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

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OUGD503: STUDIO BRIEF 1 - Individual Practice // OAC Photography Business Cards

As part of the collateral of this brief, I've produced two variants of the business card, for the client to get their hands on, and see if they like them - or not. They're printed using the printer in studio two, so the quality isn't the best, however, apart from iffy black printing, it hasn't turned out too bad. 

The back and the front of the first variation, the only difference between the two is the logo on the front of the business card. I send the client both versions as a PDF, although, as I've found from a few years of doing this, to really make a decision, it's best to do a test print, to see how they look physically. 

Unfortunately, the printer slightly banjaxed the black logo illustration, which overlays the image. I'll be sure to use the digital print resource at college when printing the final cards, as there is a higher quality control, due to the expensive-fancy printers. 

For a change, I've doubled up the card, putting a sheet of black card in between two sheet of cartridge paper. Doing this allows for greater durability, a stronger card. Whilst also adding a level of contrast to the cards, a more unique and stylish approach to the design. If this didn't look good, I would have to use a thicker stock, print double sided, then used the edge painting method I learned, that I'm using in another brief. 

The reverse of the business cards, both are identical. I'm particularly happy with the iconography, which works with the links. I've used iconography as it works with the icons on the front of the business card.

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 // 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. 

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.