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OUGD502 - Studio Brief 1 - The Growing Bones Collection - Website Design and Creation.

Having a small amount of web design and creation experience I didn't want to create an entirely new website from scratch myself as I wouldn't have time to even consider it with university work alongside it.

For this reason I decided to purchase a professional looking theme and then customise it to quite a big extent, this would allow me the original build of a website and freedom to change it to how I want, saving a lot of time from building it entirely from scratch.

I found this theme called Tiska, the reason I decided on this one was mostly the style of the menu than anything else, I liked how responsive it was and that was the main thing I was paying for. I have tried creating drop down menus before and none have turned out nearly as nice as this one.

After buying that, I began changing things around in the coding I was sent to suit my needs and wants.

After a few weeks of headaches and screams, I came out with a fully customised and responsive website with everything that I needed on there.

Homepage:

Social networking buttons in top right of container, responsive shopping cart description in top right, 'Shop Indie' campaign banner on left, logo, menu, slider, featured products of website, footer.


Homepage with drop down menu:



About page:

Social networking buttons in top right of container, responsive shopping cart description in top right, 'Shop Indie' campaign banner on left, logo, menu, photo, body copy, footer.



Artist page (unfinished until portrait photos are taken):

Social networking buttons in top right of container, responsive shopping cart description in top right, 'Shop Indie' campaign banner on left, logo, menu, grid layout of creatives featured on website, footer.


Artist page (unfinished until portrait photos are taken):

Social networking buttons in top right of container, responsive shopping cart description in top right, 'Shop Indie' campaign banner on left, logo, menu, name, portrait photo, information on creative, social links, featured work on site, footer.


Blog page:

Social networking buttons in top right of container, responsive shopping cart description in top right, 'Shop Indie' campaign banner on left, logo, menu, blog posts sourced from company tumblr with #thegrowingbonescollection tag.



Products page:

Social networking buttons in top right of container, responsive shopping cart description in top right, 'Shop Indie' campaign banner on left, logo, menu, products grid, footer.



Product page:

Social networking buttons in top right of container, responsive shopping cart description in top right, 'Shop Indie' campaign banner on left, logo, menu, name of product, photos of product, price, social interactions, information, link to artist, add to cart button, footer.


Contact page:

Social networking buttons in top right of container, responsive shopping cart description in top right, 'Shop Indie' campaign banner on left, logo, menu, body copy, contact form, spam check filter, footer.


With the website almost finished I began posting on the social networking pages to inform my previous audience of the change, and how my new project would be taking the rights of the pages and that I hope they are excited on what I move on to do. I received a lot of positive feedback that I'd moved onto a new project and not just left them which is good, rebranding took place after that.

Facebook:



Twitter:



Instagram:



Tumblr:



With a broad range of social media, the company will be able to update and connect with customers and a well built up audience clearly, almost constantly and prove a closer connection with everyone involved for publicity, connections and documentation.

OUGD502 - Studio Brief 1 - The Growing Bones Collection - Branding and Identity.

Having experience in completely branding a company before I knew the amount of time I needed to spend on it to make sure it was right.

I began by pulling together the company ethics which consisted of:

Creativity.
Hand crafted.
Student based.
Professional.
Independent.
New.
Unique.
Premium Quality.

These strung together lead me to some sketches of what I was imagining it to be like.


Remembering again what I was putting into consideration, I was throwing it out the window and making it look very corporate and completely missing the creativity aspect of the project, which at the end of the day, is the most important part.


With some more sketching, I found myself onto something. Two bones crossing over each other, becoming a pen and pencil. The name having four words in it made it easy to factor this into each gap of the cross. When playing on illustrator, it all came together. 



Everyone I spoke to afterwards said the design reflected the ethics and considerations perfectly, I too was very happy with the outcome and found myself with an identity and a main typeface too.

OUGD502 - Studio Brief 1 - The Growing Bones Collection - The Plans.

During the summer, I decided to end my clothing company which I had been running since my second year of college. I decided to end it for a variety of reasons and it was difficult to come to a full decision, but trends were moving faster than I could keep up with and people no longer cared for the designs I was producing even though a year previously, I was getting orders from all over the world and making an average of £60 a day in profit.

This really impacted my motivation to carry it on, it became more expensive to run at the quality I was producing at and over time the company slowly faded out and suffered a loss.

After I decided to call it a day, I became very frustrated because I was so used to having a lot of work to do outside of university as well as the work I did. I almost felt like I had too much free time and so I decided I was going to plan a new business venture, but this time, create something that no one else has done yet, and also, something that will be beneficial, fun, creative and hard work.

Whilst in the studio, I overheard a couple of people discussing how they had made some prints recreationally and wanted to sell them, but had no idea how to go about it. It got me thinking that it would be so much easier to sell work if there was a place dedicated to us as students to do so, without there being masses of people involved and work being lost within it. And that got me thinking further, why didn't I make that possible.

I already had a huge online audience on social networking sites for my previous business, over 6000 people on Facebook, over 4000 on Tumblr, almost 1000 on Instagram and Twitter, it just made sense to make use of that audience to my own and others' benefit rather than let them fade into the distance.

This is when the planning started.



From branching on ideas I came to decisions on what I wanted it to be about, why I was doing what I was doing, how it was going to work, how it would earn enough to keep going, etc.

The name ‘The Growing Bones Collection’ arose from a variety of things. The idea of self-development was a key element tied in with the ideology of metaphoric bones growing like our skills, portfolios and confidence. It is finished with the word collection to represent the unity between everyone involved as well as being more on a personal level with our customers.

This will be a student-only based business so the buyers remain certain that they are supporting emerging creatives and helping them afford to continue their development.

The money would be made by charging a small £3.00 a month membership fee to have work for sale on the website as well as a personal profile to inform audiences about who they are and how they can keep up to date with the creative's work and get in touch with them. This would be complemented with a 20% commission of each sale to keep funds up for packaging costs, promotion, development and of course the time I spend managing it.

After publicising the idea to students on my course, a lot told me it was a great idea and it would certainly motivate them to create more self directed work as well as get their name out.

This was definitely going ahead, now it was plan development and design time.

OUGD502 - Studio Brief 1 - Who am I now and what do I feel I have achieved as a Graphic Designer so far?




PPP Task 1:

1. Reflecting on your Summer what is your most memorable event and why?




My most memorable event would be Leeds Festival. The reason for this is because it is the first festival I have ever been to and I experienced it with two very important people in my life, my girlfriend and my best friend who lives in London. It is a large collection of memories ranging from the events of camping for the first time since my Silver Duke of Edinburgh award, performances I saw from nostalgic bands who I would of dreamed to see when I was younger, my first experience of crowd surfing, lots of mud, a lot of really bad food and warm beer but also a lot of interesting, fun and wild people I met whilst I was there.

2. Have you made any contacts over the Summer that you feel could be helpful over the coming year or so and what outcomes did you feel you achieved.




I don't think I have, there were a couple of customers I met at work (PC World) who when I got into conversations with them and expressed what I did and why I was knowledgeable on what I was talking to them about, they asked for contact details so they could be in contact for design work for their companies.

3. How did you meet/contact these contacts (methods used and how it happened).

All through my Summer full-time work as an advisor at PC World in Beeston. It isn't the most exciting job in the world but I do tend to spark up conversations with some very interesting people.

4. If you didn't make any contacts, why? Too busy working? Holiday? Commitments?




I did spend most of my time this Summer working my full time job to make up for my overspending in my first year of University and digging a bit far into my overdraft. This created in my opinion a bit of an obstacle in regards to creative direction as time was short but I still made time for briefs and freelancing for people I either knew or knew of.

5. What methods of contacting creatives can you think of and what would you ask?


I would really love to get into contact with Analogue who is a massive inspiration to me based in Leeds. I came to know about them when I stumbled across some posters they did for a custom toy show. This was through one of my favourite illustrators Drew Millward tweeting about the show as he was a part of it. After looking them up I fell in love with most of their work and have since kept a close eye on them. Because they are such a motivational influence to me I am quite scared to get in contact with them as I just have no idea what to say or how to speak to them. To get a placement with them would be absolutely insane (in a good way). I just don't know how to go about it.

OUGD502 - Studio Brief 1 - Preparation for Session 1

10 Things I want to learn this year:




  • I would like to try stitch methods of book binding to broaden my knowledge in publication development.
  • I would like to experiment with the processes of laser engraving and learn when it would be suitable and appropriate.
  • I want to try the different outcomes of embossing and debossing on different materials and also learn when they are suitable and appropriate to use.
  • I'd like to advance my knowledge on web design and development as it is something that could prove useful and interesting.
  • I want to learn and develop my methods of research to make them more time efficient and effective in my work by using a wider range of sources and using them to my advantage.
  • I would like to develop my drawing skills further in my own time through the use of my sketchbook and wacom tablet.
  • Software use can always be improved with consistent use so I would hope to be more knowledgeable of Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere and Dreamweaver.
  • I have always been very much into my photography and that has spread to videography too so I would like to use those skills to my advantage and get better at them.
  • Essay writing has always been a challenge to me as I have never had much experience in them, I definitely want to of increased my essay writing skills in preparation for my dissertation.
  • Time management must of improved drastically, plan is to do all work during the day as soon as possible and try and take time out in evenings to rest and repeat. Saturdays should be spent wisely experiencing something and Sundays are spent earning money with my job.
  • I have always been interested in the business I started up in college but I am feeling the urge to change, develop something new, productive, creative and fun. I want to create a new concept to either start this Academic year or in the summer of 2014.
  • Review of what I said last year. Did I do them? Is there more to do?


    • Fundamental details of different areas of print and how/when to use them.
    • The anatomy of type.
    • How to learn and develop.
    • How design in industry works.
    • How to assess, understand and complete a briefing with a high standard.


    Looking at what I wrote last year has really made me aware of how much I have learned and achieved in a year because I have done so much more than what is displayed above.

    The only thing I am still unsure on is if I understand how design in the industry works just yet, this wont be understood until I complete a work placement, which will more than likely be next summer.

    OUGD502 - Studio Brief 1 - 10 Successes



    10 Successes from your previous year in my group.

    1. Passed the first year of BAGD.
    2. Living alone/learned to be independent.
    3. Learned to cook.
    4. Printing resources/Learned new processes.
    5. Developed digital skills.
    6. Learned how to answer a structured brief clearly and appropriately.
    7. Increase in confidence.
    8. Improved personal and professional practice.
    9. Improved literacy skills.
    10. Balancing part-time work on top of the course.
    11. Learned to integrate workshop skills into practice.
    12. Prioritising your time with briefs.

    10 Successes from your previous year as a year group.

    1. Presentation skills.
    2. Feedback.
    3. Workshops.
    4. Independence.
    5. Research/Development.
    6. Understand Time Management.
    7. Working in/with groups/specialisms.
    8. Confidence/Motivations.
    9. Theory/Context.
    10. Style/Finding your feet.

    Pick out 10 successful things/traits that I want to explore.

    1. Go cycling more, modifying my bicycle and using it to fit in exercise and get around.
    2. Cook some new and interesting meals to increase my culinary skills whilst improving my health.
    3. Create and design a new business which will develop both my design skills and business knowledge too.
    4. I want to try and explore new finishing techniques such as embossing and laser engraving.
    5. I want to develop a new money saving plan to make sure I am always on top of my expenses and not dipping into my overdraft or using my credit card.
    6. My time management will be very controlled so I work hard throughout the day and get as much as I can done before leaving uni so I can have the evenings off to enjoy.
    7. I would like to touch on different formats of design so I have a varied collection of work for my portfolio to show I am versatile.
    8. I would like to create some good contacts in related trades and have good relationships with them as I think it might help things in future.
    9. This year I would like to broaden my interest in photography and develop my lens collection to have more versatility.
    10. I want to practice and develop my screen printing techniques and get better at it.

    OUGD402 - Studio Brief 2

    Who am I now?

    I'm motivated. Designing is where I am most comfortable, I am a very practical human and enjoy doing things a lot of the time. There is always something driving me towards a certain goal with a piece or collection of work, whether that is client satisfaction, a learning curve for myself, or just another challenge for me to kick down. I take whatever it is and use it to my advantage in one of those forms.

    What have I learned?

    I have learned that I am a lot more passionate about design than I originally thought, that or my whole interest for it has grown to another level entirely since studying it as a degree. I have learned to understand design in a lot more perspectives than I even knew about before, such as colour-theory, layout grids, the use of fonts and aesthetics in general as well as how they are constructed and finished.

    What skills do I have?

    I am confident in both Windows and OSX operating systems, I have a lot of knowledge in Adobe software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign which will be my main focuses. I have skills in drawing, either with traditional mediums or with a graphic tablet. I have a keen interest in photography use it as a practice in work, documentation and leisure. Screen printing has also become an interest I want to put more practice into as I find it very enjoyable and I appreciate print a lot.

    What do I know?

    Since studying here I have developed contextual knowledge of design practices historically and socially. I have broadened my knowledge of design theory such as the use of colours, layouts, grids, and type. I have also learned how to plan out ideas and think in a more open minded context, a lot of software knowledge, the use of stock and print, and finally efficiency of time management. 

    What do I believe?

    I believe that graphic design is the aim to communicate a message/idea/action/individual which can be directed at a chosen audience in a visually appealing form. This is what I have come to learn and love. I don't believe there is a single excuse to be to blame of or be associated with bad design. Design is identity and no ones identity should be displayed badly or that is exactly what it will represent. 

    What info do I need to include?

    I am nineteen, i have been designing things for three years.

    I love pop-punk and heavy music, I love pizza, I enjoy sunny days and beer, I love zombie films and games, nice fonts, drawing.

    I hate soft cheeses, loud people, morning alarms, ppi phone calls, obnoxious people, the excessive use of wisdom script.

    What formats would represent this/me best?

    Nice stock, two colours on stock for main branding, photography based, san serif type, small basic logos.

    What tone of voice reflects me best?

    I have a humorous yet passionate personality, I like to include as much fun into any job to make it more enjoyable so humour would be a big part of it.

    What experiences have shaped me as a designer?

    Education: 

    A-level graphic illustration at huddersfield New College, my tutor inspired me and my interest in design started then.

    Degree at leeds college of art where i have developed a more thorough understanding, passion and interest in design.

    Inanimate Apparel, my side project clothing label I have managed and designed for since my second year of college, this has taught me a lot about the industry and working with others in terms of both design and production, it has also taught me finances too.

    Client work, small commissions from clothing labels, bands from all over the country and soon my mum's bridal boutique.

    What are my creative concerns, opinions and beliefs and I what informed these decisions?

    I believe that design shouldn't make a negative impact on something or be dishonest. At the end of the day, design is about communication and if it is communicating something that isn't true then it shouldn't be communicated.

    What is my visual identity?

    I am a very modernist designer that likes to dip into a bit of everything.




    I found some designs online which I liked and wondered if they would suit my identity.


    Smile Polaroid
    Yorokobu Cover

    I did some sketches of logos which would reflect me in each of the styles above and neither fitted me. However I did develop a very simple nice logo displaying the letters AD and decided to go with that.


    Next was the CV layout.


    My fold out book/poster.


    Packaging that didn't go to plan.



    Packaging that did go to plan.







    Finished product.











    OUGD402 - If you were a....

    If you were a book what would your subject be and who would read you?

    If I were a book, I'd be a band's tour book. Music is a massive part of me and communicates with everyone, which is exactly what I try to do. 

    People use a tour book as a memory of what they have experienced. This relates to me because I try to be memorable to whoever I meet or work with to provide the right service to clients and possible friends.





    If you were a package what would you contain and who would open you?

    If I were a package, I'd be a pizza-box from a great takeaway. 

    A pizza-box is packaging that has something in it which you have firstly wished and asked for, spent money on the time to go into it, and gotten excited to open that box and get something out which you have longed for. Whilst at the same time, being impressed with how quick it was delivered and how great it is. 

    This is the exact service I aim to give with my work and clients. Preferred clients and past experiences are bands, musicians, independent clothing companies and charities.




    If you were a shop what would you sell and who would buy it?

    If I were a shop, I'd be independent. I would be one of those smaller shops with character which you can't help but look into as you walk past. The sort where something would catch your eye and entice you to enter and look around in interest. It would sell good quality, well made goods which provides something to admire and desire.

    People that would shop there would be less interested in the mainstream mass produced market and more interested in quality and difference to everything else out there.





    If you were a poster what would you promote and to whom?

    If I were a poster I would be a gig fly poster. I would be promoting a talented band or singer who doesn't have a following they deserve. Eye-catching posters could make talented musicians identities and give them a representation of themselves before the music is even involved.




    If you were a brand what would your values be and why would they be important?

    To be a brand is to be something that your audience will stand by, or walk away to not return. Everything needs to be spot on, and it needs to be honest with what it does. There's no use saying your products are made in the UK if they are sourced in an eastern sweatshop, it will come out at some point and people will remember that the products are not what they say to be. I would be honest, I would be locally sourced,  but I would never let anyone down and make sure customer service was always a peak.



    If you were an exhibition what would you show and where would you show it?

    If I was an exhibition, I would be a pop-up screen print exhibition. It is a beautiful way of displaying art which goes through production by hand and is normally very limited and personal to the artist. It would be shown in student based cities in hope of inspiring the young into becoming interested in more traditional printing instead of just getting it done digitally.


    If you were a leaflet what information would you contain and who would read it?

    If I was a leaflet I would be a discount leaflet because I live off discounts. Students would read me, because they are always out there in hope for a bargain.




    If you were a sign what would you show, to whom and where?

    I would be a give-way sign, because I often put people before myself in a lot of situations. It would be aimed at people I am close to and it would be anywhere I am in need.





    If you were an App what would you do and who would use you?

    I would be twitter, because I am straight to the point, and I normally get things across in under 140 characters. 



    If you were a blog, what would you be about and who would follow you?

    I would be a packaging design blog because I appreciate nice packaging when out and about and it would inspire me for my own future work.



    If you were an event, what would it be and how would you promote it?

    I would be a gig with a fun and joyous atmosphere because I spend a lot of time at gigs where I do photography, I am a fun guy and I enjoy a pint with friends whilst listening to good music.


     

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