First, we recapped the words we used to describe our design practice and personal attributes, mine are shown below.
PRACTICE
- Organised
- Illustrative
- Informative
- Handmade
PERSONAL
- Focused
- Organised
- Committed
- Creative
- Outgoing
Next, we reviewed the designs created for us by each person. After looking at each design we were asked to make a list of five words that the add communicated.
We then compared the aesthetic qualities communicated by each add, against the words generated on our list of attributes. We listed 'does' for if the design had elements that were useful, and 'doesn't' if the design has elements that didn't communicate my design signature.
Next, we moved tabels so that we were surrounded with a new set of adds created for a different group. We then preformed a similar exercise listing the messages that were communicated about that person by each of the adds. The feedback was then left on the desk so that we could review the comments made.
After reviewing the comments I noticed that some related to proffessional practice and others to my personality, this was because of the content of the add.
This in turn started a discussion about the tone of voice used in the add. We discussed if it was beneficial or not to use a tone of voice that is personal to you and include information which portrays your personality. We created a tabel to weigh up the pros and cons associated with the tone of voice.
Finally, Fred then explained the importance of including a portrayal of your character within a personal add or C.V. The add will be a representation of not only your work as skills as a designer but also your personality. Including aspects of your personality will help the employer/client see if you are the sort of person they want to work with. For example, if you have the same common interests as the team of designers looking for a new addition to their studio, it would be more likely for you to get chosen for interview.
Find the balance between what makes you, you and what makes you a designer.
TASK
Finally, at the end of the session we were set a task. I am required to write 5 statements about myself and associate each point with an image.
SKATEBOARDING.
I started Skateboarding when I was a young kid, after stopping for a number of years I got back on the board sometime during my second year at college and since then it has been a definitive part of my life. When you start skateboarding you don't start a sport, you start a lifestyle, and it is because of this that I get so much satisfaction from skateboarding. I find it almost addictive, there is the sense of joy and satisfaction when you finally land a trick you have been trying for ages, and the feeling of freedom you get when cruising round with a group of close friends.
Additionally, skateboarding also brings a whole culture with it, from music to fashion to art, there are a range of disciplines that have relevance to the sport. Skateboarding was a huge influence on my creative development as a child, as I fell in love with the illustrations created for the bottom of skateboard decks.
Illusrtators are prodominantly associated with skateboarding because of all artwork created for skateboard decks and t-shirts. Today I am still fascinated by designers and illustrators that create work for the skateboard industry, such as Godmachine and Paul Jackson.
Designs created by Paul Jackson
ILLUSTRATION
Another area of my interest lies within illustration and the art of drawing, I think that being able to draw is an important and essential skill to develop. For as long as I can remember I have always found drawing relaxing and enjoyable, I think there is something therapeutic about being alone and drawing with subtle music on in the background.
Since my interest in illustration started I realized that the only way to progress to the level I want to is by practicing everyday. I try to do this but a busy lifestyle prevents me from devoting the amount of time I want to dedicate to the subject. I am a perfectionist, and I always set my standards sky high, because of this I don't think I will ever be satisfied with my skill level within illustration. However, drawing at every given opportunity will help me get there.
My fascination with skateboard illustration lead me to discover the world of tattooing, this is another area which I am absolutely fascinated by. Mostly because of the skill level and mind set of tattoo artists who are devoted to achieving perfectly accurate lines on every piece they touch. The level of skill within this industry is mind-blowing, and it keeps progressing with innovative ideas and devoted artists.
Recently, I became so infatuated with it that I had to try it myself, so I purchased a tattoo gun to teach myself the basics. I designed a tattoo, and tattooed it onto some pig skin. It is completely different to anything I have tried before, its hard and demands high concentration levels for hours at a time. Despite this I found tattooing the design really enjoyable, it is definitely a skill-set I want to develop at some point in my life.
Illustrations created by illustrator French
My first tattoo attempt.
GRAFFITI
Having an interest in skateboarding and illustration also lead me to discover graffiti. I have always been fascinated by typography and how letters can be adapted, discovering graffiti opened up a new world of inspiration. As artists that are involved in the scene push the limits of letter manipulation in so many different ways. Something that has kept me interested in graffiti is the range of styles, some artists create impressive but illegible pieces which force the viewer to figure out the piece, while others create big bold letters which are easy to read, there is so much scope and something to everyone's taste.
Although I have never experimented with using spray-paint as a medium before, it has always interested me, as you can achieve effects with it that cant be achieved with other mediums.
ROIDS - MSK
CAMPING
The summer before I came to university was filled with camping, festivals and skateboarding (weather permitting). We went regularly visited a place called Dinckley, which is essentially just a river surrounded by fields and woods, here we spent the summer nights swimming in the river, drinking and generally relaxing. Nothing beats chilling with a close group of friends in a secluded, beautiful spot like that. It was awesome.
I have always enjoyed camping and the outdoors, buts its times like this I look forward to when working hard through the grey winter days!
Swimming in the river - Dinckley.
SUMMER
Finally, the combination of sun, friends, skateboarding, beer, drawing, design, camping and festivals make summer fun. Most of the things I enjoy are amplified when the weather is good, and for this reason I love summer. Despite the weather getting worse by the year.
I feel at home when the sun is shining which is strange coming from a boy who has grown up in the dull, grey north of England. I need to consider a change of location,somewhere with a lot of sun would be perfect. However, to get there I first need a portfolio which will make employers from around the world want to employ me. Hard work here I come!
Longridge moor - Blue lagoon - 2012
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