Friday 22 May 2015

OUGD602 End of Year Evaluation

What skills have you developed throughout this module and how effectively have you applied them?

This module has taught me a great about about working in the industry. I have thoroughly enjoyed working on two placements and gaining first-hand experience of the working industry. Although these studios were not particularly ideal for my interests in design, they have been insightful experiences each time. I now take a great deal of care in my work, with attention to detail and focus on perfecting outcomes to their best potential.

During my most recent placement at Headred in Coventry, I was able to get firs-hand advice on starting up my own website. As I had very little knowledge in design for web, it was really interesting watching how they worked and hearing their advice on the best options. I feel extremely happy with my website and business cards. I had been debating whether to call myself Lizzy or Elizabeth moving forawrds, however it all came together once I had chosen to stick with the characteristics everyone knew me for. Something as simple as getting your name and personal brand right can really help to clarify how you want to be seen by others.

During this module, I have been fortunate to get feedback from external professionals about my portfolio. The visit to Music, Manchester was particularly beneficial as I received a lot of useful ideas and suggestions to enhance my portfolio and make sure it stand out from others.


What approaches to/methods of design production have you developed and how have they informed your design development process?

I have taken the time to go to various talks from different speakers. A particular favourite was Lewis Heriz. His work is one of my core inspirations, and hearing him talk about his methodology was extremely inspiring. I particularly liked the way he described his approach to his record sleeve designs as it was similar to my own. I have recently become more confident with approaching professionals and introducing myself. I have also received a great amount of positive feedback for my logo and identity.

What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you capitalise on these?

My identity

What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these in the future?

Monday 27 April 2015

Portfolio Review - Ideas by Music

On Thursday, I attended a portfolio review at Ideas by Music, Manchester. After e-mailing Dan Lancaster about an interest in the studio, he suggested that we organise a group LCA Graphic Design visit. 

Planning for my review...




This was a great opportunity to receive one-to-one feedback on my portfolio and to learn more about the work produced at Music. The day was split into 45minute portfolio reviews per student, with a presentation from Dan in between. 


When arriving at Music, the first thing I noticed was the creative use of studio space. The studio had a vibrant nature about it with fun features such as a suspended calendar made up of vinyl records with large, white vinyl numbers and letters to mark out the date. To the opposite side of the studio, there was a feature wall showcasing various awards and artwork from the studio. All of the staff greeted us with a warm welcome, causing us to feel comfortable from the minute we arrived. 





Notes from the Music presentation


And some notes from my portfolio review...

Monday 13 April 2015

Cover Club: Q&A With Lewis Heriz

On Thursday I attended a Q and A session with Lewis Heriz at The Ace Hotel in London. The event was the third of a series of guest speakers invited by Cover Club to talk about their personal approach to album cover artwork. 

After attending a Sofrito: Tropical Discotheque event in November, I was already familiar with some of the work produced by Heriz. This was a great opportunity to learn more about his unique idea generation and how he produces such a wide range of bold, adventurous and imaginative, hand-crafted designs.



During the discussion, Heriz talked us through a selection of work samples - both album covers and record sleeves. His work showed a consistent theme of hand-crafted collage and screen printed mediums. I particularly liked the honest and open approach which Heriz took to his idea generation. His work helped me to get a better understanding of the type of design which I want to work towards. 



The thing I found most inspiring abour Heriz (aside from his artwork) was his approach to each project. In a similar way to how I think about every aspect and meaning of a project, he considered a range of possible pathways to take his designs. If he was working for clients he would follow the route which they had suggested to him, but also sometimes create a design formed from his personal interpretation of a brief. 

Starting with a selection of possible design routes, Heriz allows himself a broad creative freedom to experiment with various ideas, which often overlap and come together into a well-refined and considered outcome.




Interestingly, Heriz mentioned that he wasn't particularly interested in typography. Although type plays an important role in the majority of his work, he does not spend too much time worrying about kerning or accuracy. Instead, he uses type to enhance the imagery, using as an additional visual means with more to it than a plain piece of type placed on top of the image. The type enhances Heriz' strong visual style.


At the end of the talk, I had the opportunity to introduce myself to Heriz and complement his work. I bought one of his prints and asked him for a business card to contact him with any future questions.


Additional Info:
Website - lewisheriz.com

Tuesday 17 March 2015

Business Cards Development

Original Business Card Back
Original Business Card Front







Typeface Experiments- 

-Microsoft Yi Baiti Regular
-Gill Sans Light
-Gotham Book
-Moonflower Regular
-Orator Std Medium