to work freelance during the period between graduation and a position at a design studio. Therefore, I will also be able to consider how my services are priced and how this will correspond with the needs of a client.
Having come into contact with graphic designers in the industry, I feel more confident in my ability to present myself as a design and reflect the specialties, as well as the interests I have within the creative sector. This will prove useful for future interviews and potentially presentations of my own design concepts.
Friday, 3 May 2019
OUGD603 - Personal Branding Outcome
In order for the developed concept and its ideas to exist within a context seen by the target audience, I designed a concept board of the personal branding that would be posted online. As prior research into Behance portfolios showed concepts in this way, I felt that this would allow the identity to reflect a more professional approach and could attract the attention of studios that present their own work in a similar way. A scrollable concept board also gives potential clients an overview of the way you work, meaning this could also reflect a more professional consideration of online engagement. This is something I want viewers and target audiences to see when viewing my work, as this will increase the chances of making an impression.
Taking inspiration from other layouts, I began by sketching the order and positioning of the entire identity. Starting with the logo, the concept board would take viewers on a journey through initial concepts, typography and colour choices to the end result and ways that the identity works throughout physical and digital formats.
The board begins with the logo and a short summary of the personal branding concept. This reads: 'In reflection of my passion for bespoke design, I wanted my personal branding to look sophisticated. Therefore, I chose a style that made use of my frequently used colours, including shades of blue and graphite grey. The use of Helvetica Bold and Light made the positioning of text contemporary in its approach, while also providing the logotype with a shape to work from.'
The typography section embodies the collection of fonts, logotypes and sizes used throughout. Later sections refer back to this in small text down the left hand side to indicate the font sizes used and where.
The colour coordination is shown within the shape of the logo and gives viewers a code to each colour for reference. To the left, the text indicates the primary and secondary colours used throughout the identity.
The print section then goes on to explain how the concept was applied physically (proposal, tax invoice and introduction documents) for clients.
Using a simple visual presentation of the business cards was easier for the viewer to read the information on either side.
The stationary mock up then gives viewers, and particularly potential clients an idea of what documents they can expect to receive when doing business with me.
Finally, the viewer is left with a visual approach to my Behance page, which means they are then likely to understand the reasons for the colour scheme and cover images of each project. The concept board ends by enticing viewers to check the remainder of the identity on the rest of my Behance profile. This only emphasises the contextual placement of this document, as it would appear on Behance promoting my self branding, but as a result could bring viewers to my page.
Link to Behance page
https://www.behance.net/alexpankhurst
Taking inspiration from other layouts, I began by sketching the order and positioning of the entire identity. Starting with the logo, the concept board would take viewers on a journey through initial concepts, typography and colour choices to the end result and ways that the identity works throughout physical and digital formats.
The typography section embodies the collection of fonts, logotypes and sizes used throughout. Later sections refer back to this in small text down the left hand side to indicate the font sizes used and where.
The colour coordination is shown within the shape of the logo and gives viewers a code to each colour for reference. To the left, the text indicates the primary and secondary colours used throughout the identity.
The print section then goes on to explain how the concept was applied physically (proposal, tax invoice and introduction documents) for clients.
Using a simple visual presentation of the business cards was easier for the viewer to read the information on either side.
The stationary mock up then gives viewers, and particularly potential clients an idea of what documents they can expect to receive when doing business with me.
Finally, the viewer is left with a visual approach to my Behance page, which means they are then likely to understand the reasons for the colour scheme and cover images of each project. The concept board ends by enticing viewers to check the remainder of the identity on the rest of my Behance profile. This only emphasises the contextual placement of this document, as it would appear on Behance promoting my self branding, but as a result could bring viewers to my page.
Link to Behance page
https://www.behance.net/alexpankhurst
Thursday, 2 May 2019
OUGD603 - Personal Branding Development 2
Developing the tax invoice document further meant changing the colour scheme and adding the outline shape of the logo in the backdrop to the information. A subtle hint to the logo was also added beneath the header and the text was made italic so that it would correspond to the shape. At the bottom left hand corner of the document, the finalised logo was applied but used the same orange colour to allow consistency.The colours applied to this document were used as a way to contrast the blue used in the introduction page, making its intention clearer to viewers.
The header was set to 100%, the centre service description at 80% and the surrounding text boxes at 60%. The background was set at 40%, making it a subtle feature of the document.
Once the new developed designs were applied, it was clear that they were much better than the previous styles and created less crowding within the visual approach. The shapes used in the background also became more visible and therefore reflected the consistency of the identity better. Seeing as these new shapes applied to the background worked well for the physical embodiment of the identity, I decided to apply them to the background of my Behance online page. This way the identity remained consistent with its online presence but also in the cover images of the portfolio projects. As shown below, the cover images were changed so that the light blue found in the finalised logo could be applied to each project.
OUGD603 - Personal Branding Development
To begin developing the concept, it was necessary to first consider the formats in which the personal branding could be applied. This meant thinking about how my practice will develop after the course and what promotional material may be needed for the chance to gain employment. Using Behance as a source of inspiration to the materials, I found that many existing designers would create their own business card. Therefore, I decided to start by applying the concept to a business card of my own.
In order to design content that would work to promote my portfolio both to studios and clients, I decided to design 3 documents that could be used to handle business transactions in the near future.
Applying the personal branding identity to these documents, allows clients or potential commissioners to see the professional potential of this identity and the many ways it is applied throughout my work.
Having previously studied online examples of these documents, it became clear what I would need to include in order for contacts to understand who I am as a designer and what I would be proposing.
I started by creating an introduction letter, titled 'Who I am'. This gave viewers a brief summary of my practice, experience and references.
The next document was a proposal letter, which would be used to inform the client or commissioner of the financial information and payments, based on my hourly rate. I used the navy blue colour for the header and the light blue for the body text boxes. In the background there is a subtle pattern of the shape of the logo.
The tax invoice document contains the name of the project, the date in which it was set, reference numbers and descriptions of the service. This document was designed in the same way that the proposal letter had been, so that the two would correspond in relevance to one another and show clients they are both needed.
At this stage, I feel that these documents could be developed further so that the information included is clear and the audience are aware of the intentions of these documents.
Creating mock ups of the personal branding items, made it easier to understand how these features would look as real documents. It also provided the online promotion with more sophisticated imagery to use when trying to appeal to contacts.
In order for this idea to work in an online portfolio context, I decided to add the design to a mock up that could potentially be used for online promotion. In addition to this, I had 100 physical copies of the card printed using a off-white coloured recycled paper. This would reflect some of my sustainability awareness within my practice. Using Gill Sans MT Bold for the front of the card, the viewer is shown I am a graphic designer. On the back, using Avenir Black, the card states what it is I specialise in. At the bottom, using Avenir Light, the card shows potential clients or contacts how to see work posted online and how to get in touch.
Applying the personal branding identity to these documents, allows clients or potential commissioners to see the professional potential of this identity and the many ways it is applied throughout my work.
Having previously studied online examples of these documents, it became clear what I would need to include in order for contacts to understand who I am as a designer and what I would be proposing.
I started by creating an introduction letter, titled 'Who I am'. This gave viewers a brief summary of my practice, experience and references.
At this stage, I feel that these documents could be developed further so that the information included is clear and the audience are aware of the intentions of these documents.
Creating mock ups of the personal branding items, made it easier to understand how these features would look as real documents. It also provided the online promotion with more sophisticated imagery to use when trying to appeal to contacts.
OUGD602 - Personal Manifesto
I consider myself to be enthusiastic about commercially driven design, particularly when it comes to branding and identity concepts. I plan to seek a position at a design studio in the north west that focuses on sports or event branding, as I enjoy working with different format to best appropriate a consistent identity. This will benefit my practice as I believe this is where my talents and passion for graphic design lie.
Over the next 12 months, I hope to experience more as a freelancer while I seek a position as a designer in a studio. I also plan to travel to different places in Europe this summer, so that I can be inspired to try new things and gather research for more of my own personal practice. One thing that is likely to develop in my practice over the next few months is my interest in UX design, as I would like to explore functionality of digital application.
Over the next 12 months, I hope to experience more as a freelancer while I seek a position as a designer in a studio. I also plan to travel to different places in Europe this summer, so that I can be inspired to try new things and gather research for more of my own personal practice. One thing that is likely to develop in my practice over the next few months is my interest in UX design, as I would like to explore functionality of digital application.
Wednesday, 1 May 2019
OUGD603 - Personal Branding Initial Ideas 2 (Typography & Colour)
As the concept for the project involved taking elements from previous work to use for the inspiration, I started to gather potential fonts and at different weights. This way, there would be a variety of styles throughout the identity, but also there would be a chance to apply fonts to different formats more appropriately. For example, when designing a portfolio to add online, Helvetica Bold will work best for headers, while Helvetica Light could accompany the header with smaller body text. Another font that was chosen was Avenir, as it had proved to be a stylish font in a previous brief and reflected a contemporary and sophisticated style. This was ideal for the identity, as I wanted it to be as commercially appealing as possible and to show elegance.
In terms of the colour scheme, I knew that I wanted the identity to include personal preference but also allow for the colours to work with the layouts. Therefore, I picked several shades of blue that were closely related to one another and in addition, picked shades of orange and grey that would be used as contrasting backup colours. Primarily, the personal branding identity would use 4 main colours including blue and orange, while the secondary colours were limited to grey and orange.
OUGD603 - Personal Branding - Initial Ideas (Logo design)
Having previously started a design for a website, I felt that some of these elements could be used in a more up to date version of my self branding. However, as my practice has significantly changed in its direction and types of work it would also be important to reinvent a new idea for the personal branding. This way, the identity can reflect my most recent work and who I am as a designer at this point in time.
Starting out with a personal logo design, the idea was to use a font that had been used frequently throughout other briefs and one that would be able to work both in physical promotional material, as well as online digital formats. One of my favourite fonts to use is Helvetica in Bold, as it is iconic to the commercial design sector, is found universally in various different formats and creates a bold impression on its viewer. I felt that this font would work best for updating the logo design I had initially started at the beginning of the year.
This logo shown to the left, was the original design used for the promotion of my website. However, I didn't like how the colours looked in this version.
After revisiting the idea again, I started by dividing the letter 'A'. This was used to reflect the first letter of my name and to add personality to the logo. Focusing on the counter space and open counter space at the bottom of the letter, the finalised logo used a more subtle light blue that could be used on a white background. I found this version to be more appealing as it had less contrasting colours and could be used in a variety of ways. Choosing to focus of the counter space within the letter, gave the viewer a vague idea of what the letter was, and therefore became more subtle.
In addition to the logo design, I decided to experiment by combining elements of a previous brief. This was the personal typographic logo brief, which was created with the intention of adding personal touch to my emails. However, after further thought on the idea it was decided that the signature would act as a logo type design.
This logo shown to the left, was the original design used for the promotion of my website. However, I didn't like how the colours looked in this version.
In addition to the logo design, I decided to experiment by combining elements of a previous brief. This was the personal typographic logo brief, which was created with the intention of adding personal touch to my emails. However, after further thought on the idea it was decided that the signature would act as a logo type design.OUGD602 - Uniform Agency Reference
After working with Neil Sheakey for a week at Uniform studios, I contacted him again recently to get a reference from my time working there.
Tuesday, 30 April 2019
OUGD603 - Personal Branding - Visual research
Before the design stage for the personal branding could begin, it was important to first understand what inspirations could be taken and used for the style of the identity and the way in which to lay it out. During my time working with Uniform agency, I was given insight into the portfolios that agencies look for when applying at graduate level. I was shown examples of the graphic designers' websites and their own work, including the ways in which they layout their projects. I think this was a great way to tailor my own portfolio online and create it in a way that would appeal to studios of this type.
Another way that I was able to find inspiration was through Behance, as it provided several examples of existing online portfolios and personal branding projects. Studying the ways that designers layout the concept and explain it, made it easier for me to design a layout of my own that would eventually be useful for an online portfolio. Looking at how existing studios used certain typeface choices and colour schemes made me think about the sorts of fonts and colours found in my own work. As they would use them to reflect the type of business they are, in the same way I could include frequently used fonts and colours as a way to reflect my practice.
By also looking at the websites of the studios I am interested in, I can get a feel for how they prefer to present their own work. This might as a result, give me an advantage when it comes to applying for positions at these studios or similar places, as they will likely take interest in the projects similar to their own. One website I found particularly useful was Fifteen Studio in Liverpool, as this was one of researched agencies that I had considered applying for after graduation.OUGD603 - Quickfire: Logo and Website Homepage - Evaluation
After finishing this brief, I felt that I had designed something that could potentially be used for inspiration of another project in the near future. As I enjoy designing commercially driven projects, with public audiences in mind, this project was ideal for my portfolio and my practice. Similarly to the signature brief found on BriefBox, this brief was limiting in its time frame and made the design process more demanding as a result. I think that the overall aim of this was to improve my ability to work quickly and under a time constraint, as I would be required to design quickly if I were working as a freelance designer or at a design agency.
One thing that I particularly found useful from this brief, was the visual research before the design process began. Seeing other interpretations of a challenge such as this gave me the chance to consider how other people might interpret a design. This then led me to consider the audience the project might be designing for, and how contemporary graphic design would play a part in communicating key ideas in an appropriate manner. As a result, I can now add another logo/website brief to my portfolio and refer back to the concept, as well as the process in the future.
One thing that I particularly found useful from this brief, was the visual research before the design process began. Seeing other interpretations of a challenge such as this gave me the chance to consider how other people might interpret a design. This then led me to consider the audience the project might be designing for, and how contemporary graphic design would play a part in communicating key ideas in an appropriate manner. As a result, I can now add another logo/website brief to my portfolio and refer back to the concept, as well as the process in the future.
Wednesday, 24 April 2019
OUGD603 - Personal Typographic Signature ( 1 day brief ) Application and Evaluation
OUGD602 - Studios and Agencies
After completing a week's experience at Uniform studio in Liverpool, I thought about other agencies that could be contacted about job vacancies or internships.
Studios
Studios
- Smiling Wolf studio - www.smilingwolf.co.uk
- Unit3 Design Studio - www.unit3-designstudio.com
- Thoughtfully Studio - everythingthoughtfully.co
- Uniform Agency - uniform.net
- Black & Ginger - www.blackandginger.com
Thursday, 18 April 2019
OUGD603 - Sport Scouting - Evaluation and reflection
I think that by narrowing down these options for a scout would make the app more desirable to those who do not wish to travel long distance across the UK, without first seeing potential players. This app idea also makes scouting a less pressuring process, as some players tend to perform differently on the field when they know a scout is watching their game. Instead, the app allows the players to showcase the best of their talent and connect with potential contacts who may be interested in bringing them to trials. As a result, the app makes sporting careers more easily manageably for players, coaches and scouts alike, without the stressful pressures often found in youth academies.
In the digital age, making a switch to a digital format when planning matches can be good for a team, as it makes coach decisions quicker and more thorough when explaining. The information can then be shared on the app with players while outside of the game, meaning there can be more time planning prior to a match and an advantage over competitors. Using the app to view other teams gives players a chance to understand their opponent, understanding their weaknesses as well as their talents before meeting face to face. As a result, the app becomes more desirable in a market that lacks digital scouting options in the UK and provides users with ways to improve their skills on the field as well as their future careers as footballers.
Having little to no prior knowledge of wire-framing an application, it was clear to me early in the process that a project such as this would mean thorough investigation of the topic and what features would need to be added in order for it to provide a unique service that no other app can give. By applying a simple layout and colour scheme, the app gave users a simple break down of the options and how best to use them to their own advantage. However, I would have liked to have further explored the functionality of the app and looked into ways to bring it to life using UX and UI design. As I am not equipped with the knowledge of how to do this yet, I plan to use my experience with wire-framing in this project for future reference if I take on something of a similar nature.
Overall, I think that wire-framing was an enjoyable experience that taught me the many different and sophisticated ways to apply design for a format that is currently in high demand. After working with industry professionals, I was able to apply the research findings during my time there to this project. As a result, the project confronted the issue of youth academies and the pressures young players are under when training to become as big as their football idols. The app gave these players a sense of belonging but also highlights the competitiveness of the sport and encourages them to build a profile which showcases their talent, in the hopes that a scout can find their profile and offer them a trial.
In the digital age, making a switch to a digital format when planning matches can be good for a team, as it makes coach decisions quicker and more thorough when explaining. The information can then be shared on the app with players while outside of the game, meaning there can be more time planning prior to a match and an advantage over competitors. Using the app to view other teams gives players a chance to understand their opponent, understanding their weaknesses as well as their talents before meeting face to face. As a result, the app becomes more desirable in a market that lacks digital scouting options in the UK and provides users with ways to improve their skills on the field as well as their future careers as footballers.
Having little to no prior knowledge of wire-framing an application, it was clear to me early in the process that a project such as this would mean thorough investigation of the topic and what features would need to be added in order for it to provide a unique service that no other app can give. By applying a simple layout and colour scheme, the app gave users a simple break down of the options and how best to use them to their own advantage. However, I would have liked to have further explored the functionality of the app and looked into ways to bring it to life using UX and UI design. As I am not equipped with the knowledge of how to do this yet, I plan to use my experience with wire-framing in this project for future reference if I take on something of a similar nature.
Overall, I think that wire-framing was an enjoyable experience that taught me the many different and sophisticated ways to apply design for a format that is currently in high demand. After working with industry professionals, I was able to apply the research findings during my time there to this project. As a result, the project confronted the issue of youth academies and the pressures young players are under when training to become as big as their football idols. The app gave these players a sense of belonging but also highlights the competitiveness of the sport and encourages them to build a profile which showcases their talent, in the hopes that a scout can find their profile and offer them a trial.
Sunday, 14 April 2019
OUGD603 - Sports Scouting - Research
During my time at the Uniform Studio in Bold Street, Liverpool I worked for several days on a project that involved researching and collecting source material for a brief. As the studio had classified this brief from the public, I was not able to see the full extent of the work. However, instead they tasked me with collecting images and information about sports data and analytics for a discussion they would be having mid way through my time there.
When gathering the source material, this gave me the idea to start another brief of my own based on the findings so that they could be put to some use.
The research for Uniform began with layouts used for sports websites that gather information and analytics. Much of what I found involved the different uses of sports data and how this influenced the financial business of different sports. For example, I found that the analytics gathered by these websites were all using live feeds to collect information in real time around the world. The data from these websites can help sports teams to understand their upcoming opponents abilities, track progress of athletes, influence gambling sites and inform the public on future events.
This made me think about how teams in sports could use information to their benefit and what platforms were likely to be used to track player progress.
As the Uniform Studio brief involved content for an advertising campaign, I looked at different sports infographics and how abilities of players could be broken down into different statistical visuals. I thought about where these infographics might exist in the world of sport and which platforms people would most likely find them. This led me to research into the different websites of sports teams, more specifically, football teams in Europe.
Taking notes on different inspirational layouts and structures in these websites revealed some of the best and most stand out designs within the format. Most notable of these websites included Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint Germain and Lille OSC for their contemporary approach to web design.
When gathering the source material, this gave me the idea to start another brief of my own based on the findings so that they could be put to some use.
This made me think about how teams in sports could use information to their benefit and what platforms were likely to be used to track player progress.
Taking notes on different inspirational layouts and structures in these websites revealed some of the best and most stand out designs within the format. Most notable of these websites included Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint Germain and Lille OSC for their contemporary approach to web design.
The Idea
The proposed idea that came to mind from this gathered information was to find a way for young footballers in youth academies to get scouted more easily. The first thing that came to mind from this was to first look for existing apps that run on a similar principle to this. That is when I came across an article about a young footballer from Germany who was scouted when he attended a trial that had been advertised on an app called Tonsser. The app seemed to be in it's beta stage for UK users, but had found wide success in other parts of Europe when connecting footballers with coaches, scouts and trial events. Therefore, I decided that the idea would involve design for an app that allows players, coaches and scouts to connect more easily. This idea could potentially be a beneficial solution to clubs who spend money on sending scouts around the country in search of new players. It could also narrow down the options of players and coaches when finding a local team, signing up to events and managing progress, all from a handheld device. Having found several different visual approaches to sports data, this could prove useful in the design process of this brief over the next few days.Saturday, 13 April 2019
OUGD602 - Uniform studio summary
After spending the week with Neil Sheakey at Uniform studios in Bold Street, Liverpool, I was able to meet plenty of professional designers, advertising specialists and marketing team members. The aim of the visit was to understand the structure of a graphic design agency, how teams work together and the projects that they work on. As I enjoy branding identity, campaign design and other commercial forms of communication, I felt that my time at Uniform was well spent. Here I met firstly with Neil, who got to know me by interviewing me on my arrival. We spoke about my own practice, what sort of work I would be looking for in the future and how the studio could work to my benefit.
Throughout the week, I was then introduced to other members of the design team, including John Barton and Pete Blake. They provided me with work similar to the projects I had recently been working on, as this was the best way for them to see what style my work was. Towards the end of the week, I spoke with Pete about my own independent clothing brand and how I was considering changes to the identity. He then gave me advice on his own experience with freelancing and put me in contact with another designer who had been selling branded clothing of his own.
Overall, I feel that Uniform studio was my favourite work experience to date, as it was a thriving design space that felt more involving and busy for all people. This is exactly what I had been looking for, and as a result I feel confident in searching for a career within design agencies. Working together on a project was what attracted me most to this studio, but working independently with other designers around you also felt welcoming. I think that having experienced the work at Uniform and the people involved in the design structure, I am also confident that independent studios such as this are more attractive in terms of my career prospects. This is because there are many studios like this in the north-west that could potentially be of interest to me in the near future.
Throughout the week, I was then introduced to other members of the design team, including John Barton and Pete Blake. They provided me with work similar to the projects I had recently been working on, as this was the best way for them to see what style my work was. Towards the end of the week, I spoke with Pete about my own independent clothing brand and how I was considering changes to the identity. He then gave me advice on his own experience with freelancing and put me in contact with another designer who had been selling branded clothing of his own.
Overall, I feel that Uniform studio was my favourite work experience to date, as it was a thriving design space that felt more involving and busy for all people. This is exactly what I had been looking for, and as a result I feel confident in searching for a career within design agencies. Working together on a project was what attracted me most to this studio, but working independently with other designers around you also felt welcoming. I think that having experienced the work at Uniform and the people involved in the design structure, I am also confident that independent studios such as this are more attractive in terms of my career prospects. This is because there are many studios like this in the north-west that could potentially be of interest to me in the near future.
Friday, 12 April 2019
OUGD602 - Uniform Internship - Day 5
Today I began developing some of the research ideas I had found yesterday and presented them to other members of Neil's team. They then gave feedback to me on the things they were working on and how my work could be tied into their project. I felt this was good for understanding how each team communicated with one another on different tasks within a project.
I was also able to meet another member of staff who explained to me how he had ended up working for Uniform and the small independent businesses he knew from his time as a free lance graphic designer. He put me in touch with another colleague of his, who owned a part-time clothing label similar to my own. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to meet his contact but he did send me his details, which I plan to use soon when asking for advice about going freelance. I could also ask him what he would recommend for someone in my position and whether going freelance would be a good idea early in my career.
Overall, I had thoroughly enjoyed my time working for Uniform agency as I was able to meet plenty of friendly designers and creatives from different specialties. One thing that I planned to get out of the experience was to find out what life is really like at a design studio for someone who has recently graduated. Although there weren't many recently graduated members of staff, I did get advice from the people I had worked with on ways to break into the industry. It was also a bonus opportunity meeting someone with insight on freelance business and side projects, who was able to put me in contact with other creatives.
Work
The client they were designing for were looking to improve areas of their business through employee awareness, environmental impact and international communication.
Therefore the work that was required included sketching ideas for iconography, ideas about training employees and how well the business communicates between different sectors. They wanted me to illustrate these ideas in different ways, so that a A0 poster could be printed displaying all the information.
I was also able to meet another member of staff who explained to me how he had ended up working for Uniform and the small independent businesses he knew from his time as a free lance graphic designer. He put me in touch with another colleague of his, who owned a part-time clothing label similar to my own. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to meet his contact but he did send me his details, which I plan to use soon when asking for advice about going freelance. I could also ask him what he would recommend for someone in my position and whether going freelance would be a good idea early in my career.
Overall, I had thoroughly enjoyed my time working for Uniform agency as I was able to meet plenty of friendly designers and creatives from different specialties. One thing that I planned to get out of the experience was to find out what life is really like at a design studio for someone who has recently graduated. Although there weren't many recently graduated members of staff, I did get advice from the people I had worked with on ways to break into the industry. It was also a bonus opportunity meeting someone with insight on freelance business and side projects, who was able to put me in contact with other creatives.
Work
The client they were designing for were looking to improve areas of their business through employee awareness, environmental impact and international communication.
Therefore the work that was required included sketching ideas for iconography, ideas about training employees and how well the business communicates between different sectors. They wanted me to illustrate these ideas in different ways, so that a A0 poster could be printed displaying all the information.
Thursday, 11 April 2019
OUGD602 - Uniform Internship - Day 4
Following on from yesterday's task, I continued to gather source material for the visual approach to a client's business. As the promotional poster would involve a central component it was important to first try to visualise different sectors of the business and then compile different elements of each to summarise the look of the business in the middle. As the focus of the business was around environmental sustainability among other things, I began by visualising this in relation to the centre image.
Feedback from a Uniform member of staff gave me further ideas on ways to improve this visual and we then re-evaluated the brief so that I could better understand what it was that the client wanted. This also gave me the chance to look at the client's website again, so that I could gather research about their core ideas and aims. This also made the visual approach different as the website showed the business as a specialist in bespoke design, making the colour palette more elegant as a result.
Feedback from a Uniform member of staff gave me further ideas on ways to improve this visual and we then re-evaluated the brief so that I could better understand what it was that the client wanted. This also gave me the chance to look at the client's website again, so that I could gather research about their core ideas and aims. This also made the visual approach different as the website showed the business as a specialist in bespoke design, making the colour palette more elegant as a result.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)