Wednesday 16 February 2011

Layout variations.

The magazine I took my article from that I worked with .
 variations with the positioning and size of article elements.





 Images of my A5 layout, taken from different elements of my 4 layout thumbnails.
 The grid and template I used for the thumbnail variations.

Tuesday 15 February 2011

End of module self evaluation. OUGD102.

WHAT SKILLS HAVE YOU DEVELOPED THROUGH THIS MODULE AND HOW EFFECTIVELY DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE APPLIED THEM?
During this module, I have learnt a lot about information graphics and the application of research, especially quantitative such as facts & figures, into clear and informative graphics. I have also learnt about the processes involved in book making and was able to apply these to my collection 100 brief effectively. I used the skills gained in regards to research and information graphics fairly effectively during the two main briefed projects.

WHAT APPROACHES TO/METHODS OF RESEARCH HAVE YOU DEVELOPED AND HOW HAVE THEY INFORMED YOUR DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS?
I have made use of questionnaires more frequently than in any other brief to gain a good amount of primary qualitative feedback for both the 'what if?' and 'collection 100' briefs. This helped me to gain valuable information on peoples opinions which may otherwise be difficult to acquire. These proved a useful starting point for the collection 100 brief especially as one of the main topics whenever questioning anyone about hair, was celebrity hairstyles.

WHAT STRENGTHS CAN YOU IDENTIFY IN YOUR WORK AND HOW HAVE/WILL YOU CAPITALISE ON THESE?
I think my main strength in this module was consistency of visuals throughout briefs. Especially on digitally produced pieces, allowing me to gain a visually coherent & consistent body of work that I can easily build upon in up coming briefs.

WHAT WEAKNESSES CAN YOU IDENTIFY IN YOUR WORK AND HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THESE MORE FULLY?
I think one of my main weaknesses up to this point, and something becoming rather more irritating is my willingness to make design decisions, usually regarding direction for a project. I need to work on gaining an idea more quickly, as even if I choose to move in a different direction, it will have provided me with a starting point for both concept and visuals. I also think I need to push briefs more and have the daring to create something really visually exciting...

IDENTIFY 5 THINGS THAT YOU WILL DO DIFFERENTLY NEXT TIME AND WHAT DO YOU EXPECT TO GAIN FROM DOING SO? 
-Keep up to date with blogger 
blogging quickly builds up, keeping up to date would allow me more time to work on product towards the end of briefs.
-Put all my ideas onto paper.
No matter how bad they are it will always help with quickly identifying a starting point for briefs.
-Work on my time management.
I have begun writing to do lists which have proved useful towards the end of the module and would like to continue the good habit. This will also allow me a better balance between work and everything else.
- Collect in depth research
Try to collect a comprehensive body of in depth research as it has proved useful in gaining direction in collection brief and will certainly help moving onwards.
-Use my research more effectively...
Use my research into digital media and product to inform designs, possibly to give a more interesting aesthetic & develop my skills as a designer. Get a bit of daring to push visuals aswell. 


5 - EXCELLENT - 1 - POOR



ATTENDANCE                                              4
PUNCTUALITY                                             4
MOTIVATION                                               3
COMMITMENT                                            3
QUANTITY OF WORK                                 2
QUALITY OF WORK                                   3
CONTRIBUTION TO THE GROUP            4

Type & Grid



Here are some photographs of the grid that we worked out on the newspaper we were given.

Hairy packaging...mock up.








Above are photographs of some mock up packaging I created using some thing clear plastic and a card top. I chose to use this type of packaging because it shows the product and allows for clear communication with a very unfussy style that I have used throughout my project. It is also very easy to create and reproduce and would be financially viable if used for production. Especially considering the price tag I've put on them...

Hairy wall chart...final photos






Here are photographs of a design for a wall chart, that would come in the form of a concertina book that would fold out to contain space for all the stickers. This is printed onto plain paper, but ideally I would print it onto a fairly heavy, satin finished stock so that it gives a good surface for my stickers to go onto . The stickers would probably go onto glossy vinyl, or as they are onto matt vinyl, either works well. There are a few niggles in this concertina book, such as a problem with the order of the haircuts etc, however I think it is good to get an idea of the finished product. A heavy gloss cover would be ideal for this concertina book.

Circles...