Below is my recently updated portfolio of my design work .
Wednesday 9 June 2010
Tuesday 27 April 2010
Contact Report - Reply to Questionnaire - Anthony Smith, Music
Again have received another reply to my questionnaire i sent out, this time from Anthony Smith from the design agency Music.
1) Yes. Strong ideas more than style.
Design that doesn't necessarily follow whats going on in the design press at
that time.
2) A good attitude. By which I mean, always ready to help on anything (design
work or otherwise), and telling us that that is the case. Making the effort
to talk to us!
3) Yes we do and no it doesn't matter.
4) It's a mixture really depending on the content/size of the job.
I am very grateful that Anthony managed to take the time to reply to me. Thank you.
1) Yes. Strong ideas more than style.
Design that doesn't necessarily follow whats going on in the design press at
that time.
2) A good attitude. By which I mean, always ready to help on anything (design
work or otherwise), and telling us that that is the case. Making the effort
to talk to us!
3) Yes we do and no it doesn't matter.
4) It's a mixture really depending on the content/size of the job.
I am very grateful that Anthony managed to take the time to reply to me. Thank you.
Thursday 22 April 2010
Alan Cox - Dust
Alan Cox studied a HND at Stockport College around 18 years ago, for 2 years. He then went on to study at Leeds Met University joining the 2nd years on the degree course; he finished his degree there. After finishing his degree, Alan then went on to wok in a hotel for 2 years, as he struggled to find a job in the design industry.
Alan has since become a member of the design company Dust, based in Sheffield. It is a small company with only two members in total.
Since working for Dust, Alan has worked on installations for Manchester United. The ideas behind the wok was based on the way the grass was cut on the pitches and how the goals were scored etc.
A few other design jobs Alan has worked on are:
Below is a selection of work mentioned above.
Above are two installations Dust created for Manchester United.
Above is a book cover designed for Penguin books.
Alan has since become a member of the design company Dust, based in Sheffield. It is a small company with only two members in total.
Since working for Dust, Alan has worked on installations for Manchester United. The ideas behind the wok was based on the way the grass was cut on the pitches and how the goals were scored etc.
A few other design jobs Alan has worked on are:
- Penguin book covers
- McDonalds
- Mexico factories
- Cadbury's Dairy Milk
- Voda-Phone - illustrations
- financial times
Below is a selection of work mentioned above.
Above are two installations Dust created for Manchester United.
Above is a book cover designed for Penguin books.
Thursday 15 April 2010
Cadburys 2010 Advert
Once again Cadbury's have produced another advert that i find visually pleasing.
Previously there has been the Gorilla Advert and then followed by the 'musical eyebrows' advert shortly after.
The latest advert is showing a chocolate charmer, he spins all the chocolate and milk in seperate bowls and mixes them together to create Cadbury's milk chocolate. I think they have taken a totally different approach towards their adverts recently, and its a very good decision. Most people you talk to will remember at least one of the previous Cadbury's adverts, this is a good sign as its advertising chocolate still by remembering the advert.
Below you can view the advert.
Previously there has been the Gorilla Advert and then followed by the 'musical eyebrows' advert shortly after.
The latest advert is showing a chocolate charmer, he spins all the chocolate and milk in seperate bowls and mixes them together to create Cadbury's milk chocolate. I think they have taken a totally different approach towards their adverts recently, and its a very good decision. Most people you talk to will remember at least one of the previous Cadbury's adverts, this is a good sign as its advertising chocolate still by remembering the advert.
Below you can view the advert.
Typography Posters
Whilst browsing the internet looking at different styles of typography posters, i came across a website containing '45 Amazing Type Faces'. I was initially drawn in by the title of the website, however when i actually took the time to look at the images i was amazed by what i saw.
"Typography is not just about choosing a nice typeface, actually it's much more than that, it's how we arrange the types in the layout choosing the right size, weight and type of font to transmit the message in the easiest and more understandable way. Now, imagine some designers take that to a next step, mixing typography with portraits."
As above, taken from the website, the select images below are taken from the site and they literally bring a new meaning to the word 'typeface'.
Wednesday 14 April 2010
Human Face Inspired Logo Designs
Whilst browsing through the internet i came across a website dedicated to Human Face Inspired Logo's. I was intrigued as to how similar these logo's could be to a human face so i decided to have a good look.
Some of them are not as obvious as others, however i have picked out a few of my favorites below.
Some of them are not as obvious as others, however i have picked out a few of my favorites below.
Container Plus vs Mike Rigby
Over the last year we have had a variety of different guest speakers coming into College, providing us with a lecture on their experiences on entering the graphic design world. Not all of the lectures are of great interest, however the majority are interesting and provide me with answers to the questions i have been asking. Each lecture i felt was presented very differently, whether it was the way they talked about there own work; or the actual presenting skills. After experiencing these lectures i have decided to compare two different lectures that have stood out in my mind and their different ways of how they entered the design world.
The two different lectures i am going to compare are Luise Vormittag, from the design agency Container Plus, and Mike Rigby a graphic designer who has worked for many different well known design agencies such as The Chase and Pentagram. Both lectures were very well presented and interesting to me, however quite different. Container Plus's lecture was presenting in the lecture theatre so felt very formal and professional, whereas Mike Rigby presented his lecture in our graphics room upstairs. This meant we were all sat a lot close to him and it felt less formal, but was still presented in a professional manner.
To start my comparison i am going to talk about Luise Vormittag and her lecture for Container Plus. As i mentioned above Luise presented her lecture in the lecture theatre. The main thing that stood out from her lecture from the start was the fact Container Plus are a collaboration of different pathways and made up of only women. I was intrigued to see how illustration and graphic design worked well together in a company. Luise mainly concentrated on talking about the agency itself, however she did include how she and the company set up and her experience into the graphic design world. There were comments after the talk that students found this lecture boring and un-interesting, however i feel i was the complete opposite and something about this lecture really kept me interested. It may have been the fact that we very rarely have female designers come in to talk and i was intrigued to see if she had any different problems or successes as the previous male designers we've had in. Container Plus was set up by Luise and a fellow design student from the same university, Nicola Carter. They both collaborated work during their final year at university and new they both wanted to work together doing something with illustration/graphic design. So they set up Container Plus, they now have a 3rd full time designer called Patricia, however they say being only a small company if they need any extra help they are not afraid to ask for it. Luise had a few points that she made during the lecture that really stood out to me. one of these was that container plus keep work and home life separate. This means like most graphic designers, instead of going for a drink after work, Container Plus do not do this, once they leave work that rarely speak until they are next in work together.
Secondly i am going to talk about Mike Rigby and his lecture. Again as i mentioned earlier, Mike presented his lecture in our small graphics room. I feel this was better in a way as we all got to engage with him directly. Mike started off his talk by talking about his first ever placement he got once leaving university, which was at Imagination London. He expressed how huge this company was and explained they had lots of different offices for all the different pathways in design. He even made a point of mentioning the street that ran between two of the buildings, in relation to how big it really was. mike said he enjoyed his placement and it was a good experience however he felt that he had spent most of his time in the photocopying room. Mike also went on the stress how important placements really are, this is something that Luise didn't talk about! He mentioned that it not only gets you in contact with people from the real world but also makes you fully aware of the speed you are needed to work at, which is good piece of information to be told as its not something you do much of whilst at university. Another piece of advice given by Mike was not to be scared of your work being rejected. Mike's lecture was very different as he hardly mentioned any of the companies he's worked for, he mainly focused on placements and his design experience. Mike's way of presenting was a lot more casual, he was talking about his early experiences such as going travelling around the world. He went on to say if you've already been travelling when going for an interview the employer then knows there isn't a chance you could leave after a year to go travelling the world.
With both lectures being about the same work however in very different styles you can clearly see this in their work.
Below is an example of Container Plus's work.
As you can see above Container Plus's work is very illustrative and pretty. Where as Mike Rigbys work (below)
You can see above that Mike's work is very clean and minimal, quite the opposite to Container Plus.
In comparison i think both lectures were extremely useful to me and have provided me with answers to many questions. Both lectures contained different information, for example Container Plus are a company that does everything from design work, photography and even making websites; whereas Mike Rigby works for a company, as a graphic designer and there will be other departments to deal with photography etc. I think both ways of presenting were useful and i enjoyed watching both of the lectures, as they both stood out in my mind and i will remember the basic points the guided me with.
The two different lectures i am going to compare are Luise Vormittag, from the design agency Container Plus, and Mike Rigby a graphic designer who has worked for many different well known design agencies such as The Chase and Pentagram. Both lectures were very well presented and interesting to me, however quite different. Container Plus's lecture was presenting in the lecture theatre so felt very formal and professional, whereas Mike Rigby presented his lecture in our graphics room upstairs. This meant we were all sat a lot close to him and it felt less formal, but was still presented in a professional manner.
To start my comparison i am going to talk about Luise Vormittag and her lecture for Container Plus. As i mentioned above Luise presented her lecture in the lecture theatre. The main thing that stood out from her lecture from the start was the fact Container Plus are a collaboration of different pathways and made up of only women. I was intrigued to see how illustration and graphic design worked well together in a company. Luise mainly concentrated on talking about the agency itself, however she did include how she and the company set up and her experience into the graphic design world. There were comments after the talk that students found this lecture boring and un-interesting, however i feel i was the complete opposite and something about this lecture really kept me interested. It may have been the fact that we very rarely have female designers come in to talk and i was intrigued to see if she had any different problems or successes as the previous male designers we've had in. Container Plus was set up by Luise and a fellow design student from the same university, Nicola Carter. They both collaborated work during their final year at university and new they both wanted to work together doing something with illustration/graphic design. So they set up Container Plus, they now have a 3rd full time designer called Patricia, however they say being only a small company if they need any extra help they are not afraid to ask for it. Luise had a few points that she made during the lecture that really stood out to me. one of these was that container plus keep work and home life separate. This means like most graphic designers, instead of going for a drink after work, Container Plus do not do this, once they leave work that rarely speak until they are next in work together.
Secondly i am going to talk about Mike Rigby and his lecture. Again as i mentioned earlier, Mike presented his lecture in our small graphics room. I feel this was better in a way as we all got to engage with him directly. Mike started off his talk by talking about his first ever placement he got once leaving university, which was at Imagination London. He expressed how huge this company was and explained they had lots of different offices for all the different pathways in design. He even made a point of mentioning the street that ran between two of the buildings, in relation to how big it really was. mike said he enjoyed his placement and it was a good experience however he felt that he had spent most of his time in the photocopying room. Mike also went on the stress how important placements really are, this is something that Luise didn't talk about! He mentioned that it not only gets you in contact with people from the real world but also makes you fully aware of the speed you are needed to work at, which is good piece of information to be told as its not something you do much of whilst at university. Another piece of advice given by Mike was not to be scared of your work being rejected. Mike's lecture was very different as he hardly mentioned any of the companies he's worked for, he mainly focused on placements and his design experience. Mike's way of presenting was a lot more casual, he was talking about his early experiences such as going travelling around the world. He went on to say if you've already been travelling when going for an interview the employer then knows there isn't a chance you could leave after a year to go travelling the world.
With both lectures being about the same work however in very different styles you can clearly see this in their work.
Below is an example of Container Plus's work.
As you can see above Container Plus's work is very illustrative and pretty. Where as Mike Rigbys work (below)
You can see above that Mike's work is very clean and minimal, quite the opposite to Container Plus.
In comparison i think both lectures were extremely useful to me and have provided me with answers to many questions. Both lectures contained different information, for example Container Plus are a company that does everything from design work, photography and even making websites; whereas Mike Rigby works for a company, as a graphic designer and there will be other departments to deal with photography etc. I think both ways of presenting were useful and i enjoyed watching both of the lectures, as they both stood out in my mind and i will remember the basic points the guided me with.
Contact Report - Reply to Questionnaire - Dave Sedgwick, 999 Design
Another response i have received from emailing a questionnaire out to graphic designers.
1. Good ideas, well presented. No blutac, sellotape, scruffy corners, rubbed out pencil lines, bits of food, dirty finger marks. Basically, a portfolio of between 8 & 10 pieces of work (but one really good idea could do it!) well considered and printed and mounted and housed in something you actually feel proud of.
2. Honesty, passion, enthusiasm, modesty, interesting and most of all someone who shows that they have enjoyed their time at university, but are willing to take the next step forward in employment.
3. We take on placements throughout the year. But we try and be fair to everyone and so it’s often a first come first served basis. Sometimes people might have to wait months before a placement arrives. By that point they may be in employment already.
4. Tough one. We tend to have an initial meeting where we all discuss the brief. Then we might go away and have a few days on our own, working around other work, then we will meet again and discuss our ideas. The Creative Director will usually decide the ones to push forward, but we all get a say. Only then when we’re all happy, do we finalise the presentation.
Again i am extremely grateful Dave had the time to email me back, as i know he is very busy at the moment.
1. Good ideas, well presented. No blutac, sellotape, scruffy corners, rubbed out pencil lines, bits of food, dirty finger marks. Basically, a portfolio of between 8 & 10 pieces of work (but one really good idea could do it!) well considered and printed and mounted and housed in something you actually feel proud of.
2. Honesty, passion, enthusiasm, modesty, interesting and most of all someone who shows that they have enjoyed their time at university, but are willing to take the next step forward in employment.
3. We take on placements throughout the year. But we try and be fair to everyone and so it’s often a first come first served basis. Sometimes people might have to wait months before a placement arrives. By that point they may be in employment already.
4. Tough one. We tend to have an initial meeting where we all discuss the brief. Then we might go away and have a few days on our own, working around other work, then we will meet again and discuss our ideas. The Creative Director will usually decide the ones to push forward, but we all get a say. Only then when we’re all happy, do we finalise the presentation.
Again i am extremely grateful Dave had the time to email me back, as i know he is very busy at the moment.
Thursday 8 April 2010
Arno Piroud - Tree Stumps
Arno Piroud is a french artist who has had produce various street art installations.
His latest one is , Assises éphémères, located in Paris featuring cut down diseased trees.
"Arno described these 50cm stumps as ridiculous and the temporary design proposal is an attempt to interact with the urban space.
Below are 4 images of the trees he as 'decorated'.
I think this is a clever way to make old tree stumps look appealing in the city of Paris.
His latest one is , Assises éphémères, located in Paris featuring cut down diseased trees.
"Arno described these 50cm stumps as ridiculous and the temporary design proposal is an attempt to interact with the urban space.
Below are 4 images of the trees he as 'decorated'.
I think this is a clever way to make old tree stumps look appealing in the city of Paris.
Bobble Water Bottle
Came across this on SwissMiss.
It is actually a very well designed water bottle with a built in water filter! I think the simplicity of the bottle is very effective, and the fact you can fill it up with just regular tap water and it is filtered right there and then for you, is definitely a bonus.
I am personally not a great fan of water but i will be definitely recomending this bottle on.
Click for more info on 'Bobble'.
It is actually a very well designed water bottle with a built in water filter! I think the simplicity of the bottle is very effective, and the fact you can fill it up with just regular tap water and it is filtered right there and then for you, is definitely a bonus.
I am personally not a great fan of water but i will be definitely recomending this bottle on.
Click for more info on 'Bobble'.
Iphone Dock Turns Into Desk Phone
Wine Glass Sponge
Whilst browsing through the SwissMiss Blog, i came across a sponge specially made for cleaning your wine glasses.
I think this is a brilliant idea as i have myself struggled to clean wine glasses with a regular sponge at times. Also the design and shape of the prong is interesting, as its not just a small sponge on the end of a long stick, which i have seen previously; the whole sponge is shaped in a unique shape.
I think this is a brilliant idea as i have myself struggled to clean wine glasses with a regular sponge at times. Also the design and shape of the prong is interesting, as its not just a small sponge on the end of a long stick, which i have seen previously; the whole sponge is shaped in a unique shape.
Wednesday 7 April 2010
Contact Report - Reply to Questionnaire - Box Creative
Again i have received a reply from Box Creative in response to my questionnaire.
Below are the answers:
1. When we hire, we look for specific abilities which we need more help in. If it is in print design, we will look for a strong understanding of typography, photoshop, vector illustration ability, and a good understanding of prepress. When seeking developers, we look to see innovation in their work and a great knowledge of when and where to use certain developments and technologies.
2. I look for an undeniable passion for design and/or creativity. This usually is very bright in people. I always see this quality in interns, as their efforts are almost stripped of financial agenda. When I see this passion in seasoned professionals, it comes with a portfolio filled with personal projects that highlight their client work. We all know that client work is usually driven by tons of outside opinion and clients with no design training, so it is good to see the pure creativity of personal work. You can see the 'actual person' in it and their consistent style. In addition, I think being culturally savvy is a good characteristic in creative professionals. It seems to go hand-in-hand and is nice to add culture into a shop. Overall, it is best to be yourself as most people can spot a phony. Although interviews can be nerve-wrecking, it is better to be "cool" than business-like in my opinion.
3. I look at a person's work and am not even interested in past jobs or educations. I feel the the person's experience is to better them and ultimately builds their portfolio. Their portfolio is where I find all the answers, not a diploma or letter of recommendation. I feel some of the best people in the industry are just out of college. Lots of people freelance out of school. It is a great way to learn every facet of the industry on your own but certainly can get you jaded. Working at a design firm at the bottom level can also create jaded professionals. I guess what I am saying is that I even prefer less work experience. After-all, I am hiring creatives, not an VP.
4. Personally, by obsessing myself with trends, styles, cultures, and technology, I quickly come up with what I feel is the best solution. If you can clearly visualize different options and the way ideas can be presented or received, then running with an idea comes easily. We brainstorm together and throw out ideas but the good stuff usually comes from an individual's intuition and presents itself when least expected. For example, when plenty of ideas have been thrown around and the team has began production, new ideas and ultimately better ones surface when being hands-on. A good design firm should have a comfortable atmosphere to allow "playing jazz" with their creations. They should be able to evolve at any time and not require approval for every little detail by a client. Clients should appreciate the team's abilities and will take your word for it most of the time.
I am also extremely grateful that Andrew Weitzel, from Box Creative, New York had the time to reply to my email.
Below are the answers:
1. When we hire, we look for specific abilities which we need more help in. If it is in print design, we will look for a strong understanding of typography, photoshop, vector illustration ability, and a good understanding of prepress. When seeking developers, we look to see innovation in their work and a great knowledge of when and where to use certain developments and technologies.
2. I look for an undeniable passion for design and/or creativity. This usually is very bright in people. I always see this quality in interns, as their efforts are almost stripped of financial agenda. When I see this passion in seasoned professionals, it comes with a portfolio filled with personal projects that highlight their client work. We all know that client work is usually driven by tons of outside opinion and clients with no design training, so it is good to see the pure creativity of personal work. You can see the 'actual person' in it and their consistent style. In addition, I think being culturally savvy is a good characteristic in creative professionals. It seems to go hand-in-hand and is nice to add culture into a shop. Overall, it is best to be yourself as most people can spot a phony. Although interviews can be nerve-wrecking, it is better to be "cool" than business-like in my opinion.
3. I look at a person's work and am not even interested in past jobs or educations. I feel the the person's experience is to better them and ultimately builds their portfolio. Their portfolio is where I find all the answers, not a diploma or letter of recommendation. I feel some of the best people in the industry are just out of college. Lots of people freelance out of school. It is a great way to learn every facet of the industry on your own but certainly can get you jaded. Working at a design firm at the bottom level can also create jaded professionals. I guess what I am saying is that I even prefer less work experience. After-all, I am hiring creatives, not an VP.
4. Personally, by obsessing myself with trends, styles, cultures, and technology, I quickly come up with what I feel is the best solution. If you can clearly visualize different options and the way ideas can be presented or received, then running with an idea comes easily. We brainstorm together and throw out ideas but the good stuff usually comes from an individual's intuition and presents itself when least expected. For example, when plenty of ideas have been thrown around and the team has began production, new ideas and ultimately better ones surface when being hands-on. A good design firm should have a comfortable atmosphere to allow "playing jazz" with their creations. They should be able to evolve at any time and not require approval for every little detail by a client. Clients should appreciate the team's abilities and will take your word for it most of the time.
I am also extremely grateful that Andrew Weitzel, from Box Creative, New York had the time to reply to my email.
Contact Report - Reply to Questionnaire - 24 Twelve Designs
I have recieved a reply From 24 Twelve Designs.
Below are the answers to my questionnaire i constructed:
Below are the answers to my questionnaire i constructed:
1. Not looking at the moment so hard to say
2. qualities.....I think if you can show passion and enthusiasm for design and motivation to work hard
3. I would definitely love to give work experience in the future, not necessarily someone with placements
4. For myself I just enjoy what I'm designing/painting not really thinking if it works! but for clients you need to really get them involved in what they want, communicate as much as you can so you have enough to work with to create something that works for them etc.
I am extremely grateful for the reply from Samantha Palmer at 24 Twelve Designs, London.
I am extremely grateful for the reply from Samantha Palmer at 24 Twelve Designs, London.
Contact Report - Questionnaire
I have recently been emailing a few design agencies that are of interest to me.
I have constructed a small questionnaire asking a few questions that i have been thinking about recently.
Below are the questions i have been sending out in an email, in hope for a reply and to get different design companies answers/opinions to my questions:
1) Is there anything in particular that your looking for when viewing through portfolio's?
2) Are there any particular qualities that you look for within the person showing you their portfolio?
3) Do you take on people for works experience placements or would you prefer people who come to you who have already had a placement?
4) How do you go about coming up with the idea that works? Do a group of you brainstorm together or do you go off individually then come back with what you all have and discuss it?
I will post separate posts containing the replies to my answers i have received.
I have constructed a small questionnaire asking a few questions that i have been thinking about recently.
Below are the questions i have been sending out in an email, in hope for a reply and to get different design companies answers/opinions to my questions:
1) Is there anything in particular that your looking for when viewing through portfolio's?
2) Are there any particular qualities that you look for within the person showing you their portfolio?
3) Do you take on people for works experience placements or would you prefer people who come to you who have already had a placement?
4) How do you go about coming up with the idea that works? Do a group of you brainstorm together or do you go off individually then come back with what you all have and discuss it?
I will post separate posts containing the replies to my answers i have received.
Monday 5 April 2010
Coca-Cola Bottles
Whilst browsing through blogs i came across a new design for the well known Coca-cola drinks bottles. A design student Andrew Kim, has completely changed the way our Coke bottles could be in the future.
The main change to been noticed is the fact the bottle would be square, compared to the current round drinks bottle. Having the new bottles square is considered to be Eco friendly as each bottle would take up far less space when in the shipping pallets, and having an arch in the bottom large enough to accommodate the cap of the bottle underneath it. This would also make the bottles available to be stacked in transit and when on sale in shops etc. The cap to be drank from has been placed offset for better an apparent better drink ability factor.
Below is the new shaped bottle compared to the current bottle.
and below is an image of how the bottles can be stacked
Another feature of the new shaped bottles is that underneath the label the bottle will be ribbed so that when the bottle is used it can be squashed down almost like an accordion. This will enable more room in the recycling truck.
Below an image of the ribbed bottle
I cannot personally decide weather i like this new bottle design or not. I think these would be very eye catching as they are so different to the current bottles, and definitely good for the environment. I no they are only a design made by a freshmen in America, however i think these are god enough to be used in the real world.
The main change to been noticed is the fact the bottle would be square, compared to the current round drinks bottle. Having the new bottles square is considered to be Eco friendly as each bottle would take up far less space when in the shipping pallets, and having an arch in the bottom large enough to accommodate the cap of the bottle underneath it. This would also make the bottles available to be stacked in transit and when on sale in shops etc. The cap to be drank from has been placed offset for better an apparent better drink ability factor.
Below is the new shaped bottle compared to the current bottle.
and below is an image of how the bottles can be stacked
Another feature of the new shaped bottles is that underneath the label the bottle will be ribbed so that when the bottle is used it can be squashed down almost like an accordion. This will enable more room in the recycling truck.
Below an image of the ribbed bottle
I cannot personally decide weather i like this new bottle design or not. I think these would be very eye catching as they are so different to the current bottles, and definitely good for the environment. I no they are only a design made by a freshmen in America, however i think these are god enough to be used in the real world.
Friday 2 April 2010
London Trip
At the beginning of March 2010, myself and fellow university students arranged a trip down to London to see how the Graphic Design community works down there compared to Manchester.
We were to arrange our own portfolio visits with London based companies of our own choice to show our work and learn about the design industry in London.
Myself and another student Laura paired up when visiting design companies (mainly because we were unsure of the London surroundings having only been once before!). We emailed a number of companies and recieved good and bad reply's, however we arranged 4 portfolio visits whilst down in London, we attended 3 of them between 1st-3rd march, although we received an email on the way down to London from once of the companies explaining something had popped up and they would be unable to see us on that day. This was fine and we appreciated the email telling us this.
All in all i had a brilliant time in London and it was a great opportunity to make some contacts in the design industry.
We were to arrange our own portfolio visits with London based companies of our own choice to show our work and learn about the design industry in London.
Myself and another student Laura paired up when visiting design companies (mainly because we were unsure of the London surroundings having only been once before!). We emailed a number of companies and recieved good and bad reply's, however we arranged 4 portfolio visits whilst down in London, we attended 3 of them between 1st-3rd march, although we received an email on the way down to London from once of the companies explaining something had popped up and they would be unable to see us on that day. This was fine and we appreciated the email telling us this.
All in all i had a brilliant time in London and it was a great opportunity to make some contacts in the design industry.
New Free Lander 2 Advert
Recently on the tv i have noticed this advert to be played a few times.
It is advertising the new 'Land Rover Free Lander 2', i think the advert is set out in a different way to a usual car/4x4 advert and it works really well. Instead of just having a usual 4x4 driving through the mud and through a forest, it has the whole advert set out using printed out photographs. The photographs show a story of the Free Lander 2 and its surroundings. I think this idea is effective and an usual way to advertise a car, the main reason why i believe the advert works well.
You can view the video below:
It is advertising the new 'Land Rover Free Lander 2', i think the advert is set out in a different way to a usual car/4x4 advert and it works really well. Instead of just having a usual 4x4 driving through the mud and through a forest, it has the whole advert set out using printed out photographs. The photographs show a story of the Free Lander 2 and its surroundings. I think this idea is effective and an usual way to advertise a car, the main reason why i believe the advert works well.
You can view the video below:
Wednesday 31 March 2010
New 'Think Bike' Adverts
Iv always thought the drink driving adverts and think bike adverts were always really effective.
I have recently noticed this new advert being shown on the TV, i think it is a really good way of getting the message across that road users need to be aware of people on motorbikes as they are a lot more vulnerable if they were to be in a crash.
You can view the advert below:
There is also a radio advert being played on the radio at the moment, so keep listening out for it.
I have recently noticed this new advert being shown on the TV, i think it is a really good way of getting the message across that road users need to be aware of people on motorbikes as they are a lot more vulnerable if they were to be in a crash.
You can view the advert below:
There is also a radio advert being played on the radio at the moment, so keep listening out for it.
Sunday 28 March 2010
Issues and Practices - Too Many Design Graduates
With my 3rd year of university studying graphic design coming to an end soon, i have been thinking a lot recently on what i'm going to do once i leave university. There is a lot of questioning around me on how i am going to find the situation of having to find a job in the graphic design industry. One of the main fears i have been hearing about recently is that there doesn't appear to be enough jobs to accommodate the amount of graduates leaving university each year, and all of us wanting to land a job in the same industry.
From attending lectures and talks by existing graphic designers, it has become apparent that it is going to be particularly hard for the majority of us to land a job straightaway in the design industry. Not only are the 30 people on my current university course looking to get a job in the same industry as me, but all the other university's around the area and their graduates too ( and there is a lot more than 30 on other university courses!). Getting a placement organised is one of my main priories at the moment, however i have been finding this hard with the world being in a recession. Ever since i started studying for my degree, i have always been faced with the reality of how it is to secure a job in the design industry. Various lectures i have attended presented by local graphic designers, nearly all of the designers had a tricky time trying to get a job. Whether it was that they completed numerous unpaid placements until one finally paid off, or worked in a different industry whilst trying to secure a placement; with their determination they finally got that first job they wanted. Alan Cocks from Sheffield based company Dust, spent the 2years from graduating to finding a job working as a night auditor. This then brings up another question, are we expected to find another career whilst we are applying for design jobs/placements or just hope we get 'lucky' and are in the right place at the right time?
From researching on the internet on how there is too many design graduates compared to the jobs actually available i came across the following website. On the website it has a peice of realistic advice that could be given to students, due to graduate such as myself. The advice reads
"You're in a competitive field. If you're studying automotive design, for example, you're probably not going to get the job cranking out car renderings for Porsche all day -- there just aren't that many jobs like that out there. Same goes for shoe design. Or magazine cover illustration. Or interior design for high-end boutique hotels. If it's a prestigious, high-profile job, lots of people want it, and some of them are probably better than you. Sorry."
I feel this piece of information really hits you hard, however it is the honest truth. There just isn't enough jobs out there for us! Most design agencies feel that someone with experience is better for the job, however i am unsure of how we are ever going to 'climb up the ladder' if we are struggling to find a placement to gain the experience in the first place.
Another question to bring up is whether moving to London or New York would help in the current situation? I have recently visited both of these areas and have taken my portfolio of work along with me to get designers opinions on my design work. I must admit i found this process a lot easier to arrange to meet up with a designer and arrange a portfolio viewing within these areas. This could be due to the fact they are much larger areas with a wider range of design agencies than in Manchester; however this could be because there is in fact more opportunity for design work in places such as London or New York.
In conclusion to the questions above, i feel that by having a determined attitude and enthusiasm is definitely one of the main requirements if you are going to proceed to grab that dream job in the design industry. If you are going to stop trying to make contacts once you have graduated you will never retrieve a design job unless you are extremely lucky. It's all about constantly emailing/contacting new design agencies and making designers aware of your ability to work in the industry.
Don't ever give up; just keep trying.
From attending lectures and talks by existing graphic designers, it has become apparent that it is going to be particularly hard for the majority of us to land a job straightaway in the design industry. Not only are the 30 people on my current university course looking to get a job in the same industry as me, but all the other university's around the area and their graduates too ( and there is a lot more than 30 on other university courses!). Getting a placement organised is one of my main priories at the moment, however i have been finding this hard with the world being in a recession. Ever since i started studying for my degree, i have always been faced with the reality of how it is to secure a job in the design industry. Various lectures i have attended presented by local graphic designers, nearly all of the designers had a tricky time trying to get a job. Whether it was that they completed numerous unpaid placements until one finally paid off, or worked in a different industry whilst trying to secure a placement; with their determination they finally got that first job they wanted. Alan Cocks from Sheffield based company Dust, spent the 2years from graduating to finding a job working as a night auditor. This then brings up another question, are we expected to find another career whilst we are applying for design jobs/placements or just hope we get 'lucky' and are in the right place at the right time?
From researching on the internet on how there is too many design graduates compared to the jobs actually available i came across the following website. On the website it has a peice of realistic advice that could be given to students, due to graduate such as myself. The advice reads
"You're in a competitive field. If you're studying automotive design, for example, you're probably not going to get the job cranking out car renderings for Porsche all day -- there just aren't that many jobs like that out there. Same goes for shoe design. Or magazine cover illustration. Or interior design for high-end boutique hotels. If it's a prestigious, high-profile job, lots of people want it, and some of them are probably better than you. Sorry."
I feel this piece of information really hits you hard, however it is the honest truth. There just isn't enough jobs out there for us! Most design agencies feel that someone with experience is better for the job, however i am unsure of how we are ever going to 'climb up the ladder' if we are struggling to find a placement to gain the experience in the first place.
Another question to bring up is whether moving to London or New York would help in the current situation? I have recently visited both of these areas and have taken my portfolio of work along with me to get designers opinions on my design work. I must admit i found this process a lot easier to arrange to meet up with a designer and arrange a portfolio viewing within these areas. This could be due to the fact they are much larger areas with a wider range of design agencies than in Manchester; however this could be because there is in fact more opportunity for design work in places such as London or New York.
In conclusion to the questions above, i feel that by having a determined attitude and enthusiasm is definitely one of the main requirements if you are going to proceed to grab that dream job in the design industry. If you are going to stop trying to make contacts once you have graduated you will never retrieve a design job unless you are extremely lucky. It's all about constantly emailing/contacting new design agencies and making designers aware of your ability to work in the industry.
Don't ever give up; just keep trying.
Thursday 25 March 2010
Hat-Trick Design - Typographic Playing Cards
Whilst researching typographic posters on the internet i came across a pack of playing cards that had been designed by Hat-Trick Design. These cards really caught my eye as they have used purely typography and no images - something you don't usually see on a pack of cards. Apparently you can purchase a pack for around £20, i look forward to doing this when i next get some money to spare. Below is images of each card designed.
Future Brand - London Visit
One of the visits i went to in London was to FutureBrand. Future Brand is a large globally ran design company. They have around 25 offices all over the world, this allows clients to get the best of their service, where ever they are.The list is endless of the names of well known companies they produce work for, Becks, Cadbury's, UPS, Barclay's and MasterCard are just to name a few.
On arrival at Futurebrand, we were greeted by Chris Jenkins and Karen Vance; they were very welcoming and took us upstairs into the studio. I was amazed at how big this company actually was, it was for sure the biggest design company i had ever visited. Chris and Karen talked us through some of the recent projects they had worked on, Chris mainly focused on the beer side of the work and Karen on the chocolate side. Chris talked us through some of his favorite work, he started off by showing us where he started and how he got to the final idea, which i found extremely helpful as when visiting design companies you very rarely get shown how they got to a final idea. He talked us through how he and the team designed a font for Becks Beer (see below)
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Karen mainly focused on the chocolate side, she talked us through how she and the team got to the final ideas for the new Cadbury's Koko (see below)
After Chris and Karen had showed us some of their work, they took us on a tour of the studio. They explained to us all the different departments they have in their office and who does what. This was really interesting as i have only really visited smaller companies and they seem to do everything them selves, whereas in a larger company you have designers to draw it out, then a different set of designers to convert it on to the macs and then a different set of designers to print it out!
Once we had finished the tour, we said our thank yous and goodbyes and left with a business card from Chris.
Method Uk, London - Portfolio Visits
Another portfolio visit i attended in London was to see Garry Martin, from Method Uk.
On arrival we were met by Garry himself and taken up to the studio. We sat down and showed him our portfolios and the work we produce. He was very impressed by our work and didn't have any negative feedback to give to us. He even mentioned that we could possibly have a placement if we were to ever come back to London, which was very good.
After showing our work he went on to show us the work that Method Uk produce, he took us around the studio and introduced us to Mike Lee, the head designer. He was also very pleasant and showed us some of the work he is currently producing for Topgear. Garry then went on to show us some of the printed design work they produce for lots of major companies, which was all really good and an experience to actually see the design work in the studio rather than in a shop!
Again overall it was a very positive experience, and i am glad i went to visit Garry at Method Uk, and I am happy he gave me positive feedback on my portfolio. They produce work for various different major companies, to check out there work go to there website on the following link: Method Uk.
Minx Creative, London - Portfolio Visit
Another portfolio visit me and Laura attended was once at Minx Creative based in London.
We were met by Two designers Jess and Charlotte, who i had previously arranged the visit with via email. We presented our portfolio's and explained the outcomes of our work. Both designers, were impressed with our level of design and use of programs etc. They took particular interest to some bags i produced for a Coal Mining Museum, in my first year of the degree.
They didn't give me any negative feedback, as i think they were mostly just being polite, however they were impressed at the knowledge of all the programs and skills we had, (i think in London they musn't get taught as much about the software as we seem to do). Which was nice to hear as i feel i am quite basic on some of the software we use. We spoke about the design industry and how they found it quite hard to get a job after graduating and stressed that we should just keep trying if its what your really want because it will all pay off in the end, like it did for them.
Overall it was a great experience, as i got to talk and show my work to two designers of the company and get there opinion of my work. We both got given and business card and told to keep in touch. To check out their work visit the following link: Minx Creative.
Lavish Creative, London - Portfolio Visit
Whilst on a trip to London, i previously arranged to visit a few design companies and show them my portfolio, to see their opinion on my work. A fellow student, Laura, also accompanied me to the visits and we both displayed our portfolio's.
I paid a visit to Lavish Creative, a design company based just near Piccadilly Circus.
On arrival we were met by Karl Gilbert, the creative director of the company; we were then also joined by Vicky Dudley, who i had previously arranged the visit with via email.
Both were very polite and seemed to be very pleased with our style of work. They didn't really have any negative feedback on my work, only positive, which is very good. We had a chat with them about our university course and the type of work we produce, they were impressed at the amount of programs we were able to use on our own. We talked about the design industry, what their company does and what we would like to do once finishing university.
Overall the visit was a success, and a great experience. Karl gave us a business card and told us both to keep in touch and wished us luck with the rest of our degree.
Lavish creative do work for a wide variety of companies, if you want to check out their work then visit the following link: Lavish Creative .
24 Twelve Design - Contact Report
Again another reply from Samantha Palmer at 24 Twelve Designs, London. Explaining they are busy and haven't got the time to see us.
Trickster Design - Contact Report
Again another reply from Murray Fisher from design agency Trickster Design, London. However again they were to busy, but still found the time to email back, which again was appreciated.
Blast Design - Contact Report
Reply from James Windsor from Blast design, London.
unfortunately they couldn't spare the time to see me and Laura, but were still kind enough to send an email back explaining why, which i really appreciated.
Below is the reply i received.
unfortunately they couldn't spare the time to see me and Laura, but were still kind enough to send an email back explaining why, which i really appreciated.
Below is the reply i received.
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