Graphic Design Final Major Project (FMP) Overall Concept

I have chosen the theme of “SIGNS” (both physical and spiritual) for my FMP, and I want to explore the two main areas in which my theme could be interpreted.

Firstly, I want to look at the physical aspects of a SIGN; for example directions, instructions, maps and arrows.  As I suffer with a mild visual disability, I may also investigate how the blind and partially sighted get information.  I am also quite interested in the psychology of design (and potentially advertising) as part of my theme, and what makes something eye-catching and informative; I hope to apply this knowledge both within my FMP and throughout my future career in Graphic Design.

Secondly, the spiritual elements of my theme, these could be coincidences and superstitions; for example, finding things that are lucky such as four leafed clover and pennies, and things that are considered to be lucky such as horse shoes and rabbits feet.  Likewise, unlucky SIGNS such as walking under ladders or stepping on cracks in the pavement.  I am also interested in how these superstitions started and have evolved over time.

I chose this theme initially thinking of physical signs, but as I’m really interested spiritualism, and thought my project could also incorporate that aspect.

My outcome(s) will be linked either to the physical or spiritual aspects of SIGNS, or possibly a combination of both, depending on how my project progresses.

I've started out my research with some books from the College Library, and by collecting images on my Pinterest Board - "Graphic: Signs"  Feel free to follow it and nosey at my other boards while you're there...

Exploratory Week: Photography

Julia Margaret Cameron: The Gardeners' Daughter (1867)

I like the simple composition of this image, and how some parts are in focus and some aren't.  My eye is naturally drawn to what is through the archway, even though given the title and what can be seen in the image, is only likely to be more gardens/fields.  Eventually I'm drawn back to the subject, she seems of a young age but doesn't appear to be working (she has no tools and is dressed too nicely for outdoor work) and she seems to be in a world of her own, without knowledge of the photograph being taken.



Eadwaard Muybridge: Fencing (1887)

 



 

The photographer obviously wants to study movement; by taking a series of images, the viewer can form a sort of mental video of the action taking place.  I'm not sure what equipment was around in the late 19th century, but the lighting (on both the subjects and the set) is slightly different in each image (which is surprising if the images came from a quick series of actions).  I'm guessing there was a reason for the subjects being naked, possibly to study the human for "in action", but personally I don't think this was completely necessary.

 

 

Martin Parr: Manchester (taken from Pies, Parties and Pink Drinks) (2008)

 

 

One of those scenes I would analyse, if I was there (I like to people watch).  From what I know of Martins' work, I'm sure this image is meant to highlight how slightly better off people socialise, and what larger ladies shouldn't sit like or wear; for example, the dress she's chosen is of a garish print, screaming "look at me!", and is too short and too low cut.  Whereas the ladies on the right are more subtly, more smartly dressed.; but they all look like they're having a good time.  I wonder if the women here ever saw this image and what their reaction was to it.

 

 

Diane Arbus: Lady Bartender at home with souvenir dog (1964)

 

 

The thing(s) that struck me most about this image was the matching hair, did someone buy the souvenir dog for the woman because she always wears a beehive?, or has the woman just styled her hair like that on the day of the photograph? (it was the 60's after all).  The image was taken in New Orleans, and despite the American diner-style flooring, I feel the bare wall gives it a European vibe.

 

 

Irving Penn: Girl In Bed On Telephone (Jean Patchett) (1949)

 

 



I really like the story-telling behind this image.  It appears to be taken in the morning light, suggesting that she has been on the phone all night, possibly talking to her sweetheart whom she is missing terribly, as she's squeezing the pillow (as she can't hug him), but I think she's still awake as her left arm would be much more relaxed if she were asleep.  An alternative instance could be that there could have been bad news about a loved one, hence it's now morning.  The more I look at this image,m the more scenarios I play over, but whatever the story, the image is lovely.

 

Sally Mann: Holding Virgina (1989)
 

 

What strikes me about this image from Sally's exquisite work, is why this girl is being held forcefully by such dirty intimidating hands; trying to work it out from her expression, I think it's either she's just done something really naughty or Sally is trying to convey that the girl comes from an abusive family who think it's normal to hold a child in this way, and her clothes make me think she's not well looked after.  Her expression makes you feel concerned, and you want to help in some way.

 

On another photographic note...

 





Chesterfield Flea Market:

 

Scenes from Chesterfield Flea Market, taken on a cold day in November; I quite often couldn't get the shot I wanted as we were working in pairs with one camera (on purpose), but hopefully these images capture the essence of Chesterfield, it's quirky inhabitants and a little bit of irony I couldn't leave out.

Some images from my week in Photography
 







Me light-drawing a fellow student (one in from left)



Me being light-drawn by a fellow student

My light drawing of a fellow student

Final Piece: Me as "Death" by Amy

My Final Piece: Untitled

Exploratory Week: Illustration

Types of Illustration

Books (Cover/Within) - Children’s/Comics/Manga/Textbooks/Medical/Flipbooks/All
Advertising – Posters, Brochures, Publicity material
Websites / Clip Art
Editorial illustration – Magazines, Newspapers
Film/TV - TV programmes/Animation/Film, Storyboards, Art film concept
Other - Court illustrations, Greeting Cards, Doodles, Sketchbooks, Thumbnails, Tattoos, Technical illustration, Diagrams, Labels, Instructions
Entertainment - Album/Game covers, images within games
Fashion - Clothing/t-shirts, fashion illustration
Corporate – Logos, Packaging


An Interesting article..
 
ARTICLE: Labnotes - Lume Sequel

Creative Director Luke Whitaker talks about the process of set building for the next instalment of video game, Lume (out early 2013), where the player solves various puzzles to determine what caused the blackout.

To make a video game entirely out of paper and card takes immense dedication and hard work.  Being interested in 3D design, I like how they test many prototypes before deciding on a final design; I find the characters and sets simple, stylish and contemporary, and it looks an intriguing game to play.
 
 
Ronald Searle - Winespeak

Pleasantly scented, very agreeable

 
This image, taken from Ronald Searles' book, Winespeak (a humorous book about the world of, err, wine), caught my eye.  It reminds me of Roald Dahl's illustrations, but an edgier, more mischievous (but in a grown up way) with minimal colour; this woman clearly looks as though she's having a ball!

 

Thoughts on my introduction to Illustration.. 

Since spending a week in the Illustration area, I've discovered that what my perception was of illustration, is actually only a small part of the subject.  What I previously considered to be graphic design images, I know now to be Illustrations.

The work we produced on one day, largely crossed over into the tools and techniques we used in Textiles; and the day we spent on quick observational drawings was fun, as we used techniques such as closing our eyes and drawing with our "other hand", which produced some interesting pieces within the group.  Illustration is a much more varied discipline than I had originally thought.

I think I have mostly enjoyed looking at editorial and advertising illustration this week, as I enjoy discovering the stories they tell; and am interested in the particular media used to create the image.

Exploratory Week: Graphic Design

An interesting article...

ARTICLE: 10 Tips Successful Design Business

The headline ready grabbed my attention, as I am planning to start my own business when I have a few years PQE under my design belt.

It gives a high-level bullet points on what you should consider when setting up your Design business.  For me, the ideas on creative pricing, marketing yourself effectively and considering a business partner, were things I hadn't thought too deeply about yet; but I will definitely keep in mind for when the time comes...

The London Design Museum

Typeface firm Dalton Maag won the Graphics category at the Designs of the Year 2012 for their design for Nokia, "Nokia Pure".

VIDEO: Judge Mason Wells on Nokia Pure

Creative and Managing Director, Bruno Maag created the design for Nokia in 2011, which was initially unveiled at the “Nokia Pure Exhibition”.  Personally, I find the font very easy to read, while still looking "grown-up" and contemporary.

Stefan Sagmeister (1962-)

The work is created out of 2500 paper coffee cups and symbolises the pure caffeine design students are often running on.

I was intrigued by this piece as I really like large scale Art and Design and am fascinated by how things like this are put together, and over how long, how much planning has gone into it; plus, I can relate to the concept, which I'm sure will become more apparent over the coming years!

Wim Crouwel (1928-)

New Alphabet



Created in 1967, this typeface understandably caused quite a stir and was deemed too experimental for the time; if it were to be created now, I feel sure it would be recieved very differently.  The design almost completely changes the look of some letters, while others are easily recognisable; and appears lower-case (when intending upper), but there are no lower case alternatives like with many typefaces.  It really intrigues me, leading me to decipher what my name and other familiar words would look like; but trying to read a few paragraphs of this typeface would definitely make my head hurt...

Alan Fletcher (1931-2006)

I've always admired the branding of the Victoria and Albert Museum, but had no idea that Alan Fletcher designed it.  It's iconic timelessness fuses elegance with stability and is instantly recognisable, thus quietly boasting its effectiveness.

Kris Sowersby (1981-)

This (largely) illustrative typography reminds me of a few things within a short space of time.  Firstly, I see bandages, then wooden boards or planks; both, bringing meaning from the word itself.. the bandages representing the fragility of love and the boards signifying it's repair, or possibly "treading carefully".  Then I think of bands of hair; which for me, is little to do with love, other than the story of Rapunzel.  Lastly it reminds me of bamboo-type leaves, but it's only now I notice the shoot-like lines sprouting from each letter, this meaning how love can grow..  Maybe I'm thinking too deeply into this design, but its for all these things that I like it, a lot.

Noma Bar (1973-)

     

I love these illustrations from Noma's "Guess Who" series.  Like many of his designs, they make me laugh out loud; I think it's amazing when someones Art or Design can make their audience do this.  The images above being the more obviously identifiable of the icons she uses (Albert Einstein, Jamie Oliver and David Beckham), like the rest of the series, contain a smaller image or object which links them to the icon in a quirky way.

Thoughts on my introduction to Graphic Design..

I've definitely become more aware of Design since starting college.  The more weeks going by, the more I am aware of different aspects of design, in particular since the 3D and Graphic Design exploratory weeks.  I am looking more closely at layout, colour and type, especially when it comes to magazines.  Now, instead of seeing something and thinking, that's cool, I'm now analysing WHY I like it, and what makes it appealing (or not!).

I have a general interest in most Graphic Design principles; but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be typography.  I think this is largely to to my inner-geek, preferring a neatness and order to things; like the way a new typeface is presented.

I found the guest speaker, Jesse Boyce (Founder and Creative Director at Lethal) particularly inspiring and motivational.  His range of work, entrepreneurialism and extensive client list, was impressive to say the least for someone in his 30's.  If I can be as creative and successful as him one day, I'll be a very happy girl.
 

Exploratory Week: Applied Arts

Jill Graham: Contemporary Jeweller

Born in Tyrone, Jill originally specialised in Textiles during her Foundation Art & Design course at College before going to University.  It wasn’t until just before starting her degree that she realised her passion lay in Silversmithing and was lucky enough to change her degree choice to this, and subsequently graduated from Loughborough University School of Art & Design, ten years ago.  Jill completed an apprenticeship and after graduating, spent a year at Craftworks, where she learnt all the aspects of the Jewellery Industry, which proved invaluable.

 

She uses specialist machinery to produce exquisite pieces of the finest detail, and incorporates meshwork to create texture to her designs (I suspect this influence comes from her Textile experience) which I think are really interesting, especially her “Sphere Pendants” (2005, above) as I’m intrigued about the process of making one sphere inside another.  I also really like the more wearable pieces like her “Lace Flower Pendant and Earrings” (currently available, below) in which she fuses ultra-modern materials and processes with feminine design.

 

Her current offerings in the form of earrings and pendants range from £34.50 to £225.00 (the majority of pieces are around £80.00-£120.00), so her work generally has something to suit most budgets.  Those looking for more traditionally designed jewellery might only be attracted to a handful of pieces currently available.. but she does advertise herself as a Contemporary Designer.

Exploratory Week: 3D

Marcel Breuer: The Wassily Chair
 

Designed in 1925-1926 while Breuer was the head of the cabinet-making workshop at the Bauhaus, and first manufactured in the late 1920's, I would imagine was quite a revolutionary design in the early 20th century.

Resembling what I have seen in the offices of solicitors and suchlike professional people, if it hadn't have originated from Bauhaus, it would appear to be aimed at the higher end of the market, as a potential statement piece, rather than furniture to be sat on.

I have seen the designer sat on it in pictures and he looks rather comfortable, with the black leather "giving" in the seat and back. I personally wouldn't chose this as furniture for my apartment, not because I dislike it, but because there are other designs I prefer that you can really relax into... However, if I had an office, I probably would.. but I wouldn't sit on it.

Josef Albers: Nesting Tables

 

Originally created for the Moellenhof House in Berlin, Albers’ 1926-7 design combines clear geometrical shapes with use of colour. On the under side, the glass table tops are lacquered turquoise, yellow, red, or blue.

A cute little set, the likes of which you might see in IKEA, and which would only really "work" in a home with modern decor. The simple lines and colours and wouldn't look out of place in a children's play centre (although in that case, they would have to be made from more durable, inexpensive materials!)

Surprisingly, I like these, I don't normally like nesting tables as a concept, as I associate them with older people, but as these have a modern feel which I'm drawn to (despite being designed nearly 100 years ago)

Ross Lovegrove: Andromeda Lamp

 

British designer Ross Lovegrove, created this piece for Yamagiwai.  I'm naturally drawn to contemporary design and am fascinated by the shadows which this light fitting casts on the walls.

A completely irregular shape, this "lamp" barely has no solid structure, but manages to create an organic, alien-like presence from it's cold, futuristic frame; which has a great impact on it's surroundings.

Paul Cocksedge: "Drop"

Exhibited outside Londons' Royal Festival Hall as part of the Size + Matter in 2010, "Drop" is a three-metre high magnetic sculpture, designed to look like a giant coin "which has fallen to earth from a giants palm" (and buckled upon impact).

The piece was initially bare, put the public were invited to attach their own pennies; many choosing to make letters and shapes, such as love hearts.

At the end of the exhibition, it's sponsors turned every penny into £1, which was donated to Barnardos. Such a simple yet innovative concept made this piece very accessible to the public and in doing so changed the pieces' texture and tone; and ultimately, raised a lot of money for charity.

Arti & Mestieri: "Rest or Escape" bookends

I came across these quirky little bookends on line by accident and they caught my eye. The type of thing I would buy myself, I was intrigued by the concept; does the designer intend to link the stances of the figures to the psychology of what books mean to their readers?

Perhaps "Rest" means the relaxation and comfort some people get from reading, and "Escape" means for some, the way in which we get "lost" in books (either purposefully or accidentally).

Whatever the intention of the designer, I can imagine they would spark conversations on any bookshelf.