Throughout OUDG406 I've been able to apply the importance of usefulness of research as discovered in previous module, looking a range of ways to gather information through online research, interviews and site visits. The large nature of this module has allowed for a breath of skills to be utilised and developed especially when managing others.
Studio brief 1 allowed for experience to be gained in relation to working within industry and to a more limited time constraint as it was a live brief. Although the final outcome for this brief was strong I feel it could be further developed by more experimentation based on research which is something I've developed throughout this module. In relation to contextualising the work this has been achieved through adaptation of the marber grid and the research into existing covers. Overall the final outcome focused on a more subjective approach whereas I think the judges preferred a more simple and objective style.
Studio brief 2 was particularly interesting due to the research conducted not only into the event itself but those involved and the effect on Leeds itself. The research section allowed for a range of analogue and digital experimentation through the use of collage and digital illustrations. I found that a large body of research help inform the designs allowing for a more relevant print to be produced. Furthermore the use of research also allowed the print to be linked to issues faced by women today through the incorporation of a check list which also resembles a voting slip. Additionally the amount of development allowed for each idea to be effectively explored making it difficult to decide on a final print. However the focus of Leonora Cohen with the print allows to a more subtle link to the Suffragettes allowing the problems of the past to be questioned today. Studio brief 2 allowed for the opportunity to lear to screen print which was a difficult process initially when trying to apply enough pressure across the whole print. The preparation process was fairly straight forward however was slightly time consuming however printing itself was fairly quick. Throughout the printing process it was sometimes difficult to line the second layer up due to faded sections of the print as a result of not applying enough pressure. I also discovered the importance of stock within this brief as I had originally planned on using white card to create a crisp print, however upon experimentation found that newsprint highlighted the details of the print more effectively, whilst relating more closely to the time period and events itself. Overall the application of research has allowed for a successful print to be produced.
Studio brief 3 was difficult due to working within a group and the need to organize each other and keep a consistent style across the branding we where creating. This was aided through setting limitations based on type and colour. These where developed base on the concept of using traditional print throughout the material such as letterpress which resulted in the use of Caslon 540 st and Univers light as only a few typefaces where available. The main issue throughout this brief occurred after Raum was chosen as the winning branding, which was an incredible opportunity to showcase our work to the design community within Leeds. However as I created the catalogue spread originally I along with another student was put in charge of a team to help prepare the catalogue for the exhibition. However due to lack of time many group members failed to give up there time to participate throughout this task after repeatedly being contacted. This resulting in the majority of the work being completed by another student and I, as I created the catalogue for the throw away prints and limited editions, chased up un-submitted information and prints as well as sorted stock and the printing and binding process. Help was gained during the binding process however due to limited printing facilities available the photocopier was used to print the spreads resulting in poor image quality. This resulted in the all the catalogues having to be re-printed using white paper instead of newsprint in order to keep costs down as the majority of the catalogues had already been printed and bound. This error could of been avoided of the digital print facilities where more readily available despite upcoming deadlines due to the specific requirements of mass producing catalogues for an exhibition. Overall this experience has allowed me to develop my professional skills surrounding managing a team and budgeting which I can apply to the future briefs and the working world. Despite the difficulties face within this brief the exhibition has provided an excellent opportunity to showcase my design skills through the creating of the logo, posters and catalogue.
Studio brief 4 provided an interesting a fun brief to finish the module by looking back over the past year at what we've learnt and enjoyed. The incorporation of the tutors within this was important as they are a large part of the university experience. The production of small books to represent each tutor featuring tips and stories allows for the delivery of important information we've learnt over the year and would of liked to know when we first started, Working within a pair for this brief was easy as the work was divided into editorial design and illustration. This allowed the work to be developed and produced quickly due to the limited time available for this brief. Due to these time constraints I feel the brief was rushed in some areas, with the illustrations being developed further if more time was available. Furthermore this brief was hindered by the lack of printing facilities available meaning drop in facilities had to be used which resulted in the production of a slightly rushed outcome. However despite these difficulties the illustrations effectively represent a key aspect of design which student will learn over the year, simplicity and the need to strip design to its core functions as inspired by Massimo Vignelli quote 'We like Design that is clear, simple and enduring'. This simplicity allowed the fun and engaging nature of the books to be clearly communicated. Overall this breif works well to engage new students due its simplicity and the incorporation of funny and helpful tips.
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