Mike Rigby Lecture

On 26th November Mike Rigby came into my college to give a lecture. I really did enjoy this lecture, as it was completely different to other lectures we had had. Mike studied at Preston for 4 years on a Graphic Design course, he had a one year placement between the 2nd and last year and finally graduated in 2002. Since graduating he has worked for Imagination London, Chase Manchester, Landor Sydney, Moon Design Sydney, Pentagram, Mark Studio and True North.

I was extremely interested to hear about Mike's experiences whilst working aboard. He advised us that taking a break is really important and he did this and it resulted in him finding work abroad. Mike had put together some of his pictures he had taken whilst on his travels, I was amazed. Travelling is always something I have wanted to do, him showing us these seemed unreal as we are used to seeing all the work designers have done - which he did do- but he shown us all the places he had been and told us stories about his experiences. It just goes to show that you can do anything if you put your mind to it.

Mike talked to us about the positives and negatives of working in the design world. It is nice to hear both sides. A lot of which we had heard before, it is interesting and challenging working within the design industry, you meet and collaborate with different people and are forever learning. You experience new things like photo shoots, award ceremonies and as he explained even working abroad. As with everything there is always some negatives, as we are always told graphic design is a very competitive industry, with long hours with unpaid overtime, there is a lot of pressure, client interference and sometimes the pay isn't great. Though if you are passionate about the job and are willing to put the effort in you will succeed. This last comment is one that should always be thought about. No matter how difficult something may be.

Placements are essential to help in finding a job after graduation, placements increase your pace of working and you get the experience of working on live briefs with real deadlines. You begin to contact others designer which could lead to more placements or even the possibilities of job opportunities. Having a strong portfolio which contains great ideas that are equally well executed helps you to become notices and get the chance of a placement. Having a positive attitude to your work is essential, being negative about your work will just bring your confidence down. One thing that Mike said, which I found to be a great but of advice was "rejection is a part of design, it doesn't mean that your not good enough."

I really took on board the advice that Mike gave us. He was soon moving back over to Australia to work, which I think is great for him. It just proves how quickly things can change.

Dress Code

When in New York I went to visit a design agency 'Dress code'. I went to the company with Amy, a student I had done previous work with. Amy organised the visit as when she came across their company she was interested in the work they had created for MTV. The company consists of two men, Dan and Andre. Their work has been recognized by many awards, they have appeared in lots of magazines, coffee table books and even 3 museums. They met while studying graphic design at California College of the Arts. From there they went on to work for different companies including MTV, before setting up there own studio. Dress code offers a complete set of services - Branding & Design, Motion Graphics & Direction, Strategy & Naming, Web Production & Development.

As I mentioned Amy arranged the visit. We travelled down to meet Dan the co-founder of the company. Their work area was very spacious and clean - It looked like a nice environment to work in. Both mine and Amy's portfolios were set out in a box, this isn't very common over in New York and he really liked this. He had a look through Amy's portfolio and then had a look through mine and commented on the strong pieces and which pieces should not be in my portfolio. He mentioned how my typography work did not look strong in the situe I had put it in. As Amy and I had been working on pieces of work together we shown Dan the work to see if he could give us ways to improve these. He really liked out e4 work and commented on how the style used was really nice and we should stick with it - which is what we intend to do.

Overall I think the visit went well, he told us to keep in touch and I think the advice he gave us will be good for us in the future. Just before we left he gave us a book that he had written himself all about leaving University.

Porflion Visit - Box Creative New York

Whilst in New York me and two other students from my College visited a design company called Box Creative, its based in Manhattan and is innovation, interactive, and artist-driven. The company is only small - only a few members - but this was one thing in which they enjoyed about how they work. The two designers who set up the business were brothers Joe and Andy, whilst there we spoke to them about our portfolios, design in New York and ideas of which we were working on at present. Overall I found they were very impressed with the work we shown.

The first thing that they picked up on was the presentation of our portfolios - boxes - as this had never been seen before and looked very clean, crisp and fresh. One thing they commented on was how the up and coming thing around New York is to have a website displaying all work instead of a portfolio, it is easier to see and look around and flick back and forth too and obviously easy to distribute around. This is one thing I am looking into doing as not only would it show my work in an interesting way but it would also be another piece of design and I would be able to have a certain look or design running throughout it. As they said one thing they would advise is to design an identity to run throughout the portfolio maybe including a logo. I found this to be a great idea.

One thing they picked up on was the use of Typography and said it was one of my strong points, this is not something that is pushed over in New York they are more image based so they were very impressed with this. Within my portfolio I have elements of my design work on the page to compliment the work, I wasn't sure when I was doing this whether it would be liked in the design world as a lot of portfolios I had seen were very plain and simple, this is advised by the tutors at my college but I wanted to try something new as I didn't like my original portfolio that was set out in this way. Joe and Andy seemed to like this layout as it gave the whole page a purpose. I was pleased with this feedback.

One thing that was picked up on that I also noticed was the quality of some of the images in my portfolio. This is something that I need to change, they advised me that vectors are advised rather than pixels so this is something I am going to look into changing, especially on my typography brief.

They liked my Heals end sting as it is creative yet simple and the layout is kept very simple to add to the simplicity of it. They seemed excited with the e4 storyboard that is still being produced at the moment for d&ad but advised to keep pushing the idea to see how far we can get it.

Overall I found the visit very interesting and helpful, I will be sure to keep in contact with Box as I was interested in the work that they were doing as it was keeping up to date with technology. A lot of their work was flash based which is something I would be interested in learning more about.

Container

I attended a lecture by Container Plus that was based on collaboration within design work. Louise Vormitag who came to do the presentation advised that one of her colleagues she works along side now, Nicola is in fact an old college friend. After graduation they were scared about going into the world of work - as anyone would be- and decided to stick together as they had done work together during their education time. Although working as a team they produced two portfolios - one each - and when one of them had a visit with design directors they would take the other portfolio with them. With doing this they got some work.

One of the first projects the pair worked on was for Selfridges, it was designed for the cafe. The design was in the windows and they were drawn directly onto where it was being shown so the drawings and designing of the whole thing was sort of like a performance and people used to gather around and watch. I thought this was great as it was just something that wasn't planned but turned out to be a great success.







Working in a collaboration has many advantages as you help integrate each others strengths within your design work.

Another piece of work they did as a pair was for the launch of the Volkswagen Fox, they were given four rooms to design at the Copenhagen's creative lifestyle hotel. The idea that they went with was using playing cards as their basis so each room was given a suit and a whole story was shown using imagery in a very illustrative manor. The club room had a seductive feel, they brought people in to do the textiles side of the room.

After many projects had been done and they had a good client base they decided to extend the size of their business which unfortunately didn't work out too well. Although collaborative work has its advantages it can also cause problems especially if a dramatic change is made. The relationship between two people suddenly increased to many different relationships with more opinions and ideas which resulted in decisions being harder to make. Louise continued to work with Nicola after the break up of the company just after a year and also with one of the other women involved in the increased company. This is where Container Plus was formed as it is known today.

Louise shown us lots of her work and a lot of which I thought had a lot of variety in the medias used. This shows why collaboration is such a great thing to encourage. We as students are constantly being encouraged to work with other students on projects and I personally have found it a great opportunity to develop ideas. The majority of my work this year has been collaborative and I do recommend it to anyone as a student as this is how it works when out in the world of design.

Dave Sedgwick - contact report

After the talk Dave came into College to do I emailed over to say thank you and on his reply asked for a PDF of my portfolio which I sent over.

Here is the response I got.


I really appreciated the feedback Dave gave as I personally agree with everything that was said. I think a re-brand would be a great thing to put into my portfolio as I do enjoy branding briefs, I am going to have a think and decide what brand I would enjoy doing and also work on expanding the fold outcomes as I think that is brilliant idea and I am sure it would give my portfolio a new depth especially designing a website as it is something I am interested in doing and is also something that is becoming a lot more common.

Sandy Karman

I came across some work by Sandy Karman, who is a young Indonesian designer. His work shows some interesting elements.

Dave Sedgwick - 999

On 29th October David Sedgwick a senior designer from 999 Design Manchester, came into college to give a lecture on his career and his experience in the design industry. I found the main point of his lecture was to show how he got to where he was and to give us advise, which is what he did.





Dave came to Manchester in the late 90s to study a D&AD course at Manchester Metropolitan University, he told us about his first two placements, one at Flix mag - a print based company before Internet was essential, and Splinter in Liverpool - a small design company. He really enjoyed the whole experience at Splinter but not so much at Flix mag, this sort of experience helps to make the decision on what sort of design agency you would prefer to work at. This was one of Dave's pieces of advise - research companies to help you make your own decision, as everyone is different.

Dave began to speak about how we should go about things like, portfolios, placements and even our end of year show. The end of year show last year being a red bus that was hired out to go around the town to different agencies, this was a great idea as it gave designers more of a reason to look at your work. Dave seemed to think it was a great idea but was maybe a little bit too cramped, this is something that us as a year can re think about when deciding on our end of year show. One thing Dave really believed in was getting a placement set up prior to graduation. This is a great bit of advise as it is something that could change everything. Experience is key.



Dave later went on to a placement at TCW - now Love Creative, after his placement there he was offered a job so this was a great achievement but was then later made redundant but as he had experience now as a paid designer he found it a lot easier to get interviews as contacts had been made and also other companies are always interested in what other agencies are doing. After being made redundant thought he decided to do some freelance work, before later getting a job at RACE, whilst working for these he continued to do own work as well which resulted in him gaining publicity and later in 2006 joined 999 where he is still working today. He has worked with a wide rang of clients including the BBC, Warburtons and Puma. Dave is still continuing to do his own work outside off 999 - Design by Dave.

Dave tried to give advise on how to get a job, I liked the attitude Dave gave to this as a lot of agencies that come in stress how difficult it is to be successful in the world of design where as Dave said the complete opposite which gave me personally a bit of confidence. He explained that it is not as hard as we might think, the time to be looking and planing is NOW!!! Finding agencies that we like is essential and to make sure that its not just big companies that are found. One piece of advise I have found great is to call the company you want to email just to find out a name as this is a lot more personal rather than just sending it to info@ and keep a diary of everything found.

This lecture was by far one of my favorite as I found it appealed to me a lot and the advise given helped me to think about things a lot more clearer.

100 applications per bottle

On the carex bottle it says "100 applications per bottle" we thought this would be a great line to work with. We went out with an SLR camera and shot pictures of things that we touch on a day to day basis that other people also touch.

When we had our collection of images we then experimented with what we could do with the images in an advertising way. We thought of mosaics. Putting all of our images together to show an overall large image as the main advertisement. These are the ones we have currently designed and produced.

Now wash your hands

This post follows up the earlier now wash your hands with visuals for the final ideas we came up with. One idea we have developed was for using objects to do things you would usually use your hands for, and exaggerating them for the humorous side.

Creative Blok

Creative blok is by Graphic Designer Irina Blok. She finds inspiration in what's happening in the world. The aim behind the idea is to design amusing products by joining up two things that would never usually be seen together. Product range from fashion surgical masks, t-shirts, jewelry to household accessories.

Last Minute.com

I found this piece of design work from a Student studying at the University of Gloucestershire. It was a piece of work from the 2005 graduates. It is to promote using Last Minute.com.

The person who has designed these pieces of design has taken a completely new look. Having images on a bus window isnt something new, having the images facing inwards is, and what a better place to put it than a bus or taxi where it is difficult to find something to keep you occupied. I think the images look great and would surely interest a lot of people.  

Box Creative

As I am visiting New York in November I thought that now would be a prime time to contact design agencies over there for their opinions on portfolio design and look at how they show their work on websites ect.

I came across a company called Box Creative, I was almost immediately taken in by the design of the website, it is very animated and although sometimes this can be a bit too " in your face" this one works well especially with the type of design work that they do.

I emailed over to Box creative and got a speedy response.


Here is what I sent over....


Here is the reply I received....


I can take alot out of the feedback I received about what to look at in the sense of a portfolio. Although Andy has aimed it more on a digital version of a portfolio. I get the impression a lot of agencies at the moment prefer this type of interaction rather than face to face with a physical portfolio. Being minimal is a main part of a succesful portfolio I find, as it shows your own work alot better.

I am going to try and stay in contact with Box Creative as I have liked the feedback I have got and I enjoyed looking through their website.

Wash Your Hands

I am currently working on a collaborative project at University for NHS awareness. The Brief is to make people aware how fast germs are spread especially on the hands. After doing lists and lists of words associating with things that you associate with germs, infections, hands and washing, then we thought about taking the words out of the norm and collecting words such as dangerous and violent. I find thinking of word lists is the best thing to do when you come to a mind block.

I have found this poster which I think is very effective. It has a sort of shock factor which is effective in this sort of advertisement.

After seeing this poster me and Amy ( the person I am working with) have decided that something we can associate with and also have a shock factor interlinked with the main idea would be the most effective. The idea needs to be flexible and should be able to be used in a variety of different medias. A good idea can be shown easily and effectively but a great idea can be shown again and again over different medias and be just as effective.

We are currently in the proccess of getting our ideas finalized.

An Exciting Showcase of 2009 Logo Trends

Every year the world goes through different trends, this is included in design and also in newly designed logos. I came across a website, Graphic Design Blog. This blog had documented new trends and logos that were predicted to come out of 2009, I found it very interesting.

1 # Classic Modernism Since late 2008, classic modernism is adapted once again. It shows some of the logos which convey the company name and message without portraying or saying much. At times it might seem complicated but designers always try it happily.
2 # Typographic Logos Typographic logos can never fade from the designer’s list of desisning elements as they are too attractive to miss. These logos consistently demonstrate definite message of a company with manners and purity.
3 # Psychedelic Pop Backgrounds These logos are believed to be an outcome of a romantic counter culture. Nowadays 1960s psychedelic background patterns are mixed with contemporary shapes to stir mood and emotion in the viewer.
4 # Puzzle Patterns As mostly new designers have no definite designing rules they try using complex vector graphics to intentionally veer away from the rules. These logos might seem appealing but their complexity make you ponder over them for a longer period.
5 # Arabesque Calligraphy makes the soul of a logo echo, especially Arabic calligraphy. With ample of harmony and connectivity, Arabesque logos are always appreciated. The Arabesque solution is the answer to a designer’s desire for uniqueness.
6 # Pictograms Sometimes we need the logos to be designed like a problem solving process. Strong trend is witnessed towards integrating meaningful icons which have the ability to convey the essential values of the brand, its message and its market position.
7 # Tactile Tactile means relating to touch or invoking the sense of touch and these logos present the material which can be touched. This process is a huge challenge even for the most experienced graphic designers as they have to work with a preferred software which allows them the traditional tasks of cutting, painting and pasting.
8 # 80’s Geometry This trend was introduced in 80’s with the only purpose of capturing viewer’s attention. Monster-like geometrical logos are mostly used by aggressive and self-centered companies to shout in today’s over-saturated market.
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9 # Origami Origami-based logos are a good choice for corporate monograms. Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper, but the goal is to use small folds and creases to bring about delicate and intricate objects. For such logos designers have to put in lot of effort and time.
10 # Street Art Street Art brings handmade graphics to mind, with hints of urbanism. When designers want to come up with something original and trendy, they opt for street art which we always find around.

I find it interesting how it can be predicted what is to come out of a year - purely in design. I found number 9 very interesting as I can relate to this logo as I did a piece of design work for a paper mechanics convention on one of my briefs but they have used this paper folding technique for a logo that obviously has nothing to do with the subject. (milky bar)

Visit to A to M

Today I went to see Mike Fallows of A to M in Manchester. I found it to be a great experience and also found the feed back very useful. I find it is very important to have a look and visit different types of design agencies to give yourself a bigger view and more variety on deciding the type of agency more suited to yourself. A to M is a small company - only a small group, but that doesn't mean the work is on a smaller scale.

Mike had a look at my portfolio and overall had a positive view on it but he explained to me what agencies look for in a portfolio. Whilst looking at my magazine piece he liked the quality of the images and the layout but when looking at my double page spread asked my reasoning behind what I had done. Although there was a reason for it his feedback on it was it is a weak point to my magazine design as the shapes look a bit too random to have a meaning. I am glad he told me this as it has made me have a look back at that piece of work and think about his reasoning's behind it.

Another piece of work we discussed was my typeface, I explained how it was done and why I had one letter on its own and then when turning over the whole alphabet was revealed. I am not sure that Mike liked this as when he looked at the letter on its own he asked where the rest was. Maybe I should consider a different layout on this and also where I have used the typeface in context should be experimented a bit more with as Mike asked me where the typeface would be used if created? and after thinking it wouldn't really be used effectively in a bus stop just as a quote.

Again like with Anthony from Music Mike liked mt Heals piece and thought it was a great way to finish off my portfolio. The way it is set out is enough to just look at and understand without needing to explain. After the third time of hearing that although the book is good a box is better I have decided to re design my portfolio and present it in a box form rather than a book. I have been persuaded.

Design by Music Visit

Today I went to Music to show Anthony my portfolio. I found the visit very useful, before looking at my portfolio Anthony had a chat with me about how I was finding my course and which elements of graphic design I get more enjoyment from doing. I found this a great question to ask me as it has definitely got me thinking as im coming up to my final year, this is the best time to have a think about things like that and also maybe new things I would like to try. He also commented on the recent bus stop tour that the third years from my BA course have done and asked my opinion on the idea. I do like the idea, in fact I think it was a fantastic idea and I am really looking forward to when its my turn to do that.

Overall Anthony liked my portfolio. He did advise that I get myself a box for my third year as it is a lot bigger space to work with and also is easier to edit. I do agree with this, I am glad I did the book first as I think that it would be nice to have this to accompany the box portfolio. After speaking to Anthony I felt that maybe I should consider the layout of each piece of work a lot more, this would be a lot better when designing the spreads for my box. The advice he gave me about the spread which had my alphabet on was really good. He told me that if I am going to show my font being used (like I have) then it is advised that I put it in some sort of context where I would like to see it being used in. Anthony liked my Heals end sting, the way it is set out I find that it is easy to understand without seeing the animation. It works well as the last piece of work in my portfolio.

I enjoyed the visit and took alot from it. I am looking forward to music getting their website up so I can look at their work alot more. I have looked at it when Anthony and Craig came in, and look forward to seeing more of it. I will keep in contact with Anthony as I found everything he said very useful.

Below I have published a piece of work by Music that I really like.