Today we had another interesting lecture from former DoJ student, Linsey McIntosh. I have really enjoyed these types of talks, where we get to learn about what route people have taken to get to where they are today. Linsey was very down to earth and discussed the concerns she had as a student, and I believe they are concerns that we all have. I too am worried that I won't know how to work on a real live project or know all the Adobe programs inside out. But she told us not to worry about what we can't do and focus on what we can. She has had to learn new skills fast but it has been a great learning experience for her. Another top tip I picked up on was how essential work experience is, Linsey believes she got her first job based on the 3 months work experience she completed during the summer months. I found this really relevant as recently we were spoken to about out summer placements. Unfortunately not everyone is guaranteed a place, but hopefully I am lucky enough to get one, as this goes to show how helpful they are in getting you a job.
Linsey went on to talk us through her first project; designing the interior for an orthodontic surgery. It was great to see her visual diary made up of photographs taken throughout the project. We got a real sense of how much work goes into completing such designs. She mentioned that working on this project taught her more than what she learned during her time at college. Therefore I think it would be great to go on a placement during the summer as it would give us all a glimpse of what working in the 'real world' will be like.
We had a really interesting lecture today from Ptolemy Mann, who spoke us through her fourteen year career as a weaver. She has been very successful so it was great to gain an insight into what path she has taken to get to where she is today.
The day after graduating from university she started weaving in a studio, she was renting out in London, with no jobs or commission it was determination to become an artist which drove her to produce her designs. After several commissions for hospitals, hotels and large companies her work was recognised for its strong and positive use of colour. It was this use of colour which has seen Ptolemy go on to work with architects to produce inspiration designs for the interior and exterior of hospitals and schools.
Mann also spoke to us about becoming a 'brand' since a collection of her designs have now been digitally reproduced for commercial sale. After having a look at her website it is clear that she has worked hard to get to where she is, she was definately very inspiring at the lecture today.
Last Friday we had to present our final ideas for Kate's Fruit Potions to Good Creative. Again they were great at listening to what you had come up with and giving you constructive feedback on what they thought was effective and what could be improved.
My Idea: The final logo portrays the potion labels in an organic form, incorporating elements of fruit and nature. The colours used have been selected to portray each of the four varieties of fruit potion available. The logo therefore changes in colour depending on which bottle it adorns. This also allows for instant recognition of flavour. Black has been used in addition to this to ensure readability.
The bottle’s structure is inspired by the shape of potion bottles which helps emphasise the name of the brand. The colour white has been adopted to give an element of mystery to the product. However the see through section of the bottle has been created so that the consumer can see what the juice looks like. It is also intended to appeal to children who will be intrigued by this fun interactive element. A screw cap will allow children to consume the drink when needed. The bottle will be designed to fit in a lunch box.
I got positive feedback which I was really pleased about. Keith suggested that the use of a white bottle may be too medicinal and that I could consider changing this. I was also told to make my type larger so that it has more of an impact.
Last night a group of us went along to an art and crafts event being held at the union. The posters advertising the event suggested that you were able to make cards and trinkets for Valentines Day, and as it was for the British Heart Foundation you had to donate a couple of your handmade designs.
However I was a little disappointed with the range of material available and instead of trinkets and cards we were only able to produce salt dough shapes and fabric pieces. I donated all the things I had created so hopefully they will help to raise money for the charity.
If I could suggest ways to improve future events I would provide more materials, examples of trinkets/ cards that could be created from the materials and a little information on the foundation so people could go away having more knowledge of the cause.
Today was our last talk from Mike Press, and for me it was his best one. It was really inspirational to learn about what Africa has experienced in the past and the positive attitude and hope they have about the future.
I often feel a little awkward when people ask me what I am studying as I usually get a reply, so what is graphic design? What kind of job are you going to get with that? Rarely do I get the same reaction as my sister, who does nursing, people always seem eager to learn more about what she does, and often treat it with greater relevance. However what today has shown is that design can get into all kinds of areas. Not only as Mike worked within the area of crime and anti terrorism he has taken design to Rwanda.
It was interesting to learn that art is not taught in these schools, with the focus being on Maths, English, Technology, etc. The students had never used mind maps or brain storms let alone worked in teams. Mike mentioned the importance of design within this context, if students aren't taught art how can they develop creative skills which will help them to visualise their ideas. At the time of his visit there were only 8 designers in Rwanda, which is rather surprising but moves are being made to hopefully increase these numbers in the future.
Since reading Mike's blog and discussing the lecture today I think it would be a great opportunity to visit Rwanda and bring art into communities.
Art and design has definately got its place in all fields, areas and countries across the world.
Yesterday I gave a short presentation to Good Creative. After a morning of waiting anxiously the 7 min talk went better than expected, and I came away feeling positive about my choice of design. The feedback I received from Good Creative was very helpful, they told me what they thought worked well and what areas are in need of improvement.
I had decided to stick with the name Kate's Potions and develop this concept further by creating characters, a bottle shape and logo all based on the brand name. It was no surprise to learn that Good Creative have discussed this name in some length, trying to decide whether it should be changed or not. I was pleased when they said I had handled the concept well.
They told me that I need to work on my logo a little more as at the moment it isn't connecting with the overall look of the product. However they looked at the original sketches and gave me some ideas to take forward.
Overall it was a really good experience, I was nervous at first but was instantly put at ease. Hopefully the next presentation will go as well :).
So after a stressful weekend I have finally completed my mood boards for Kate's Potions (thank god!) I have decided to keep the name 'Kate's Potions' so have therefore created a bottle and logo design that compliments this. The brand logo has been developed from a potion bottle label, using a similar shape and layout of type. I have also decided to use packaging that is shaped like a potion bottle so that it is appealing to children. Finally I have developed fruit characters which will be used as the main surface graphics, these will hopefully create a balance for parents and children.
Lets hope I get some constructive criticism, so that I can develop a successful identity.
