#typography&isms

The second module of the year was actually my first one as part of my chosen specialism of Graphic Communication. The module, titled ‘Defining Practice’ involves two separate briefs, the first being titled ‘Ways of Seeing’ with the second called ‘Typography and Isms’. 

This personal evaluation will be written in two parts to summarise the two separate briefs in accordance with the learning outcomes required for each one. Both of the briefs had set guidelines of what the outcome should be in relation to the space I had to work with, however they were both very open in terms of what I could base my work on. 

The first brief - ‘Ways of Seeing’ required me to produce an inspiring three-dimensional display that communicated an engaging message linked to ‘vision’ and ‘seeing’. I had a space of 2.2 meters [height] x 1.6 meters [width] x 0.5 meters [depth] to play, explore and create a display within. The project from the offset showed me the importance of having to work within a defined space, however this was my only boundary that I had to bare in mind. The rest of the project was fairly broad in terms of what I would fill the space with. My initial research looked at the two words ‘vision’ and ‘seeing’ and with this I completed a task set by my tutor where I was able to experience what it was like to see the world with a visual impairment. My initial work in terms of designs and research into appropriate practitioners was based on Dyslexia and Colour Blindness in children. However after further research and a crucial interview with a family member my take on the project changed. After talking to my tutor and fellow students I soon began to follow a new direction with my project now focussing on the cultural and social differences between the Western and Middle Eastern world. This concept allowed me to explore a multitude of pathways from proposing displays that would show the audience what it is like to see through a Burqa, to looking at what life is like for a woman who wears a Burqa or any kind of religious garment. 

The research on appropriate practitioners often sparked my imagination for a possible display. Looking back over the vast collection of designers and artists whose work I was inspired by at one point or another during the project, three played huge roles during the final stages. William Podlich who captured what life was like in Afghanistan before the Taliban was my starting point when my project took a new direction. Through photography he has been able to keep alive the image of a country that was developing and with this I began to experiment with designs that were similar in style to Taha Zaker who uses distorted images. My project was developing well at this point until I found my most inspiring artist – Marie Rim. Rims work was very controversial but it was her ‘Burqa fittings across America’ project that captured my eyes. Further research into this project soon produced what I found to be one of my best ideas ‘Burqa Vs The West’ - with a display showing a silhouette of a woman in a Burqa, which had written words and phrases to create the image. The writing consisted of how a woman [who wears a Burqa] felt emotionally knowing what people around her thought of her.  

After further talks with my tutor and peers, as well as the continual development through thumbnail sketches, drawings and sketch models I was soon lead to my final concept named ‘Labels’. I wanted to take a different approach to the briefs requirement of basing the display on ‘vision’ and ‘seeing’. My final concept looks at perception and how we perceive one another. My design portrays at how we as a society subconsciously place labels on one another based upon cultural and social differences. Using the quote “The labelling must stop” communicates this element of the display. This is presented using a series of typographic labels hanging above the main feature of the space. Underneath this the audience see two women who live very different lifestyles holding two boards that read the quote “we live our lives differently yet we are all the same”. Therefore giving an overall message that the labeling must stop - we should open our minds to a world that is culturally diverse. Using women as an example of this diversity the presented quote within the display puts forward the true reality that we are all equal, just because a woman has chosen to lead her life based on religious or cultural beliefs does not give the right to judge others. The overall display suits a wide target audience, from young children to senior citizens – this is due to the fact that we live in a extremely culturally diverse society. 

I am really pleased with the final outcome for the ‘Ways of Seeing’ brief. Not only has my knowledge on designers become richer but also my skills in terms of hand drawing and technical abilities has improved immensely. I have delved into the various Adobe software programs’, which has enhanced my work and allowed me to visualize my designs much better.  

The second brief for the module required me to create my own 21st century ‘ism’. This little project was typographic based and allowed me to develop my knowledge and understanding of this area within Graphic Communication. I began by exploring past existing ‘isms’ of the 20th century which lead me to brainstorming potential pathways to produce an A2 Typographic poster. My chosen ‘ism’ was based on the popular alcohol beverage of Gin. Gin is a drink that I myself and many of my peers and relatives enjoy so it was something I had good knowledge of and even from the offset I was visualizing possible ways of presenting my new ‘ism’. This project, although being significantly smaller is scale compared to the other brief I was working along side with, has taught me a lot and has allowed me to experiment with new techniques I have not worked with before. Early on in the project I learned new skills such as print making where I produced a series of experimental outcomes, which gave me a starting point within the project. The project has also taught me a lot about the importance of composition and the impact kerning, leading and tracking have in the graphic design world. Once I had researched letterforms that I felt related to my ‘ism’ I began tracing and drawing over existing designs to produce my final overall typography. I further edited and manipulated letterforms by using appropriate software such as Adobe Illustrator. My final design is quite regal in its appearance, a somewhat appropriate word to associate with gin. Gin is also quite a fun drink and is one that has stood the test of time. I created a series of thumbnail sketches to plan how I would compose my poster. Once a suitable composition was selected I began to experiment with textures not only for a background for the poster but also for my type. I soon settled on diluted splashes of colour. Limes and yellows were my key colours of choice. My background was created using gin infused with limes, lemons and mint leaves (enhanced with a bit of food colouring). The texture for the typography was produced by ‘dot work’. The gradient of ‘dots’ resembles the fizzing of tonic water in the signature classic – Gin and tonic. This also adds an element of transparency to the type allowing for the background of colour to interact with the type – much like how a gin cocktail mixes together to produce a beautiful flavor. My final A2 poster was produced using Adobe InDesign were I was able to play around with the composition until I was happy with the layout. 

Overall, Defining Practice has been a truly rewarding module to undertake. I have developed my theoretical skills on the history of visual communication through the lecture series where I have then feed this new knowledge back into my practical work. My technical skills have also come a long way. I have completed the training towards my accreditation in Adobe Illustrator and have made arrangements for me to take my exam before the end of the month. After which I will swiftly begin my work towards accreditation for InDesign. The project has not only developed my technical skills but it has also broadened my knowledge of artists and designers who I can make reference to again for future projects during my time in university and my future career. My understanding of typography and its principles has also heightened my interest into this field of work. Overall, I’m really pleased with the progress I have made in this module.

Word Count : 1450

Adobe Accreditation Progress//

I will be undertaking my exam for Adobe Illustrator within the next two weeks, where after completion I will be swiftly working towards accreditation in InDesign. 

Final Outcome//

I have printed my A2 Typography Poster which has been displayed along side a 1:10 scale model and an overview ‘client’ poster for the Ways Of Seeing project.  Sketchbook work and developmental progress throughout this module has been documented in detail on my blog, which has been linked on the cover page of this evaluation document. I have also linked the separate blog address where I have written short essays based on the lectures given every Monday.

This week is a really important week as I will be submitting my final outcomes for both briefs on Thursday 21st January. The 9 weeks that we have had for this project have gone by so quickly but I have enjoyed every bit of it as Ive developed my skills and creative thinking.

We were sent an email today by my tutor Colette informing us on what we need to submit on Thursday, the list is as follows:

- Printout of the A2 ISMS poster along with the A4 designed synopsis sheet.

- Either a model, collage of photographs or drawings to show the final design proposal for the window display.

- A 1000 word reflective essay which asks us to self assess ourselves against the learning outcomes and what we have been asked to do by the brief.

- Colette has also asked us to carry out two short tasks in preparation for the next module as well as encouraging us to continue with our work towards our Adobe Accreditation.

This will all be submitted on Thursday with the last point being submitted by the universities ‘moodle’ portal. I will also be showing were I am at with my Adobe Accreditation. I am currently working towards my Accreditation for Illustrator where i have booked a date for my exam. Once completed I will be working towards my Indesign Accreditation.

The next few days will see me tying up loose ends and ensuring the work I submit is presented in a professional manner - that would be expected in industry.

Tutor : Martin

[14.01.16]

Today I presented my final outcome to tutor Martin who was standing in for Colette. Below is a break down for the feedback I attained

Ways of Seeing Brief //

Martin seemed to like the overall design of the display as he was interested in the approach and my interpretation of the words ‘vision’ and ‘seeing’. He liked the labels concept and the overall approach. The feedback he gave me was on areas I knew I would need to address. He felt that the display is currently portraying multiple topics rather than just one defined one. The topics are all ones that are relevant but juxtapose one another which could be a reason why I have found it hard to explain my display at times. He said by simply changing the slogans on the creams boards underneath the characters to a more simplified message then the display would reach its full effect. Overall he was pleased with my work and the progress I had made, making note on how I had developed and moved my ideas on quite a bit since my discussions with Colette last term.

Typography & Isms //

Martin liked my choice of typography and after telling him that I had researched and sketch a few ideas before hand assured him I had done my research. Martin could see how the type related to my chosen word, stating how it reflected the ‘regal’ element we associate with ‘Gin’. He wants me to play around with the colour of the type and see what more I could do with it before settling with a final design.

Overview & Plan of Action //

Overall I was happy with the feedback I got given about my work not only by Martin but also from my peers. It was nice to have a fresh set of eyes to shine light on my work. My plan now is as follows :

1 - Analyse my design and think of a slogan that refines the context of my display. This will make it easier for people to understand and take away the message.

2 - Finalise this with my tutor before making final renders and aspect photos for the final submission.

3 - Experiment with colour and composition with my Isms poster and see what else I can do with it before settling on a final layout.

I will be having a one to one with Colette tomorrow about my work but I am happy with the feedback and will be making changes accordingly to ensure I get the most out of what I have produced and push myself further.

So Im now in the last week of my three week christmas break and this week is one where I plan on refining my final concept to produce a final outcome that I will present next week.

Last week was vital in ensuring that I completed my Ism’s project brief to allow me to solely focus on the ways of seeing brief. The final A2 Poster outcome for that brief is one that Im quite pleased with.

My aim this week is to experiment with all the components within my final concept proposal from the colours I will use, the textures and the typography all for which are key to ensure that the message I am trying to put across is communicated clearly. I will be documenting all my developments this week on my blog which brings me to say I will be no longer continuing with my weekly Vlogging. I find it hard to vlog whilst I'm trying to do my work and Im still trying to understand ways in which existing vloggers produce and create their videos. Vlogging was a really fun and interesting way of recording my progress but for now I will be solely presenting my development work within my blog.

This week will be one where my work will be very experimental in which I hope will guide me to my final display design. I will then produce a digital version of my design to show my technical skills and hope to use these visuals within my presentation next week.

Typography & Isms - Creating a 21st Century Ism

This small project which has run alongside my main ‘Ways of Seeing’ brief has been both exciting and challenging. When I first got given the brief I found it hard to understand what it was asking of me. However once I read through the brief in my own time and attended dedicated days based on the project my understanding was cemented and my ideas soon started to come forward.

Starting in a fresh sketchbook, I made notes on what the brief was asking of me. I then brainstormed existing ‘isms’ and design movements for which I found out were all a reaction to the the previous movement. I then conducted research into a few of the movements to see what they were all about and who were key designers within them to see what work they produced.

It was here that I began to brainstorm possible 21st century isms and a page was soon filled. Using social media and events in the news I soon had a rich resource to use and take inspiration from. However I can only choose one. I narrowed it down to three possible isms before choosing the one I had been wanted to explore since I wrote it down as part of the brain storm - Ginism was born.

I pitched the concept to my tutor and fellow students who all seemed to like it. i attended a letter press workshop where I began to experiment and explore my ism visually and typographically. As the project should be completed within a few days I set aside a few days to complete the task. First of all I looked at gin and what I would associate it with in terms of colours, textures and type. I researched types for each letter before I began to experiment and develop my type design before I eventually produced the typeface seen in the final poster. I then explored colours and texture, even going as far as to paint with gin - using water colours but replacing the water with gin.

I have learnt a lot from this small task, such as what it is to produce a graphic poster and learning new terminology and implementing it within my work. I have also developed my technical skills in the Adobe Software suite in Illustrator and Indesign. Overall this has been a challenging yet fun task to complete.

As part of my brief requirement - I have been asked to write a 200 word synopsis based upon my chosen 21st Century Ism.

Ginism is set upon the alcoholic drink of Gin. The beverage is one that has stood the test of time and has been a drink of choice for centuries. Gin is drink that can be consumed neat, on the rocks or most commonly as part of a G&T (Gin mixed with tonic water).

Gin can be considered to be a social drink with its use as a mixer within many cocktails. The modern society has become more educated on what they drink and what goes into the making of an alcoholic beverage. Gin has an acquired taste; some people either love it or hate it, with those who like it using Gin as a source of stress relief. The notable phrase ‘its Gin O’clock’ is popular amongst those who consume Gin on a regular basis.

Gin unlike the many other spirits that are available, is one that is diverse. It can be used to produce some very creative drink combinations taking you on a sensual taste journey. Fruit infusions with a sharp gin undertone make for the perfect remedy to unwind you after a long hard day in the office. Gin as a 21st century drink is becoming ever more popular – with this being a key reason of choice when creating a 21st Century Ism.

I am now entering the 6th week of the project and I feel I reached an important stage. Today (Monday 28th December) I will be completing my Typography Project. I have spent quite a bit of time on this short task and feel I am now at a stage where I am ready to compose the poster and draw a close on the task.

I will now after today be working fully towards creating the final outcome for my wind display for the Ways Of Seeing brief. I have a few designs I want to draw up and experiment with and feel I am close to what I want to submit for my final assessment. This week will be spent sketching up my idea developments and making small sketch models ready for next week where I can refine my design and begin to model and create a prototype - this will be used for my presentation I have been asked to prepare for the week commencing the 11th January 2016.

As you can see I have began to Vlog my journey through the project. my videos show a mixture of me talking through my work accompanied by a montage of footage of me working and creating my designs. I will continue to make these Vlogs for this project and depending on the feedback I get, I hope to continue creating them for the next project.

WEEKLY VLOG #1 Isms, Isms and more Isms…

I decided to create a Vlog for another method of recording my progress throughout the project and this is my first instalment. I hope to continue this for the remainder of this project and subject to feedback I will continue this for the rest of my projects this year.

This first Vlog takes you through the Typography project and sees me completing research and experiments for my chosen ism - GINISM. The blog shows how i complete my work along side a busy work schedule week (this is unusual but due to the christmas season I have had to work more hours at my part time job). By the start of next week I will hopefully have completed this smaller project which will allow me to finish and complete the final outcome for my main ‘Ways Of Seeing’ brief.