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

No. 7 Antiques Boards by antjtw

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OUGD503: STUDIO BRIEF 1 - Individual Practice // Codex Books/OAC Photography Critique/No. 7

I decided to do a 1 on 1 on 1 critique with Adam and Grace, just showing each other some work and getting some feedback and development. I showed them some of the logos and concepts I've been designing, and asking for ideas to improve them, or things I could try to see if I can propose a more effective design.

We first spoke about Codex Books, I showed them my development work and the logo I've generated, which will be applied to the website. 

What Works

1. The upper type works well, it's clear what it is, it has a very old rustic feel to it, which works well with collectable books, an original quality.
2. The illustration works, it's simple and won't clash with any imagery on the website. It's clear what it is and it won't be difficult to see from a distance.

What could be improved

1. The text on the bottom of the logo could be in a serif font, perhaps a roman font, the gothic san serif font looks good, and is very readable, however it doesn't really relate to the subject matter. A Roman font looks more traditional, and does in fact relate to the subject matter; collectable first edition/rare books. 

I then presented the mock up for the website landing page to Adam and Grace. They thought the stock image used worked well with the logo. The site itself is heading towards a modern contemporary look. The use of a full page image is the correct direction to head in, as a vast majority of modern, revamped websites are beginning to implement this style into their design. 

 I then showed Adam and Grace the front of OAC Photography's Business card, having not seen any progress on this brief. 

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 // 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. 

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. 

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.