Liv Siddall Guest Speaker

She worked for 'It's Nice That'; her passion was more appreciating others work than her own, so writing articles about others work was perfect for her.

She worked for Rough Trade as editor of their magazine; She didn't want to do something typical like the other music magazines trendy at the time.
She took inspiration from old-school magazines and design trends from her youth, as well as the Rough Trade shop itself.

She had to work with restrictions such as budget, location etc. She created a structure for the magazine so she could easily slot content in each month. eg. horoscope, agony aunt, best bands etc.

She believes that the lack of budget, lack of time, complete creative freedom and the people are what made the outcome successful. The restrictions made her be more creative and experimental.

Advice/Ask Yourself
Even the simplest  ideas, if executed well, can be very successful and impactful.
Don't worry too much about what you're doing, just do it.
If you can't do something, get someone else to do it.
What are you really into?
What do you really want to do?
What's feasible?
What hasn't been done? If it has, how can you do it differently?

Things to look at:
Craig Olden - 'In Loving Memory of Work'
Cory Arcangel - 'Working On My Novel'
Bruce Usher (Rough Trade designer)
Magazines: Pylot, Accent, Monoculture, Migrant, Matt

Liv was very inspiring, she spoke about how during her studies she felt like she wasn't cut out for being a graphic design, as she didn't quite understand the briefs or enjoyed using the software. However, she loved to look at others work and was always excited by it. This led her to work for 'Its Nice That', where she was able to continue looking at others work and just write about it. Hearing her journey was very reassuring, as I feel in the same place as she did when she was a student, not quite sure of my strengths yet or where I fit in within the industry. However, she found the right path for her and became very successful in her passion, and this gives me hope that I will also in due time discover what I am best and most passionate about, and find a career path that suits me. 

Skype Call with Sarah Heal

Theme Park designer at WrenHouse Design:

Logo and Branding

Illustration

Concept art

Signage Design

Graphic Props

Geekin' Out - Making it Happen - The Importance of Networking - Love Yo'Self

Geekin' Out - find something you're passionate about and intergrade that into your work

Making it Happen - If you don't ask, you don't get it. "Say yes a lot". "Steer your interest into experiences, even if it seems non related". "Why shouldn't it be you?"

The Importance of Networking - "Find the platform or place where geeks in your chosen industry gather to share ideas". "Stalk 'n' Talk" Emails, texts and tweets are key. 

Love Yo'Self - "Your work needs space and it needs for you to be away from it." "Act when it comes to you." Do not force your work/designs. "Don't suffocate your work". "You can't be good at everything, and that's okay". "Positivity is essential." "Give yourself a break". "Compare only to your future and past self". 

Email: sarah@heal.design
Website: www.heal.design

Pitching your GREAT IDEAS

A 'creative pitch' is when a client is looking for 'creatives' to show them that they are 'creative', innovative and the best group to answer, solve and produce creative work that will resolve a specific problem or problems.

A pitch deck is a presentation, often created using Powerpoint, Keynote or Prezi, or even pdf's used to provide your audience with a detailed overview of your proposal.

Describing all the senses is a good way to get the audience to get a real sense of your design (e.g by describing the smell, texture, sounds etc).

Dissect the Brief: List key points on post-its. This will give opportunity to  move these to different stages of importance.

Who will use the product?

How will it impact on their lives?

CONSIDER THE HUMAN INTERACTION.

Consider:

Design

Functionality

Technology

Language

Visibility

Expectations

Maintenance

Consider:
The simplicity of use?
Creativity in action?
What are you trying to achieve?
Consistency
Why are you most suited?
Scale?
How will you tell the story?

Work Experience

1. Work Placement: This is something you do while still doing your course, and usually unpaid.
2. Internship: This is what you do (if necessary) after you graduate and should be paid.

Think of what you may want to do...
Branding?
3D?
Print?
Art Direction?
Editorial?
Apps/Ui?
Interactive?
Packaging?

OUGD504 Module Evaluation

I have found this module to be very interesting, but at the same time challenging.

Studio Brief 1 was especially difficult for me, as we had to let go of our content and work on the design of someone else's. This would not usually be the issue, if the content I had received was equally as engaging and interesting to me. Unfortunately, the content of the publication I had to design was very unappealing and uninspiring to me. This affected my enthusiasm and commitment to design, and as a consequently made my final outcome not as successful and effective as it could have been. I realise that as a designer in the real world, you almost always have to design with other people's content, however even knowing this I struggled to dedicate myself to the work. On the other hand, I was quite happy with the way I interpreted the brief to work alongside my dislike of the content. I was able to create a concept of humorous and satirical design that I quite enjoyed executing. The final outcome for Studio Brief 1, although not some of my best work, still turned out to be have better quality, execution and concept than I expected.

Studio Brief 2 I found a lot more interesting and engaging. Design for screen is something I am more comfortable with as I had explored it in my first year. The content for the design was something that we got to choose, which I felt a lot happier and more excited about. My chosen media to design for was a car console interface. I choose this because it was something that from experience I knew would benefit from a re-design, and it would also be a challenge for me as the media is quite alien and unexpected. The concept and aims I created for the design I believe were really strong and appropriate. The final outcome, therefore, I was very happy with as I believe the design decisions I made helped to communicate my aims clearly. Of course, the final designs were not perfect, as there were some elements such as colour and button sizes that could have been considered more. However, overall I am very proud of what I achieved for Studio Brief 2, and am confident in exploring design for screen further.

Overall, it is noticeable that the design for screen brief I enjoyed and succeeded in far more than in the design for print brief. This may be due to the fact that I am more used to designing for screen, and less comfortable at designing for print. However, I still enjoyed both briefs and their production, and although I am not completely happy with my final outcomes, I am happy with the work I produced and confident in my abilities and potential to do better.

Presenting - 'Making a Show of Yourself'

Preparation is key. If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.

Plan out a 'story' you wish to tell and break it down to slides, merely as headers so you know you have covered each area you want to show.
Include images you know will enhance and reinforce the points you will be covering.

As humans, we have the usual 'fight or flight' reaction to facing a crowd of others. The easiest way to relax is to prepare and rehearse so you are fully conversant with what you are about to talk about.

Keep it simple and speak clearly! Try not to read from notes, use the images to remind you.

Keep eye contact and don't forget to pause, this relaxes both you and the audience.

Presentation Checklist:
- Preparation
- Research
- Collection of text
- Collection of images
- Presentation software
- Rough draft of presentation
- Check timing
- Check quality
- Review
- Edit 1
- Make changes
- Edit 2
- Re check timing/quality
- Rehearse
- Final file preparation

Once you have your files in place:
- Check you files on more than one computer
- Save onto a memory stick or two
- Test on the projector you will use
- Save as secondary programme. eg. PDF
- Re check the timing

Skype Call with Greta Madline

What's with the gold?
"It started with a project at uni, and everyone loved it."

How did you get to work with the Kennedys?
She sent them a box. She advises that you "find creative ways to communicate".

Do you think being at college gave you enough to make your own way after?
"I think college is a really good platform to use all the facilities and do what you wanna do."
"I'm really glad that I experimented so much."
"You need to have your own passions, your own interest, and your own life."

Life after college?
"It was really hard."
"I had no clue where I wan a be."
"I always wanted to do a lot of things but wasn't sure what to do."
"There is no wrong or right way" (to approach the industry).

"You do you."
"You don't have to be one thing."
"Create your job."
"Question everyone."
"Be silly."
"Don't be an ass."
"Just relax a bit."
"Whatever you do, make sure it's golden."
"In any project look for personality."

Interviewing

Have a look at:
DesignWeek Magazine/Website
Michael Wolff

Interviewing
- an exchange of information as a 'question and answer'
- finding out what informs their life, practice, and creativity

Arranging the interview
- they will need contacting in advance
- give an indication on how long an interview will take
- give them a reason/purpose to do the the interview
- ensure you have your questions ready beforehand
- plan how and where this interview will take place
- ask if you can record the interview

Interview Probes
- ask for an example
- ask for clarification
- ask for more details

Networking/Making Friends

Have a look at:
James Victorie

George Lois

"Friendship is both at the moment when one person says to another, What! You too? I thought I was the only one" - C.S Lewis

Methods of communication:
Email
Telephone
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Snapchat
Instagram
Behance
Mail

It is about meeting people and 'sharing', anything at all from love of work, music, movies, lifestyles etc. this will indicate that you are on a similar wavelength and potentially someone to work with if the opportunity arises. Once you make these connections, they too have a wealth of friends that they could potentially connect you too.

(Pro)fessional

'Professional': engaged in a specified activity as one's main paid occupation.

'Professional Creatives': being creative for money.

In the early days creative industries were simple know as 'Commercial art'.

Perceptions take time to grow, at first we are seen as 'arty' but with time we gain a reputation as 'problem solvers'.

Any work you do is open to:

Personal taste

Colour preferences

Committee thinking

Trend

Cultural and ethnic acceptance

Personality clashes

What do you want to achieve:

Your work recognised?

You being recognised as a 'creative'?

Seeing your name 'in lights'?

Respected for your approach?

Fame?

Money?

Downsides:

Not being able to get work

Only getting poor quality clients

Clients who don't listen to good advice

Communication problems/breakdowns

Poor and negotiated outcomes

Not getting paid for your work

Task:
Write a mission statement or a manifesto.

A 'mission statement' is a short paragraph used by businesses to explain in simple and concise terms its purpose of being. A 'manifesto' is a published verbal declaration of the intentions, motives or views of the issuer. (Things that motivate and inspire your practice)

MY MANIFESTO:

1. I am Migle. With a dot on the 'e'.
2. Make my 10 year-old self proud.
3. It has to look good but also taste good.
4. Always stay curious, free and true.
5. If even mom get's it, everyone will get it. 

Summer Reflection

My summer has not be as eventful or exciting as others may have, I did not go on any holidays or travelled anywhere new, however I did have a lot of time to reflect and focus on myself and my personal life. Moving home was one of the most refreshing changes I have had in a while, as I moved out from student accommodation, and into a flat with just my partner. Being in a place that feels less temporary, unlike student accommodation, has allowed me to become more comfortable in my surroundings and settle down into a more structured rhythm of life. It has also given me the opportunity of having my own office/studio-like space. This has allowed my creativity and work ethic to increase, as I am now able to immerse myself more into my work, and personalise the space in a way that makes me feel comfortable and motivated.

Over the summer I have also found a part-time job, working in a JD Store. Although this initially was just a means of helping me financially and didn't benefit my graphic design career, I got lucky in the fact that I met someone who has finished a degree in graphic design and is working freelance currently. I was surprised to see him working a full time retail job with a good degree behind him, especially after he showed me his work which I found quite impressive. However, it has opened my eyes more to the reality that each of us face after we graduate, that a good graphic design job or a launch into a successful career is not as easy or imminent as we might expect. He talked to me about how he has tried to find a more permanent job within a studio for quite some time, and how he has been unsuccessful each time due to "lack of experience". This had got me thinking about my own future, and how I do not wish to be in the situation he is after I graduate, where I have the skills to produce great work but no opportunities to enter the industry and use those skills. That is why I have set myself the aim of gaining some industry experience, seeking out internships, doing some freelance, and building up a strong portfolio. If I manage to do these things hopefully after I graduate I will not only have a strong portfolio and CV, but also some useful contacts and relationships with people currently in the industry that could help me, as the expression goes, to put my foot in the door.

Module Evaluation

At the start of the year, the PPP module felt as if it was in the background of the rest of the course, I didn't really see it's importance or was very excited for it. However, in the last few weeks, working on the studio briefs showed me that the whole year of PPP has been building me up for them, and has subconsciously allowed me to develop skills in my self-presentation and confidence. Although I found the course to be vague and confusing at times, I now see that it was actually just very free-reign, allowing us to explore and experiment independently who we are as individuals as well as designers. I enjoyed the self-branding brief as I feel it has helped me to start building my identity as a designer, and has set the foundations for my future discovery of who I am as a designer. This module has also provided me with a lot of insight into the industry and has made me excited to know that I will be a part of it some day. It has also given me a lot of content to look into for future research and helped me discover many interesting and intriguing designers and agencies, that I am sure will inspire me and my future work. Overall, this module I feel has been very useful and has helped me develop my confidence and skills as a designer, and will continue to do so for the next two years. I will start the PPP module next year will a lot more interest, confidence and excitement.

Daniel Gee - Collage Workshop - 'Art from Non Art'

Daniel Gee came in to show us a short presentation of various different collage artists to inspire our own collage making.

The artists he shared were:
Ill Studio
Robert Rauschenberg
Beth Hedewell
Louis Reith
Ellery James Roberts
Mat Maitland
Richard Prince
Ventral is golden
John Stezaker

We then were provided by Daniel Gee a variety of collage materials, and encouraged to create our own collage to be submitted to his upcoming exhibition 'Art from Non Art'.

This is my submission. The focus was the colour blue and to the purpose to create an abstract but intriguing scene that has depth and intrigues the audience.

Studio Brief 3 - Design Strategy Presentation

Title Page. Presentation was based on personal thoughts and thing's I've found myself saying/thinking throughout the year.

Thing's I've learnt since the start. Illustrator and Indesign.

First module submission design board.

Second module submission design board. Shows how much I've improved and learnt.

Things I want to learn. 3D poster design and motion graphics.

Mistakes I've made. Attempting to create mock-ups.

One more example of unsuccessful mock-up.

How to improve. Use skillshare and other platforms to learn how to create mock-ups.

My strengths. Book Covers and using Analogue to create collages and mockups.

My weaknesses. A lack of knowledge of the industry and designers, not knowing my own style or who I am as a designer yet, and still a lack of software skills.

Things Ive enjoyed. Self branding and using grids.

Things I've not enjoyed. Context of Practice essays and the workload. The essay writing style is different from what I've been used to, and the workload feels larger than it is because of my poor time management.

Why did I come here? And is the course what I expected it to be? I came here to learn new things and to grow my confidence in my practice. I've certainly learned new softwares and knowledge about typefaces, as well as started a design instagram to showcase my work.

The End title page. 

Studio Brief 2 - Self Branding

Initial ideas - Title/Pay Off/Description Class Work

Self Branding Presentation 

After the presentation the feedback I received was to add a title page as showing the final outcome before the development stage will not keep the audience engaged.

Here are my interest/hobbies and things I feel that define me. These include: lithuanian heritage, astronomy, collage, patterns, abstract art, and mono printing. I used these to inspire my idea generation process. 

Initial logo/logotype sketches. The concept was to use my birth name 'Migle' and my lithuanian heritage to create a unique and personal self brand. One of the main ideas was to include the letter 'ė' that is present in my name and in the lithuanian alphabet, but not in the english, therefore making it unique to my branding.

Initial sketches turned and experimented digitally.

Exploration of shapes within logos and colour. The colours are derived from the lithuanian flag and country sigil, to further connote my heritage and make it unique to my self branding.

Final logotype as well as the payoff. The pay-off was chosen as most people do not know how to pronounce my name, and usually get it wrong. It's a guideline as well as a humours element.

How the final logotype would be applied to showcase my work. As well as Gif Still.1

How the final logotype would be applied to showcase my work. Gif Still.2

How the final logotype would be applied to showcase my work. Gif Still.3

How the final logotype would be applied to showcase my work. Gif Still.4

How the final logotype would be applied to showcase my work. Gif Still.5

How the final logotype would be applied to showcase my work. Gif Still.6

How the final logotype would be applied to showcase my work. Gif Still.7

How the final logotype would be applied to showcase my work. Gif Still.8

How the final logotype would be applied to showcase my work. Gif Still.9

After the presentation another piece of feedback I received was that I needed more 'production' designs of how my identity/brand would be in context. This is a design for business cards, incorporating both my logotype and a selection of my work.

Business Card mock up. Also added after feedback.

Logotype and identity Gif. The gif would be used on social media such as instagram, as well as on websites and other platforms where I can showcase my work. The gif incorporates the hobbies/interest that I looked at at the start, and therefore I believe represent me as a designer.

Dr. ME - Visting Professional Workshop

The workshop was based around collage. We were given a word and told to create a 10 frame gif using found materials, that would communicate our word in some form or another.
The word we received was 'Bacon'.
At first our ideas were quite complex, planning to present the process that a pig goes through to reach the plate of a consumer, and the violence and inhumanity of it. However, due to time constraints we had to simplify our idea. We ended up creating 10 frames that communicated the pig's death through a rotation from it's legs to it's back, and an increase in the colour red to symbolise blood on it's body. The background we collaged were scenic and green imagery, this was to symbolise how the pig's are threatened even in what seems like their comfort and peaceful settings.

The workshop helped me to explore more abstract interpretations of an idea, and helped me to think about them in more simplistic ways; how to communicate a complex message but with fewer visual elements. I found this to be quite refreshing and intriguing. I got to focus on the process of creation without feeling the stress of making it flawless and complex. I will definitely take this mindset with me into my exploration of my Studio Practice Leeds Places brief, as not only does the method of screen-printing also have unavoidable imperfections, but also I can look at my ideas from a different perspective and consider how I can communicate it in the simplest yet most impactful way.

Studio Brief 01 - Reflective Practice

2 key things you've learnt:
My work isn't always as bad as I think it is.
InDesign and Illustrator.
I have bad time-management.
I get stressed too easily.
Grids are important.

2 key things that have really engaged you:
Colour Theory.
Grid layout design.
Monoprinting workshop.
Group critiques.

Aims and ambitions for Level 5 (and beyond...):
Learn to de-stress and time manage.
Learn to cook (properly).
Master Adobe software.
Do more of personal projects.
Discover my style and who I am as a designer.
Make my mom proud on me.

2 key things that you have not enjoyed:
Blogging.
Creating mock-ups.
Printing prices.
Having to vacuum.

Refresh

Stress 
- a very real modern epidemic
- stress kills creativity
- start developing good habits now

How to deal with stress:
1. drink chamomile teas
2. go for a walk
3. disconnect from technology
4. sleep well
5. eat well
6. breathe
7. learn your stress signs
8. share with friends
9. practice mindfulness meditation

Time
- List
- Prioritise
- Focus

Self Branding
- Look at 'Mr Bingo' - make it clever/funny/memorable.
- Create an instagram/linked in.
- Create a personal logo and business cards