catherineosullivan331

Submission B: Interim Submission of Creative Manifestation & Promotional Material

Given the time frame I think one of the most effective methods of portraying my idea as a creative manifestation is to produce a video. The way I intend to display my creative manifestation is by using a collection of shocking and impactful visual imagery and video clips to form first a negative viewpoint of world events and society currently, and then advance on the positive possibilities by becoming a ‘design visionary’.

An example of this similar objection can be seen in the music video ‘What I’ve Done’ – Linkin Park. This video although released in 2007 is still relevant to current issues today. The song I intend to use alongside these images will most likely be SAIL – AWOLNATION, as its lyrics and rhythm will work well alongside the intention for my manifesto video.

The setup of this video is still to be finalised however I intend to make a setup which isolates the viewer to the sound and imagery so they are immersed into the message. During my manifesto I make loose references to influential visionaries Martin Luther King, Ghandi and Einstein using their famous quotations, these references may be inserted or merged into the video also.

In terms of my promotional material I am still brainstorming several options these being:

-   A selection of different takeaway quotes from other popular visionaries, I would personalize these by also including my own individual mission statement and logo.

-  A double sided image of both the good and bad of what has been addressed in my manifesto.

-   A takeaway open checklist format, aka. I am strong, I am a leader, I am capable, I am creative, I am a designer, I am a design visionary in a check list form with the last point being optional for them to tick.

I want my creative manifestation to leave others feeling empowered and capable. My manifesto is not based on demanding and shaming but rather igniting a passion to do more.

Quotes referenced in written manifesto:

My writing from written manifesto: Have respect for what you make and the impact it has on the world and you will progress alongside the most inspirational figures. Have a dream, listen to your small voice of conscience, learn the value in what you give not what you receive.

“I have a dream.” – Martin Luther King

“The human voice can never reach the distance that is covered by the still small voice of conscience.” – Mahatma Ghandi

“The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive.” – Albert Einstein

Video References:

Linkin Park. [Linkin Park]. (03/04/2007). What I’ve Done (Official Video) – Linkin Park [video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sgycukafqQ

Manifesto:  Become a design visionary

Design Statement:

A design vision does not solely focus on one individual. Feeling accomplished and proud by including your own personality, life goals and morals into a design should be celebrated, however a designer must research the importance of other human beings and their place in the world.

It is important to understand that not everyone will design like you, nor meet your expectations of design but be humble and continue learning. Burt (1992) discusses the importance of change, stating that “The world changes, and so must the vision.” Our world is changing for the worse with social, political and economic issues, so why not design to make it better.

Design Intentions:

Design a world where peace, strength and power unite. Create with an overwhelming passion for what you are doing and how you are connecting to others.

Avoid refuge, be braver than designers who have come before you, challenge the development of technology and innovation to serve a better world for all.

Less than one per cent of what the world spent every year on weapons was needed to put every child into school by the year 2000 yet it didn’t happen. In 2005 - Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names. That comparison is no coincidence, nothing is changing and the importance of education is being diminished.

The overwhelming issues in the world require your assistance and as a designer you can create pathways for successful interactions. Other visionaries have predicted time travel and robots, why don’t you predict and implement clean living and abolishing poverty. What is stopping you?

Leave those who bury their head in the sand behind and seek others who consume every element of a design with an intention to exceed limitations and push the boundaries. You have a tirade of followers screaming the same message, join forces and ignite, save the world.

Have respect for what you make and the impact it has on the world and you will progress alongside the most inspirational figures. Have a dream, listen to your small voice of conscience, learn the value in what you give not what you receive.

Take inspiration from Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg but understand that even the most successful creators have flaws. Strive to design better, live better, provide better. Design not just for today, but for our future generations.

Kishore, Majumdar and Kiran (2012) vouch for you to make a bold design decision, stating “The visionary leadership focuses on change.” I challenge you to be a part of this change. The most important thing to consider as a designer is first and foremost how will this benefit everyone, not just your individual self, a small group or a country, but the world as a whole, that is the true mark of a design visionary, humility.

References:

Nanus, B. (1992). Visionary leadership: How to re-vision the future. The Futurist,26(5), 20. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.helicon.vuw.ac.nz/docview/218558357?accountid=14782

Kishore, K., Majumdar, M., & Kiran, V. (2012). Sustainability focused innovative visionary leadership practices. International Journal of Business Ethics in Developing Economies, 1(2), 38-45.  Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.helicon.vuw.ac.nz/docview/1478003620?accountid=14782

Project 4: Design Manifesto

Submission A: Interim Submission

When brainstorming ideas for my manifesto I struggled to find an impactful statement that I felt I could focus on without wavering. Some of my original manifesto ideas included:

Design is made for the eye first. Although the aura of this statement was to be focused around how people associate design with attraction first I realised for some this isn’t the case. I found error in this standpoint due to designs made for people without sight or in rehabilitation who care more thoroughly about recovery.

Future parents and caregivers are the most influential contemporary designers. I intended this statement to purely focus on morals, rules and boundaries you are raised with and how this influences you as a designer. This statement, yet true to my beliefs felt more open-ended and I was concerned it could encompass many other influential subjects rather than just design practice.

I design therefore I am. My intention would have been to express how because you design, you are a contributor to design culture and to the future of design, whether that be through any simple craft such as baking or handwriting. I felt like this statement although sounding powerful was difficult to express through a manifesto.

Clarifying an Idea:

During RAP8 I created a first time design perspective after hearing the lectures focused on manifestos, I felt this would help contribute to finalising an idea for the upcoming project. While writing I tried to put a large amount of passion into the writing as instructed during the lectures but felt my chosen perspective became somewhat conceded and had no care for design practise, it’s point being, ‘Don’t listen to what others have to say about your designs or how to design, design for yourself only’, however this in itself was ironically telling others how to design. When steering away from this topic I felt that perspective was harsher than I intended, I obviously wanted a righteous undertone to my manifesto however wanted it to be a more positive outreach than an angry demand.

RAP 8 Manifesto:

Catherine O’Sullivan - Designer

MY ideas are the most important for you to consider.

Not Rams, Not Maus, Not Pettis and Stark, and definitely not Neville.

We do not live in a black and white, world so why would you create black and white designs.

In every direction of design you are going to have someone who disagrees, who compares, who compliments, WHY ARE YOU TAKING IN ANYTHING THEY ARE SAYING?

You have a personality, a life goal and a set of morals, you should know where you are going as a designer, follow your own path and don’t listen to the other voices.

Create with an overwhelming passion for what you are doing, whether you connect to your sympathy’s or your disgusts, if someone doesn’t understand, then it doesn’t matter.

Create only for you to feel accomplished in what you are putting into the design world.

Rams wants to stick himself into a box labelled the ten rules of design, think outside this box!

Maus is right, “love your experiments”, yet he says, “Don’t be cool”, “slow down”, “listen carefully”. STOP telling me how to design.

Pettis and Stark have no direction stating “just accept that you don’t know what you’re doing.” Maybe you don’t, but I do.

Neville is the biggest offender, all about history and no personality, are you made up of other people’s thoughts and opinions, or your own?

Design is everywhere but you can choose where you go searching, don’t be a follower, don’t focus on something just because it needs attention.

Become a designer who understands they only have one life and intends on designing for who they are and not anyone else.

References:

Rams, D. (n.d.) Ten Principles for good design. Vitsoe. Retrieved from https://www.vitsoe.com/gb/about/good-design

Mau, B. (2010-2014). AN INCOMPLETE MANIFESTO FOR GROWTH. Retrieved from http://www.manifestoproject.it/bruce-mau/

Pettis, B, Stark, K. (2010-2014).  THE CULT OF DONE MANIFESTO. Retrieved from http://www.manifestoproject.it/bre-pettis-and-kio-stark/

Neville, D. (2008). The Eamespunk Manifesto. Nevolution. Retrieved from http://nevolution.typepad.com/theories/2008/07/the-eamespunk-m.html

Final Manifesto Influence:

A large influence of my design perspective is influenced by the innovations of other creators all who express themselves through YouTube. I consider myself to be an avid viewer of YouTube I find this space allows me to hear some of the most current and interesting trends and opinions and helps me make design decisions. When recently browsing I found that vegan YouTube creators were popular due to the health benefits associated with this diet, I soon found Youtube creator Freeleethebananagirl, a cut throat Australian YouTube creator who’s method tactic of spreading the vegan lifestyle was deemed by many as borderline bullying and fat shaming. On the other hand there was an array of other vegan YouTubers who were projecting the same message but in a more positive light based on facts and numbers, something which I think people pay a lot more attention to than demands. Another benefit of YouTube I often implement is when doing exercise I will look to find motivation videos, which largely revolve around an individual’s voiceover motivating you to try your hardest and reach your full potential, something which I think most people can agree is detrimental to success. Both of these examples have helped guide my manifesto helping me chose to have this more positive outreach rather than argumentative and harsh perspective. I want to ensure I am not trying to outline the rights and wrongs but rather encourage personal design growth.

This led me to coming up with my final Design Manifesto:

For the imagery throughout this assignment I am wanting to play around with an ironic depiction of consumer culture. Although I would consider all of these images above more current to todays 'consumer culture + identity' I would also be interested in finding 1 or 2 images that are more generalised to past consumer trends.

All of these images were sourced from a instagram account called tax collection which accepts submissions from artists and designers, they also have a website. 

http://www.thetaxcollection.com/

Assignment 3 | Interim submission | Catherine O’Sullivan:

1)     A topic must be defined and a statement of argument/proposition formulated. Your statement must articulate both the specific topic selected as well as the unique critical perspective you intend to explore.

I am interested in focusing on Culture + Design with the subculture specific to Consumer Culture + Identity and commercial culture. Focusing on consumer culture based mediums and how they contribute to the outcome of individual design identities. I feel as though this is a good subject choice for me due to being an avid user of Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube as well as regularly checking online news articles and television news channels. I have a passion for merging past and future trends together and although there are obvious negatives to consumer culture, e.g. powerful corporations at large, in decades past we have seen major inspiration and pride taken from previous outlandish time periods. Throughout my essay I hope to make comparisons to the 70s, 80s, 90s and other major influences and connections to consumer culture currently.

I feel as though in society today consumer culture is unavoidable due to technology intertwining in every aspect of our daily lives. Most individuals in Westernised countries are forced to be exposed to current trends, some see this as a highly negative influence and they encourage people to ignore the injustice of consumer culture, to unplug, go vegan, save the economy, which are all beneficial standpoints however I would like to make the argument that knowledge is power.

In universities, school, and most workplaces you take inspiration from past patterns and trends such as popular fashion throughout the ages resurfacing, a style of film or television series, even advertisement and music videos take inspiration from the past. Allowing ourselves to become immersed in these trends and how they are being altered can be considered a positive of consumer culture, my argument is by securing you have a full knowledge of what is happening around you during your decades, will allow you to have a better understanding when entering into a workforce or later using this as inspiration.

Obviously consumer culture has major flaws attached to it, however in terms of design inspired by consumer culture it can be wide spread, whether an individual acknowledges the negatives of our current generation that embraces expenditure and excess for major corporations or rather the seventies where free love and sticking it to the man was the mantra. Examples can include World War Two, (although a horrible time period large amounts of art, design and consumer culture has stemmed from this awful event), or some of the positives (to some) in today’s culture such as, gay marriage in relation to television show Modern Family or gender equality in relation to more woman in higher roles.

Consumer culture and identity within itself has many sub cultures, these could be considered the large corporations and how they are feeding an undesirable way of living, or the economy and how it is not all for one but rather one for all. In my argument however I am wanting to focus on the idea that it is ignorant to make an argument against consumer culture in relation to design, due to it being something that is ultimately only going to increase, change and be used for inspiration. The real test as a designer is how you will interpret design in this decade in relation to consumer culture. If I had to choose in this current environment I would choose an ironic approach to consumer culture through popular imagery of logos, celebrities and branding and what it represents and how it has changed throughout the generations I think this is a largely powerful method of designing and taking a standpoint. Throughout my essay I will give examples of these designs methods using images found on the internet.

 2)     Locate two relevant sources (books or journal articles) and supply a bibliography in APA style. Provide a brief literary review for each (summaries of 50-200 words) that indicate how the source supports your critical perspective.

First Resource:

“Studying history provided me with an opportunity to identify and interpret the forces at play within the world, even those that may not be readily discernible at ground zero. I learned about the power of money, of a global capital, in the making of modern life.” (p.4)

My first source discusses his generational experiences with consumer culture, I found his experience of consumer culture very similar to my own due to both mine and his grandparents and parents being less inclined to have a full knowledge of the current consumer trends. In saying this however my parents were adamant in enrolling me in the primary school ICT class and from this point on I have continued to take technological, design and art based subjects to ensure I have a full knowledgebase. I find while I have gained a full knowledgebase on how to observe the most current consumer trends online, it can be frustrating at times. My family is largely older than me meaning I am the youngest and growing up in a generation of technological advances feeds an expectation for discussion. When I reference a popular youtuber or a celebrity my family would view this as unimportant, however as an adult I now see that these particular youtubers are earning close to 1 million dollars a year excluding endorsement and advertisement work. Due to this age gap I often have discussions with family about past trends, rather than current ones but see many obvious cross-overs.  

Ewen, S. (2008). Captains of consciousness: Advertising and the social roots of the consumer culture. Basic Books.

 Second Resource:

‘The essence of all consumer goods can be found in the fact that they are, first and foremost, commodities. It is thus the commodification of products, or the fact that they are produced in order to be exchanged for profit, that gives them their distinctive character or … soul” (p. 11)

This resource provides a good standpoint that supports my argument that the identity, or “soul” of an individual design can be categorised when associated with consumer culture. This is not necessarily a negative outcome if you are trying to fit into this category of commodities, however if you are wanting to create niche designs you may be concerned with fitting into a recognised profitable market.

Berger, A. A. (2015). Ads, fads, and consumer culture: Advertising's impact on American character and society. Rowman & Littlefield.

 3)     In studio, identify one peer with whom you will trade peer assessments and inform your tutor. (You will each be responsible for assessing someone else’s writing as well as your own, and the completion of these assessments will be factored into your grade.) Make sure that you have your peer’s contact info to enable communication over the mid-trimester break. The peer assessment will assist you in ensuring that your ideas are clearly articulated: do not wait until the hand-in date to complete this requirement! [Peer and self-assessments to be completed on provided CCDN331_P3_Assessment Form.]

Catherine O’Sullivan: Assignment 2 - CCDN331

Critical Perspective:

While exploring as a flanuer I wanted to choose a city space that was closer to home and familiar. The new development area within Porirua City, Aotea, has remained untouched throughout my life but is now overnight being transformed from a large forestry area into a high value area with new residents and a new culture. The intention of this space is that the culture encourages expenditure and lifestyle evident through the high value properties and the close accessibility to services.

Due to my sister and her partner facing struggles within the New Zealand housing market currently, I decided to take an ironic look at the New Zealand housing market specifically in respect to this area in Porirua. This ironic perspective is stemmed from Porirua being considered a lower income area with high crime rates and a bad reputation.

Despres, Rowe and Vindler’s (1998), discussion of the housing market was of major importance in shaping my perspective, “The deterioration of the suburban dream, the social and racial dis-crimination with the institutionalization of public housing, and the inadequacy between normative housing programs, in a pluralist society are all factors, according to the author, pointing at the failure of modernism to provide adequate dwellings to all.” (87). I felt this statement provided a good platform for my perspective due to its discussion of public housing sectors and how they are intertwined with ideas of culture and hierarchy. The specific line in which they mention ‘the failure of modernism to provide adequate dwellings to all” is largely related to the point of view that homes and environments no longer cater to all kinds of people but rather those who either have lots of money or very little.

In respect to gamification the gain that these individuals feel when they purchase a high value home in this area can be related to a reward system where the highest bidder wins the idyllic area and the aspirational urban space to raise a family. To express my critical perspective I have chosen to view this new development area through the eyes of an investor or aspirational home owner. I chose to merge several mediums together those being a haiku, two separate soundtracks intertwined and image modifications.  As a flaneur I have zeroed in on the New Zealand housing market in a developing area.

References:

Després, C., Rowe, P. G., & Vidler, A. (1998). Modernity and Housing

Housing in New Zealand [Advertisement]. (1946). NZONSCREEN: New Zealands screen culture showcase. Via Archives NZ YouTube under Creative Commons CC BY licence. Private non-commercial use

Sold 325: Auctioning an impounded vehicle [Advertisement]. (2007, December 13). Retrieved from https://www.freesound.org/people/alphahog/sounds/44842/

alphahog.

Soundtrack Examples:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a42UnqSKMyo

Housing in NZ voiceover

Housing in New Zealand [Advertisement]. (1946). NZONSCREEN: New Zealands screen culture showcase. Via Archives NZ YouTube under Creative Commons CC BY licence. Private non-commercial use

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9a28uGgsUc

Auctioneer Voiceover

Sold 325: Auctioning an impounded vehicle [Advertisement]. (2007, December 13).

Retrieved from https://www.freesound.org/people/alphahog/sounds/44842/

alphahog.

Perspective:

Ultimately by merging all of the mediums together, the soundtrack the mixed media and the haiku I hope to fully present my perspective as a flaneur, showing that I have zeroed in on the New Zealand housing market in a developing area. At this submission date I chose not to yet take extra photos as the houses have not yet developed enough yet. I will most likely take more photos over the Easter weekend as this area will be abandoned and I may be able to get more personal shots of the homes up closer.  

 Haiku Example #3:

Sold signs on wood pegs

Shiny new car enters town

Floats through the driveway

Haiku Example #4:

On entering wow

You will see picturesque views

Critical Perspective:

While experiencing as a flanuer I knew that I would prefer to choose a city space that was closer to home and I was more familiar with. Living in Tawa my whole life, I more frequently travel into Porirua City which is a 10 minute drive away to grab the necessities and work.

While becoming a flanuer through the main city of Porirua I found myself unsatisfied because it was difficult to see these places with fresh eyes due to being so at ease. While looking at the hillside and water that surrounds Porirua City I noticed the large space of land that overlooked the water, this is where development houses were beginning to be built and was a new area of Porirua named Aotea that I had not yet explored. I wanted to challenge myself as a flanuer by observing the surrounding towns that encompass Porirua City and this area could meet that goal.

I am interested to see the development of this area as it is somewhere close to home that has remained untouched but is now overnight being completely transformed into a high value area with new residents and a new culture. While exploring this area you could tell the value of homes was high priced due to the view and the travel time to major beaches and shopping centres.

The perspective this space inhabits is that the culture encourages expenditure and lifestyle. In respect to gamification it tied into the idea that the highest bidder wins the idyllic area and it’s an aspirational urban space for family.

Literary Review:

“The deterioration of the suburban dream, the social and racial dis-crimination with the institutionalization of public housing, and the inadequacy between normative housing programs, in a pluralist society are all factors, according to the author, pointing at the failure of modernism to provide adequate dwellings to all.” (87)

This statement provides a good platform for the perspective due to its discussion of public housing sectors and how they are intertwined with ideas of culture and hierarchy. The specific line in which they mention ‘the failure of modernism to provide adequate dwellings to all” is largely related to the point of view that homes and environments no longer cater to all kinds of people but rather those who either have lots of money or very little.

Haiku Examples:

The bones of our homes

Laid out on a dusty turf

An investors dream

An urban landscape

Stripped of our life savings yet

Entertaining smiles

Mixed Media Ideas for Photographs:

Layering some images of the home in the building process/at different stages to show the progressive nature over the three different occasions of shooting. The images I have received so far are mostly focused on the construction of the homes and I can imagine the progression of these homes will be the major change in perspective. 

It could be interesting to experiment with doing a panorama image of the area which would expose the length of the area that is being built on.

Another effective element could be using the effect of a ‘SOLD’ sign on the images included.

Another image method I am fond of working with is including some small annotations about the home as seen in design magazines such as habitat. This could include lines of symmetry or notes on small developments.

Bordering the images to show the point of reference while observing as the flaneur in busy environments

 Soundtrack:

An overlapped montage of an auctioneer’s voice selling a home, ‘going once, going twice’.

A news presenter talking about the rise in housing market prices.

If this soundtrack exists a voiceover of someone explaining the housing areas around porirua before the 21st Century.

 References: