OUGD406: Module Evaluation

Brief 1 - Design is About Doing: Evaluation

My initial research into different album artists such as Leif Podhajsky and Storm Thorgerson really helped me to get an understanding of what makes album art work and even sell. After this I printed off the song lyrics to Elbow - Grounds for divorce and began to analyse what the lyrics meant and also how they could be interpreted. I began to sketch out thumbnails from ideas that I had jotted down and I found that by drawing ideas out I suddenly found I got more ideas as I was drawing. 

At first I really liked the idea of showing time going by flowers dying which linked to part of the lyrics where he is giving his wife flowers but they are doing no good. However as I began to develop this idea I found it really didn't work and I was better off moving onto other thumbnails. 

First Idea

In the end I settled with two ideas that you can see below. The first one was the painting of the dying rose with the hand reaching for it. The song touches on many issues and so the concept behind this idea is aiming to touch on a few of them. The red rose dying symbolises how his marriage is failing even though he is buying his wife flowers they both know ‘it does them know good’, it isn’t working; the marriage is still dying  like the flower. The second thing it touches on is his friends’ death, the dying flower symbolises the passing away of his friend almost like putting a flower on a grave. Death is part of nature and the flower dying helps to illustrate this. In my painted version the hand is dropping the flower, like it has slipped out of the hand to suggest him having to let go of his dying marriage and deceased friend. 

I found with this idea it looked good with the type but the brief specified that I couldn't put any type on it which gives away the album name, I found that without the type the piece looked off balance and just slightly odd. As you can see below the type works well with this drawings and helps to balance out the piece.

Second Idea

The concept behind this idea was having the cigarettes slowing burning out to represent how his time is running out. The cigarettes are an iconic image of the pub he can’t seem to get away from and represent his addiction to alcohol and smoking as well as incorporating the idea of a habitual routine; smoking to help with the loss of his friend and with the failure of his marriage.  

I wanted to use a darker colour to reinforce the concept of the piece, since it is not a happy subject nor a happy song I felt a bright colour would be inappropriate and also remove some of the seriousness. Looking at one of the Elbow album variations I decided to work with a similar colour scheme because it felt appropriate to their old art work as well as the topic in which the song was based. The colours have worked well in relation to what they are meant to compliment as well as reinforcing the serious side of the song. 

I really enjoyed this project as I felt I learnt quite a lot from it. For instance the idea I initially wanted to run with looked great with the title, however as soon as it was removed it just didn't work anymore. This really showed me that although something may work it needs to fit in with the brief guidelines. 

I found that I did push myself on this project to go further and try out methods that I hadn't previously, for example one idea I had was of snooker balls moving around so that the camera would capture their lines of travel. For this I needed to rent a camera - something I hadn't previously done, as well as trying to get the settings to work. In the end I found this really didn't work; perhaps to my lack of experience or just the strength of the idea/concept. However even though it could be seen as a few days wasted I really benefited from that time trying to get it to work and figure out why it wasn't. As well as trying to resolve it as a problem.

Brief 4 - Speaking From Experience: Evaluation

This was my final outcome, having a hotdog fold booklet with a poster on the back. I created this book after looking back on the things I struggled with in the first year. The main thing was crits as I was so underprepared and at first couldn't really see the point in them. As soon as I realised how beneficial they were my work began to get better and more informed. I believe this booklet will help first years that were in the situation I was in to begin with as it covers 4 main areas: 

1. What is a Crit?

Explanations to different types of crit and the differences between them.

2. Why are Crits Useful?

I feel like if I realised this earlier on my work would have been better!! So this really just underlines why they help you and how you shouldn't see them as something you need to do because its scheduled but because it will benefit you.

3. Types of Crit

...and all their pros and cons. This is quite useful as it allows you to prepare and figure out how you would need to present your work.

4. What to take

A list and explanations to what you should show at the crit to get the best possible feedback.

I decided to produce my final outcome in a hotdog fold and have been pretty set on this from the beginning as it seemed like the best way to get across a large quantity of information whilst still being bearable to read. This seemed like the most appropriate format as it allows for a different sections of information to be broken up individually and explained as well as having space for a poster which they can keep showing the main points. I felt like people would be more likely to take time to read something they can sit down and flick through in their hands rather than standing and staring at a wall (with the poster on it). Equally students can easily access the PDF which allows them to look at it on their computer or even print out their own.

I chose to work with black, white and a turquoise colour. I wanted to keep the colour scheme simple because each page was going to be A6 which is quite a compact space and too many colours would overcrowd it and make it hard to read. The turquoise is a strong colour that works well with both black and white. It is age appropriate to my target audience of first year graphic designers as it makes the information have more of a friendly tone rather than a serious one. It makes the page layout more exciting to read and breaks up heavy body copy.

Next year when presenting to first years I will hand a five(ish) copies out to go around. I feel this is a good number to show around to the first years, printing one each would be too much cost as well as the amount of stuff that freshers receive I feel like it would most likely be chucked. At the same time talk through crits so that they get a good idea through what I have said as well. It may drill in how important they are and not to miss them!! I will also make a PDF available so they could create their own but if not I will print the poster and the information (with changed layout) onto thick card. This will then be stuck on the wall and gives them something to refer back to. This gives three different ways in which they can engage with my project.

Overall I have really enjoyed this project as it has been interesting looking back on the year and realising how much I have learnt and how much better I have become at presenting and how the confidence in my work has grown. The project has also been good as I have had to figure out the best way to produce the work and the most appropriate methods and way to publicise it. I feel I have been successful in finding a way to get all the information in whilst designing it in a style which would appeal to the target audience. As after all students love sticking posters on their walls.

Brief 4 - Speaking From Experience: Presentation

One thing I really struggled with when I joined was Crits. I didn't have any confidence in my own work and didn't really know what to ask or what to get out of crits. Overall I found them very daunting.

I decided that I would make a book which focused on the 4 key areas which I felt would have helped me at the beginning of the year.

My target audience is pretty obvious, being the first year graphic designers. 

Overall the Final Presentation went well. It was suggested to print the posters off full size so that it wouldn't have the creased on and also put all the information onto a poster as well as a hotdog fold so that I can put both up in the studio for the 1st years so they have something to refer to.

Brief 3 - Screen Print (Poster): Evaluation and Style Explanation

This was my final outcome for Brief 3 Screen Printing a Poster. The Film I was given was Unbreakable, "A suspense thriller with supernatural overtones that revolves around a man who learns something extraordinary about himself after a devastating accident." After watching the film and then rewatching it several times I noticed some key themes that ran through the film. Purple was a colour which kept appearing throughout the film to represent Elijah. His first comic - which gets him into the idea of good and evil/ superheros was wrapped in purple paper. His coat lining, and any key colours were purple. During flash backs he would be shown in Purple.  The colour purple represents various things such as royalty, wealthy, magic and mystery. This colour is known to stimulate imagination and inspire high ideals. This is quite fitting with Elijah’s expansive imagination and the feeling of mystery and magic that comes with it.

Ive decided to work in this high impact style because the bold blocks of colours really represent the bold clash of personalities and beliefs between the two main actors. The negative space of the city really breaks the colours up and lets them stand to their own. I don't think I would have used any more colours because I don't think any more are needed and if they were added they would potentially take away the powerful visual design.  The tear down the middle helps to separate the characters and imply that they are fighting for different sides rather than being on the same team; without the tear it looks like they are on the same side.

The target audience would be creative people who look for pieces of work which are not mainstream, but rather something different and reflects an individual response to the film. Because of this Screen printing fits really well as it adds a personal touch which people with a creative interest can appreciate.

Overall I am really pleased with the outcome. It has connotations which are apparent to people who have watched the film; such as the strong purple colour used to represent Elijah and also the silhouettes of the people. At the same time it is still visually pleasing and enticing for people who have not seen the film. On a more practical level I think this outcome is the best for the method of screen printing as it is high impact but the colours are separate, this means it is easier to line up as there is no risk of the colours overlapping.

Brief 4 - Speaking From Experience: Information

Crit happens

What is a crit?
A critique is where you present your work to the rest of the group in order to get good feedback and help.

Interim Crit
An interim crit is half way between the briefing and the deadline. It allows you to present your current ideas and get feedback on which which idea to go with.

Final Crit
The final crit is where you present your finished outcome.

Why are they useful?
If you are unsure on where to go with your project
Gives you ideas you may not have thought of.
Points out problems and flaws
makes sure you are following the guide lines of the brief
other peoples projects could spark an idea for yours.
You get to know other people and see how they work and learn from them

Types of Crit
There are different types of crits and they all have pros and cons. DEFINITION FOR EACH

Presenting infront of the class
+improves your presentation skills
+you can explain your work
+you can answer any queries
- people may not say what they think honestly
-if you go towards the end people are hot and tired and may not give the best feedback
-long

Laying it down on the table 
+you get honest feedback as it is anonymous
- it can be hard to read some peoples hand writing
-/+ you cant explain your work so some may not understand it. but this shows whether its solved the problem or not.
+ you get more feedback as everyone writes something.

Small Groups
+you can present and explain your work
+people feel more comfortable to give feedback as there is less of an audience
- the feed back you get is limited to your group
- you don't get to see everybody's response


What should you take?
Depending on the type of crit affects how you present your work but the substance should be similar. If presenting infront of a class then a powerpoint works well as it is projected on the big screen so everyone can see it. However here you would keep writing to the minimum and talk through it as you go. For presentations where you are not there then you use Design sheets. The design sheets have more information on and explain what you are doing with your project and what steps you've taken. You should include:

Research
How have you got to this step? What artists have you looked at and how have they influenced your work.

Thumbnails
Small sketches showing possible outcomes. You shouldn't put all your time and effort into these but really use them to figure out how your outcome would work. Its a great way to get lots of quick ideas down.

Colour Choice
Why have you chosen the colours? Does the brief limit how many colours you can use? Have they been informed by any research.

Stock Choice
What kind of stock are you going to print on? Is it card or tracing paper? thick or thin? The stock choice will affect how you can print and what you can make. Your stock choice should be relevant to your concept.

What the Final Outcome is going to be
What do you want to produce at the end of the brief? This will really affect all your other choices as not only should you research artists but into publication methods or artists that are particular to that section. For example if you were making a book you should also research into binding methods and page layout.

Your Design boards are so useful and should really show how your idea has developed. Show where you started with your thumbnails right to what decisions have influenced your final outcome.


What should you ask?

This is a great time to get feedback and really clarify where you are going next if you are unsure or confused. You don't need a final outcome set in stone for an interim crits as they are aimed to check you are on the right track and its good to have an idea but experiment with others. Remember your first idea is always your best.

What should you say?
When giving feedback try to have a purpose to what you are saying.

Brief 4 - Speaking From Experience: Research

I liked the idea of "Crit Happens" and decided it would like quite cool screen printed if not screen printed in minimal colours which is why I wanted to look at some screen print artists. 

Blexbolex

Blexbolex is a multi-award winning graphic artist and illustrator based in Berlin. Born in Douai, France as Bernard Granger, he finished his degree in screen printing and has been working in prints for over three decades. His visual storytellings, which are commonly found in children books and graphic novels, illustrate his experimental approach to blending characteristic hand-drawn illustration with commercial printing techniques and book production.

Type Factory Booklet

I loved the contrast between the green and dark grey and how the typography had been cut out but was still legible. A strong impact is created by just two colours.

Brief 4 - Speaking From Experience: Brief (Rewritten)

I've decided to venture down the route of crits because it was something that I personally struggled with and I know a lot of others did as well. I decided not to do budgeting because I did research into both and there seems to be quite a bit online about how to budget and not much about crits especially for students. I feel that if I knew more about them then I would have been less scared when it came to taking part in them.

Brief

When students first join a Graphic Design degree course, a large amount of them are unaware and cautious of the idea of a Critique. Crits are of great use as they allow students to get feedback on their work and in turn develop their project however most students do not take full advantage of this. Produce a graphic response either physical or digital which would help to ease first year Graphic Design students into the idea of a crit.

Work with any appropriate media or format and develop and identify the content will be entertaining, advisory or informative.

Background Considerations

What/ why do they need to know?

How will you tell them?

You must identify whether you are trying to EXPLAIN, INFORM, INSTRUCT or EDUCATE the audience?

What will the audience respond to, where will they look? How will they need to interact with it? How will you know it is working?

Will it be a; collection of, a presentation of or instructions to.

What is the tone of voice? It must be appropriate to your subject, audience and method of delivery. It could be serious or tongue in cheek however it must be appropriate for your target audience of first year graphic design students.

Mandatory Requirements

A piece of graphic design either physical or digital which resolves the brief.

Deliverables

Design development sheets.

Test Prints

Resolved design solutions in a format and media appropriate to your ideas.

Evaluation.

Brief 4 - Speaking from Experience: Starter Task

Today we were put into groups and had to list the problems we had when we first joined uni/moved to leeds. These words were then formed into a problematic statement to which we could write a brief around. One problem we found was distinguishing a statement from a problem as everything we wrote sounded like a statement. 

We picked one problem which happened to be about eating healthy and being able to cook at uni and then wrote a brief around the problem. We asked other groups to write down on the back how they would solve this and the answers we got back really fitted with what we initially hoped for. 

Our five problems and below trying to word them into problematic statements.

The final question we worked with.

Written brief.

Doing this task was useful as it gave us an idea of what we will be doing in the second year for our briefs but also what process we need to do to start this brief. After the lesson I mind mapped some initial ideas of things that I and others were scared or nervous about before University.

At the moment the ideas I think have most possibility are:

Crits
When I first started I found crits really hard because I didn't feel confident in my work or really know how to present it. I also had no idea on what kind of feedback to give without sounding mean or critical. However I've now learnt its fine to sound mean and critical.
I quite liked the idea of making something to help with Crits and presenting your work as most people feel it is quite daunting. I love the idea of a title "Crit Happens" taken from "Sh*t Happens" because crits are always there it is just about seeing the benefit to you. Below is a list of things it could include.

- what is a crit
- types of crit
- why crits are useful
- what to get out of crits
- what to include
- what to consider

Budgeting 
One thing I started doing when I came to uni was budgeting and accounting for my financial expenses, especially without a job I needed to know what I was spending on what and how much. For the majority of students its their first time away from home where they are in-charge of their finances and making sure their loan lasts!

One Idea I had for this was a downloadable spreadsheet where they could write in the amount of money they have and then it subdivides it into average categories. However I don't know whether this would be classed as graphic design or not. Perhaps I could link it in with where to shop and what is cheap but good etc...

Brief 2 - Communication is a Virus: Hanging the Origami

Thursday 20th March
Once Packs were handed out on monday, Aimee and I felt greatly concerned that there hadn't been as big as a reaction as we were hoping for, Throughout the week we were unsure on what to do as we didn't physically have enough origami to create the exhibition and it would have been an embarrassingly small amount on show. 

Thursday night we managed to make an outstanding amount, over 300 birds! and cubes to hand in between. On the friday we were overwhelmed with how many we had made. On the friday I stayed behind with Aimee, Elliott and Kieran as we hung them all up. Other people from graphics also stayed which was really helpful as we were missing members of our team and we would have struggled to do it all ourselves in the time frame.

String was hung around two pillars so that we could attach the origami as we went and get an idea of how full it was. Below are some photos from the night.

This was them all hanging from a distance, Unfortunately we couldn't move it because the fish wire would have tangled.

We had quite a few left over however, we were running out of time and equally if we added any more it wouldn't have looked as good as they were all evenly spaced out.

Brief 2 - Communication is a Virus: Posters Up

I printed lots of posters off and went around with Elliott as we stuck them up on free notice boards to advertise the show and also how to enter.

Brief 3 - Screen Print (Poster): Crit Feedback

I presented my three ideas to the crit. Below is some of the feedback I was given:

IDEA 1

IDEA 2

IDEA 3 

"Really Strong ideas, the compositions really work well. I think your strongest idea is idea 1, I like how the page is split into thirds. The silhouettes are prominent and the white text is highly readable against the purple. Maybe try inverting the colours or experimenting with different ones'"

"I like all your ideas as they all have really strong concepts. Although the scene may not seem as iconic as the rest, my favourite is number 3. Think it has really strong layout composition and like the illustration. Could you try different colours maybe from the purple idea!?"

"Idea 3 seems to be the strongest however I would change the visuals. Perhaps paint splatters next to a weight bench or the two paint buckets without the weights and bar."

"My favourite is design number 2, strongest and very memorable moment from the film"

"Idea one looks most like a movie poster BUT Idea 3 is most intriguing - makes me want to watch it. Love the importance of the hand reaching for the pole. Could you play on the water theme more - could you look at exposing things on live fabrics or use marbling to get a water like pattern"

"Idea one seems the strongest - I  think it would look stronger without type - Purple is always a good choice"

"Idea three looks could be the strongest with some further development. Consider communicating that scene in a more subtle way"

"idea 3 looks the strongest - Nice colour scheme"

"Idea one looks cool"

"Idea one is my favourite. The two meant standing in-front of a cracked city. nice. Idea 3 reminds me of Saul Bass' style. Its nice, but I prefer number 1"

"Idea 1 is most affective. Experiment with the negative space, composition is strong though."

"The aesthetic that you have created (especially the hand design) reminds me of Saul Bass, really well backed up and thought through. Design with hand or silhouette are strongest"


After this I am unsure what poster design to go with. I will take on board the feed back and play around and develop idea three more.

Brief 3 - Screen Print (Poster): Ideas From Watching the film

I decided to rewatch the film and this time screen shot parts that I felt were key or that could be incorporated into a poster design. 

Right from the very beginning of the film you can see it is based around comics; good fighting evil.

The train crash that he was one could make a great poster however it doesn't really hint at what the film is about. Although this may not be a bad thing.

I thought this was quite an iconic image of the silhouetted main character focused in by the dark framing. His waterproof coat looks like a cape, he is standing as if he is viewing the city and protecting it from trouble. 

I noticed that this colour purple was used a lot with Elijah. It seemed no matter how small purple was really a key colour. The colour purple represents various things such as royalty, wealthy, magic and mystery. This colour is known to stimulate imagination and inspire high ideals. This is quite fitting with Elijah's expansive imagination and the feeling of mystery and magic that comes with it.

This was a very detailed comic sketch which seemed to be an interesting style of art. The detail and precision that goes into even the smallest aspect of the piece could make a great poster. However the finer details may be too small to be screen printed.

The whole scene where he is lifting weights but then runs out so adds paint tins to the end seemed to me to be an iconic scene. He is beginning to realise he isn't like normal people and perhaps Elijah was right.

This was another part where he is beginning to realise; as people brush by him he gets snaps of what they have done.

His family all sat on the floor after his son tried to shoot him to prove Elijah right.

David falling in the pool with water being his weakness this is a great scene.

Reaching for help.

Fighting the man who hurt a family.

Newspaper report showing him as a mysterious hero.

Purple is a key colour again for Elijah on flash backs.