Concept idea generation.

Concept idea generation

Bellow is an overview of the process I have gone through to gather a concept idea through mindmaping and word association. This helps me form a base on were to then take my intial concepts into visual ideas in the form of thumbnails which will develop into more detailed sketchs then develop into a digital final through use of feedback from peers and basic trial and error and experimentation through color, type, image and composition. All initial sketches and further development will be backed up by visual inspiration and conceptual inspiration.

Did some asking about on peoples thoughts when they think 'versatile' & 'universal'. These will form the starting point of concept generation as overall the outcomes need to be versatile & universal. I highlighted words which could provide visual word association through a brief mind map. 

After creating a brief mind map i came up with a range of words that could provide visual responses, i listed the ones that would prove strongest in development stages. I will look back on these through initial idea stages.

Texture

Legible

Informative

Grit

Accuracy

Consistency

Fresh

Timeless

Neutrals 

Pastels

Minimalist 

Contrast

Angular

Photo frame composition & layout inspiration

Photo frame composition & layout inspiration 

Included a few examples of some uses of type and image in a variety of ways to help spark visual ideas for my frame backing paper. I chose a variety of examples to inspire fresh ideas, as visually all the frame examples are not visually appealing and don't provide much in the way of inspiration. Using different sources of inspiration will help create fresh and original ideas instead of lateral outcomes derived from a standard style of frame backing paper. As mentioned I want to aim the frame at a high end market so these examples present in essence have a much more corporate feel which will strengthen the quality of the frame it is to work alongside. 

I chose this example of use of type and image due to its simplicity in its type layout, keeping things clean and simple and easy to follow with legible sans serif typography in a left aligned format. This allows the eye to distinguish information clearly with no distractions as the image used is a simple combination of clean, vector shapes that within there composition work well with the typography. I like the monochrome colour scheme too, the use of 2 similar tones works well and creates a nice contrast. The combination of heavy type weights and bold full colour shapes works alongside each other and strengthens the whole layout. It would be nice to use something like UV inks on a colour scheme like this, or foil blocking. Embossing could also work well but due too it been a representation of what would be in the frame does would be pretty pointless as embossing is used for physical print outcomes that people can hold and appreciate the process's used. 

A-Side Studio. Falmouth UK. Formfiftyfive blog.

Im liking the idea of very clean type only compositions. This is a very minimalist approach to this concept. This could work well with dimensions been the large scale type section as seen bellow in the 1.2.3. & 4 glyphs. The use of large point size sans serif glyphs creates a very high impact outcome, but within the clean,minimalist composition of the label and the bottle design a contrast is created. This idea could work well, contrast the frame style with the composition style of the backing photo, for example if i had a very robust, natural finished wood frame. This type of ultra clean minimalist style would create a nice contrast and maintain a contemporary style and strengthen the versatility concept I want to portray in my initial ideas.  

Solo. Barcelona SPAIN. Formfiftyfive blog.

Here is an example i chose using a stock photograph and a combination of typography. There is also a type only design that works alongside the type and image outcome. This idea of creating a series of 3 backing photos with a combination of type only, type and image. and image only would be an interesting concept to try out. If a master layout is apparent throughout all 3 in terms of type choice, size, colour choice, layout or a combination of these elements a consistent feel would be emulated. This would work especially well if the frames came in as a set of 3, the use of image only & type and image could present how a photo would look in the frame, type only for things like certificates. The centre alignment and positioning of the ABA logo and the information on type only example works well as a set. I don't feel the information at the bottom of the combination works well though. The tonal range is consistent throughout the use of image and typeface colour choice, a very cold, industrial kind of outcome is apparent through the use of colour here which again strengthens the clean cut use of minimalist typography. 

Acme studio, ABA branding. Newgrids blog.

The final example shown is a nice use of type and image, i like the monotone overlay on the photo. Using a monotone overlay over a series of backing photos could create the idea of a set and create a feeling of consistency. Maybe even use different tonal ranges of the same colour? The simplicity of the small point size aligned flush to right and left page edges creates no distractions of the imagery presented. This could work well in displaying how a photo could look in the frame while still including information like dimensions, price and the brand of the frame. 

Albert Cheng-Syun Tang, The Institute of History and Philology (IHP) of Academia Sinica, Taiwan.
Newgrids blog

Context of Practice essay plan

Context of Practice essay plan

The question I will chose to do my essay on is "Choosing a particular period from 1800 to the present in what ways has art or design responded to the changing social and cultural forces of that period?" 

I will chose 2 specific examples related to this question, these will be of interest to me. So what I am interested in looking into at the moment would be the links between fashion an its ties with urban culture at present. The second point I will be looking at is how the cultural influences of 80/90s street wear/sportswear has been re-modernized for a new generation. Within the sector of urban culture I will look into subcultures, like how skating, hip-hop, graffiti and essences of urban landscaping all support this 'urban' culture that is so popular to date.

It would be interesting to look into the way in which advertising has changed throughout this period and how fashion based advertisements are aimed at there target audience both back in the 80/90s and now. 

Looking into artistic and design based 'trends' and comparing them to the trends of todays design industry would be good, if I could link these trends with the fashion trends somehow that would also strengthen my essay.

I feel the social circles within the music industry has done a full circle too along with this recycling of urban fashion culture, I feel theres always been a strong link between fashion and music so looking into design in the music industry back then and comparing it to now would be good to inform my body of work. 

I will read into Naomi Klein NO LOGO book to form my own opinions on her writings on 'the marketing of cool'. A movement of campaigns with companies like Nike and how they used black youths of american districts to subconsciously market there clothing lines. 

Design Process briefing & Studio Brief 1

Design Process briefing & Studio Brief 1

Had the module briefing for OUGD405 Design Process and I'm looking forward to starting to explore a broad range of process's to create a range of visual outcomes to portray different concepts and ideas. I will be trying out different print methods and production methods for how finals are produced, I will be trying out facilities like screen printing, laser cutting and other facilities on offer to create different outcomes. It will be necessary to consider process's and production methods in relevance to the design concept. Don't just start using things like laser cutting just because it looks nice and is ascetically pleasing. Consider concept and how the concept can be strengthened by certain process's. 

I will explore practical and conceptual approaches to research and problem solving in response to the briefs. 

Develop an awareness of issues relating to form, function and context in relation to design based problems of communication.  

I will further develop skills in recording, commenting, presenting and evaluating my work in response to my feedback from peer feedback and how work is to be inspired by gathered research. 

Studio Brief 1.

We also got our first studio brief set for this module, we are to re-design a photo frame backing image, a minimum of 3 designs will be produced made to work across a set of 3 different sized frames. The frame format size I can use are:

6x4 inches - 7x5 inches - 8x6 inches

A5 - A4 - A3

To begin with I will critically analyze existing photo frame backing photos, this will help me decide on what kind of target audience I will be aiming at depending on the store the frame comes from. Things to consider is the frame style, like if its ornate or simple. Then think about what type of customers will purchase the product, as the target market on a frame found in Harvey Nichols will be different to the one found in Wilkinson's or a pound store. 

Bellow are some examples of current examples of physical photo frames and there backing photos. 

Below are 2 examples of a series of photo frames from paperchase. Paperchase create very ornate and original products with contemporary styles inspired by current trends, so these will be mostly aimed at young to middle aged target markets. Mainly woman due to there overly decorative styles and colors. 

The first works as a set due to its ornate, floral styling carried throughout the 3 frames. They are very decorative in there physical styling and coloring is bold and vibrant. The style of the photo backing paper fits with the frame style, its very ornate and decorative using script style fonts. I feel this works well in terms of fitting the styling of the frame but visually it isn't very nice, centre aligned typography doesn't work in terms of readability and the use of white on a textured pastel background creates difficult to distinguish words. Would work much better with black. Also the change between white type and black isn't necessary it hinders consistency which is necessary for successful design to work when so few elements are used in the composition. 

The above centre frame and the below right frame have the most successful designs in terms of layout and presentation. The black background contrasts nice with the physical frame but the clean structure of the sans serif typeface clashes with the ornate physical frame. But in terms of legibility the white type works better on a dark background due to the difference in tonal ranges. The 2 colour scheme maintains constancy with the same colour typography and lower case sans serif typeface, would work better if it wasn't in an oblique format. Would be more structured if it was regular and would be framed up nicely by the surrounding frame. 

Bellow are examples of very traditional styled frames. They appear like there inspired by victorian patterns seen in the renaissance period. Extravagant spirals and florals creating very decorative yet symmetrical styles. But the photo backing paper doesn't work with this. It clashes in my opinion, the typeface is a hand drawn typeface with condensed uppercase glyphs that appear very elongated in there ascenders and descenders, there is no organization or structure like the symmetry represented in the frames ornate patterning. Not even physical elegance like a script typeface as this would work better than this. The type color choice is better though as there isn't too much of a hindering contrast between the tonal ranges, its legible enough in that sense. This typeface would work well with a very robust hand made chunky wood frame that has a very organic texture and natural colouring   

Very decorative and physically ornate with 3D sculpting, has a very festive feel. Paperchase base a lot of there products around seasons or ongoing trends, this has a very wintery and christmasy feel. The Script typeface fits well with the styling of the frame and keeps a very traditional hand made feeling throughougout the backing image and the frame itself. I find the flowers in the background to be distracting again hindering readability of the typography. The use of the flowers works with the frame as it is based on nature so a link can be established here but still in terms of design it doesn't work. 

Bellow are some examples I found in Sainsburys these were priced mid range and all followed a simple kind of structure within there physical creations. In terms of target market I feel these will be quite open, they appear quite universal in there frame styling and they could easily fit in in a minimally decorated room just as much as a lavishly decorated room. And the typography and layout design strengthens this universal and diverse concept. 

Bellow is a natural wood finished traditional type of frame, very versatile in where it could be displayed. The photo backing paper works well in conjunction with the frame. The color scheme works well with it the black logo TU stands out nicely due to a strong tonal range contrasting on the soft pastel colors throughout the frame itself and the paper background. The Typography is clean and simple much like the frame itself creating very legible and easy to read information. Consistency is achieved through all lowercase sans serif typefaces but I feel it could have worked better if the information matched the typeface used in the logo. Not having distracting imagery displaying a stock photo works in this piece, a photo is too busy and I feel it distracts the buyer away from the product they are there to buy. The frame, design needs to be minimalistic and support not outweigh the visual aesthetics of the frame style and structure. 

Below is another example from there 'home' range. Again the backing paper works well with conjunction with the frame, I prefer the contrast of the frame and backing paper here though. The colour difference emulates the tonal ranges in a photo more, a photo would never have such light tonal ranges so this gives a better representation of how the frame would encase an actual photograph. The layouts work in a set by using the vertically positions 'home' tag positioned to the right of the page and the layout of the brand log and the dimensions. The only difference been that I don't like is the increase of size in the brand logo and dimensions compared to the wooden frame. The above appears to have more consideration within the use of space within the composition, were as the below has just taken this master layout and increased the size wich in my opinion causes a visual clash with the 'home' tag. It creates confusion when viewing and creates a very busy feel within the composition. And the frames are very clean and simple. This needs to be presented within the backing paper too. 

Below is an example from Ikea, it follows a similar layout style within it's composition and use of pastel colors like the Sainsbury's examples. The pastel grey works well in conjunction with the warmth of the brown natural wood frame. A nice contrasts of hot and cold between the cold grey and brown in the frame, contrast comes in the form of the header and feh folio information with dimensions and product name in white. Clean sans serif typography works well in a heirachy style of type sizing. Header in large point size and uppercase with size tapering down with small type at the bottom of the composition. I feel a clash is caused with the combination of left aligned information and right aligned info but I like the use of a barcode on the photo backing paper. This would be aimed again at middle market, its quite versatile so could be aimed at both older or younger generations who will use it in conjunction with contemporary or traditional styled decors.

After viewing these range of frames I have come to the conclusion I would like to create a photo backing plate for a range of frames that are very universal in there use. This way I can create a very versatile design outcome that could be interpreted in many ways and can fit into a variety of contexts and presentations. I feel by creating a backing image for a versatile frame gives me a good scope for trying out ranges of process's within layout, type, composition and color schemes. 

I will look further into simply constructed frames that concentrate on good quality materials and simple constructions and will look into higher end frames. I feel creating a versatile design outcome aimed at a high end market will be challenging and informative to me and will give me the possibility of creating a range of concepts to develop and take forward. 

Chronologies of Print lecture

Chronologies of Print lecture

Print was a revolution, it made it possible to communicate a message through text and image in its varying stages of progression through the ages. Its original purpose wasn't to look pretty and be aesthetically pleasing it was to communicate a message. 

The basic idea of Print was to produce text or imagery buy applying a medium to a surface for example the first form of Print in the form of image communication was found on cave walls. The medium been some kind of oil based ink and the surface been the cave wall. 

Printing is seen as a real thing, it exists. Its a physical thing. Not a snipped of information in the huge mass that is the internet, one day a website could be there the next it could be gone. Were as print will always be archived for example newspapers. 

On this concept of information been passed on through varying sources like the internet a task was carried out on the internet, someone at the front read a message from a printed item passing it on whispering to the person behind, when it got to the back row the message was manipulated that much it made zero sense. This links with the use of social media and how a story can be diluted down through gossip basically. Something I have touched on in a past research project. 

A basic timeline of print moving on from caves dates back to the year 200BC, printed mediums in a physical form originated in Japan and an ink medium was printed onto cloth.

500 the Chinese began using this method, 300 years later in a country that isnt that far way from each other? Its shows how hard it was to get a message communicated away from local areas.

It wasn't until 1400 when Europe finally discovered print, they saw this an opportunity to communicate religion in publication formats. This use of religion to communicate context helped distribute information and progress print. Knowledge was seen as power, so religious beliefs and religions held lots of power at this time.

1500BC UK got printing, 1800BC Americans got printing.

Mass communication came possible in 1450 when the Gutenberg press was invented, previous to this 20 pages a day could be produced by hand in publications, this press meant that 3600 pages a day could be published through the use of mechanical moveable typesetting. People now started to print onto paper, as it was cheaper to produce,versatile and easy to work with and a lot easier to distribute. 

 

At this time there were 3 main classes. Upperclass who had access to education  and were classy, well spoken and educated literate people.

Middle class people were literate but not as well dressed.

The lower class were seen as poor, scruffy non educated non literate cultures.

Punctuation and glyphes began to develop through the use of hot metal pressing type setting. This sparked the idea of type design, from been originally to communicate a message people began seeing typography as an art form. 

According to Marshal Mclulhan he predicted that through the progress print was making on communication and the development of mass communication he predicted the birth of the world wide web 30 years before it was actually produced. 

In 1880, the '8th wonder of the world' was born. Lino type. It allowed us to create solid lines of type through the use of a basic keyboard system allowing speed of communication, it helped newspapers mass communicate at speed a lot better due to before when news was received to typeset it individually it would take days and the news would be out of date. Linotype allowed it to take hours and back then a newspaper was 8 pages long (1884).

In 1970 the use of Linotype was abolished, a team of 30-40 men was reduced to 1 through the birth of the first computer system. 

Other print methods that are still used today and benefit different purposes are the following. 

Etching.

This was a form of dry point engraving used to create imagery commonly used for religious publications. 

Lithography.

Was a cheap method, word and image could be used together by using acid & limestone exposure to create a printing plate then oily mediums used to print this plate onto multiple surfaces to create publications and posters in a mass quantity. 

Screen printing.

Was a cheap, easy to reproduce and distribute method of creating interesting visual outcomes and is used a lot in the creative industry today. 

Bold public propaganda messages were beginning to be displayed at this time. The main propaganda concept of the progressing from these times lead to the Obey campaign. He was also responsible for the Hope posters created to put Obama into the white house so his political influences on the public cant be questioned. He saw street art as a form of mass communication, the obey concept was a blown up photo of Andre the giant when he received bad press so this campaign was made to regain his popularity basically. 

OUGD403 Evaluation

OUGD403 Evaluation

This brief was a good way for me to explore lots of different methods of working in a variety of set briefs. I learnt techniques in: 

Hand rendering typefaces based on manipulating a typeface inspired by a given word and partner characteristics. 

Creating a typeface in illustrator teaching me basics of the vector program adobe illustrator. Teaching me basic grid formats and introduced me to the digital print resource. This was informed by my first brief. 

Basic research techniques in primary and secondary formats used to inform visual responses on a news report. 

Basic poster design using basic colour theory and experimenting in layout techniques to create a high impact concept which worked in a sequence or a campaign of posters to present an idea or message.

Feedback was a key thing to my progress in this module, receiving positive feedback helped strengthen idea concepts and confidence to further develop ideas into stronger final outcomes. On the other hand the negative feedback helped me change weak ideas and visuals into stronger outcomes or helped me change the idea completely  

Overall I found the module interesting and challenging, the briefs I performed on well were the Illustrator typeface brief, I was extremely happy with the final outcome and send the design to a typography group on Instagram and it received 100's of positive comments. The poster brief I received positive feedback too especially on my image only, it was interesting to create an outcome that had no text to back up the concept. It was a new thing for me as I was used to using text in designs to communicate a message but the outcome held a strong message that was instantly understood. 

Elements I didn't enjoy as much or felt my outcomes could improve was the partner brief. I felt that with more idea development and inspiration from other sources I could have created a more consistent series of letterforms. Feedback was good but now i look back on it i see flaws.

To improve on my outcomes next time i will gather more research in terms of concept and visual inspiration, develop ideas a lot more and not be so lateral in terms of concepts. Step out of the box a little more and take more risks to create stronger outcomes. Better time management and pre-planning of a project will allow me to spend equal amounts of time on sections of the project instead of last minute rushing about on certain parts.

But overall I enjoyed the module and felt like I have learnt a lot, especially in terms of concepts that inspire my visuals. It was intense but it has prepared me for upcoming projects and readied me for the workload ahead and taught me to be more organised. 

Partner Typeface Inspiration

Partner Typeface Inspiration

Bellow are a few snapshots of examples I derived my styling and development of my partner typeface on. There isn't an obvious distinction but my development was sparked by some elements of these 2 typefaces. Which is evidenced in my development stages. I really like this design firms style, they are very versatile in creating typefaces that are very visually appealing as well as functional.

I took influences from the grid like format in the lorraine typeface and how it was made up of lots of different elements. the second one the Octobre one helped me play about with ideas of deconstruction and abstract positioning of letterform elements. It has a very digital format in terms of its origins. This style inspires my manipulation of digital origin Bauhaus and how it can contrast with the traditional roman Caslon typeface.

ApeloigLorraine

ApeloigOctobre

Context of Practice essay briefing

Context of Practice essay briefing

Todays session introduced us too an essay that needs to be complete on a question of our choice. It needs to be 3000 words give or take a 10% margin and this will include quotes from reference sources from internet and publication sources. 

The question I have chose to base my essay on is the following:

Choosing a particular period from 1800 to the present, in what ways has art or design responded to the changing social and cultural forces of that period. Chose 2 specific related examples. 

Looking into social changes and how it has influenced a visual culture is one way to look at this question, along with looking into how this visual culture is effected by wars and subcultures. Social effects is something that will form the essay too. 

We have been introduced to the Harvard referencing system as this will be a key element too referencing quotes from varying sources within the essay. We need to include 4 quotes from academic sources and the bibliography needs to consist of 12 sources. 

Examples of Harvard referencing. 

History of Typography and Language

History of Typography and Language

Visual language can be traced back to early 3200BC with visual language been presented in the form of symbols  and pictures in which a message was communicated. It wasn't until the Greek began to form an alphabet system which had a range of letters that followed a system and included constants and vowels within the language system. Typography was communicated by hand using things like feather quills and sable brushes up until 1450. 

In the 1450s the Gutenberg Press was produced meaning bodes of text could be produced time and time again through the application of letter press blocks during this development of communicating language the idea of a typeface began to arise forming the start of typography design. Due to lack of education the written word was unknown and common poorer societies were seen as barbaric with no communication skills up until the release of the Fosters Education Act in 1870 which made education available to all classes. The market within typography and the need for typography design created a huge gap for the start of the Meta-Language that is known as Typography. 

The styles and classifications of typeface design built on and built on with type design been seen as a modernist art movement at the time before been transformed into a way in which communication can be legibility presented in texts which lead onto typesetting in the digital age. 

Typeface originates back too script/black letter lettering which then lead onto Classical old style fonts like Garamond. This then lead to the production of Transitional typefaces which breathed life into typography within the modern movement which then lead to the Swiss Modern style of type design in the 1950s.

We are now in a contemporary age were there is so much typeface design out there it is begging to be a challenge in itself finding an overall good typeface that can fit most medias as there is so much typeface design that takes the concept of Form over Function creating lots of stunt typography out there with not much legible and readable type been available. 

Critical analysis of a Typeface Study task 5

Critical analysis of a Typeface

VAG Rounded is a typeface that Interests me through its use within the Volkswagen Audi Group from the late 70s up until the 90s. Before this the company used Futura for there branding and from 2007 to present it is used for the T-Mobile USA literature as well as Apple also using the typeface on the keyboards since 2007 to present. From this sense I feel the typeface follows a Form over Function concept as it was mentioned the styling needed to represent modern and friendliness, so i feel the concept was portrayed in a visual way to get the matter across. 

The typeface itself is made up of rounded termini and the initial concept was to create a soft round typeface that was required to "lend a modern friendliness" and maintains a geometric feel. The typeface itself was designed for the Branding of the Volkswagen Audi Group by GGK Düsseldorf in 1978 so the intended audience would be under the automotive umbrella.

To categorize the typeface I would class it is a sans serif typeface within the modernist movement in terms of its influence and compare it much too GE Inspira which was created in 2002 although not around the type VAG rounded was created. But it was a very new style back then as most branding was done in clean cut and angular sans serif fonts. 

Through its use of round edges and softness It gives off connotations of friendliness and creates a less corporate feel through these connotations. In terms of cultural codes Volkswagen AG are German and germans are known for there clean cut style and structure and this kind of flips this idea onto its head which I like. It was a very abstract concept for a typeface at this time and really did influence many different business areas as mentioned ranging from automative to electronics to create a more user friendly and less corporate looking typeface for items used regularly like laptops and phones. 

"The boredom of the dead end without signs for renewal" is a quote from Herbert Bayer that I feel fits this typeface well as VAG didn't want a typeface that was like the rest of the branding seen for years previous by rivals they wanted something fresh so chose to create a typeface with visual elements from both Times and Futura to create an abstract outcome. Again Bayer said typography began to be a more "visual experience" and a "minor art" this is obvious within the playful soft feel of this typeface rather than creating a clean cut corporate face that was so popular back then. The typeface has a more hands on feel due to its initial hand rendering, this fits in well with the connotations of the quality of German Engineering due to there hands on practices instead of using machinery for everything. (Machinery typefaces could be connoted by clean cut sans serif typefaces) 

Context of Practice Lecture Illustration

Context of Practice Lecture Illustration 

We had an interesting lecture on illustration today. It has taught me the basic concepts behind what illustration communicates and how it does it. Illustration is a combination of context, concept and image. 

It is described as strategic image making and is used within a context to visually communicate a meaning or concept. 

These concepts can be portrayed in different ways depending on the required message and the illustrators style and how he or she uses there mediums. The earliest examples of illustration been used as a visualization of communication was back when cave drawings were a visual language before typography. They worked due to our brains been programmed to respond to pictures in different ways. For example below are 2 examples of animals. One is Graphic Design, created for instructing directions. The other to communicate animal trafficking and to convey emotions and feelings through the powerful use of medias and composition within the aesthetics. 

The use of ink has a delicacy too it it creates a sinister tone of voice through its monochrome color scheme and vague detail within the images. Creating a connotation of fading away and simulates how the population is dying off through the trafficking systems. 

Other examples of tone of voice can be; playful, nostalgia and euphoric feelings all through use of color, style of drawing and composition. 

I have come to the understanding that illustration isn't based on trend setting styles at the time, its about been functional, creating an emotional impact and been informative without the use of words. Going back to the basics when words hadn't been developed yet. 

It doesn't have to use tradition materials either. Its to communicate a message so the use of materials could be used to connote this message. The bellow is to show how McDonalds contribute to deforestation and for such a simple composition this is connoted very clearly in my eyes.