Friday 26 December 2014

PPP3 - INSPIRATION

Today, while browsing through the creative inspiration website; 'Booooooom' I came across a blog post detailing the work of Berlin based artist Max Gärtner.
Gärtner's work spans multiple disciplines, from paper cuts and screen prints to spray painted works, often such studies focused on capturing the innate details and form of the animals his portraits often feature. 

While reviewing Gärtner's work I became truly amazed at the level of detail he manages to achieve in his intricate paper-cut studies. The complex flowing lines Gärtner is able to achieve in his illustrations is commendable, and undoubtedly has taken years of painstaking practice to perfect. 

As a craft driven designer I love creating work using physical, hands on production techniques, an aspect of my practice which allows me to really appreciate the effort and skill Gärtner has put in when producing each study. 


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Image Sources - Link

Wednesday 3 December 2014

PPP3 - JONATHAN CHAPMAN - VISITING SPEAKER

Today I attended an extra curricular lecture featuring a talk from two different practitioners, one of which is Dr Jonathan Chapman, a professor of sustainable design. 


The lecture was attended as Chapman's work on sustainable or durable design has a lot of relevance to both my research for the COP3 module and my sustainably minded design practice. 


LECTURE NOTES;

Notes taken during the lectures are displayed below;




IMPORTNAT POINTS; 
  • Jonathan Chapman is a Professor of sustainable design.
  • Big brands are moving towards sustainability - Often protecting the environment is not the driving force behind this decision but the ability to make a change and be different.
  • Most products aim to improve things and make life better.
  • Chapman's experience of low impact living - Large city.
  • Society moving towards sustainable consumption.
  • 40 Tons of waste can be produced to make one product - Mobile phone.
  • 98% of which are thrown away within 6 months - About 1% efficient. 
  • By extending the life of a product it reduces energy need to produce new ones.
  • Create products that improve over time.
  • Modularity - build your own phone - customised pieces.
  • Sugru - small bit of putty which can be used to fix or improve broken appliances. 



CONCLUSION 

I found the topics Chapman discussed in the lecture very interesting, specifically the statistics presented regarding the waste and product life of mobile phones in modern society. The 1% efficiency that is achieved sums up our civilisations approach to existence perfectly, we are mindlessly wasteful, and it is this approach to existence that is predominantly responsible for the climate issues plaguing the globe today. 

One area I felt that my ideologies and Chapman's differ are with how such issues could be solved, much alike the conclusions reached in Al Gores 'An Inconvenient Truth' Chapman suggested a very capitalist solution, proposing that the system does not need to change, but new approaches to production and more mindful consumption can help to alleviate  the issues. 





Wednesday 19 November 2014

PPP3 - START UP WEDNESDAYS - BUSINESS IDEA

At the end of the 'Start Up Wednesdays' session I was approached by Tom Hammond who sat in during the session and watched our business proposals, he briefly mentioned that he thought my proposed idea had scope for development and could be established as a functioning business. To help me progress from the inital point of just having an idea Tom requested that I type up my idea and send it to him so that he can review it in more detail. 


Using the COSTAR method covered during the session I quickly summarised my idea and forwarded the information to Tom;




Jordan Harrison Reader – Business Idea

Customer profile –
The primary target audience will consist of skaters and long boarders situated within affluent westernised countries such as the United Kingdom, America and Australia.
Members of the primary market are lifestyle conscious, predominantly male and aged between 14 and 30. Additionally, the audience will have moderate incomes and have access to expendable income. Moreover, members of the primary audience have an interest in sustainability and environmentally friendly products.
Additionally, a secondary target audience will consist of people aged between 14 and 25 that don’t necessarily skateboard but are interested in skateboard cruisers as a means of transport and because of their current popularity.

Opportunity –
Within the past few years there has been an eruption of interest in skateboard cruisers such as the ones sold by the Australian based company ‘Penny’. Due to their attributes such as their light weight, small portable size and soft wheels the cruisers are predominantly used by customers as a means of transport for short distances.
Most of the companies currently producing skateboard cruisers are doing so on a mass scale using materials that are unsustainable and damaging to the environment. There are existing companies producing cruisers that have a wooden deck however, this often entails the felling of trees to get the material. From the current market research collected as part of the business idea only one other company has been identified that creates cruisers using reused materials (Satta skates use wood reclaimed from timber yards.

Solution –
The product will take advantage of the current gap in the market left by companies selling mass produced cruisers that use unsustainable materials in various parts of the production process. Companies such as Penny (who are currently dominating the market) utilise a polypropylene plastic to create the deck and polyurethane to create the soft cruiser wheels, although robust these materials are both unsustainable and harmful to the environment.  
To exploit the gap in the market the product will be created using strictly environmentally friendly resources, for example the cruiser deck will be created from old skateboards that will be cut down to the desired size and shape meaning that the materials are reused and don’t require any consumption. Moreover, the wheels will be purchased from a company called Satori who have pioneered a technology that creates cruiser wheels using the recycled cores from old skateboard wheels and a corn starch mixture to form a soft, urethane like wheel. The process allows Satori to create wheels that aren’t harmful to the environment and are (from my market research) the only company in the world to currently do so.
With regards to aesthetics, each board will have a hand painted or printed illustration on the bottom that will reflect the company identity and ethos. Only small runs of each graphic will be created meaning that each graphic will be limited, this in turn should in turn create a consumer demand for the product.    

Team –
As the production process for the product is very simple and requires little physical input other than the cutting down of the deck and the creation of graphics I believe that I am completely capable of running the company on my own. Moreover, an additional benefit is that my course (Graphic Design) has prepared me for the creation of the company brand identity, development of any additional print collateral and the marketing schemes used to promote the company.
Although I will be solely responsible for running the company I plan to utilise the services of an accountant to keep on top of the accounts and taxes.

Advantage –
The product has an advantage over other products as it reuses old skateboards and other sustainable materials in its production. No other products that are currently available on the market utilise reused skateboards for the deck meaning that the idea is original and stands out from the crowd. Additionally, the fact that the product is created using sustainable processes means that it is an appealing purchase for consumers who are mindful of the ethics of companies they buy from.

Result –
The result of all of the above is a small company that produces and distributes a sustainable skateboard cruiser that takes advantage of a small gap in a lucrative market. The attributes that make the product individual are also the ones that will appeal to customers, such as the its eco-friendly qualities and original aesthetics.

Problems –
The only problem I have currently been able to identify relies with the supply of old skateboards which would need to be donated by skateboarders within the UK. To solve this problem I thought of two possible solutions. One, offer skateboarders an reason to donate the deck, this could be a small amount of money or a percentage off the cost of a crusier, and two, establish relationships with skate shops around the UK and create a marketing campaign that directs customers to take their old skateboard at the specified location. 

PPP3 - START UP WEDNESDAYS 2

Today I attended the second, extra curricular 'Start Up Wednesdays' session hosted for students that want to set up their own business or enterprise. 

In the session we had a guest speaker named Steve Manthorpe, a practicing artist who is also involved with various other enterprises such as Light Night in Leeds.

The session was started by going through the basics of what makes a business, notes that were taken during this part of the session are listed below; 






Additionally, at the end of the session we were given a print out that featured the slides Steve talked through during the session, this is useful as it features information that I missed.




After Steve talked though the specifics of what makes a business we were divided into small groups to complete a task. Using the 'COSTAR' method of assessment we were asked to talk though a business idea using each of the sections listed below;
  • Customer - Identify, characterise, role-play.
  • Opportunity - What you have they want.
  • Solution - Product or service you will offer - covers previous sections.
  • Team - Who will deliver the solution?
  • Advantage - Why is it better than anything else?
  • Result - Summary of most important points discussed.

As I had the most developed idea of my group we decided to use the 'COSTAR' assessment method to evaluate my business concept. Notes were listed on large sheets which I stupidly forgot to take pictures of.

After creating points for each section of the assessment method on large pieces of paper we had to present the idea to the rest of the group, who then in-turn gave feedback on the idea. 

Something that really grabbed my attention, other than the feedback given on my idea, was the method used to organise and create the feedback. Steve used a method called 'RISE' which divided the group giving the feedback into three sections; Fans, Builders & Users. It was the job of the fan to list all the positives they perceived from the idea setting a positive tone immediately. Next, it was the job of the builders to offer feedback that built upon the idea, giving information on what could be done to possibly improve it. Finally, it was the job of the user, who had to imagine they were a part of the target audience to say if the idea appeal to them and why. The feedback method worked really effectively, allowed students to discuss ideas and generated lots of informed useable information. In fact, I found the method so efficient that I plan to propose using it in future criticisms.    

Overall, I thought the session was really useful, gave me plenty of relevant information and filled me with confidence about my idea. 






PPP3 - INSPIRATION

Today while browsing the internet I randomly came across some inspirational packaging designs that successfully apply a colorful, eye-catching illustration style that captures the excitement of the product while simultaneously grabbing the customers attention.

The series of packaging designs were created by illustrator Nate Williams to house a range of coffee produced by an artisan Australian company named 'Rio Coffee'. Products belonging to the 'Single Origin Coffee' range are sourced from four different parts of the world, Brazil, Kenya, Australia and Guatemala. Therefore, playing on this aspect, the concept for the packaging designs is based on imagery that has a cultural relevance to the coffees place of origin, illustrating aspects of the landscape, people and coffees production. 

I find the packaging designs inspirational due to the effective application of the illustrations and their representation of the origin countries in which the coffee is grown. Through the successful application of a strong concept, engaging illustration style and cohesive colour schemes the illustrator has developed a themed series of packaging designs that jump off the shelf when compared to other competing products, something which I can truly appreciate as a graphic designer.   





















Friday 14 November 2014

PPP3 - INSPIRATION

For this weeks inspiration post I decided to feature an environmentally focused infographic video published by 'Get Up Australia'. The three minute video aims to raise awareness of the environmental implications currently faced by Australia's 'Great Barrier Reef'. 

In the video, information is presented that reviews the approval by Australian government officials to let 'Adani', a huge multinational energy company, to expand a huge coal terminal on the East coast of Australia. Associated with this decision are multiple environmental problems that could seriously affect the well being of the Great Barrier Reef, a protected world heritage site that will soon be listed as 'In Danger'. 

For me, the video is inspirational for many reasons, both personal and professional. Firstly, on a personal level, the information that is communicated appeals to my interests, has direct relevance to my ethics and beliefs and subsequently helps to raise awareness of issues I am very passionate about. Moreover, the videos primary objective aims to raise awareness of environmental issues to the general public, essentially helping to facilitate movements that will combat environmental exploitation by powerful corporations. 

On a professional level, the video is inspirational due to the methods applied to communicate the information featured. When discussing controversial environmental issues it is important to present the audience with hard, evidenced facts to help highlight the many problems and their possible implications to wider society. The video successfully achieves this, presenting facts that outline the various facets of the issue using infographic visuals to effectively communicate information to the audience.  



Monday 10 November 2014

PPP3 - BUSINESS CARDS - FINISH

As part of last years PPP module I created a complete brand identity for myself so that I could professionally represent myself as I start engaging with industry professionals and clients. During the physical production of the business cards I encountered many problems ranging from the print quality of the small type to a disaster during the edge painting process which left the majority of the cards unusable. 

As a result of the various problems encountered while producing the cards I was left with only a selection which have all now been distributed. Recently, while attending an event at the Manchester Print Fair I was reminded of this problem when I didn't have a card to give to people that I had conversations with. Therefore, before progressing any further through the year I decided to create a fresh new batch of business cards that can be distributed to potential clients and industry contacts.

The cards design had already been created as part of my personal branding during second year therefore, to create the new batch I just simply needed to physically produce them. 

Learning from the mistakes made last time I decided to use a smaller A3 screen so that more pressure can be applied when printing to ensure that the small 6 point type is clearly legible. Another problem I encountered when producing the last batch was when edge painting the cards. The painting process was completed outside on a relatively windy night, to reach the cards the can had to be held close which resulted in the spray paint being applied too thickly, this in turn resulted in paint bleeding onto the surface of the card. To avoid the same mistake paint will be applied lightly to small piles of cards and in an indoor environment. 


THE PROCESS 

Cleaning the screen. 

Mixing paint and gel medium.

Applying paint mix to screen.

Printed cards on recycled grey board.

Business cards post 4 hour cutting session. 





Saturday 8 November 2014

PPP3 - INSPIRATION

For my second inspiration post I decided to focus on music instead of some kind of visual element. I believe that as graphic designers we should not be restrictive with where inspiration is taken from and instead expand our sources as widely as our consciousness will let us. 

Featured below are two songs from an Australian based band called 'Hiatus Kaiyote', who describe their music as 'Multi-dimensional, Polyrhythmic Gangster Shit', or as defined by Wikipedia; 'a neo-soul quartet'. Whatever definition is used to label this band simply cannot justify the inspiring ingenuity of the music they produce.  

I was introduced to the band by a friend and ever since have become completely mystified by their music which derives inspiration from soul and jazz music. To me, their songs acts as a soul touching breath of fresh air amongst the majority of music produced today. Personally, I find the music created by Hiatus Kaiyote inspirational for a range of reasons, but the most predominant ones are its capability to transport me to somewhere different in my consciousnesses and its ability to infuse me with the lyrical creativity of artist and inventiveness of the music. 




Monday 3 November 2014

PPP3 - NATIONAL FOREST

An inspiring studio that I discovered while collecting visual research for a previous project is Californian based National Forest. The studio cover a range of disciplines from art direction to illustration allowing them to take on a range of creative briefs for forward thinking clients.

One of the reasons I find the studio inspiring and relevant to my design practice is because of their list of clients and consequent work produced. As previously discussed in my PPP presentations skateboarding has always been at the forefront of my interests and, at National Forest, they work with some of the industries most renowned companies such as Element and Habitat skateboards. Moreover, the creative freedom given to the agency by such clients has allowed National Forest to develop original outcomes that push the boundaries of what can be produced. 

The images below document the content found on the national forest website;








NATIONAL FOREST - INSPIRING WORK  

Some work that appealed to me as I browsed through the National Forest projects is displayed below; 

ELEMENT SKATEBOARDS -

National Forest have produced a range of work for Elements Skateboards ranging from illustrative board graphics to apparel design. As a designer I am also really interest in illustration, both hand and digitally rendered, and so I find the graphic work produced by the agency aesthetically engaging and inspiring.







MADE GOODS - 

Made goods are a global furniture company for which National Forest developed an advertising campaign and art direction to help the company grow and expand. The project caught my attention due to the application of vibrant colours and consistent editorial layouts.





A COMPANY OF PARROTS -

Company Of Parrots is a business based in London who work with artists, designers and creatives to develop a range of apparel and other printed goods. The company lacked a strong, consistent identity, and so National Forest helped to create a logo that can be used to represent the company.


All work taken from - National Forest.

Sunday 2 November 2014

PPP3 - INSPIRATION

As part of the PPP module I decided to start creating regular blog posts documenting inspirational material discovered while going about my everyday activities. Anything that catches my eye or motivates my creativity in any way will be documented. I believe that by expanding and documenting my sources of inspiration I am exposed to will subsequently improve creativity and help to develop and inform my identity as a designer.

The image below displays a small section of an Indian style wall hanging that is currently hanging in my living room. The intricate details of the illustration and cohesive colour pallet helps to create an aesthetically engaging image in a style reminiscent of the continent in which it was created. 


Thursday 30 October 2014

PPP3 - TUTORIAL

Today we had group tutorials with John during which he talked about the specifics of the PPP module, the importance having a personality within the industry, making contacts and creating work that we love. Overall the session was very informative and inspirational. 


Notes taken during the session;



RELEVANT POINTS;
  • Start communicating with people we like and who inspire us, even if they are not based in the UK.
  • Start looking at things that intrigue us & could affect our future ambitions.
  • What interests us/inspires us - create weekly blog post.
  • Get in touch with students who have graduated from the course - what are they doing now? Where do they work? How did they get there.


Sunday 26 October 2014

PPP3 - MANCHETER PRINT FAIR & SCIENCE OF PLAY

Today, I traveled to Manchester with a group of friends from the college to visit two exhibitions; 'The Manchester Print Fair' and 'The science of play'. 



THE MANCHESTER PRINT FAIR - THE SCIENCE OF IMAGINATION

The Manchester Print Fair was based at the 'Peoples History Museum' around the open theme of 'The Science of Imagination'. The fair presented designers and illustrators from around England with the chance to display and sell their work while networking with students and members of the public.

Attending the fair was useful as it allowed me to network with designers and see a range of forward thinking, print based work that is relevant to both my personal interests and professional practice. 

Additionally, the fair was sponsored by G. F Smith and so I was able to get a free section of amazing paper.  




Some images from inside the event can be seen below;






There were also origami, screen print and letter press workshops at the fair, however, we could unfortunately not partake as the ques were big and we had to move on to the next exhibition.  




While walking round the stalls I collected a range of print collateral, most of which was business cards and promotional material for the designers and illustrators selling work there.

PRINT COLLATERAL COLLECTED;

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THE SCIENCE OF PLAY - EXHIBITION 

The Science of Play was based at 'Federation House' in central Manchester and tasked creative talent from around the city to explore the meaning and importance of play. The responses could utilize whatever media they felt appropriate as long as the final outcome was printed and A3 in size.

Attending the exhibition was useful as it allowed me to see a range of innovative, print based work from some of Manchesters finest creative studios and designers. Unfortunately, the exhibition was fairly empty, and so I did  not have the chance to meet any of the contributing designers. However, I was able to get the names of the creators of the pieces I found most inspirational.


Images from the exhibition can be seen below;




Print by OWT Creative;





Print by Si Scott;





Print by Mick Timpson;







Interactive piece by Mavis;