During this year I feel I have learnt many new skills, and how to be more independent as a designer. I felt that last year I was relying on tutors to help me constantly, I was just being lazy and not helping myself, where as this year I have been working much more independently by coming up with my own ideas, working out solutions for myself etc. Its a good feeling when you are proud of the work that you produce, even better when you know you've done it all by yourself.  

This is going to play a huge part in my professional project, well it already has because I have had to decide on an idea. Don't get me wrong I found this to be probably one of the hardest decisions of my life, but I did it in the end, and I feel that I have made the correct one. Anyway the professional project is really going to test what I have learnt throughout this course and I feel will defiantly show throughout this project. 

All there is to say now is that I intend to hand in PPRD with a huge smile on my face, and to keep cracking on with my professional project and of course the essay to successfully complete the course. 

Day Out

Today was a really productive day, I decided to get on with my FMP straight away by waking up at the crack of dawn and going into town. My day led me to taking photographs of shops that I felt appeal to the same target audience as whom I will be appealing to. The shops that I decided to take photographs of where Animal, Fat Face, Quicksilver and Free spirit, which all sell snow, surf and skate clothing. During my day I also picked up some useful bmx, surf, skate and snowboard magazines that I intend to create a mood board from.

Above I have included some of the photographs that I took.

After my talk with Neil I have made some slight changes to the slides of my portfolio. By applying the RBL poster to the bus stop ad-shell and the t-section onto the bus, I also decided to change the layout of this slide from landscape to portrait which I think looks a lot more professional as there is more room for each image. I also decided to change the type on each page, I decided to change the font, size of the font and also the colour of the font. The changed the typeface from Myriad Pro to Georgia, I chose this font because I have used the typeface in a lot of my work so by using this type face in my portfolio relates to my work. I also decided to reduce the size of the font because the type was too close to the images on my slides. Finally I changed the colour of the font to a light grey which I feel looks a lot less subtle than the black that I was using before, I think this change has worked well because I want the viewer to be focused on my work rather than the text.  These changes have made my portfolio look a lot more professional than it did before and I am pleased with the final outcomes of the slides.

I have included one of my final slides that I have changed since the last post.

Research/development critique

Today was a really good day, I started the day by getting my portfolio up to scratch to show Neil later on, which went really well. I then had my critique with Mike Ryan which couldn't of gone any better, purely because I have done the work. There wasn't much to be said really because I explained exactly what I have done, exactly what I intend to do and how I am going to do it. 

I explained my next steps of what I intend to do, the first being to gain some primary research, I then went on to explain how I intend to do this (by going out to different shops that appeal to a similar target audience as whom I am aiming at and take photographs and gather any relevant information). Mike agreed that this would be a very good way of gathering primary research.  I was told by my peers and Mike to come up with a name for the company, I agreed that this is a priority and will be met by next week. 

I feel that this project is going really well and I am very much enjoying it, at the start I got my self into a bit of a pickle with what idea to chose and after all what I have learnt throughout this course I know for a fact that I have chosen the correct one.

Above I have included some of the work that I presented in the critique.

Today I got a chance to show Neil what I have produced so far for my portfolio and curriculum vitae, I was told that everything is in order which I was pleased to hear. I was told that there are a few slight aspects of my portfolio that I may want to consider. The first being that the text on a few of the pages are too close to the images, and the second was to consider putting the Royal British Legion poster on a bus ad-shell and also the t-section on a bus. Other than that I was told that the layout I was using is fine and my work is professionally presented. 

Its getting closer to the deadline for PPRD now and all the work is building up. I have noticed a change in myself this year, and this blog has been a part of it. Its helped me reflect on myself and my own work, and kept me organised. Its a great change from last year, now I realise how unorganised I was throughout last year. 

Throughout my design career I intend to use this blog because its helps me keep a record of what I have done, how I could improve and mainly keeps me organised. I feel this blog has improved my time management skills and I find so useful for being a designer. 

D&AD/PJ Smoothies

Due to the amount of work we have at the moment and deadlines that are required to be met, (Myself, Alistair, Rob, and Chris) have decided to not enter the competition and leave it as far as we got to. Its a shame because we put a lot of time into this brief but never decided on a final outcome, we would start one idea and then move onto the next, the group simply wasn't working. 

Our ideas were strong and were aimed at the correct target audience, we met the brief as well as we could. The first idea we had was to use sexual innuendo, with a strong tag line which was aimed directly at innocent smoothies (Being innocent is ok but being naughty is more fun). I felt this was a strong idea we just didn't push it further. The main reason being is because we had a look at some of the D&AD entries online and someone had used the same idea and executed it really well. This really put us off pursuing this idea any further. So this is where the mess started, after decided we would change the idea we met up constantly to have group discussions and we simply were not moving forward with this project. 

But after a few group discussions we finally decided on a new idea, which then changed again during the working process, I will go on to explain. We started with the idea of using bottle of Pj smoothies in full colour combined with human models which would be featured in the background of the image in black and white to create an advert which would ask the intended viewer a rhetorical question, how do you cure your hangover? how do you relax?

This then changed slightly by replacing the human model with the Pj smoothie bottle, basically using the bottle as a human.  Due to the fact that we could never decide on what one to produce we only ended up with two incomplete visualizations. 

I have included the two images which we felt were closet to completion, but as I said there incomplete.

  

Tutorial with Anna

Today I had a tutorial with Anna about my essay, I felt that I have progressed a lot further since the last time we spoke as I now know exactly what I am writing about and also have a series of books related to my topic. I have decided on a title for my essay which is (An anaylisis of three contempory brands with reference to post modernism) I have also decided that I will be discussing the following brands Levis, Coca Cola and Howies. I will be comparing and looking at the differences between each of the brands but also be looking at the comparisment betweeen Howies and the much larger brands that I have chosen to look at Coca Cola and Levis. 

The tutorial went really well and I was told that I am approaching this essay well, I presented the research that I have done so far into the companies and what adverts/logos I will be discussing. I was told to manly focus on anaylising the brands and look at as many relevent books as possible.

I never thought I would say this but I feel that I am quite looking foward to writing this now and have suddenly got a boost of confidence which is what I really need.

Portfolio and Curriculum vitae

During this week I have been organising my portfolio and curriculum vitae so that it is ready to hand in for PPRD on the 9th March.. After the portfolio lecture with George Beverley I felt a lot more comfortable about how to present my work in my portfolio. Since the talk I have been working on my portfolio to get it looking at a professional standard.

I have included a few my curriculum vitae and a few portfolio pieces that I have been working on.

Portfolio lecture

Today I attended a lecture from the ex-creative director from Marketing Matters about portfolio presentation. The lectutre was given by a guy called George Beverley, I found this talk really helpful and now have a much stronger understanding of how to present myself and my work. Here are my notes that I took...... 

 1) Always makes sure your 100% happy with the work you include in your portfolio

2) Don't show anyone else's work as yours

3) Memorize at least two things about your work

4) 8-10 pieces of your work, if you only have 6 pieces of strong work that you feel compfortable with then only show them 6 pieces, don't add in work if you if your not happy with it.

5) Show your thinking  and how your got to the final design

• Your not the finished article so just be yourself, no one else
• Find out who the directors top 5 clients are, ask him questions to make him think your interested in the business 
• When getting criticism, ask what about the work you don't like
• Be aware that I am young with fresh thinking and cheap. So really this is an advantage for the director
• Punctuality, always turn up at least 10 minutes before
• Have a good attitude 
• Show you have a good interest in recent design/articles
• Be hungry for the job, show that you want it
• Always be honest no matter what, never lie
• Start your portfolio with a good piece of work, in the middle display the work that you feel is alright and then finish with your best piece of work

More replies

I have had some more useful replies from other companies which I feel have really helped with the project, here are the replies....

Hi Ben,

Thanks for your email; sorry it’s taken a while for you to receive a reply from us. 

If you head over to the “about us” section of the website (click on this link: http://www.howies.co.uk/content.php?xSecId=5 ) then you’ll find our full history, and a couple of pieces written by Dave and Clare (the founders) about the companies’ humble beginning 13 years ago on their living room floor, and also things like our decisions to partner with timberland etc.

What else is there..? Well, if you click on http://www.howies.co.uk/info.php then it would maybe be a good idea to have a read of our product stories, as you’ll find good info on the products we sell and where they’re made. (Also check out the hand me down micro site: http://hmd.howies.co.uk/story.html)

If you’d like me to send you a few past catalogues then that’s fine, just let me know where you’d like it sent to and I’ll get some sent, as these always have some really nice written pieces and stories.

If there’s anything else you’d like to know then just drop me another email and I’ll do my best to find out for you!
Kind regards,

hollie

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Hi Ben,

Our company, Get Ethical, is a portal site for many ethical companies.
I am involved with both Get Ethical and also my own company called Earth & Wear ltd, which sells ethical clothing brands, including our own labelled tshirts.
The tshirts are made from 55% hemp / 45% organic cotton. The reason for this is both the ecological benefits of organically grown materials and also the hard wearing, yet softness of hemp.
If you were setting up an ethical tshirt company then you should investigate hemp it as an excellent material - it requires no fertiliser or pesticides; it improves the quality of the soil where it is grown, it grows in a wide range of climates. The product produced is hard wearing, and tends to actually improve with age, whilst also blending well with other materials such as silk, cotton, wool etc. Also it has a very long and varied history of use throughout most of human civilisation.

You can view our own branded tshirts on our website - www.earthandwear.com. If you would be interested in a sample tshirt then please get back in touch.

I'd be interested to know your reasons for creating a brand identity for a organic/eco-freindly company - Is it a topic you have been given, or have you an interest personally in the ethical clothing business?

Best Wishes

Leith

Replies

I am glad to say that I have had a number of replies from the email I sent to various organic/eco-friendly clothing companies, here are the replies I have received so far.

Dear Ben

Thank you for your email and kind words about The Natural Store.

We do not have any written information in hard copy/brochure form. All our information is written on the website and you may find the 'more info' sections against each product you are interested in, very helpful.

Another recommendation is possibly contacting the various brands direct, as we do not manufacture any clothing ourselves but work like a department store where we sell many brands on The Natural Store but each product is already ready made. If you contact the various brands direct, they may be able to share further design, manufacturing, logistical, fabric make up information with your good self.

Finally, if you're looking into organic cotton and it's many benefits or normal cotton and the many pesiticides used in its growth, then we would say that the following website is very informative. http://www.pan-uk.org and also http://www.luxuryredefined.co.uk/docs/lux/intro.html

Good luck with your project.

Have a good weekend.

Best regards.
Rachel & Ismat
The Natural Store

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Dear Ben,

I would be happy to send you a catalogue and some fabric samples. I just need your address. You can read more about us on our website under 'Our ethical and eco practices' which you can find at the bottom of the page.

Kind regards,

Sue
Gossypium

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For the past two or three days I have been contacting organic/eco friendly clothing companies to see if they can help me with some research. I have called most of the companies by phone and have ordered their catalogue which I feel will help me, as I will be able to see how they display their products, I have also sent out emails to specific companies and am now waiting for some replies. 

Below is the email that I sent out to the various companies.

Hi, I am a student currently studying visual communication, and for my professional project I am designing a brand identity for a non-existent organic and echo friendly t-shirt clothing company. I have come across your company and have found it very inspiring, I was wondering if there is any possibility if you could send me any relevant information to help me with my project, this could be a catalogue of your products, materials, information about organic products, anything really would be much appreciated.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Thank, Ben.

Screen based communication 2 results/feedback

Today I received my results for screen based communication 2, I was pleased with the feedback that I received for this project as it was very positive and really helpful feedback. I was told that I worked really hard on this project which I feel I did, and that the final outcome works really well as a portfolio as it is minimal and well organised. I was also told to consider a few things which I now have realized and completely agree with, I was told to consider decreasing the size of my thumbnails as they are a bit large and indiscreet compared to other elements within my site. The other thing was to develop more confidence in my designs because when I am faced with a problem I tend to go with a completely new idea, but as it says in my feedback I will develop this skill through my professional project. 

My overall grade for this project was 57, which isn't bad, but then its not great. I said to myself before I get the grade if I get over 55 then I would be pleased but for some reason im not. I think it because of the fact that I only got 46 on the last project so at the moment I am still only borderline 50, I think. To progress onto the BA Graphics course I have to achieve over 50 overall for this year and at the moment I am just scrapping that, not only do I want to achieve this to progress onto BA Graphics but I also want to achieve it for myself, because if I were to get an overall grade below 50 this year I would not be pleased with myself. So therefore I have to now step up a gear and really push my professional project. 

Learning agreement

Today I completed and handed in my learning agreement for my proffesional project. I am pleased with the brief I have written myself and feel that it will be an exciting and challenging project to work on,  I have included my synopsis of study below.

Synopsis of study

For my professional project I will create and design a brand and identity for an organic and eco friendly clothing company, this is a non-existent company so therefore I will be creating a new identity. I will create a set of promotional materials for the company which will promote the brand/identity, I will research into existing clothing companies and how they have advertised and branded themselves, I will also look into why people buy organic clothes and what type of person buys this type of clothing, from this I will demonstrate my research and development through sketchbooks leading to my final designs. My research will consist of looking at existing clothing websites; magazines, catalogues and also other materials that I feel will help me. I will be contacting the companies I feel will be able to give me the relevant research that I need as I may not be able to find it in shops or elsewhere. I will create a time plan during this project to help me be organised and prepared for the work I have set myself. I will set myself deadlines to keep me focused and to make sure I get everything that I set myself completed within the time I have left, this will be noted throughout the project. Not only will this benefit me but it will also show a sign of professionalism that is what I am aiming to achieve throughout this project. The branding for the company will be designed to have a relaxed style and an organic feel to it, my target audience will mainly be people aged between 18-35 who care about there clothes and take into consideration how they look.
I have chosen to create this identity because during this year I have been working on a branding and identity brief that I really enjoyed and felt was very successful, so I feel my strengths lie within this area of design. For my professional project I want to create and design something that will help me get to where I want to be next year (BA Graphics), and I feel that if executed well this project will help me do that. Also I feel that this project will help me prepare for employment, as I would like to work in the branding area of design in the future. This project will be a professional standard of creative work and will be a strong piece of work to present in my portfolio. The reason I have decided to design an organic and eco friendly brand is because I feel that there is a huge market for the clothing, also my aim is to persuade people to buy organic clothing rather than going to designer brands.

 

Good times

Today I proposed my new idea to Mike Ryan and Sally Hope, and the feedback I received was a lot more positive than than the last idea I had. I was told this new brief I have set myself is a lot more subtable for a professional project and has a lot more scope than the last one. To be honset I completly agree, and I feel that I have made the correct decision by changing my idea. 

I feel so much more pleased and also confident which is a really positive thing, before I was really unsure with the idea that I was working with but now I feel so much more confident and content with the new and final idea I have to work with.

Live brief reflection

I am pleased with the outcome of the work myself and Chris have put into this live brief, I feel that the logo works well and the colours that we chose work well for the particular areas we were designing the brand/identity for (Dorset, Poole and Bournemouth) as the blues represent the costal recognition of these surrounding areas. Also the stationary we designed to go with looks strong and is well presented, I think the most positive aspect of our designs for this project is our presentation of the work as well as the brand/identity itself. We decided to chose three different shades of blue for the type to represent the surrounding areas which I feel works well. The only thing I have to say which I feel could make the logo stronger is to have three tear drops instead of two, this way there would be three shapes represting the three areas (Dorset, Poole and Bournemouth), other than that I have enjoyed working on this brief as it has developed my knowledge of branding and also working with another designer which we were able to bounce ideas of one another to come to a final product.

Live brief presentation

Today myself and Chris Walter presented our logo design and rest of the stationary to two representatives of the MAA (multi area agreement). We explained why we had chosen the logo and what made us come to this decision, we then went on to explain and show the rest of our work. I feel that the presentation went really well and was pleased with the feedback that we received about our designs. It was an experience presenting to a real client, I was a little nervous at first but then adapted to it. After that presentation I think that I would now feel a lot more comfortable when presenting my work to a client.

I have included our chosen logo and some of our development work. 

Today I emailed Anna about what I plan to write my essay on and told to define the topic so I can have a title ready to work with by next week. Below I have attached the email I sent followed by the reply from Anna.

Hi Ben, this is ok, but try and get your examples/case studies. If you use coca cola ads as one case study about how digital imaging changed the way it looked and also looked at the different socio-cultural aspects of the work (take 3 images- one from early 20th century one from mid and one from 2000) but then also look at another example to see how that changed (Levi's?? ).Try and get a list of books from the library to help with this topic,and take some out now to start the research. Bring it all in on Monday.
thanks Ben,
see you on Monday,
Anna.

From: 3161328 BEN STROWMAN
Sent: Wed 11/02/2009 19:03
To: Anna Middleton
Subject: RE: CVC

Hi Anna,

I have been looking at the coca cola adverts and how they have progressed over the years, I could look at what the different impacts of digital and non digital advertising have on people/the consumer, I was thinking about looking into consumer behavior.

Ben

I have been stressing long and hard about wether to change my idea completley for my professional project and I have come to a decision, and that decision is yes I am chaning it. I have decided to change my idea due to the fact of my presentation, I have been thinking about the feedback that I received an no longer want to think about it any more. The presentation made me realise that the project I have set myself is not strong enough, I created to much work for myself, and also the wrong work, the idea consisted of me interviewing other students whci meant I would spend most of my time writng the up. Also I realised that writing is not my strongest area so it would be a bad idea to carry on with this idea. So I have been brainstorming fresh new ideas and this is what I propose to design for my professional project (A brand/identity for an non-existant organic/eco friendly clothing company). 

Why I have chosen to do this?

Well I think it is for the best really, as part of this second year I am meant to be a more independent student and this means I have to make decisions by my own accord. A very vital decision aswell, the reason for the change was because I sat down and really thought about what I want to do, what would I like to produce? and also what will make a strong piece of portfolio work. And I think that this new idea answers all of these questions. I look foward to really getting stuck into this project now and feel its a much exciting and challenging project to work on than the last one.