OUGD503 - Studio Brief 01 - Shy Bairns Briefing

Shy Bairns is a multi-disciplinary art collection specialising in DIY arts publications. It was formed as a response to the lack of resources and funding for the arts in the North of England. Accessible northern gallery spaces are limited and therefore Shy Bairns has created a platform that does not rely on institutional support for the promotion of artists and their work.

As a member of the collective and the only Graphic Designer I was given a brief to create the group's first publication:

Shy Bairns is a platform designed to provide a inclusive space for Northern artists from all disciplines. With a specialism in DIY publications, we want to produce a printed platform to showcase and promote a range of work and represent new and emerging creatives. The project has no current funding and all production costs must be kept to a minimum. The number of spreads will be based on the number of submissions, but spreads will average at 30. Production scale: 100 copies.

For the promotion of the publication, a selection of printed and digital ephemera will also need to be produced. This can include but is not limited to posters, flyers, banners, graphics for social media (Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) and website design.

Above all else, as a collective Shy Bairns believes in accessible opportunities for everyone. The production methods, production costs and distribution of the publication should always reflect this ethos.

Communication

Communication within the group will be an important issue as the collective's members range from Manchester, Leeds and London. This project will also be undertaken alongside university degrees, regular meetings will not be possible. Efficient communication is therefore of great importance, and so ideas will be discussed and feedback will be given through regular communication on social media and through semi-regular Skype calls.