Showing posts with label Studio Brief 01. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Studio Brief 01. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
OUGD505 - Studio Brief 01 - Leeds Public Spaces Final Posters
The final print of the Astbury Centre:
Monday, March 27, 2017
OUGD505 - Studio Brief 01 - Leeds Public Spaces Printing
As the brief states that the poster must be printed exclusively by traditional printing methods, the options for production are limited to screenprinting, monoprinting and letterpress. As the detail in the design for the poster is relatively complex, the most viable option for production is screenprinting.
When the design was created it was intended that the print would use white ink on black paper. In the first printing session the design was printed using white ink, however there were a few complications. White screenprinting ink is the fastest drying ink because it has much larger molecules of pigment than other colours, and as the detail in the design contains many fine lines, the screen clogged quickly and prevented the print from being pulled through cleanly every time.
Despite pulling the prints through at a faster speed and washing the screen between pulls, the prints were still patchy. To resolve this, a new colour scheme of black ink on red and black papers was trialled. These colours were still appropriate for the brief as traditionally when x-rays are depicted in a scientific context, the colour red is used to indicate the waves. The print on red card also created a high impact design. X-rays are also invisible to the eye and so a black on black print created a unique 'invisible' effect. This could also be enhanced by printing an extra layer of glow-in-the-dark ink over the top of the original design to create a second hidden layer.
These alternative prints pulled through far easier, however after gaining feedback from peers it was concluded that the white ink on black paper created the most visually striking and appropriate print. It was also noted that the slight misprint around the edges of the poster enhanced the traditionally printed nature of the poster, creating an additionally worn and aged aesthetic.
When the design was created it was intended that the print would use white ink on black paper. In the first printing session the design was printed using white ink, however there were a few complications. White screenprinting ink is the fastest drying ink because it has much larger molecules of pigment than other colours, and as the detail in the design contains many fine lines, the screen clogged quickly and prevented the print from being pulled through cleanly every time.
Despite pulling the prints through at a faster speed and washing the screen between pulls, the prints were still patchy. To resolve this, a new colour scheme of black ink on red and black papers was trialled. These colours were still appropriate for the brief as traditionally when x-rays are depicted in a scientific context, the colour red is used to indicate the waves. The print on red card also created a high impact design. X-rays are also invisible to the eye and so a black on black print created a unique 'invisible' effect. This could also be enhanced by printing an extra layer of glow-in-the-dark ink over the top of the original design to create a second hidden layer.
These alternative prints pulled through far easier, however after gaining feedback from peers it was concluded that the white ink on black paper created the most visually striking and appropriate print. It was also noted that the slight misprint around the edges of the poster enhanced the traditionally printed nature of the poster, creating an additionally worn and aged aesthetic.
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
OUGD505 - Studio Brief 01 - Leeds Public Space Poster Designs
Initial designs as a response to this brief:
It was discussed in a critque before the design process that as the poster would be based around scientific diagrams and images from the process of x-ray crystallography, the most appropriate designs should be minimal and light on typography in order to make the concept clear and accessible. Each of the following designs features simple line drawings and only essential text information.
As a response to this feedback two initial designs were created. Both feature multiple scientific elements from the x-ray crystallography experiment, including a grid that depicts the angels of the molecules inside a crystalline material, the pattern of dots that is formed after a crystalline material has been tested, and a series of concentric rings that elude to to movement of electrons around the elements that make up the crystalline material.
It was discussed in a critque before the design process that as the poster would be based around scientific diagrams and images from the process of x-ray crystallography, the most appropriate designs should be minimal and light on typography in order to make the concept clear and accessible. Each of the following designs features simple line drawings and only essential text information.
As a response to this feedback two initial designs were created. Both feature multiple scientific elements from the x-ray crystallography experiment, including a grid that depicts the angels of the molecules inside a crystalline material, the pattern of dots that is formed after a crystalline material has been tested, and a series of concentric rings that elude to to movement of electrons around the elements that make up the crystalline material.
The first variation of this design depicts a sort of flow chart that allows the eye to travel down the page and read the poster as though it might be instructions for the experiment. The second variation features the same elements but overlapping each other and the edge of the poster so as to give the illusions that the experiment is much larger and far more complex than can be depicted on one poster.
It was also suggested that one possible design could be based around a single element of the x-ray crystallography process, such the pattern of dots shown below. However it was concluded that the design (below) appeared too basic and did fully explore the concept behind the poster.
Another suggestion was to create an entirely type based poster to reflect the academic nature of the content. An experimental type design was created as a starting point for this idea, but within a critique group the majority of peers concluded that an illustrative poster was clearer for communicating complicated subject matter.
It was also suggested that one possible design could be based around a single element of the x-ray crystallography process, such the pattern of dots shown below. However it was concluded that the design (below) appeared too basic and did fully explore the concept behind the poster.
Another suggestion was to create an entirely type based poster to reflect the academic nature of the content. An experimental type design was created as a starting point for this idea, but within a critique group the majority of peers concluded that an illustrative poster was clearer for communicating complicated subject matter.
Friday, March 17, 2017
OUGD505 - Studio Brief 01 - Leeds Public Spaces Research
To form a basis for the concept of the poster research was undertaken into the discovery and process of x-ray crystallography.
Sir William Henry Bragg was a British physicist, chemist and mathematician, who alongside his son William Lawrence Bragg, was instrumental in the discovery of the technique of x-ray crystallography. In 1915 they jointly shared the Nobel Prize in Physics for their services in the analysis of crystal structure by means of X-rays.
Sir William Henry Bragg was a British physicist, chemist and mathematician, who alongside his son William Lawrence Bragg, was instrumental in the discovery of the technique of x-ray crystallography. In 1915 they jointly shared the Nobel Prize in Physics for their services in the analysis of crystal structure by means of X-rays.
X-ray crystallography is an imaging technique used to determine the composition of crystalline proteins. Within a crystal structure, the atoms, ions or molecules within the material are arranged in a rigid crystal lattice formation:
A crystal lattice structure
A digram demonstrating the angels within a crystal lattice structure
To determine the composition of the material, x-rays are fired through the crystal and are scattered. This scatter pattern is recorded and the data collected gives scientists clues as to which elements make up the structure. The spaces between points of data correlate to certain elements and an accurate picture can then be formed.
An example of the image formed as a crystal structure is x-rayed and analysed
This discovery was made at the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology within the University of Leeds campus. Many areas of the University of Leeds campus are considered public spaces within Leeds and the Astbury Centre hosts a £17 million facility that is available to students and scientists all over the country.
Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, University of Leeds
This scientific information and imagery will be used to form a basis of the design for the poster.
Sunday, March 12, 2017
OUGD505 - Studio Brief 01 - Leeds Public Spaces Brief
Brief
The uses and (sometimes) abuses of public spaces do much to communicate the identity and character of cities. Across Leeds there is a huge list of events that take place within its public spaces that range from carnivals, concerts, markets, exhibitions, parades, sports events, protests, happenings, flash mobs, etc.
Your task is to research the various events and happenings that have occurred in Leeds and helped shape the city; then choose one that will become the focus for an A3 traditional print that celebrates this event. You can choose any event whether or not it was organised or impromptu but it must be celebratory.
Your A3 print must use only traditional print methods. The prints will be exhibited in the level 4/5 exhibition in May.
The Blackburn Type D is the oldest flying aeroplane in Britain and was made in Leeds. Robert Blackburn built his one seat monoplane for Cyril Foggin in 1912 and came just a decade after the Wright Brothers’ made their famous flight.
In 1884, Michael Marks opened up a penny bazaar stall in Leeds Market before joining partners with Tom Spencer a decade later. Soon after they moved to a permanent spot on the same street and so founded Marks and Spencers, one of the best know food brands in the UK.
X-Ray Crystallography
One of the most important scientific progressions of the 20th century occurred at the University of Leeds. William Henry Bragg and his son William Lawrence Bragg discovered the structure of crystals using x-ray technology, and helped pave the way for all manner of new discoveries in the years to come, including work on the structure of DNA.
Gas Lit Cinema
Leeds is home to the Hyde Park Picture House, the UK's last remaining gas lit cinema. It also retains many of its original features, such as the external ticket booth, a barrel-vaulted ceiling and ornate balcony.
The uses and (sometimes) abuses of public spaces do much to communicate the identity and character of cities. Across Leeds there is a huge list of events that take place within its public spaces that range from carnivals, concerts, markets, exhibitions, parades, sports events, protests, happenings, flash mobs, etc.
Your task is to research the various events and happenings that have occurred in Leeds and helped shape the city; then choose one that will become the focus for an A3 traditional print that celebrates this event. You can choose any event whether or not it was organised or impromptu but it must be celebratory.
Your A3 print must use only traditional print methods. The prints will be exhibited in the level 4/5 exhibition in May.
Research
When researching into the history of leeds there were multiple events that could form the basis of the poster's design:
Flight
Marks and Spencers
In 1884, Michael Marks opened up a penny bazaar stall in Leeds Market before joining partners with Tom Spencer a decade later. Soon after they moved to a permanent spot on the same street and so founded Marks and Spencers, one of the best know food brands in the UK.
X-Ray Crystallography
One of the most important scientific progressions of the 20th century occurred at the University of Leeds. William Henry Bragg and his son William Lawrence Bragg discovered the structure of crystals using x-ray technology, and helped pave the way for all manner of new discoveries in the years to come, including work on the structure of DNA.
Gas Lit Cinema
Leeds is home to the Hyde Park Picture House, the UK's last remaining gas lit cinema. It also retains many of its original features, such as the external ticket booth, a barrel-vaulted ceiling and ornate balcony.
When presenting this research in a group critique it was concluded that although all of these events are important to the history, the event of discovering x-ray crystallography is both an original idea and pertinent to the educational facilities that exist in Leeds.
Thursday, March 9, 2017
OUGD503 - Studio Brief 01 - LCA Film Society Poster Submission
Before submitting to the competition the final poster design was critiqued with a group of peers. There was much positive feedback for the design and most felt that the colour palette was both relevant to the film and engaging to an audience, as the use of a bright red as an accent colour allowed key details in the design, such as the title and the Birdman figure, to become more prominent. It was also noted that the minimal detail was effective as it accurately portrayed a scene from the film without being busy, and also created an atmosphere that was intriguing to an audience who were yet to see the film.
This design was submitted and was successful in the competition, being used on social media and throughout the College in print to promote the event.
This design was submitted and was successful in the competition, being used on social media and throughout the College in print to promote the event.
Monday, March 6, 2017
OUGD503 - Studio Brief 01 - LCA Film Society Poster Concept and Design
Focusing on colour as one of the main aspects of the design, I wanted to take an illustrative approach to this brief as this would allow me to experiment in a medium that I don't often use within my work. From my research I used a still from a particularly central scene in the film (below) to work from.
From this still I created a rough sketch as guide:
And then used the guide to create a simple vector drawing in Adobe Illustrator:
Colour was then added:
And the appropriate text in a selected typeface:
After a critique with peers it was agreed that design did need a central feature to fill the empty space, however the lamp on the table should not be included as depicted in the film and the original sketch. As an alternative it was suggested that a silhouette of the Birdman character could be included so as to further reference the film and allow the poster to be more accessible to an audience who had not already seen the film.
From this still I created a rough sketch as guide:
And then used the guide to create a simple vector drawing in Adobe Illustrator:
Colour was then added:
And the appropriate text in a selected typeface:
After a critique with peers it was agreed that design did need a central feature to fill the empty space, however the lamp on the table should not be included as depicted in the film and the original sketch. As an alternative it was suggested that a silhouette of the Birdman character could be included so as to further reference the film and allow the poster to be more accessible to an audience who had not already seen the film.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
OUGD503 - Studio Brief 01 - LCA Film Society Poster Competition
Within Leeds College of Art the Film Society runs a monthly competition to design a range of posters for the films that are playing.
The briefs for Feb/March were released on 14th February. One possible film within the brief was Birdman (2015), which had a deadline of 10th March.
Birdman details the story of Riggan Thomson, a faded Hollywood actor known for playing the fictional superhero 'Birdman', as he struggles to embarks on writing and starring in his own Broadway play. The film is noted for it's cinematography and the use of scenery and colour throughout. Because of this one of the most appropriate response to the brief would be to focus on particular colours. Below are the examples of stills that formed the basis of the research and idea generation for this brief.
The briefs for Feb/March were released on 14th February. One possible film within the brief was Birdman (2015), which had a deadline of 10th March.
Birdman details the story of Riggan Thomson, a faded Hollywood actor known for playing the fictional superhero 'Birdman', as he struggles to embarks on writing and starring in his own Broadway play. The film is noted for it's cinematography and the use of scenery and colour throughout. Because of this one of the most appropriate response to the brief would be to focus on particular colours. Below are the examples of stills that formed the basis of the research and idea generation for this brief.
Friday, February 17, 2017
OUGD503 - Studio Brief 01 - Papyrus Second Design
The second draft of the design, with the additional detail of the planet and shooting star removed to create an 'empty' sky. In a group peer critique the design was received with positive feedback. The majority of the group favoured preference for this design over the first. It was stated that although it was much a simpler design, the concept was a lot stronger and allowed a greater sense of freedom for the user. It was felt that the concept created a unique alternative to the standard responses to this brief and would create a positive space where users could express themselves.
This design was submitted to the competition but is still awaiting a response.
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
OUGD503 - Studio Brief 01 - Papyrus First Design
The initial design for the Papyrus colouring book pages:
This first design features a stylised version of the milky way and takes a minimalist approach, featuring large expanses on white space and cartoon style stars depicted as simple circles in various sizes. The design places an emphasis on placing the colour within the negative space rather than within the enclosed spaces. The negative space also provides large areas of the page where the positive message(s) may be written without limiting the length of any text that a user might wish to write.
This design was presented in a peer critique and feedback was given on both the concept and the design. There was a positive response for the theme of space as it was felt that this was not commonly related to the theme of relaxation, and would provide an interesting and engaging colouring experience. Some felt that the theme might not be considered conventionally relaxing within the guidelines of the competition and therefore might not prove to be the most successful, however when considering that users would colour outside of the lines as apposed to inside the, it was agreed that this would provide a unique contrast from other submissions and would encourage users to think more creatively and in broader terms.
In terms of the design however it was felt that the additional detail of the planet and shooting star made the design feel more naive and less like a page that would be included in an adult colouring book. It was suggested that either more complex detail could be added to make the design more accessible and appropriate to the target audience, or that additional detail could be excluded completely to create a most expansive colouring space.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
OUGD503 - Studio Brief 01 - Papyrus Idea Generation
Upon receiving this brief I generated a range of ideas of themes that could be considered relaxing and/or stress relieving. Standard themes include nature, forests, mountains and the ocean, however these would likely to be fairly common among submissions to this competition and should therefore be avoided in order to produce a more successful submission.
Other ideas included a library scene, an art studio, an art gallery or the general theme of space. During a small peer critique the theme of space received the most positive feedback, with the majority of people stating that it was not the most conventional theme and would therefore be an interesting interpretation for this brief. Further ideas were then generated around the theme of space and the universe, and potential designs could include stars, planets, the solar system and the milky way. From this feedback I began to create a range of physical line drawings.
Other ideas included a library scene, an art studio, an art gallery or the general theme of space. During a small peer critique the theme of space received the most positive feedback, with the majority of people stating that it was not the most conventional theme and would therefore be an interesting interpretation for this brief. Further ideas were then generated around the theme of space and the universe, and potential designs could include stars, planets, the solar system and the milky way. From this feedback I began to create a range of physical line drawings.
OUGD503 - Studio Brief 01 - Papyrus Research
In order to effectively answer the brief, research was undertaken into existing designs for adult colouring books in order to gain visual cues as to the most effective solution that could be produced. All existing designs appear to be detail orientated, consisting of complex patterns that are made up of many small shapes so as to provide a large but intricate surface area to be coloured by the user:
Monday, February 13, 2017
OUGD503 - Studio Brief 01 - Papyrus Brief
A brief from the Papyrus organisation to create pages for an adult colouring book:
Papyrus is an organisation that specialises in the prevention of young suicide, provides services to inform and educate the general public and support young people at risk and families who have experienced a loss.
'We believe that unless we open up the conversation about suicide, we won’t make progress towards preventing it. So we aren’t afraid to talk about it and have been doing lots of work encouraging people to #talkthroughthetaboo. Stress, for a lot of us, is an everyday occurrence. Something we just deal with, a fact of life. But it’s is also a leading cause of mental health problems. What if we could help to relieve stress, and prevent it from becoming a bigger issue, in the most simple way - colouring. Colouring has been proven to relieve stress and anxiety, calming the mind and allowing people to unwind and relax. The aim of this project is to publish a colouring book titled ‘The Art of a Peaceful Mind’. One of the areas we focus on is the importance of keeping our minds healthy, and this colouring book should be used as a preventative tool for keeping a healthy mind.'
The Brief
Deadline: 27th February 2017
A couple of sentences about your piece
Your contact details - Your name, age, university/college (if applicable), and a link to your website/online portfolio for us to include in the book.
If possible, please also include a time lapse video of you creating your illustration.
Papyrus is an organisation that specialises in the prevention of young suicide, provides services to inform and educate the general public and support young people at risk and families who have experienced a loss.
'We believe that unless we open up the conversation about suicide, we won’t make progress towards preventing it. So we aren’t afraid to talk about it and have been doing lots of work encouraging people to #talkthroughthetaboo. Stress, for a lot of us, is an everyday occurrence. Something we just deal with, a fact of life. But it’s is also a leading cause of mental health problems. What if we could help to relieve stress, and prevent it from becoming a bigger issue, in the most simple way - colouring. Colouring has been proven to relieve stress and anxiety, calming the mind and allowing people to unwind and relax. The aim of this project is to publish a colouring book titled ‘The Art of a Peaceful Mind’. One of the areas we focus on is the importance of keeping our minds healthy, and this colouring book should be used as a preventative tool for keeping a healthy mind.'
The Brief
In an adult colouring book style line drawing, create a visual representation of something that helps you feel calm and relaxed, with a couple of lines explaining what it is you’ve drawn and why.
You can be as literal or abstract as you like. The specifications are that it needs to be A3 landscape with space for your paragraph, and please use a Staedtler 0.3mm fine liner pen. If you prefer to work digitally, please use a 3px brush size.
With your help, The Art of a Peaceful Mind can be more than a stress release. It will be a guide to helping young people.
You can be as literal or abstract as you like. The specifications are that it needs to be A3 landscape with space for your paragraph, and please use a Staedtler 0.3mm fine liner pen. If you prefer to work digitally, please use a 3px brush size.
With your help, The Art of a Peaceful Mind can be more than a stress release. It will be a guide to helping young people.
Submission:
Your work - For hand drawn work this should be scanned at 600dpi and sent as a PDF, digital work should be sent as an illustrator file. If the file size is too big to attach in an email, please use wetransfer and include a link to your work in the email.
A couple of sentences about your piece
Your contact details - Your name, age, university/college (if applicable), and a link to your website/online portfolio for us to include in the book.
If possible, please also include a time lapse video of you creating your illustration.
Thursday, January 19, 2017
OUGD503 - Studio Brief 01 - YSS Competition Results
Two days after submitting the final designs for the competition the results were received and despite being selected as one of the two final candidates these design were unsuccessful.
Hey Erin,
Thanks again for submitting!
Unfortunately, we have chosen a different design for this brief, but thank you so much for taking the time to submit and resubmit for it, we truly appreciate it.
If you have any questions just let us know!
Thanks,
Kaitlyn
Hey Erin,
Thanks again for submitting!
Unfortunately, we have chosen a different design for this brief, but thank you so much for taking the time to submit and resubmit for it, we truly appreciate it.
If you have any questions just let us know!
Thanks,
Kaitlyn
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
OUGD503 - Studio Brief 01 - YSS Further Designs
Feedback from the Student's Union suggested that the colours used with the designs should be more primary, that the gradients should be made more solid, and that the text be centralised. From this feedback, further designs were created.
The colours were changed to reflect a more primary scheme, using richer reds and blues as apposed to pinks and purples. The gradient motif was solidified into a halftone pattern that allowed a definitive answer box to be incorporated - this also appropriately fitted with the Union's suggestion that a specific visual cue be included that directly related to the students and the College, as the individual dots within the pattern could be seen as representative of the individual students in the College combining to make up a greater whole.
Contrary to the Union's feedback the type on the poster remained aligned to the left hand side, as the multiple different phrases that would need to be incorporated throughout the designs would all required a different type layout, creating an un-cohesive and irregular series of designs.
The colours were changed to reflect a more primary scheme, using richer reds and blues as apposed to pinks and purples. The gradient motif was solidified into a halftone pattern that allowed a definitive answer box to be incorporated - this also appropriately fitted with the Union's suggestion that a specific visual cue be included that directly related to the students and the College, as the individual dots within the pattern could be seen as representative of the individual students in the College combining to make up a greater whole.
Contrary to the Union's feedback the type on the poster remained aligned to the left hand side, as the multiple different phrases that would need to be incorporated throughout the designs would all required a different type layout, creating an un-cohesive and irregular series of designs.
Final poster designs
Social media icons
Banner
Gif
Thursday, January 12, 2017
OUGD503 - Studio Brief 01 - YSS First Submission
Both the initial and secondary designs were submitted to the Student's Union for inclusion within the competition. After three days feedback was received:
Hi Erin,
Thank you so much for submitting a design for the YSS brief.
We have two designs we are considering between, and we wanted to give both designers the opportunity to make a few adjustments before we decide. We have a list of things we would be interested in seeing with your design, if you would like you can make a few edits and send it back over as soon as possible.
We would like to see:
Thank you,
Kaitlyn, Emma & Adam
Hi Erin,
Thank you so much for submitting a design for the YSS brief.
We have two designs we are considering between, and we wanted to give both designers the opportunity to make a few adjustments before we decide. We have a list of things we would be interested in seeing with your design, if you would like you can make a few edits and send it back over as soon as possible.
We would like to see:
- The colours being more primary,
- A specific visual cue that relates to the message, instead of the more abstract circles or hazy lines
- We prefer the more obvious central text on the circle poster of - LCA life is __________
Thank you,
Kaitlyn, Emma & Adam
Monday, January 9, 2017
OUGD503 - Studio Brief 01 - YSS Initial Designs
The initial design for this brief focused on the use of flat colour, heavily reminiscent of the original posters referenced in the brief, but with bright and more accessible colours. The concept used within the original designs was strong and encouraged students to physically interact with and write on the posters, and so was used again here to create cohesion between past and future advertising for the YSS survey.
Initial poster design
The secondary designs expanded on the use of flat colours and focused around one main gradient design, from which was created a range of posters, an icon that could be used for social media, and an example of how the design could be applied to a banner. The edgeless nature of the gradient would encourage students to be more free with their answers, removing the need for answer boxes, and allow a range of answers to be written from multiple people.
Poster designs
Social media icon
Banner
Thursday, January 5, 2017
OUGD503 - Studio Brief 01 - YSS Competition Brief
A design competition from Leeds College of Art's Student's Union to create a series of graphics for a College run survey entitled Your Student Survey (YSS).
The Brief:
Create a campaign that will increase awareness and engagement on the importance of student feedback, focusing on improving response rates to the Your Student Survey [YSS]. The main aim of the campaign is to ensure that students understand the importance of giving feedback in the College’s Your Student Survey.
We would like you to produce a distinctive and exciting visual design for the Your Student Survey. Your designs should provide a consistent visual identity to promote the value placed upon the student voice throughout College.
When discussing this brief with the Student Union itself they had suggested using the previous campaign of 'LCA is_____' as a basis for the new designs, as they felt that this advertising campaign was strong at its core but had ultimately been unsuccessful in the delivery of the concept to students. From this discussion the initial ideas for the design revolved around this key phrase and the simplicity of engaging with an audience and encouraging participation and interactivity through an unfinished question.
The Brief:
Create a campaign that will increase awareness and engagement on the importance of student feedback, focusing on improving response rates to the Your Student Survey [YSS]. The main aim of the campaign is to ensure that students understand the importance of giving feedback in the College’s Your Student Survey.
We would like you to produce a distinctive and exciting visual design for the Your Student Survey. Your designs should provide a consistent visual identity to promote the value placed upon the student voice throughout College.
When discussing this brief with the Student Union itself they had suggested using the previous campaign of 'LCA is_____' as a basis for the new designs, as they felt that this advertising campaign was strong at its core but had ultimately been unsuccessful in the delivery of the concept to students. From this discussion the initial ideas for the design revolved around this key phrase and the simplicity of engaging with an audience and encouraging participation and interactivity through an unfinished question.