Friday 31 January 2014

OUGD503: STUDIO BRIEF 1 - Individual Practice // No. 7 Antiques - Logo Development

Following the physical layouts I digitally created the logo in Illustrator. I create two different variants of the logo, which I chose from my layouts. I decided to use a roman font from font squirrel, it's called Latin Modern Roman. 


I drew out similar grids to that I did on the physical layouts. Which I then started adding the letterforms to. So would get the same look as my physical layouts. 


I used the grid system to account for equal width between the text and the separation stroke, to make the design more visually pleasing. I decided to use the same font on the sub-heading as I did the heading. Although I'm not too sure about it, I'm probably going to offer a script alternative to the sub-heading, to see how it looks, and offer it to the client with the option of choosing. 


Larger version of the logo, I'm quite happy with how it turned out. I can't wait to see how it will turn out on the printed collateral. This is one of the near final variations I'll be sending to the client. Of course, I'm expecting some feedback and alterations. 


Variation 2. I once again used the same grids in the digital version, as I did in the physical version, some they would look the same, and so everything would like up properly and look good.  


The near final digital version of variation two, which I will be submitting to the client along with the first variant. Personally, prefer the first variant, I think the horizontal layout works better, with a pleasing simple aspect about it. 

OUGD503: STUDIO BRIEF 1 - Individual Practice // No. 7 Antiques - Concept Boards

I presented the client with these concept boards, to give them an idea of what direction I'm going in, and allowing them a chance to give me any feedback, if they want any alterations, changes or want me to go back to the drawing board. It saves me doing it once I've completed the final resolution to the project.

I've covered all the work I've done so far in this project, and provided links to my blog, so the client can view my work.

OUGD503: STUDIO BRIEF 1 - Individual Practice // Secret 7 (2014) - Vinyl Mock Up

Following creating my sleeve design, and submitting it to Secret 7, I decided to digitally mock up how the sleeve might look. I found a stock image only and used photoshop to impose my design on top of an existing vinyl record sleeve. Fair basic stuff. 


I applied some textures to the sleeve, to make it appear like it's made out of paper, and it came out quite well. It's reassuring to see how it looks mocked up, I think it works fairly well, certainly a secret 7 entry.

Thursday 30 January 2014

OUGD503: STUDIO BRIEF 1 - Individual Practice // No. 7 Antiques - Logo Design

I've begun to design the logo for No. 7 Antiques, I wanted to base it off it's original design, which is quite plain, in a roman font - so I don't end up confusing No. 7's target audience, and regular customers I think it's the right direction to head in. 


I experimented and played with the layout, on three variations, to find the best solution, and the best logo for the client. I re-arranged the required copy on the logo. Trying a horizontal and vertical layout. Of course, I understand that these might not look as good digitised, some might even look better. We will see. 


I prefer this logo to the rest, it's very clean and contemporary. It's essentially a tidied up version of the existing logo, a designed version, rather than a word processed version. Which, sometimes is all that's needed for a logo. 


Another variation which I'm likely to digitise, is this one. It's a vertical layout of the logo. It could be used as a space saver, and it's almost square layout would be great for digital logos, such as social media icons. 

Monday 27 January 2014

OUGD503: STUDIO BRIEF 1 - Individual Practice // OAC Photography - Concept Boards

OUGD503: STUDIO BRIEF 1 - Individual Practice // OAC Photography - Logo Development

I began creating two of the logos I sketched on layout paper, digitally. These will be the ones I will apply the colour ranges and fonts to, later on. 


I began by tracing the camera which she uses, a Canon 600D. She's a digital photographer, so there's no real need to be putting a hipster polaroid camera there. I traced the key elements of the camera, so it was distinguishable, rather than just a black block. 



Then I began to create one of the two logos. I tried to replicate it exactly to the concept I drew, but, unfortunately, I didn't quite turn out how I hoped. It doesn't look too nice, rather amateur. So I modified it. 

I had another go at one of the variations. I instead kept the letterforms the same size, still using the A as a tripod. With the subheading justified to the heading text. I'll keep this as one of the variants I'll propose to the client. 

I then added the view finder frames which I saw on some previous logos, and it sort of ties the whole logo together, it puts it in perspective adding another photographic element to the design. I will present this as a variant to the client. 


Here's another variation from the sketches which I mocked up, I really like the outcome of it. The three icons represent the areas of expertise, well, the camera doesn't but it's symbolism implies photography to tie the two together. I'll be presenting this one to the client. 


OUGD503: STUDIO BRIEF 1 - Individual Practice // OAC Photography - Collateral Planning

As part of this project, the brief requires I create a small range of collateral. I've drawn out what I'd like to create for OAC Photography, to promote the business, and help increase the professional representation.


From left to right, I've included a promotional publication, which will feature the best shots from previous shoots, and other photos OAC would like to include. Business cards, (front:top, back:bottom) and a watermark for digital uploads.


The publication will be A4. It will contain large images of OAC's photography, which will act as an advertisement. Each image will have a small lot of text talking about the process and the idea behind the shoot. 


The business card, contains the logo and the contact information required to get in touch with OAC. There are also social media links, to see samples of her work. The logo has a placeholder there, for the moment. As I created these right after I designed the logo concepts. I'll have the final logo decided when I create the variations for the business card.


The watermark, which will be a PSD of the logo, or a variant of which, will be used for digital uploads. To assure no one steals the image, and uses it for the wrong reasons. 

OUGD503: STUDIO BRIEF 1 - Individual Practice // OAC Photography - Logo Development

For the logo I wanted to keep things quite simple. I dew up a few designs, using elements of photography within the design of the logo, using type and image. I was able to get some ideas of what to include from my research. 


I began creating variations using the shorter title 'OAC' with 'Photography' as a subheading, and variants with the full phrase as the title. I quite liked the idea of keeping the logo simple and using iconography over the top of the type to communicate the skill set. 


You can see the full range of logos I began to mock up. I sort of went from left to right on the page, as development. I began by creating a more obvious typographic imagery, but the logo didn't really feel substantial. 


I used the A to create a tripod for the camera. I quite like this variation, it has a certain charm to it. This will be one of the logos I will mock up digitally, with variations, for the client. 


This is a refined version of one of the logos on the page. It's very simple, but that's what I want it to be. It uses iconography above the text. I've taken two symbols from the dial on a canon camera (when you're selecting the settings for your shoot) These two symbols stand of landscape and portraits. As OAC Photography mainly works with family photo shoots. I added the landscape icon in there so she's not completely chained to family portraits for the rest of her career. 

Thursday 23 January 2014

OUGD503: STUDIO BRIEF 1 - Individual Practice // Fedrigoni Initial Concepts

As part of my response to promote their Woodstock range, following my research, I've decided to approach my design calendar using a layering techniques throughout the design. A large amount of Fedrigoni's previous collateral uses this techniques, and it's proven to be extremely effective. 



I drew a few designs of how I'd like my calendar to look, I've also decided to use a perforation method, to allow the user to tear of each day as it passes, or each month, depending how I choose to format the calendar. I'd also like to use perfect binding, it allows me to use even more of Fedrigoni's stock within the product. 


I drew out plans for a seasonal calendar. I've used iconography for each season, a umbrella for autumn, a left for spring, a sun for summer and a snowflake for winter - not complex in the slightest and extremely concise in communicating it's message; the season. 


Each design will have a laser cut hole, of the desired shape through each season, and a colour corresponding to the season through Fedrigoni's Woodstock range. The date in full will be listed on each page. 


You can see how the the design will look in 3D, I mocked this up using isometric paper. Through the umbrella you'll be able to see parts of the design for the next season and the paper it's printed on, a sample of the next season, almost. Although, currently, this idea is still in development. 


OUGD503: STUDIO BRIEF 1 - Individual Practice // Fedrigoni Feedback Sheets

Following the 'uber-crit'. I received this feedback sheet. It's fairly standard as far as feedback sheets go, and I'm pretty pleased with my feedback. It's extremely useful.


I'll be working on the suggests in this sheet, I'm certainly going to be research into Fedrigoni's stock, as that is indeed a priority. I'll also be altering my concept so it's slightly less 'boring'. Perhaps using a different colour for each month, or even, each day might be more appropriate.

OUGD503: STUDIO BRIEF 1 - Individual Practice // Fedrigoni Critique Boards

As part of the critique for this module I've prepared some design boards, showing my process, and my journey to where I'm currently at in this project, for my Fedrigoni Brief. Due to the balance of work, and how I'm working on multiple briefs at once, I'm currently in the designing phase. 
As part of this crit, I believe we should get feedback sheets, so I can grow this project, into a hopefully, winning entry.

Wednesday 22 January 2014

OUGD503: STUDIO BRIEF 1 - Individual Practice // YCN - Fredrigoni

As my YCN brief, I'm decided to change from the Effect Brief to the Fredrigoni brief.


This brief is very straight forward in what it is asking you to produce. I wants a desk calendar, which promotes and features Fedrigoni and their stocks. Whilst providing contact information at the same time. Aimed at Graphic Designs, whom have an interest in stock and fine quality papers. Which I am and I do. In a nut shell, it's clear what it's asking my to produce. Because of this, it gives me more time to focus on my design and concept, rather than faffing around trying to nail down my audience and purpose. Like I was in Effect.

However, of course I know there's a larger audience than just the audience stated on the brief, I have to engage the honchos at Fedrigoni, and the judges at YCN. Fedrigoni claim they're doing this for promotion, but what they're trying to do is make themselves sound less boring: They sell paper, it's about as boring as it gets, that want to make themselves appear fun and interesting, by creating a fun and interesting desk calendar. It's also extremely cheap for them, instead of commissioning a design agency to do the work for them, they have instead put a competition out for a bunch of students to do it for them.

Tuesday 21 January 2014

OUGD503: STUDIO BRIEF 1 - Individual Practice // OAC Photography - Brief

I spoke with Olivia, the photographer behind OAC Photography, a York based photographer, who mainly photographs new families, in a manner to document and celebrate the lift of their new offspring. We talked about how she might like to be promoted, and we decided on a few things; a business card and a promotional publication, almost like a portfolio, which showcases the best of her work, and encourages more clients to get in touch.


I wrote this brief up, using a template relevant to the module. It's what I'll be using to base this project upon.

Monday 20 January 2014

OUGD503: STUDIO BRIEF 1 - Individual Practice // No. 7 Antiques Price Tag Design

Following my research, I began to design a tag for No. 7 Antiques. I knew exactly what content I wanted on the tag -  a space for the price to be written, a logo, and space on the back for any additional information. 


I played around with the shapes of the tags. Unfortunately I'm unable to die cut them, so to save time, I would rather work with a shape that is made entirely of straight edges, so they can be cut with a scalpel. The three on the top row work the best, they all look quite similar, drawn from an almost modernist influence. 

I think design 2 looks rather too plain, so it would really be down to designs 1 and 3. They both look appropriate for the situation. I suppose I'll send them to the client and report back. 


OUGD503: STUDIO BRIEF 1 - Individual Practice // No. 7 Antiques Stationary Planning

The brief requires I brand No. 7 Antiques, and create them a range of usable contemporary themed items, which appeal to their target audience and nature of the business. As I've previously established, I want a sophisticated contemporary theme to run throughout the branding. Setting No. 7 apart from charity shops and donation centres. I want the branding to have a dated quality to it, not retro-dated, but something timeless, not using a fad or modern technique/style within the design.



Above is an overshot of the branding I wish to create. It's a modest stationary range, it is compiled of a business card, envelope, paper bad, letter head, envelope seal stamp - complete with wax sticks, and a receipt. All of these are usable on a daily basis, rather than creating a far out branding set which only finds one real use - decoration. 


The brand uses it's modest logo throughout, it's the centre piece of all the stationary featured. I think it's vital to communicate the name of the business and it's function - No. 7 Antiques. As the name isn't well known, as of yet, It's important to let people know what it does. 


Something which I really want to include, to help establishing the contemporary theme is a envelope seal and stamp. These aren't often used, due to their impracticality and redundancy because of the modern envelope. Adding this in would really scream authenticity and nostalgia, to the recipients of a letter, it has a very official look about it. 

Sunday 19 January 2014

OUGD503: STUDIO BRIEF 1 - Individual Practice // No. 7 Antiques - Brief

I spoke with Jacques, the owner of No. 7 antiques. Jacques outlined some specifics he wanted for this project. He was interesting in creating a small range of promotional collateral, to increase business and awareness around Malton and the district, where No. 7 Antiques is based, and where the majority of his business comes from.

I create this brief using a template provided, I will be using this brief as a guide when I plan and create this project. I've got some interesting ideas, and I'll be using the brief as an opportunity to add new skills.

Wednesday 15 January 2014

OUGD504: Module Evaluation

OUGD504: STUDIO BRIEF 1 - Design for Print // Final Publication PDF

Print Manual Inners
The blank pages are where the unprintable inks were screen printed, following printing.

OUGD504: STUDIO BRIEF 3 - Design for Print & Web // Design Boards

OUGD504: STUDIO BRIEF 2 - Design for Web // Design Boards

OUGD504: STUDIO BRIEF 1 - Design for Print // Design Boards

OUGD504: STUDIO BRIEF 1 - Design for Print // Binding my Print Manual

To finish off my print manual, I've had to bind the book itself. I'm using a perfect binding method, as I did in my test binding.






Tuesday 14 January 2014

OUGD504: STUDIO BRIEF 1 - Design for Print // Print Manual Final Shots

The final shots of the print manual, with some inners. The final resolution to design for print.


The cover


The Inners


Upright shot of the cover


Example of fluorescents.


Example of metallics.


A shot of the screen print inners. 

OUGD504: STUDIO BRIEF 2 - Design for Web // Final Website Screenshots

As the website is now completed, I thought I should upload screenshots of how the site now looks. I'm extremely pleased with how it's turned out, and it's overall aesthetic. It seems to look very similar to how I planned it. 


The homepage, with the site description, and a scrolling banner.


007 Origins, a description of how Bond became. 


The Timeline, the actors and the films in order.


Statistics and Trivia, the cars of bond. 


Production History, fairly self explanatory, with an embedded video.  

OUGD504: STUDIO BRIEF 3 - Design for Print & Web // Final Printed Stationary

Following completion of my stationary, I managed to photograph it all with a DSLR for my final design boards, for submission. I'm quite happy with how it all turned out.


The soup carrier, which is offered to customers when they purchase two or more soups. Making it easier for them to carry them, without spilling. 


A shot of the stationary with the app and the soup carrier. I'm extremely happy with how the menus look, and on their thick stock, they feel incredibly authentic. 




Monday 13 January 2014

OUGD504: STUDIO BRIEF 2 - Design for Web // Mobile Device Proposal

I'd like my website to be usable on multiple platforms, as it is 2014, mobile compatibility is almost expected. Websites work dynamically to change their appearance and format depending on the device. However, due to my developing skill set's low ability, at this stage, I'm unable to create a mobile dynamic website. So i'm proposing them.


Currently, my website looks like this, on most monitors. Depending on the resolution of the monitor, the page may be smaller or larger. However, it will always be central. 


Here is my proposal for the vertical iPad format. The models displayed are the iPad Air and the iPad Mini. The site hugs the sides of the screen, taking advantage of the displays size, to increase usability.


When flipped horizontal, the iPad doesn't distort the images and the page size, it simply centres and adds a white background. To assure the images and the text are still clean. 


As the iPhone has a much smaller screen, I've decided to shrink the navigation bar down, allowing for two rows. The images and the text also hug the sides of the page. Taking advantage of all the space available.