Monday 6 June 2011
A success in Graphic Design
I believe that a success in the field of Graphic Design can consist of a past/present movement or design studio that has; designed a successful idea that has stood the test of time (e.g. The Helvetica typeface) or a past art movement(e.g. The Italian Futurist) that has created a maxuim amount of influence within other new designs in the field.
Tuesday 10 May 2011
Graphic Design key milestones of the 20th century
Russian Constructivism
The Russian Constructivist were a avant-garde movement who were inspired by Cubism and the Futurist. The main practitioners of the movement consisted of Vladmir Tatlin, Wassily Kandinsky, Alexander Rodchecko and El Lissitzky. When the Russian Revolution came to a end in 1917, it gave the Constructivist artists a chance to express to types of art. They believed that their new art could allow a new social order.
I've arrived at a conclusion, which is a direct result of me producing the case study on the Italian Futurists, that many art movements from the 1915-1945 period will inspire me in my future work. I think this because, I like the way the constructivists and the Futurist use simply geometric shapes in their work. The piece of artwork to the right is called 'For the voice' by El Lissitzky, in this artwork he has used simply shapes to create a effective piece of artwork.
Bauhuas
The Bauhaus was art school established in Weimar, Germany in 1919, which later moved to Berlin. The school was eventually closed down by the Nazis in 1933. The leading artists at the school were Marcel Breurer, Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Herbert Bayer, Laszlo Moholy-Nahy, Anni Albers and Mies Van De Rohe.
I believe that there should be more schools like the Bauhaus at present time. The artists of the school wanted to change the teaching techniques from the 1-2-1 method to creating a community of artists all working together, to bring art into everyday life. The artwork to the left is a poster for the Bauhaus exhibition in Weimar, designed by Joost Schmidt.
 |
| El Lissitzky, For the voice, 1923 |
I've arrived at a conclusion, which is a direct result of me producing the case study on the Italian Futurists, that many art movements from the 1915-1945 period will inspire me in my future work. I think this because, I like the way the constructivists and the Futurist use simply geometric shapes in their work. The piece of artwork to the right is called 'For the voice' by El Lissitzky, in this artwork he has used simply shapes to create a effective piece of artwork.
Bauhuas
 |
| Joost Schmidt, 1923, A poster for the Bauhaus Exhibition in Weimar. |
I believe that there should be more schools like the Bauhaus at present time. The artists of the school wanted to change the teaching techniques from the 1-2-1 method to creating a community of artists all working together, to bring art into everyday life. The artwork to the left is a poster for the Bauhaus exhibition in Weimar, designed by Joost Schmidt.
10th may - 19th may 2011
Reflective Practice
In this lesson I started my essay stating my progress of the course to-date. The essay must show the main modules that I have undertaken whilst on the course, I must then demonstrate my strengths and weakness with theses modules.
I don't have much to reflect on this but I am pleased to say that this essay is the most easiest essay I have ever wrote.
Creativity and Social Context and Exploring Specialist Pathways 1
Today I was making final amendments to my 'FAST' artwork, I have screen printed the whole word now and have imported it into photoshop. I feel by importing it into photoshop I have learnt new techniques within the program, a new technique which I have learnt is creating batch action in photoshop. I feel that knowing how to make a batch action is essential when importing a high number a photos into photoshop, especially when you want to use the same effect on every photo, which is what I need to do.
In this lesson I started my essay stating my progress of the course to-date. The essay must show the main modules that I have undertaken whilst on the course, I must then demonstrate my strengths and weakness with theses modules.
I don't have much to reflect on this but I am pleased to say that this essay is the most easiest essay I have ever wrote.
Creativity and Social Context and Exploring Specialist Pathways 1
Today I was making final amendments to my 'FAST' artwork, I have screen printed the whole word now and have imported it into photoshop. I feel by importing it into photoshop I have learnt new techniques within the program, a new technique which I have learnt is creating batch action in photoshop. I feel that knowing how to make a batch action is essential when importing a high number a photos into photoshop, especially when you want to use the same effect on every photo, which is what I need to do.
Monday 9 May 2011
3rd May - 5th May 2011
Reflective Practice and Professional and Contextual Studies.
Its the week of the show.
For the lessons of the to above modules I spent time constructing the show and manning the show.
On the tuesday the whole group was constructing the show at The Pie and Ale house ready for the opening at 7pm on the tuesday. The thursday morning was spent re-constructing the show after taking it down on the wednesday evening.
Its the week of the show.
For the lessons of the to above modules I spent time constructing the show and manning the show.
On the tuesday the whole group was constructing the show at The Pie and Ale house ready for the opening at 7pm on the tuesday. The thursday morning was spent re-constructing the show after taking it down on the wednesday evening.
Creativity and Social Context
In this lesson I handed in my third and final draft of the Italian Futurist essay, I now feel my essay has the strength and body, which is expected on a degree course. In my essay I am now finally making the links between the Futurist movement, their manifesto and the social conditions at the time, I have arrived at a conclusion that the Futurists did not create an impact on printing techniques during the time period of 1915- 1949.
Exploring Specialist Pathways 1 - work on type brief, has changed idea to screen printing and not lino
I have now changed my idea from using the lino printing technique to using the screen printing technique, the lino printing process to was too time consuming and I believe the outcome of the screen print produces a better effect.
26th April - 28th April 2011
Reflective Practice and Professional and Contextual Studies
In these lessons I was preparing my work for the show, making any final adjustments to my work and sending it to print. The work I will be placing in the show is the Post Office work from the 1st Semester. Once my work was collecting from the printer I mounted it on foam board, I feel my cutting skills were poor when cutting around my mounted work, I think I will definitely need to practice at this before producing work for the end of year show.
In these lessons I was preparing my work for the show, making any final adjustments to my work and sending it to print. The work I will be placing in the show is the Post Office work from the 1st Semester. Once my work was collecting from the printer I mounted it on foam board, I feel my cutting skills were poor when cutting around my mounted work, I think I will definitely need to practice at this before producing work for the end of year show.
Creativity and Social Context and Exploring Specialist Pathways 1 - worked on type brief
I have finally found a idea for my type brief, I will be using creative typography to influence people about a current affairs, I have decided to make people more aware of Strokes. After watching the 'act FAST' stroke advert it made me realize that not enough it done fore victims of strokes. To create the creative typography I will be you the lino printing technique. I will use the lino printing technique to create the word 'FAST' once I have done this I will fill the word 'FAST' with word associated with stroke using photoshop.
Monday 11 April 2011
5th April - 7th April 2011
Reflective Practice
As I have stated in previous journal entries, presenting case studies to the group is a nervous time, but I feel that since that last journal entry on this subject, I have improved greatly, I think this may be a result of reading 'Presentational Skills for Students' by J. Emden and L. Becker.
Exploring Specialist Pathways 1
Today was the second 'day brief' of which we focused on Juxtaposition. Initial I was slightly confused with the concept of Juxtapositioning, and I still feel confused with it now. I now understand the concept of it, placing two contrasting images together to make creative piece of artwork. But I don't see how placing to contrasting images together can work. I feel that in the future I need to read over this subject again and make myself clear with it.
Professional and Contextual Studies 1
Today's lesson was set aside for a group meeting to discuss the show.
The following points were discussed:-
Printing of all A3 images for display are to be carried out and paid for by the students. There is now an A3 colour printer located in room B301.
Clair Chick from the college marketing department will be attending Thursday’s afternoon lesson to discuss publicity and other services that the marketing department can provide.
Agreement from Clair Chick required that the college marketing department will be printing of leaflets and posters for the event.
Clair Chick to provide at Thursday’s meeting the deadline for the completed leaflet and poster designs.
Clair Chick needs to provide NS & MH with poster and leaflet sizes.
Boards to be painted white by all that can attend. The college will be open on Tuesday 12th April where painting to commence at 10am.
PM / RC / NS / MH / NBz to meet on Thursday 14th April to discuss progress at a location to be determined.
Event opening times agreed as follows:
Tuesday - 6pm to 11pm
Wednesday – 11am to 5pm
Thursday – 11am to 5pm
Friday – 11am to 3pm
All show boards and materials to be removed, stacked, and covered before 6pm on Wednesday 4th April.
All show boards and materials to be replaced into show positions before 11am show opening time.
SB & ZE have agreed that they can get work printed at a printer located in Penkridge.
Those not on this mailing list, and those that did not attend the meeting dated 05/04/11 and wish to have work displayed in the show to forward names and email details to paul.brockhurst@ntlworld.com
NB informed group that Clair Chick and the college marketing department will be able to provide foam mounting board for display images.
A laptop computer will be required to display any work through the projector located at the event venue and will need to be self-insured.
Clair Chick to will be arranging publicity for the show which needs to be confirmed. It was highlighted that a free copy of the Express & Star is distributed throughout Stafford on a Wednesday night.
The following points were discussed:-
Printing of all A3 images for display are to be carried out and paid for by the students. There is now an A3 colour printer located in room B301.
Clair Chick from the college marketing department will be attending Thursday’s afternoon lesson to discuss publicity and other services that the marketing department can provide.
Agreement from Clair Chick required that the college marketing department will be printing of leaflets and posters for the event.
Clair Chick to provide at Thursday’s meeting the deadline for the completed leaflet and poster designs.
Clair Chick needs to provide NS & MH with poster and leaflet sizes.
Boards to be painted white by all that can attend. The college will be open on Tuesday 12th April where painting to commence at 10am.
PM / RC / NS / MH / NBz to meet on Thursday 14th April to discuss progress at a location to be determined.
Event opening times agreed as follows:
Tuesday - 6pm to 11pm
Wednesday – 11am to 5pm
Thursday – 11am to 5pm
Friday – 11am to 3pm
All show boards and materials to be removed, stacked, and covered before 6pm on Wednesday 4th April.
All show boards and materials to be replaced into show positions before 11am show opening time.
SB & ZE have agreed that they can get work printed at a printer located in Penkridge.
Those not on this mailing list, and those that did not attend the meeting dated 05/04/11 and wish to have work displayed in the show to forward names and email details to paul.brockhurst@ntlworld.com
NB informed group that Clair Chick and the college marketing department will be able to provide foam mounting board for display images.
A laptop computer will be required to display any work through the projector located at the event venue and will need to be self-insured.
Clair Chick to will be arranging publicity for the show which needs to be confirmed. It was highlighted that a free copy of the Express & Star is distributed throughout Stafford on a Wednesday night.
Friday 1 April 2011
29th March - 31st March 2011
Reflective Practices
Second week of presentations are now underway, the 2 most impressive presentation from today were "Helvetica" by Steve Plant and "Duval Guilaume" by Phil Roberts. I consider both the typeface and the design agency to be a success. The Helvetica typeface was my first choice for my reflective practice presentation, reflecting back to when I researched the subject, I remember instinctively feeling it was a success, the typeface was created over 50 years ago. It is still widely used today, which I think is down to it being clear and legible above other leading typefaces.
Duval Guillaume is a new design agency to me. My reasoning for this being a success is that its a relatively new design agency in comparison to design agencies I normally research, they have also designed work for a variety of companies is a short space of time, I feel that the work they have done could prove as inspiration to me.
I like the quirkiness of Duval Guillaume's artwork, the two bottom images use simple geometric shapes which create a successful outcome for the poster, when first viewing the poster for 'Lotus and coffee' I instinchivly thought of Mike from Pixar's Monsters Inc. I think that the effect, creating a hand holding the pack of biscuits out of the mug handle creates a friendly apperance.
Creative and Social Context
continued with essay
Exploring Specialist Pathways 1
Today was the first of two 'day briefs' we have been set. The day was split into two sections, the morning was set for library research on the subject of type and layout and hierarchy of the layout of the grid, and the afternoon was set aside for workshops to implement research from the morning session, I feel I have learnt a significant amount valuable information of which I didn't believe at the time. I have learnt about various different grid structures including horizontal, vertical, diagonal, angular, asymmetrical and symmetrical. Alongside this I have also investigated the rule the third and odds, axis and juxtaposition.
When designing. I have always been in the mind set that there must be an even amount elments of a page, and that they must be evenly positioned. After reading the rule of odds, it references that an odd number of elements can appear on a page. (Ambrose and Harris, 2008) state that an odd number of elements on a page appear more interesting that an even number, as they are more natural than the symmetrices that happen on a page with even numbers.
Professional and Contextual Studies 1
As part this module we as a group are to organize a show or exhibition of our work, the originally location of the show was going to be the light house in Wolverhampton, closer to the date of the show which was the 3rd May - 6th may the light house cancelled, so another venue was to be found. When searching for venues closer to college I came across the Pie and Ale house, situated in the town centre. I feel the Pie and Ale house is a good venue and will attract the audience we desire. When investigated further I spoke to the General Manager, Peter, he informed me that there would be no charge for hire of the room and that the room was available at the date and time we requested.
Second week of presentations are now underway, the 2 most impressive presentation from today were "Helvetica" by Steve Plant and "Duval Guilaume" by Phil Roberts. I consider both the typeface and the design agency to be a success. The Helvetica typeface was my first choice for my reflective practice presentation, reflecting back to when I researched the subject, I remember instinctively feeling it was a success, the typeface was created over 50 years ago. It is still widely used today, which I think is down to it being clear and legible above other leading typefaces.
Duval Guillaume is a new design agency to me. My reasoning for this being a success is that its a relatively new design agency in comparison to design agencies I normally research, they have also designed work for a variety of companies is a short space of time, I feel that the work they have done could prove as inspiration to me.
I like the quirkiness of Duval Guillaume's artwork, the two bottom images use simple geometric shapes which create a successful outcome for the poster, when first viewing the poster for 'Lotus and coffee' I instinchivly thought of Mike from Pixar's Monsters Inc. I think that the effect, creating a hand holding the pack of biscuits out of the mug handle creates a friendly apperance.
 |
| http://www.duvalguillaume.com/news/tag/work [accessed 27.05.10] |
 |
| http://www.duvalguillaume.com/news/tag/work [accessed 27.05.10] |
 |
| http://www.duvalguillaume.com/news/tag/work [accessed 27.05.10] |
Creative and Social Context
continued with essay
Exploring Specialist Pathways 1
Today was the first of two 'day briefs' we have been set. The day was split into two sections, the morning was set for library research on the subject of type and layout and hierarchy of the layout of the grid, and the afternoon was set aside for workshops to implement research from the morning session, I feel I have learnt a significant amount valuable information of which I didn't believe at the time. I have learnt about various different grid structures including horizontal, vertical, diagonal, angular, asymmetrical and symmetrical. Alongside this I have also investigated the rule the third and odds, axis and juxtaposition.
When designing. I have always been in the mind set that there must be an even amount elments of a page, and that they must be evenly positioned. After reading the rule of odds, it references that an odd number of elements can appear on a page. (Ambrose and Harris, 2008) state that an odd number of elements on a page appear more interesting that an even number, as they are more natural than the symmetrices that happen on a page with even numbers.
Professional and Contextual Studies 1
As part this module we as a group are to organize a show or exhibition of our work, the originally location of the show was going to be the light house in Wolverhampton, closer to the date of the show which was the 3rd May - 6th may the light house cancelled, so another venue was to be found. When searching for venues closer to college I came across the Pie and Ale house, situated in the town centre. I feel the Pie and Ale house is a good venue and will attract the audience we desire. When investigated further I spoke to the General Manager, Peter, he informed me that there would be no charge for hire of the room and that the room was available at the date and time we requested.
Tuesday 29 March 2011
22nd March - 25th March 2011
Reflective Practice
All the presentations were finished and were ready to be presented, The most impressive presentations I viewed today were: "The Graphic language of Neville Brody" by Mary, "Si Scott" by Catherine and "Herb Lubalin" by Zoe. I feel that these presentations were impressive as I think that the artists mentioned could be an influence to me in the future and I can already link them to my current work and the style that I work in.
I can heavily relate to Si Scott as he has taken the same route as me when he was training to be a graphic designer. He started off studying a BTEC in Graphic Design an then went on to completing a Foundation Degree in Visual Communication. This give me the sense that if he can become successful why can't I.
 |
| http://www.top6x6.blogspot.com/ |
Before today I had never heard of the logo designer, Herb Lubalin. I feel that I work in the same style as him, in the sense that he is influenced by the Bauhaus. He also uses a grid system which is similar to the way I work. As part of the Reflective Practice module I was asked to research a success story in graphic design, I chose the Swiss design movement, by choosing this design movement as a success story it made me realize that I already use a grid system when designing my work.
You can see the grid system in use in the "Coope Union" logo below. I feel that Hurb Launalin is a success in Graphic Design because he has created a large amount of work which has influence great amount of designers, reflecting back to the presentation my favourite logo is the "Families" logo on the top right, I like how Lubalin has taken advantages of the two letter "I" and the letter "l" to created a quirky but effective logo.
You can see the grid system in use in the "Coope Union" logo below. I feel that Hurb Launalin is a success in Graphic Design because he has created a large amount of work which has influence great amount of designers, reflecting back to the presentation my favourite logo is the "Families" logo on the top right, I like how Lubalin has taken advantages of the two letter "I" and the letter "l" to created a quirky but effective logo.
 |
| http://www.creativereview.co.uk/cr-blog/2009/ october/inside-the-herb-lubalin-study-center |
The Graphic Languages of Neville Brody.
Neville Brody has produced a wide range of different design ideas whilst being a Graphic design, from CD artwork, typefaces and magazine design. I feel that I can link my own work to that of Neville's, Neville has designed CD covers, during his time at Fetish records, which were inspired by the Futurists, a movement that I feel strongly about and believe has and definitely will influence me in my future work. After completing a case study I have been able to consider a closer look into what the aims of the Futurists were, and how the social conditions at the time limited their progression as a movement.
 |
| 8 Eyed Spy by 8 Eyed Spy, FR 2003, 1981. http://www.johncoulthart.com/feuilleton/2006/04/23/ neville-brody-and-fetish-records/ |
Both of these pieces of artwork show signs of inspiration drived from the Italian Futurists movement.
They both show tone, colour and the use of geometric objects similar to the work of Fortunato Depero and Giacomo Balla, two leading practitioners of the movement.
 |
| Wipe Out by Z’ev, FE 13, 1982. http://www.johncoulthart.com/feuilleton/2006/04/23/neville-brody-and-fetish-records/ |
I think that the content of theses presentations were good, but I think Mary was the best at presenting her presentation, I believe that it is essential for any designer to have the ability to present a presentation confidently. I feel that if a designer can confidently make a presentation, the client will be re-assured that the designer knows enough about the brief he is pitching.
Creativity and Social Context and Exploring Specialist Pathways 1.
I don't really have any reflections as such for this week, as per last week we are still completing the final refinements to the Boost brief for the YCN. I am not totally pleased with the final outcome of my YCN work I feel I have rushed the brief, I think that if I get the opportunity next year to choose a YCN brief I would, by having a brief from a national competition, I believe it may improve the weight of my portfolio.
Professional and Contextual Studies 1
STRIKE!!!
Tuesday 15 March 2011
14th - 17th March 2011
Reflective Practice
Today I handed in a second draft of the Swiss Design presentation, I was told yet again I would need to improve the presentation. I needed to include more recent examples of the Sans Serif typeface set in the flush-left and right rigged text formation and the use of the grid system.
After being consulted about this I went to the library and found a book(Contemporary Swiss Graphic Design) with a varied variety of good example of both the grid system and the San Serif typeface set in the flush-left and right rigged text formation.
Creativity and Social Context
Exploring Specialist Pathways 1
Today I handed in a second draft of the Swiss Design presentation, I was told yet again I would need to improve the presentation. I needed to include more recent examples of the Sans Serif typeface set in the flush-left and right rigged text formation and the use of the grid system.
After being consulted about this I went to the library and found a book(Contemporary Swiss Graphic Design) with a varied variety of good example of both the grid system and the San Serif typeface set in the flush-left and right rigged text formation.
Creativity and Social Context
Now all the minor adjustments are complete for the Italian Futurist essay, I now need to work on linking the essay more to the social conditions that effected the Italian Futurist movement. For this I have decided to investigate into whether the Futurists had a major impact on printing techniques during the 1920's - 1940's, I came to this conclusion from analyzing a design for a visiting card by Fortunato Depero. In this artwork Depero had precisioned the type in an expressive manner as opposed to the conventional way, I believed this may have been the result of new printing process at that period.
Today was set aside for finishing the final refinements for the YCN brief, below I have attached two different screen shots of my designs for the energy drink poster. The idea of these came from the world war two propaganda posters 'keep calm and carry on' The first design is one of my first visuals using the 'no brainer' type that Boost wanted me to use, I didn't like the wording in this design as I felt it didn't portray the message Boost wanted to convey to their new target market I also didn't like the typeface used.
In design two I have taken more time to make the visual appear more like the 'keep calm and carry on' posters seen in my research folder, I changed the wording which is more coherent with Boosts message and I have also strayed away from the typeface Boost stipulated, instead I have used the Helvetica.
I undertand if a client askes for a certain typeface you should use it, but I feel it does no harm in designing an alternative for them to anaylise.
Today I finished my screen prints and started the collograph, examples of both of these can be found in my type brief folder. I think the collograph printing technique is a good technique to know but I dont think I will be using it in my current type brief. The process itself is time consuming and the effects of the final outcome can be unreliable.
Wednesday 2 March 2011
1st March - 3rd March 2011 - including Informtation on the Italain Futurists, Russian Constructivism, The New York School, Art Deco, New Wave and David Carson
Reflective Practice
In today's lesson I handed my 1st draft of the presentation, Neil informed me that it would be essential for me to improve on the presentation, I was told that I needed to include more imagery to help reference the facts I was including in the presentation.
Creativity and Social Context
Today I presented my PowerPoint presentation on the Italian Futurists, for me presenting PowerPoint's or case studies to a group of people is always a nervous time, but I feel I have progressed largely since starting this course. On many occasions I have been given short notice, e.g. presenting a group critique of my work to the group, I feel having the short notice enforced on me has help me develop my presentational skill, as I have had less time to worry it. I also submitted my first draft of the case study, I think submitting this first draft has enhanced my skills of compiling a case study and has also changed my perception of how a case study at degree level should be. On reflection the ways of improvement I was given needed small attention, the improvement measures I needed to take were to improve spelling and largely to place the case study in chronological order.
Art Deco
1920's - 1940's
Art Deco started around 1920. It represented the rapid modernization of the world. It was used in fashion in the united states and in Europe. The name for Art Deco derived from the 1925 'Expositon Internationale des Arts Decoratifs Industriels et Modernes' held in Paris. It was named Art Deco because of the decorations used in the festival,(Arts Decorafits)
Art Deco was only used in art as a poster but its design was also used in architecture, furniture,fashion and car designs.
Leading artists of this movement were:
A.M. Cassandra, Rolan Ansieau, Sonia Delaunay, Tamara de Lempicka, Edward McKnight Kauffer, Koloman Moser, Aleksandra Ekster and Robin Howlett.
Leading architects were:
William Van Alen, Joseph Strauss, Irving Morrow, Charles Ellis, John Eberson and Albert Khan.
Recongnizable Art Deco fonts can be found on www.fontspace.com/category/art+deco
I don't think that the designers and artists of the Art Deco movement will influence me in my future work, I also feel that I am not as closely linked to this movement as I am to other past art movements.
David Carson and New Wave.
Wolfgang Weingart was one of the most influencial designers to make a journey into the New Wave movement. He envisioned a more experimental and expressive style of typography.
The three main disciples Weingart admired when he started practicing New Wave were Dan Friedman, April Greiman and Willi Kunz. Their work was so admired and imitated that it was the basis of the "New Wave" typography in the 1970's and 1980's. The Characteristics of this anti-movement were letter spaced Sans Serif type, stair-step rules, diagonal type, dynamic use of space, the use of weight changes or italics within words and reversed type.
David Carson is an American graphic designer who is best known for his unique magazine designs and use of experiemtanl tyogrpahy. Carson spent his early adulthood as a professional surfer and attained a standing in the world surfing chamionships while he worked as a high school teacher in California.
David Carson and his work have been recognized world wide and featured in over 180 magazines and newspaper articles. His work has proved popular with a number of people such as feautures in the Newsweek magazine where David has produced many designs.
David Carson completed a substantial amount of work during his career along with Neville Brody, I feel that I can certainly relate and create links with my current and past work. When I design type I prefer it to be placed conventionally and I thought that this was the only way could work, but recently when I have looked at the work of Brody and Carson I feel that laying type out expressivly can make a design effective, the artwork "don't mistake legibility for communication" by David Carson is a good example of this.
The New York School 1950's - 1970's.
Key words.
Bubbly, Hand Drawn typefaces.
Psychedelic.
Bright colours.
Wavy lined posters.
Festivals.
Electric guitar amps and louder sounds.
Work during this time included: branding and corporate idenity and work for Coco Cola.
The wavy lines and bright psychedelic colours did not appeal to me. I my current work is not linked to the movement and I do not think my future work will be inspired from this movement.
Professional and Contextual Studies 1
Being a Sole Trader.
Free lance - makes you personally liable for any debts.
A partnership - two or more sole trader working together.
Limited liability partnership or company
- As a partnership or company debt is limited to the company.
- fees are charged to establish a company or to register a trading name.
Franchises
- A license to an existing business.
Setting up the finance to be a sole trader.
- 6 months finance is usual but not legal.
Contracts
- Pre arranged contracts to guarantee work.
Funding.
- grants, loans, private investments.
- overdraft facility.
- charge a percentage upfront.
Tax issues.
- sole traders, partnerships and LLPs only charge tax on profits.
- equipment, costs, rent, phones and office costs are deducted from tax.
- Tax return is completed by 1st April each year of trading.
- you must register within 3 months of a fine will be charged.
Corporation Tax
- charged to limited companies on profits.
- if your business earns more than £64,000 then you have to register for vat.
Before becoming a sole trader.
- build a base of clients whilst working.
- attend conference or network events.
- join a agency.
- start a blog or web based marketing website.
Advantages.
- freedom.
- creative control.
- pure profit.
Disadvantages.
- stress.
- hours of work you do.
- marketing.
- chasing pay.
- deadlines.
- life/work balance.
- isolation.
- liability.
In today's lesson I handed my 1st draft of the presentation, Neil informed me that it would be essential for me to improve on the presentation, I was told that I needed to include more imagery to help reference the facts I was including in the presentation.
Creativity and Social Context
Today I presented my PowerPoint presentation on the Italian Futurists, for me presenting PowerPoint's or case studies to a group of people is always a nervous time, but I feel I have progressed largely since starting this course. On many occasions I have been given short notice, e.g. presenting a group critique of my work to the group, I feel having the short notice enforced on me has help me develop my presentational skill, as I have had less time to worry it. I also submitted my first draft of the case study, I think submitting this first draft has enhanced my skills of compiling a case study and has also changed my perception of how a case study at degree level should be. On reflection the ways of improvement I was given needed small attention, the improvement measures I needed to take were to improve spelling and largely to place the case study in chronological order.
Art Deco
1920's - 1940's
Art Deco started around 1920. It represented the rapid modernization of the world. It was used in fashion in the united states and in Europe. The name for Art Deco derived from the 1925 'Expositon Internationale des Arts Decoratifs Industriels et Modernes' held in Paris. It was named Art Deco because of the decorations used in the festival,(Arts Decorafits)
Art Deco was only used in art as a poster but its design was also used in architecture, furniture,fashion and car designs.
Leading artists of this movement were:
A.M. Cassandra, Rolan Ansieau, Sonia Delaunay, Tamara de Lempicka, Edward McKnight Kauffer, Koloman Moser, Aleksandra Ekster and Robin Howlett.
Leading architects were:
William Van Alen, Joseph Strauss, Irving Morrow, Charles Ellis, John Eberson and Albert Khan.
Recongnizable Art Deco fonts can be found on www.fontspace.com/category/art+deco
I don't think that the designers and artists of the Art Deco movement will influence me in my future work, I also feel that I am not as closely linked to this movement as I am to other past art movements.
David Carson and New Wave.
Wolfgang Weingart was one of the most influencial designers to make a journey into the New Wave movement. He envisioned a more experimental and expressive style of typography.
The three main disciples Weingart admired when he started practicing New Wave were Dan Friedman, April Greiman and Willi Kunz. Their work was so admired and imitated that it was the basis of the "New Wave" typography in the 1970's and 1980's. The Characteristics of this anti-movement were letter spaced Sans Serif type, stair-step rules, diagonal type, dynamic use of space, the use of weight changes or italics within words and reversed type.
David Carson is an American graphic designer who is best known for his unique magazine designs and use of experiemtanl tyogrpahy. Carson spent his early adulthood as a professional surfer and attained a standing in the world surfing chamionships while he worked as a high school teacher in California.
David Carson and his work have been recognized world wide and featured in over 180 magazines and newspaper articles. His work has proved popular with a number of people such as feautures in the Newsweek magazine where David has produced many designs.
 |
| David Carson |
The New York School 1950's - 1970's.
Key words.
Bubbly, Hand Drawn typefaces.
Psychedelic.
Bright colours.
Wavy lined posters.
Festivals.
Electric guitar amps and louder sounds.
Work during this time included: branding and corporate idenity and work for Coco Cola.
The wavy lines and bright psychedelic colours did not appeal to me. I my current work is not linked to the movement and I do not think my future work will be inspired from this movement.
Professional and Contextual Studies 1
Being a Sole Trader.
Free lance - makes you personally liable for any debts.
A partnership - two or more sole trader working together.
Limited liability partnership or company
- As a partnership or company debt is limited to the company.
- fees are charged to establish a company or to register a trading name.
Franchises
- A license to an existing business.
Setting up the finance to be a sole trader.
- 6 months finance is usual but not legal.
Contracts
- Pre arranged contracts to guarantee work.
Funding.
- grants, loans, private investments.
- overdraft facility.
- charge a percentage upfront.
Tax issues.
- sole traders, partnerships and LLPs only charge tax on profits.
- equipment, costs, rent, phones and office costs are deducted from tax.
- Tax return is completed by 1st April each year of trading.
- you must register within 3 months of a fine will be charged.
Corporation Tax
- charged to limited companies on profits.
- if your business earns more than £64,000 then you have to register for vat.
Before becoming a sole trader.
- build a base of clients whilst working.
- attend conference or network events.
- join a agency.
- start a blog or web based marketing website.
Advantages.
- freedom.
- creative control.
- pure profit.
Disadvantages.
- stress.
- hours of work you do.
- marketing.
- chasing pay.
- deadlines.
- life/work balance.
- isolation.
- liability.
Tuesday 22 February 2011
21st - 25th February 2011 (Half-term)
For the half-term week I have decided to work on the 2 presentation for 'Reflective Practice' and 'Creativity and Social Context'.
For the Creativity and Social context presentation I have decided to study the Italian Futurists, at this point I felt that I didn't know enough about the Italian Futurists and wanted to know more. I had been greatly influenced by the work of Fortunato Depero (one of the main practitioner of the second version of the Futurists) in a brief issued in my Btec course. I believe that studying the Italian Futurists has been highly beneficial for me as it has made me realize how the social conditions at a time of a movement can effect and change the course a movement can take. I have passion for anything to do with the second world war and when I read that Filippo Marinetti(one of the founding members of the Italian Futurists) was a devote fascist instinctively I read on. After completing a draft of my essay I conclude that the movement may have continued functioning for many years after the War if Marinetti was not such a devote fascist, other founding members of the movement were believers of the cause but not as orthodox as he then was.
For my Reflective Practice presentation I initially decided to study the history of the Helvetica typeface. The typeface is so widely used and has just past it 50th birthday so I felt that this was an indication that it was a success. I was unable to find enough information on Helvetica from books from the library and the internet, whilst reading around the subject of Helvetica I came across the Swiss Design movement, I later decided to continue with this movement for this presentation.
I feel that studying the Swiss Design movement has been beneficial for me, I feel that the techniques used could be influential for my future work. Without already realizing I am currently using techniques used in the Swiss Design movement in my work, this would be the techniques of the Sans Serif typeface set in the flush-left and right rigged formation.
For the Creativity and Social context presentation I have decided to study the Italian Futurists, at this point I felt that I didn't know enough about the Italian Futurists and wanted to know more. I had been greatly influenced by the work of Fortunato Depero (one of the main practitioner of the second version of the Futurists) in a brief issued in my Btec course. I believe that studying the Italian Futurists has been highly beneficial for me as it has made me realize how the social conditions at a time of a movement can effect and change the course a movement can take. I have passion for anything to do with the second world war and when I read that Filippo Marinetti(one of the founding members of the Italian Futurists) was a devote fascist instinctively I read on. After completing a draft of my essay I conclude that the movement may have continued functioning for many years after the War if Marinetti was not such a devote fascist, other founding members of the movement were believers of the cause but not as orthodox as he then was.
For my Reflective Practice presentation I initially decided to study the history of the Helvetica typeface. The typeface is so widely used and has just past it 50th birthday so I felt that this was an indication that it was a success. I was unable to find enough information on Helvetica from books from the library and the internet, whilst reading around the subject of Helvetica I came across the Swiss Design movement, I later decided to continue with this movement for this presentation.
I feel that studying the Swiss Design movement has been beneficial for me, I feel that the techniques used could be influential for my future work. Without already realizing I am currently using techniques used in the Swiss Design movement in my work, this would be the techniques of the Sans Serif typeface set in the flush-left and right rigged formation.
Monday 14 February 2011
14th - 18th February (reading week)
As this is reading week and my first week back from my operation I have decided to reflect on the week as a whole, stating the work I have completed, as opposed to having a reflective paragraph on each module I am undertaking.
My main focus for this week has been the YCN brief, I have deiced to undertake the Boost brief.
I was confused to begin with, but I feel I have now grasped the concepts of what would like the final outcome to be.
This brief is totally different to ones I have been issued with in the past. Briefs in the past have been along the lines of.... design a logo to suit a certain target market and apply it to various obejects, poster/branding/stationary, with hardly any constrants applyied.
Whereas in comparison to the Boost brief, I have a set of rules to abide to, including what logo to be used and how to use it, what typefaces should be used and what colour scheme I am to use.
Its these constrants that bring my out of my confort zone, I feel that I am limited to what I can do when desiging, and sometimes think that I could choose a better typefaces to use, but then I realise that its in the clients best interests to use what they would like to appear in the final outcome. Reflecting on this issue I feel that as a designer, when working in industry, I could face this problem on a regular basis and need to adapt to it.
My main focus for this week has been the YCN brief, I have deiced to undertake the Boost brief.
I was confused to begin with, but I feel I have now grasped the concepts of what would like the final outcome to be.
This brief is totally different to ones I have been issued with in the past. Briefs in the past have been along the lines of.... design a logo to suit a certain target market and apply it to various obejects, poster/branding/stationary, with hardly any constrants applyied.
Whereas in comparison to the Boost brief, I have a set of rules to abide to, including what logo to be used and how to use it, what typefaces should be used and what colour scheme I am to use.
Its these constrants that bring my out of my confort zone, I feel that I am limited to what I can do when desiging, and sometimes think that I could choose a better typefaces to use, but then I realise that its in the clients best interests to use what they would like to appear in the final outcome. Reflecting on this issue I feel that as a designer, when working in industry, I could face this problem on a regular basis and need to adapt to it.
Tuesday 25 January 2011
18th - 20th January 2011 - including the De Stijl and The New Typography Manifesto
Reflective Practice:
After attempting to research the Helvetica typeface during the past week, I was unable to collate a substantial about of research on the subject.
After searching the Internet, I was unable to acquire a source that provided me with the relevant information I was looking for, I had the same result when searching the library.
I thought that at this point it was acceptable for me to find another success story to study before I would start to fall behind the rest of the group.
I had recently purchased a copy of Megg's History of Graphic Design, in that I came across the Swiss design movement, also known as The International Typographic Style. I have decided to study this as my success story. I feel that it has been a success as it has been influential for future movements.
Creative and Social Context:
The De Stijl
The ideas of De Stijl started when a group of artists, which included 3 painter, 2 artist, 1 sculptor and a poet, came together to exchange ideas in a public forum.
They vehicle for the exchange was a monthly magazine called 'De Stijl'. The magazine was founded in 1917 in Holland, but ceased publication in 1931 when the founding member died. The founder was Theo Van Deasburg, he was also the publisher and editor of the magazine and the movements main spokesman, without him De Stijl as a movement fell apart.
The Manifesto
De Stijl was founded during World War 1 and its origins were in a neutral country. The artist of De Stijl wanted harmony in balance, De Stijl came out of a period of chaos, when harmony and balance was longed for by the majority of Europeans. It was clear that for future harmony, implied changes in ways of life. The Artist discovered theses changed everywhere in contemporary life.
The New Typography
The New Typography movement brought together information design and graphics to the artistic avant-garde of Central Europe during the 1920's and 1930's. The leading practitioner of the New Typography movement was Jan Tschichold, his idea was to forget the old ideas of design and develop new ones.
The old typeface was designed for the needs of the readers at the time, who had the time to read line by line. The main aesthetics in The New Typography movement were type and colour. In comparison to the old typography, where colour was used decoratively, in the new typography colour is used more functionally. The colour red is probably the most important colour as it come forward and seems closer than other colour used on the page, whereas white creates an effect of reflecting light. Black can move further back and appear behind other colours. A good example of this theory is 'Die Frau ohne Namen' by Jan Tschichold. The colour red appears above the retiring black.
Bibliography:
http://www.moma.org/visit/calendar/exhibitions/1015
[accessed 02/03/11]
The New Typography, Creative Review 1995
Summary.
Out of the two manifestos I have studied, I feel I like the most and can relate to more is the The New Typography manifesto by Jan Tcshichold. The New Typography movement came directly after the first version of the Italian Futurists, I believe that the Social conditions at that period helped with the progression of many influential designers. I think that the colours they used and the theory behind it(which is mentioned above) is a admirable system to use. [insert my lino print work]
Exploring Specialist Pathway 1: The breaking the rules.
In the past when people have stated, 'Brody and Carson really broke the rules of typography', I never fully understood what they meant by that. I feel that today's workshop was a essential as it has enabled me to understand this.
Out of all of the different examples of rule breaking I have encountered I feel that 'breaking the rules of balance' would be the most inspirational for me in my future work. I believe this because I feel that the word 'type' as it stands below is strong, I think that this style of rule breaking would work effectively in a magazine or a advertising poster and would appeal with the most potential to a consumer.
Screen Prints
I went to today lesson knowing nothing about screen printing, my initial reaction was that I thought screen would be unnecessary, but on reflection I feel that it could be an essential aid in future typography briefs.
I believe that learning traditional methods of design and collaborating them with modern methods can create a effective piece of artwork.
After attempting to research the Helvetica typeface during the past week, I was unable to collate a substantial about of research on the subject.
After searching the Internet, I was unable to acquire a source that provided me with the relevant information I was looking for, I had the same result when searching the library.
I thought that at this point it was acceptable for me to find another success story to study before I would start to fall behind the rest of the group.
I had recently purchased a copy of Megg's History of Graphic Design, in that I came across the Swiss design movement, also known as The International Typographic Style. I have decided to study this as my success story. I feel that it has been a success as it has been influential for future movements.
Creative and Social Context:
The De Stijl
The ideas of De Stijl started when a group of artists, which included 3 painter, 2 artist, 1 sculptor and a poet, came together to exchange ideas in a public forum.
They vehicle for the exchange was a monthly magazine called 'De Stijl'. The magazine was founded in 1917 in Holland, but ceased publication in 1931 when the founding member died. The founder was Theo Van Deasburg, he was also the publisher and editor of the magazine and the movements main spokesman, without him De Stijl as a movement fell apart.
The Manifesto
De Stijl was founded during World War 1 and its origins were in a neutral country. The artist of De Stijl wanted harmony in balance, De Stijl came out of a period of chaos, when harmony and balance was longed for by the majority of Europeans. It was clear that for future harmony, implied changes in ways of life. The Artist discovered theses changed everywhere in contemporary life.
The New Typography
The New Typography movement brought together information design and graphics to the artistic avant-garde of Central Europe during the 1920's and 1930's. The leading practitioner of the New Typography movement was Jan Tschichold, his idea was to forget the old ideas of design and develop new ones.
 |
| Jan Tschichold. Die Frau ohne Namen. 1927. Offset lithograph |
Bibliography:
http://www.moma.org/visit/calendar/exhibitions/1015
[accessed 02/03/11]
The New Typography, Creative Review 1995
Summary.
Out of the two manifestos I have studied, I feel I like the most and can relate to more is the The New Typography manifesto by Jan Tcshichold. The New Typography movement came directly after the first version of the Italian Futurists, I believe that the Social conditions at that period helped with the progression of many influential designers. I think that the colours they used and the theory behind it(which is mentioned above) is a admirable system to use. [insert my lino print work]
Exploring Specialist Pathway 1: The breaking the rules.
In the past when people have stated, 'Brody and Carson really broke the rules of typography', I never fully understood what they meant by that. I feel that today's workshop was a essential as it has enabled me to understand this.
Out of all of the different examples of rule breaking I have encountered I feel that 'breaking the rules of balance' would be the most inspirational for me in my future work. I believe this because I feel that the word 'type' as it stands below is strong, I think that this style of rule breaking would work effectively in a magazine or a advertising poster and would appeal with the most potential to a consumer.
 |
| Breaking the rule of balance |
 |
| Breaking the rule of distortion |
 |
| Breaking the rules of width |
Screen Prints
I went to today lesson knowing nothing about screen printing, my initial reaction was that I thought screen would be unnecessary, but on reflection I feel that it could be an essential aid in future typography briefs.
I believe that learning traditional methods of design and collaborating them with modern methods can create a effective piece of artwork.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)