PPD Presentation

Here are the slides for my end of year PPD Presentation:

Open publication - Free publishing - More ppd

End of Module Evaluation - OUGD203

Throughout this module I feel I have learnt alot abotu my own design practice. I enjoyed collaborating for the YCN brief and found that between us, our workload increased dramatically to what would have been if we were alone. However, compromise was a big part of this, and when it came to Product Raneg Distribution brief, I then felt I hasd the freedom to explore my own creative interests. I enjoyed the Design for Web brief, as I have never doen this before, and it know gives me another area of graphic design to look into developing my skills further.

Through the duration of the briefs I have realised I spend far too much time at the beghinning doing all the research, and then not having as much time to design. I have spotted this as sopmething to consider, as starting the design work earlier will allow me more time to develop and push my work to its full potential. However, it is still important to research to allow myself to make informed decisions.

I have really enjoyed designing logos, and brand identitys in this module, and would like to expand on this within third year. Managing my time is also something I need to think about further in third year, so I can make the most of my time designing, and not squander it away.

One thing I have noticed as a weakness in my design work is that I tend to prioritise which idea I think has the most potential, and don't explore the other ideas as deep. I realise that I should make sure I exhaust every direction to see which styles and outcomes I could end up with, becuase I could surprise myself and end up with totally different, more effective outcomes.

Thinking of what I woudl do differently, I will definately start designign earlier in the next brief, to allow myself more time for development. I need to stop stayign safe with my ideas, and coem up with some really clever, intriguing concepts that I am proud of. I have kept on top of my blog in this module, and will carry on doing so. And also I will make sure that when it comes to crits, that I bring enough work and make sure it is clear with the ideas/concept I am trying to get across, and ask what I need to know about my design work and how it could be improved, so I come away more benefited with help toward my design development.

Attendane - 4
Punctuality - 3
Motivation - 5
Commitment - 5
Quantity of work produced - 4
Quality of work produced - 4
Contribution to the group - 4

Portfolio PDF

My selection of work that I wish to send to design agencies to gain some feedback and to create a dialect with them...

Open publication - Free publishing - More design work

Meme Media

Here is a studio I found and liked from Bolton:

''We're a team of strong-minded, likeable individuals, passionate about providing outstanding design across whichever medium the project requires. Good ideas and strategic thinking are always at the forefront of any work we deliver. We try to work with a smile on our faces, because to us, happy designers make happy clients.
Since our birth in 2003 we have grown steadily to meet the needs of our long term clients (and plenty of new ones too). We immerse ourselves in our work; to us it's a labour of love, which we feel is why our clients keep coming back for more.'' 
http://www.mememedia.co.uk/mememedia-digitalMedia.html


Contact details:
3 Tonge Bridge Way
Bolton
Greater Manchester
BL2 6BD
t: 01204 381283
f: 01204 848019
e: info@mememedia.co.uk

Here is some of their work:

OUCE255 - End of Module Evaluation

Throughout the course of this module, I feel I have learnt a great deal, and found out about alot of important areas to consider when I move from university into the industry.

I have found the module to be challenging, especially with the tasks consisting of analysing other design companys out there, as I felt I was in no position to judge their well established businesses. I tended to leave the harder tasks til the end, but then felt once they were completed, I had learnt alot from them. With the Enterprise mdoule working alongside PPD it has helped in my quest to realise who I am as a designer, and has created some clarity as to what I would like to do more of and learn more about.

I enjoyed the lectures, and could understand and keep up with what Bridget was talking about due to her enthusiasm, clarity and optimism. She was very inspiring. I also completed a few of the quizzes that helped reinforce the information that had been given to us, and make it memorable.

I am pleased with how well the presentation went and feel we covered the main issues of setting up a business in the allocated time of 8-10minutes. I found it difficult to manage time and get us all meeting up together due to timetable clashes and other commitments. This meant meeting outside of college time and keep in touch through email and our blogs. I tried to work as the project leader as we split up our responsibilities and I created the flow of our presentation. I also covered the costings (a real eye-opener) and found a location for our studio to be based. With the commitment of our team we managed to come together in the end and it worked, and we recieved positive feedback.

Overall I feel I definately have a better insight into the industry and the basics of setting up a small business. Although it is not something I would like to do straight away after university, it is always a possibility for the future, once I've had experience working in the industry and made contacts.

Task 5 - PROPOSED POSITION STATEMENT

1. I enjoy experimenting with type and layout design and want to improve my skills in this.
2. Brand Identity - I have a keen interets in this and love comign up with quirky, meaningful logo designs
3. I need a fantastic portfolio that shows my capabilities and is memorable
4. Promting myself through various marketing methodsout in more ways than one will help me get my name out there.
5. I want my own website, as a point of contact for potential clients. A website is easily accessible, has potential to reach a very wide client base, is cheaper than advertising and can be interactive and memorable.
6. I need to develop my software skills further so I am more comfortable and confident when designing on screen.
7. Retail and luxury area market sector that I am interested in designing for.
8. I like editorial design and publishing work.
9. I would liek to develop my skills in design for screen as I feel there will be great need for this in the future,cas it seems to be becoming more digitalized.
10. Getting better at what I do is something I really strive to do, I am always seeing and learning new things and trying to work them into my design practice. I want my work to appear more professional and also develop my own style that could be recogniseable.

Task 4 - Who else is out there – how good are they?

BRIEF

Based on the principles that have been introduced in lecture 4 of the Enterprise module and your responses to the previous tasks, evaluate the Strengths and Weaknesses of three practitioners or design agencies as objectively as you can.
What opportunities for your own practice have revealed themselves to you as a result of this analysis and evaluation?
Do not use subjective language or make unfounded comments about other peopleʼs businesses.
It is essential that you make references to SWOT and evaluate its usefulness as an analysis or evaluation tool.



Having to look at who else is out there, and to analyse how good they are, I have created SWOT analysis of some graphic design companys that I like and are inspired by. From doing this I would like to figure out were I fit in as a designer and also what I can learn from each company.

I WOULD LIKE TO STRESS THAT I AM IN NO POSITION TO STATE THAT I AM BETTER THAN ANY OF THESE PROFESSIONAL, WELL ESTABLISHED COMPANY'S. I AM COMING PURELY FROM A HYPOTHETICAL POINT OF VIEW TO HELP ME GAIN AN UNDERSTANDING OF ANY GAPS IN THE INDUSTRY.


Mark Studio - Manchester
Mark Studio is an independent branding and graphic design studio, who like to keep things simple.

What I like about Mark is the brand identity's and logo's they have created. I love their use of type and it's appropriateness. Their work is simple and effective, uncluttered and clear.
Strengths -

• They work hard to understand each client's business, to find what makes their brand different, and then develop an engaging and effective way of communicating that difference.
• Focus on Branding, which proves to be innvoative and effective
• Impressive, loyal client list
• Positive testimonials form clients
• Award winning

Weaknesses -

• There is a main focus on design for print

Opportunities -

• Expantion on design for screen, as the outlook of the future seems to more digital.

Threats -

• Competition from other brand focused design companys in Manchester.

Optical Juice - Huddersfield
Optical Juice is a small, independent graphic design.
''We strive to build personal working relationships with each of our clients, gaining a clear understanding of their business and in turn offering graphic solutions to fit... We enjoy what we do, have a great passion for design, and take pride in the individuality of our work.' Some of the studio services they offer include: brand creation, Web design, print design, advertising, e-marketing, interior graphics and signage, photography
Strengths -

• Multi-disciplinary both for web and print design, means they cover alot of services
• Testimonials
• Large range of clients
• Customer care - small business so can offer a delicate, responsive and personal service to their clients.

Weaknesses -

• Multi-discipline - not focussed (however this is also a strength)

Opportunities -

• Could possibly offer internships or placements, to give students a chance to experience the industry. Fresh eyes and ideas.

Threats -

• Competition from other multi disciplinary design companys

New Future Graphics - London
New Future Graphic is a multi-disciplinary design studio based in London, consisting of three designers.
'We work closely with our clients to deliver inventive, enduring and precise visual solutions that bring ideas to life and get results. We focus on the core values of the product, brand and message. Our diversity of skills and size enable us to tackle each project with a dedicated hands-on approach that makes the most of your budget.''

The services they offer include: design, image making, branding, illustration, moving image or digital.
Strengths -

• Multi-disciplinary both for web and print design, means they cover alot of services
• Online shop

Weaknesses -

• If they want to expand their client list they may have to hire another designer to help cope with the workload .

Opportunities -

• Could possibly offer internships or placements, to give students a chance to experience the industry. Fresh eyes and ideas.

Threats -

• Being based in London means they'll have alot of competition

There are opportunities within the industry, however when I leave university I will be competing against other graduates and practitioners, therefore spotting these opportunities is very important, along with having the same values of my client/employer.
My portfolio needs to reflect this, yet also be specific in what I am about. The positives of being at Leeds College of Art is that I have the advantage of the facilities, and have the support I need to develop a strong portfolio that shows my capabilities. This will help me stand out from the rest.
With a strong portfolio, and a passion driven ambition to succeed in the graphic design industry, I am optimistic about the future. I do not see this as a 'job', it is a lifestyle and one that I wish to persue through literally living and breathing design.

Task 3 - How will I promote myself?

BRIEF
Based on the principles that have been introduced so far in the Enterprise module and your findings in previous tasks, evaluate the most suitable marketing methodologies for your own practice and the most effective methods to reach your potential customers.
It is essential that you make references to some of the methodologies in the ʻMarketing Communication Mixʼ and evaluate the ʻPlaceʼ that will give you the greatest competitive advantage and be convenient for your clients / customers.

When communicating with my target client group I willl need to consider a few components of the Marketing Communication Mix, such as exhibitions, personal selling, direct mail and public relations. I must consider that I am offering a service and not a product, but also that I essentially am the 'product' that clients would buy into.
With originality and flare, being important within design work, I must also prove that I am keen and genuinely interested in the particular sector that my clients works in, as I would be designing for what they want, and not what I want, however my personal values must come into this as well. But I cannot say I am driven by one thing, but have my work appear differently, as this is contradictory.
To prove to new clients my reliabilty and proffessional expertise, I could shown testimonials from previous clients. This ensures trust between my client and I can be developed, which is due having a track record of delivering innovative reults.
Exhibiting work is a great way to get people seeing your work, and is also a great place to network and make contacts. Having a website as a point of contact for clients would be convenient as it is easily accessable to most people. I would also like to exploit social media as they are very popular in this day and age and would help get me known and recognised as a designer within the industry.
At meetings with clients, or interviews with emplyers, my main aim would be to come across as professional, honest, friendly, relaxed and passionate about what I do. Because ultimately, if I don't care - why should they?
Creating a quirky viral campaign, such as sending a mail shot to potential clients would be a great way to contact them directly and make an impression. This would need to be thoroughly thought about, as it would be representing me and my service, and what I am about, and it would need to be memorable.

Task 2 - Where are they – How will they find me?

BRIEF

Based on the principles that have been introduced so far in the Enterprise module, as well

as the previous tasks, investigate, analyse and critically evaluate where your potential clients are located.

Identify four examples of your selected client group, 1 for each of the following profiles:

1 x Local 1 x National 1 x European 1 x Transnational

 

I decided to look at Graphic Design companys who creative work for the retail sector:

LOCAL - Turn Key - Leeds

Turn Key describe themselves as ''a collective of creative experts delivering results through intelligent marketing.

''Turn Key is proud of its environmental credentials and has always been ahead of the curve in providing greener marketing.

''Whether it’s using plant-based inks and recycled and recyclable materials in our print work, or suggesting alternative, digital solutions to traditional carbon-heavy methods, we make sure that everything we produce has as minimal negative impact on the planet as possible. In addition, as much as we can, we also like to minimise the amount we print internally. For these reasons we are happy to announce we are working towards our ISO14001 certification. ''

Here is some work produced for the N. Pearl - Autumn/Winter Collection lookbook, and for the Victoria Quarter in Leeds.

Factors that affect their use of graphic design:
Political - pressure to be ethically aware - Turn Key has become more consious of the effects on the planet, and strive to reduce their impact.
Economic - Economy picking back up again, people will start buying into things again, such as fashion and luxury good, so a need for retail design is needed.
Social - Leeds is rated as one of the top 25 cities, which brings business and consumers.
Technological - energy use and costs


NATIONAL - Winkreative - London

(http://www.winkreative.com)/
Winkreative was founded in 1998 by Tyler Brûlé. ''The business began as an intelligence-driven creative agency spun off from his magazine Wallpaper, the iconic global style guide.
''Within two years Winkreative had grown a substantial client base that included Selfridges, RJ Reynolds, Warner Music, Saab, Banana Republic, Stella McCartney, Kurt Geiger and Prada Sport, with services spanning brand strategy, advertising and custom publishing. The company also opened an office in New York.
''2001 was a breakthrough year for the agency after it won the commission to create a new brand identity for Switzerland’s national airline. Winkreative laid out an ambitious manifesto designed to shake up the global air-travel market, from special cabin lighting designed to make passengers look better to the redesign of Zürich Airport. With an obsessive attention to detail, the company’s work for Swiss has won both international acclaim and a number of industry awards. At the same time, the agency completed a management buyout from Time Warner, becoming an independent company with headquarters in Zürich.
''Today, with over 40 multilingual staff, the agency serves 23 active clients in 11 countries across a broad range of industries, all united by a premium position within their respective sectors. Winkreative will continue to base compelling creative solutions on a commitment to editorial quality, global knowledge of what will seduce consumers, and anticipation of their future needs.''
Here is some work produced for Boutique:

Factors that affect their use of graphic design:
Political - Competitition regulation
Economic - substantial client base, and pick up of the economy means

the clients want design work.
Social - fashion, hypes
Technological - targetting the niche market of global air travel market in an innovative way.

 

EUROPEAN - Helmer/Kiggen - Belgium (http://www.helmer-kiggen.com/)
Helmer/Kiggen is an Antwerp based design studio. It was formed by Timothy Helmer & Bart Kiggen, who both have an extensive background in graphic & identity design.
Here is some work they produced for fashion designer Alexandra Verschueren:

Factors that affect their use of graphic design:
Political - competition regulation
Economic - consumer confidence
Social  - fashion, hypes
Technological - Industry focus on technological effort. Government research spending


TRANSNATIONAL - The Words Are Pictures Studio - New York

Expressive and experimental typography studio based in New York, founded by Craig Ward. He works predominantly in the editorial and publishing fields, ''consulting and creating pioneering, award winning typography for a diverse range of clients from fashion to advertising and editorial''
Here is soem work produced for Mulberry:

Factors that affect their use of graphic design:

Political - Environmental regulations

Economic - As a well known awards business, Words and Pictures can afford to have a big budget for design, as the client list consists of some very high end fashion retailers.
Social - They design for the luxury sector, therefore the demographics would be aimed toward career driven consumers and the upper class. Having to constantly reassess the latest fashion trends can also contribute. The population in New York is also high.
Technological - New inventions and development

Contacting Raw

I first contacted Raw Design Studio by email to find out how to get in touch with their Creative Director:

Their Creative Director is Anthony Cantwell. Here is the email I recieved back from him:

Before sending any work I decided to ask him for some advice, so I emailed him again:

Here is the email I recieved back:

He has given me some great advice, my next step will be to thank him and send over some portfolio work once I am happy with it.

There is also a possibility of visiting the studio which I would love to do, so I may ask if I can bring up some work, so I can get to meet them in person.

My Business Card

Here are some ideas I had for promotional material for myself, inlcuding my own business card and letterhead.

This delicacy of the typeface chosen stemmed from my surname 'Hair'...

 Tried with colour:

 Not too sure about the hierarchy here...

 Simple and striking:

 With accompanying letterhead:

 Using the initial design in the puple colour:

 Letterhead:

 I prefer this below letterhead as it is more subtle:

My CV

 Above is my initial attempt at creating my CV in QuarkXPress. I have considered the hierachy of the information, with my personal contact details at the top, going down to my qualifications, education, work experience and skills.

However, I was told that qualifications needed be at the top, as they are the last thing the employer will look at after my skills and personal details. I also included a personal profile, which in the second collumn, is subtle and the employer could choose to read it. I also added the dates in ascending order of my work internships and also included any design work.

I feel having the information clear and in the right hierarchy is an important start, before designing a creative CV. Creative CV's are attention grabbing and I will try and create one however, it is not essential as the information here is clear and that is what the employer will essentially need.

Young

http://www.weareyoung.co.uk/
hello@weareyoung.co.uk
Manchester

''We are 1 year, 10 months, 14 days Young. In this time we have: created a unique identity for a leading Arts PR company, made Manchester music relevant again for Visit Manchester, revamped architecture gallery Cube's signage, illustrated monsters for the V&A Museum, sparked debate at Manchester Science festival, appeared on primetime HBO, Given classical music magazine Muso a new look, put the tradition back into Millstone beer brewery, got our pens out for national drugs charity Lifeline, and secured a worldwide book deal with Penguin.''

Blue Kangaroo

www.bluekangaroodesign.co.uk
info@bluekanagroodesign.co.uk

Gateshead, Tyne and Wear

I really like their illustrative work, and designs for children's products.

Face

www.face-group.co.uk
Harrogate
Contact
Paul Trewhitt paul@face-group.co.uk
Neil Holroyd neil@face-group.co.uk
  
''Face is a creative communications agency dedicated to helping our clients succeed. We do this through our vision, understanding and sensibility towards clear communication goals. 
We believe effective marketing, combined with well-crafted design, creates great communications. This is only achieved by working in partnership to make emotional connections with specific target audiences. That’s what makes us passionate about everything we do.''