End of module evaluation
This module has taught me that in order to get work you need to get yourself noticed!
i've also learnt how to promote myself effectively, what kind of language I should be using with professionals and how to target studios/designers/like minded people to get myself experience.
With all the considerations such as tone of voice and how you are perceived, I'm happy with my self branding and I now know you can be professional but still have a light personality.
Yesterday I went on my first studio visit which again opened my eyes to a whole world outside college.
I learnt how competitive the industry and that I will be up against hundreds for one job.
As mentioned earlier, I went on a studio visit and i couldn't imaging me doing it before this module. I've learnt to talk in a professional manor and I no longer feel like a student. This module helped me to get out there and brave the real world. Previously, while I was contacting designers I would often steer away from big studios as I thought they would see me as another student where as now I can email them with confidence.
I'm looking forward to bringing these great elements into third year for a professional and effective year.
Showing posts with label OUPD201. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OUPD201. Show all posts
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
Studio visit.
Thompson Brand Partners.
Today I visited Ian (creative director) at Thompson Brand Partners in Roundhay,Leeds.
It was 6pm so everyone else had gone home. I firstly introduced myself, where I'm studying and my personal interests. Ian then showed me some of their new work which I was very impressed by.
The whole chat was very relaxed and I really loved the atmosphere of the converted stable studio.
Ian said I was very welcome to pop back into the studio to show him my work which is great news!
Thompson Brand Partners.
Today I visited Ian (creative director) at Thompson Brand Partners in Roundhay,Leeds.
It was 6pm so everyone else had gone home. I firstly introduced myself, where I'm studying and my personal interests. Ian then showed me some of their new work which I was very impressed by.
The whole chat was very relaxed and I really loved the atmosphere of the converted stable studio.
Ian said I was very welcome to pop back into the studio to show him my work which is great news!
Tuesday, 5 June 2012
Monday, 4 June 2012
Contacting Thompson Brand Partners.
On the 16/5/2012 I emailed Ian (Creative director) and asked about visiting the studio.
The email went as so -
I then replied -
Hi Ian,
On the 16/5/2012 I emailed Ian (Creative director) and asked about visiting the studio.
The email went as so -
"Good afternoon Ian,
Hope you're well. I'm currently coming to the end of my second year studying
Graphic Design at Leeds College of Art. As part of the second year, three other group members and myself set up a potential design agency called Fourth Wall.
We drew up a list of possible clients and we found ourselves to be working within the culture sector.
Whilst researching like-minded agencies who dealt with similar clients,
I came upon Thompson Brand Partners' website and I was very impressed with the work shown.
My favourite being the work for the West Yorkshire Playhouse. I loved the great use of
strong visuals which gave WYPH a strong sense of identity.
I've continued admiring your work long after the submission of our business module.
At your convenience, would it be possible for me to pop into the studio for a short chat?
Best Regards
Simon Cherry"
He replied with -
Hi Ian,
Great stuff. Will next Friday be okay for you?
Regards
Simon.
I was busy finishing of lose ends to OUGD203 so never heard back for a short while so I decided to email him once again. I didn't want to sound like a pest but I really wanted to visit the studio so I sent this message -
" Hi Ian,
Just making sure that it's still okay for me to pop into the studio at some point?
Regards
Simon "
We soon agreed that Wednesday 6th of June 6pm would be suitable.
I'm very excited. This will be my first studio visit
so I shall be preparing questions and hopefully leave feeling inspired and exited.
Saturday, 2 June 2012
Why Am I Here? What Do I Want To Learn?
Identify and explain 5 reasons why you chose to study on this programme:
1. The moment I stepped foot in the uni building I could sense something different and unique.
It never felt like a generic uni building where you're just another number/name on a card. Because It's a specialist art college every where you go in the college is creative so you're constantly surrounded by a creative atmosphere which only inspires you even further to work hard. My ND tutor recommended this course to me and had mentioned that it was building a strong reputation for itself. I knew I would get the best out of my degree from LCA.
2. The tutor time. Because of the small numbers and the collge-like nature of the course, it was easy for the tutors to get to know us by name and vice versa. Again, you didn't feel like a another number. They would always be on hand to give feedback on work and they would always listen if you had a problem.
3. The timetabled hours.
Admittidly I had dreamt of going to a uni where you would only be in for 2 hours a week and the rest of the time going out and socialising and sometimes I still envy those who are still in bed on a Monday morning. But why would I pay over £3000 a year doing that? I wanted to get the most out of the course and I felt like this was where I would get my moneys worth.
4. Access to facilities.
The access to facilities in the course is incredible. Top of the range computers with all the latest software, a room for screen printing, laser cutters, the library. The college doesn't discriminate so if you're a design student wanting to photograph something, the dark room and the equipment if fully accessible to you. Easily comparible to anything you would find in industry. The college is your oyster!
Identify and explain 5 reasons why you chose to study on this programme:
1. The moment I stepped foot in the uni building I could sense something different and unique.
It never felt like a generic uni building where you're just another number/name on a card. Because It's a specialist art college every where you go in the college is creative so you're constantly surrounded by a creative atmosphere which only inspires you even further to work hard. My ND tutor recommended this course to me and had mentioned that it was building a strong reputation for itself. I knew I would get the best out of my degree from LCA.
2. The tutor time. Because of the small numbers and the collge-like nature of the course, it was easy for the tutors to get to know us by name and vice versa. Again, you didn't feel like a another number. They would always be on hand to give feedback on work and they would always listen if you had a problem.
3. The timetabled hours.
Admittidly I had dreamt of going to a uni where you would only be in for 2 hours a week and the rest of the time going out and socialising and sometimes I still envy those who are still in bed on a Monday morning. But why would I pay over £3000 a year doing that? I wanted to get the most out of the course and I felt like this was where I would get my moneys worth.
4. Access to facilities.
The access to facilities in the course is incredible. Top of the range computers with all the latest software, a room for screen printing, laser cutters, the library. The college doesn't discriminate so if you're a design student wanting to photograph something, the dark room and the equipment if fully accessible to you. Easily comparible to anything you would find in industry. The college is your oyster!
Wednesday, 30 May 2012
Riccardo Baruzzi Book
Book for artist Riccardo Baruzzi, printed on the occasion of his solo exhibition ‘Quando disegno non canto’. The catalog is intended as a sort of address book: 4 sections A, B, C and D act as carriers of the artist’s various types of productions. Both the cover design (which simply offers all sections with their titles), and its construction (glued on back cover only), allow to see the entire structure of the book.
The colours on this thing is amazing. A lot of designs I've looked at for this module involves small photographs and high emphasis on colour. The green and blue work perfectly.
Book for artist Riccardo Baruzzi, printed on the occasion of his solo exhibition ‘Quando disegno non canto’. The catalog is intended as a sort of address book: 4 sections A, B, C and D act as carriers of the artist’s various types of productions. Both the cover design (which simply offers all sections with their titles), and its construction (glued on back cover only), allow to see the entire structure of the book.
The colours on this thing is amazing. A lot of designs I've looked at for this module involves small photographs and high emphasis on colour. The green and blue work perfectly.
Monday, 28 May 2012
Saturday, 26 May 2012
Business card.
TASK 5 MAKING YOUR MARK
Wikipedia defines a business card as -
Business cards are cards bearing business information about a company or individual. They are shared during formal introductions as a convenience and a memory aid. A business card typically includes the giver's name, company affiliation (usually with a logo) and contact information such as street addresses, telephone number(s), fax number, e-mail addresses and website. It can also include telex, bank account and tax code. Traditionally many cards were simple black text on white stock; today a professional business card will sometimes include one or more aspects of striking visual design.
A business card is always important. It is one way of introducing yourself to potential clients since it shows your information either about the company or as an individual. It's the first thing your potential employer/client will see and they will judge you on it. Give them a rubbish business card - They're going to think your services won't be up to scratch.
A business card carries very well of who you are, what you do, and who you represent.
MY BUSINESS CARD
I consider myself to be a print based designer so I've opted to go for a paper/notepad look for my card. The fold also reflects my creativity. A hyperthetical scenriero would be that you're visiting a studio and the person you wish to see (most likely the creative director) isn't in. With my card, I can write a message on the Notes side of the card and hand it over to the receptionist. This way the creative director knows who I am and what I want.
STATIONARY -
LETTERHEAD
TASK 5 MAKING YOUR MARK
Wikipedia defines a business card as -
Business cards are cards bearing business information about a company or individual. They are shared during formal introductions as a convenience and a memory aid. A business card typically includes the giver's name, company affiliation (usually with a logo) and contact information such as street addresses, telephone number(s), fax number, e-mail addresses and website. It can also include telex, bank account and tax code. Traditionally many cards were simple black text on white stock; today a professional business card will sometimes include one or more aspects of striking visual design.
A business card is always important. It is one way of introducing yourself to potential clients since it shows your information either about the company or as an individual. It's the first thing your potential employer/client will see and they will judge you on it. Give them a rubbish business card - They're going to think your services won't be up to scratch.
A business card carries very well of who you are, what you do, and who you represent.
MY BUSINESS CARD
I consider myself to be a print based designer so I've opted to go for a paper/notepad look for my card. The fold also reflects my creativity. A hyperthetical scenriero would be that you're visiting a studio and the person you wish to see (most likely the creative director) isn't in. With my card, I can write a message on the Notes side of the card and hand it over to the receptionist. This way the creative director knows who I am and what I want.
STATIONARY -
LETTERHEAD
Friday, 25 May 2012
Business card and clever ideas.
YOGAONE BUSINESS CARD. Not only does this business card promote the business, it also let's the holder of the card interact with it and let's you understand what the company is about. The simple, mininmal layout of the card adds to the effectiveness of the card. "This is who we are and this is what we do" Nice and simple.
TOOTHPASTE - BUILDS STRONG TEETH
This billboard gives an idea of how scale can really affect your message/company statement.
The toothpaste is shown to build strong teeth. This is exaggerated and put on a large scale to sell the product. This stops people in the street and makes the public remember the product.
FOLGERS COFFEE
Print of a cup of Folgers coffee was placed on top of manhole covers in New York City, USA. Holes on the print allow the steam to come out. Wordings around the cup reads 'Hey, City That Never Sleeps. Wake up." from Folgers. This promotion takes an existing thing and takes twists it's function.
CIGARETTE COFFIN PACKAGING.
Sometimes the packaging doesn't have to sell the product. This is a clever twist on the convention that the packaging must promote/sell the product. Quite sure it would drive the message home. The Coffin Shaped Cigarette Packaging was designed by R.J. Reynolds. Hopefully, people will make better choices when purchasing/smoking cigarettes.
Sending my business card to John.
Today, after submitting my OUGD203 module, I sent my business card(s) to John.
I later made some adjustments and sent him another version of my business card.
This was to give him a favoured choice and hopefully give me feedback on which one to chose/show to professionals.
Today, after submitting my OUGD203 module, I sent my business card(s) to John.
I later made some adjustments and sent him another version of my business card.
This was to give him a favoured choice and hopefully give me feedback on which one to chose/show to professionals.
Friday, 18 May 2012
Emailing The beautiful meme
TASK 4
STUDIO EMAIL.
Today I emailed the beautiful meme for hopes of a studio visit.
Both Tom and Ben have visited the college for professional visits and I've been impressed
on both occassions. I love their work and what they believe in so I sent them an email saying :
Good afternoon.
Hope you're well. Both Ben and Tom have been to visit LCA to give an always inspiring talk through The Beautiful Meme's work. I'm currently coming to the end of my second year studying Graphic Design at Leeds College of Art and I would love to pop into the studio when convenient to talk through work and hopefully gain some advice about the design industry post graduation.
Best Regards
Simon Cherry
Their reply back was -
So I really need to get a PDF up and running that I could send to studios for placements etc.
TASK 4
STUDIO EMAIL.
Today I emailed the beautiful meme for hopes of a studio visit.
Both Tom and Ben have visited the college for professional visits and I've been impressed
on both occassions. I love their work and what they believe in so I sent them an email saying :
Good afternoon.
Hope you're well. Both Ben and Tom have been to visit LCA to give an always inspiring talk through The Beautiful Meme's work. I'm currently coming to the end of my second year studying Graphic Design at Leeds College of Art and I would love to pop into the studio when convenient to talk through work and hopefully gain some advice about the design industry post graduation.
Best Regards
Simon Cherry
Their reply back was -
Thursday, 10 May 2012
Cargo Collective.
I've had a cargo collective website running just over a year now.
It's undergone some changes since then.
The website follows a simple layout and promotes easy navigation. The project lists are labeled clearly and are to the left of the site. (Where you would normally find them)
Once a project was selected you can easily scroll through the images of that particular project by simply clicking on the images.
The website is lacking some work and some finished projects could really do with reshooting.
Wednesday, 9 May 2012
Retouching branding.
BRANDING AND IDENTITY
Ingenious bit of branding from Poland based freelancer, Noeeko (Michal Sycz.)
"Lukas Strociak Retouching is a small photography post-production studio based in Sandnes, Norway. Most of their clients are photographers working in the fashion industry and that's also where their main focus is. They set out to bring perfection to every image they process while still keeping it`s soul and the photographer`s original vision."
The style is rather unusual, and when I first saw it I was thinking what it could mean. It was only when I saw the coffee cup (below) that I instantly caught on. Beautifully simple. Just what I like.
BRANDING AND IDENTITY
"Lukas Strociak Retouching is a small photography post-production studio based in Sandnes, Norway. Most of their clients are photographers working in the fashion industry and that's also where their main focus is. They set out to bring perfection to every image they process while still keeping it`s soul and the photographer`s original vision."
The style is rather unusual, and when I first saw it I was thinking what it could mean. It was only when I saw the coffee cup (below) that I instantly caught on. Beautifully simple. Just what I like.
Monday, 7 May 2012
John Burgess.
TASK 4
John Burgess is a Leicester based graphic designer currently at a placement at Six.
John was a fellow ND'er at Solihull College and was in the year below me.
He studied Graphic Design (BA) at Leicester De Montfort University and went on to feautre on websites such as; Form Fifty Five, Bitique, Eight:48, and Typojungle. His work was also published recently in the book ‘Type Image’ by Barbara Brownie. He has also been asked to be featured in next years De montfort Univesity’s prospectus as an example of a “model student”.
I love John's obvious keen eye for detail and simplicity.
Something that I relate with totally.
Because he went to the same college and has carried his education of Graphic design into university, I thought it would be appropriate to email John. So I did.
TASK 4
John was a fellow ND'er at Solihull College and was in the year below me.
He studied Graphic Design (BA) at Leicester De Montfort University and went on to feautre on websites such as; Form Fifty Five, Bitique, Eight:48, and Typojungle. His work was also published recently in the book ‘Type Image’ by Barbara Brownie. He has also been asked to be featured in next years De montfort Univesity’s prospectus as an example of a “model student”.
I love John's obvious keen eye for detail and simplicity.
Something that I relate with totally.
Because he went to the same college and has carried his education of Graphic design into university, I thought it would be appropriate to email John. So I did.
On 8 May 2012, at 12:03, Simon Cherry wrote:
Good Afternoon John.
Hope you're well and enjoying the placement.
I was a fellow GD ND'er at Solihull College (the year below you) and a friend of Jack Brain.
A few months ago I noticed you were featured on a couple of design blogs and I was very impressed with what I saw and loved your keen eye for detail and considered approach to each of your designs.
I'm coming to the end of my second year studying graphic design at Leeds College of Art and wishing to spend my summer effectively by visiting studios etc.
Would it be possible to meet for a short chat when convenient for advice about the design industry post graduation and
your approaches when meeting professionals and studio visits?
Best regards
Simon Cherry
He responded really quickly and gave a great reply -
Hi Simon, good to hear from you. How are things?
Really sorry about the late reply, have just had a load of stuff on lately.
How are you finding Uni so far?
Off the top of my head here are a few good agencies based in Leeds (not sure if there familiar or not)
http://www.wearegolden.co.uk/ more of their work http://www.septemberindustry.co.uk/golden-design-leeds/
Thank you for the compliment. I found getting my work on a few big design blogs really helped and I got quite a few people offering me jobs from it, so it was nice to be able to choose where I really wanted to work.
Yeah I'm more than happy to meet up if you wish, though I only ever sent my portfolio to Six and was lucky enough to get offered a job there. So I have little experience really of approaching lots of agencies and interviews and things.
I guess it would be best to start off with shortlisting the agencies you would like to work at or feel you would be a good fit for. Do you have any in mind already?
again sorry for the late reply.
Regards,
John
ME -
On Wed, May 16, 2012 at 2:55 PM, Simon Cherry <simonpetercherry@hotmail.com> wrote:
Hey John.
Things are great thanks. Yourself? Hows the placement?
Uni's going really well thank you. It's the final module hand in next week so it's quite intense but
it's fun pressure.
Thanks for the list. Some great new ones to add to my very own list.
Online exposure is always a great thing. It certainly got you noticed.
I'm back in Birmingham very soon so would it okay to arrange a chat for early June? I could always travel to leicester if it's inconvenient for you. Also would I be able to pop into Six studio to have a look round?
Thanks again for the list.
Regards,
Simon
JOHN -
Hi Simon,
Yeah i'm good thanks. I've been working at Six for around 7 months now and was at Un.titled for around the same time before, but yeah enjoying it.
So do you have any plans where you would like to go after you finish Uni then? I know there are way more decent design studios in Leeds compared to Birmingham.
Yeah June should be fine, though I don't often go back to Birmingham, is there anything you wanted to know specifically?
I'll have to see about the studio as it isn't really my place to invite people in, kind of depends on a lot of factors like clients being in and things.
Regards
John
When I return to Birmingham I plan to meet with John and discuss the industry and our own approaches to our design.
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
LINKEDIN.
In the PPD tutorial with John, he mentioned a website called Linkedin. I now have a linkedin account which gives me a great oppunitiy to network and share ideas with like minded creatives.
Linkedin is a business-related social networking site. You start off by creating a profile which represents my professional experience and education. According to the company themselves, linkedin isn't about building connections It's about help you, be more productive. Below is a handy video which explains in greater detail what the company is about and how it can help you get yourself out there.
In the PPD tutorial with John, he mentioned a website called Linkedin. I now have a linkedin account which gives me a great oppunitiy to network and share ideas with like minded creatives.
Linkedin is a business-related social networking site. You start off by creating a profile which represents my professional experience and education. According to the company themselves, linkedin isn't about building connections It's about help you, be more productive. Below is a handy video which explains in greater detail what the company is about and how it can help you get yourself out there.
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
Little Black Book.
Scottish based design stuio BERG, were asked by LBB to refresh the brand identity for their established online business. They were initially engaged to develop their exisiting identity but BERG managed to convince LBB that a completely new brand identity was more appropriate.
They began the project by deciding which assets of the existing brand should be retained. Which held the most brand equity and which should be discarded. BERG felt it was important that the identity convey the idea of a physical black book. This created an emotive curatorial platform thereby giving the content extra value. Furthermore this physical rendition helped inform the new brand assets such as colour, shape and typography. The dominant use of black lends a premium / exclusive quality to the brand. Whilst a minimal but bold typographic style communicates confidence and authority.
Scottish based design stuio BERG, were asked by LBB to refresh the brand identity for their established online business. They were initially engaged to develop their exisiting identity but BERG managed to convince LBB that a completely new brand identity was more appropriate.
They began the project by deciding which assets of the existing brand should be retained. Which held the most brand equity and which should be discarded. BERG felt it was important that the identity convey the idea of a physical black book. This created an emotive curatorial platform thereby giving the content extra value. Furthermore this physical rendition helped inform the new brand assets such as colour, shape and typography. The dominant use of black lends a premium / exclusive quality to the brand. Whilst a minimal but bold typographic style communicates confidence and authority.
Branding/identity
According to Wikipedia, Branding/identity are defined as such -
In Corporate Communications, a corporate identity is the "persona" of a corporation which is designed to accord with and facilitate the attainment of business objectives. It is usually visibly manifested by way of branding and the use of trademarks.
It is the "make up" of a company and can have serious affects on how successful the company/studio/individual is.
In the next couple of posts, I will be looking at different company's brands and explore the method and process behind that brand.
According to Wikipedia, Branding/identity are defined as such -
In Corporate Communications, a corporate identity is the "persona" of a corporation which is designed to accord with and facilitate the attainment of business objectives. It is usually visibly manifested by way of branding and the use of trademarks.
It is the "make up" of a company and can have serious affects on how successful the company/studio/individual is.
In the next couple of posts, I will be looking at different company's brands and explore the method and process behind that brand.
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
TASK 6/ SPREADING THE WORD.
Todays session was the first out of three sessions with Simon learning about websites and how they are put together.
First we started to list the purpose of having a website.
PURPOSE
Accessibility/portfolio clients
Showcase portfolio
Practical
Self promotion
Get a job
TARGET AUDIENCE
Potential employers
clients
collaborators.
Likeminded people.
AUDIENCE NEEDS
Contact information
Examples of work
Awards
CV
3 SECONDS
Is the amount of time someone gives a website.
LET THE WORK DO THE TALKING
Todays session was the first out of three sessions with Simon learning about websites and how they are put together.
First we started to list the purpose of having a website.
PURPOSE
Accessibility/portfolio clients
Showcase portfolio
Practical
Self promotion
Get a job
TARGET AUDIENCE
Potential employers
clients
collaborators.
Likeminded people.
AUDIENCE NEEDS
Contact information
Examples of work
Awards
CV
3 SECONDS
Is the amount of time someone gives a website.
LET THE WORK DO THE TALKING
TASK 6/ SPREADING THE WORD.
Todays session was the first out of three sessions with Simon learning about websites and how they are put together.
First we started to list the purpose of having a website.
PURPOSE
Accessibility/portfolio clients
Showcase portfolio
Practical
Self promotion
Get a job
TARGET AUDIENCE
Potential employers
clients
collaborators.
Likeminded people.
AUDIENCE NEEDS
Contact information
Examples of work
Awards
CV
3 SECONDS
Is the amount of time someone gives a website.
Todays session was the first out of three sessions with Simon learning about websites and how they are put together.
First we started to list the purpose of having a website.
PURPOSE
Accessibility/portfolio clients
Showcase portfolio
Practical
Self promotion
Get a job
TARGET AUDIENCE
Potential employers
clients
collaborators.
Likeminded people.
AUDIENCE NEEDS
Contact information
Examples of work
Awards
CV
3 SECONDS
Is the amount of time someone gives a website.
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