OUGD603. Extended Practice. Brief 2: FRESHWHIP SKATEBOARD DESIGN. OUTCOME & EVALUATION.

below is the final board design along with a couple of digital mock up to show the design in use.

i really enjoyed this brief as i felt it gave me a chance to develop the skills i possess and like to utilize. my sketching improved in line with the different things i drew. my understanding of shape and form progressed due to having to scale wholly different objects in line with each other and when laid out on the board. my consideration of colour was also tested as the brief stated full colour and so i had to consider how to illustrate shadow, detail, definition and realism using full colour in illustrator. this in turn developed my illustrator skills considerably, as the extensive task of rendering the design required the use of the pen tool. since i completed the project in only a couple of days (about 6hrs average per day) i feel as though i was really efficient in my process and proved that, with dedication, i can produce high quality work in short spaces of time.

i am really pleased with the outcome as i think it successfully answers the brief and meets the clients requirements/vision. it is a piece of design i would be happy to show people to visually explain my style and process. 

i think that while the inclusion of a simple background is just, next time i would attempt to improve it in terms of detail and contents. this would require a greater consideration for object clarity and how not to take away from the main objects. 

i showed the final design to the client and he was very pleased with it. because we had not discussed payment thus far, a mistake that i will not make again (next time i will establish costings clearly with the client prior to the project outset), i entered into conversation. he was unaware that he would have to pay for the design and explained that as a newly established company, he wouldn't be able to afford to pay me. i explained that the rate i was changing was a fraction of the real rate due to that same reason but he was still unable to pay. i accept responsibility for this confusion as we didn't establish the cost in the first place and so neither party was aware of the others position. out of a recognition for the struggle to set up a new business in a competitive market i made a further offer in the form of a few of my board designs printed and a couple of t shirts and he seemed to be ok with that. i didn't hear from him for a couple of weeks and so tried to make contact again. he told me that he had decided to use someone else's design for the first board and that he would no longer need my board design but to keep it incase such demand arose in the future. i was quite disgruntled but kept my emotions out of it and told him that was fine and that i would hold onto the design.

the experience has taught me a lot about designer/client relationships and the need for clarity in communication from the outset. i was a bit pissed off that he didn't choose my design and that id spent the time on it for him to decided last minute to use someone else's but this quickly subsided as i realised that this was not a professional attitude to evoke. i am still happy i got the chance to produce the design and really enjoyed the process/outcome. in the future i will be clearer to clients about costings and my prices so their is no reason for them be suprised when it is completed.

OUGD603. Extended Practice. Brief 2: FRESHWHIP SKATEBOARD DESIGN. DEVELOPMENT.

having chosen the image to base my sketch on i went straight into attempts to sketch the car. i chose to use a farrel & gold HB pencil because i think the brand make good, strong pencils and because the detail required was considerable and i needed defined strokes. for the pen sketches i used the 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 edding 1880 fine liners. the size range enabled me to add varied weight strokes and finer detail to the sketch.

i set up the image on screen for visual reference and began sketching. i started by trying to draw a sort of grid to maintain scale and quality of replication. this is not how i normally draw and it became quickly confusing.

the drawing was too sketchy and not true to the angles or scales of the car in the image. so i started again and this time simply began drawing. i started with a wheel and spent time to make it exact to the image in size and shape. this would then form my reference with which to construct the rest of the drawing. this method was much easier and produced better results.

i took note of how the different components were put together to make the whole car and tried to replicate this as best i could using the method of free hand sketching. i then went on to use tracing paper overlaid on the above sketch. using the fine liners i went on to free hand the line drawing that would make up the final illustration.

i used the finer point pens to then add the finer detail and definition to the car.

i then repeated the same process for the character which would be featured on top of the car illustration.

with the illustrations i intended to feature completed, it was then a case of scanning in the final two and using illustrator to add the rendering, finer detail, and colour. this consisted mainly of live tracing my illustrations and using the pen tool to create vectors to fit each image. i took the time to add the finer detail because when printed on a deck this would be apparent and add a greater aesthetic quality to the outcome.

since the two main objects contain so much detail, and because i didnt want to take away from this with a busy background, i decided a simple shape based background would do the design justice and house the detail effectively. the final outcome and project evaluation can be seen on a separate post in extended practice.

OUGD603. Extended Practice. Brief 2: FRESHWHIP SKATEBOARD DESIGN. RESEARCH.

although a predominantly self directed brief, i thought it would be useful to collect some visual research and inspiration. i also wanted to research into different types of rolls royce cars so i could choose the most appropriate model to illustrate.

i began by looking into existing board designs to understand what already exists.

paste magazine had a post of 25 best skateboard designs. i picked a few i thought illustrated the general graphic styles i wanted to produce. i took note of the use of space in each design and considered how line and stroke made it up (as this is what design considerations i attribute to myself). i like the use of negative space in the ones showing the bare board, however, because the client wanted full colour i wouldn't be able to employ this technique.

http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2014/09/25-of-the-best-skateboard-deck-designs.html

i then went onto route one online store to look at the selection of boards available for commercial purchase. since route one is a very popular web shop i thought this would be a good place to look to find out about board commerce and popularity in design. although these are secondary considerations and wont affect then design process, i thought it would be good to look into the market side. the line work in the top design is intricate enough to display detail but still works well when placed on a board.

http://www.routeone.co.uk/skateboards/decks/refine/limit/200/

from this i went to look into the different models of rolls royce i thought would be appropriate to include in the design. i first looked at modern versions of the car but this was not the style to incorporate. the client indicated that he would prefer a classic model and so this is what i looked into.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=classic+rolls+royce&safe=off&espv=2&biw=1920&bih=959&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=uCpiVK3rGo7fsAT3r4DYCw&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ

this visual research allowed me to become familiar with the main classic models out there. it was instantly clear to me that the models featuring the sweeping foot panel and spar wheel on the side were the most appropriate and fitting to the clients wishes, the company's style, and the design prospects. after a little more research i chose an image to base my sketch on which i thought fit the board/design best.

http://www.remarkablecars.com/main/rolls-royce/vintage-rolls-royce.html

the progression of design and final outcome can be found on a separate post in extended practice.

OUGD603. Extended Practice. Progress Crit.

on the 27th of october we had an informal progress crit in groups with our peers. we were allowed to talk about any or multiple of the briefs we were embarking on for extended practice. 

i decided to talk about the calligraphy publication brief as it was something i had been exploring the the previous few days. i explained the brief and my progression so far, along with my projections, and asked for their feedback.

- involve the different pens/tools used in the different practices - could include some sort of key or ledger to explain the different tools. 

- include a historical aspect to each section.

- make the publication personalised to the user - include name and info space, little tasks for the user to complete etc.

- include tear outs so that the user can practice on the move - could tie in with daily challenges or something.

- explore/research how to appropriately deconstruct the letterforms and calligraphic sequences so the user fully understands the process.

- use isometric grids.

- research the teaching/stroke method for each practice so that the user can learn in the most appropriate and best associated way.

- look at school hand writing books to see how writing is tough - good basis.

- include tracing paper sheets for each section so that the user can make multiple attempts on each one.

this was all really useful information and helped me to consider what form the publication might take.

OUGD603. Extended Practice. Tutorial/Crit with Danny.

on the 14th of october i met with danny in studio 4 for an informal crib concerning the progression of my extended practice briefs. i hadn't previously met danny but got on well with him and felt like i came away with some good ideas.

i started by explaining the climbing infographic brief which is a redo of the second year one. i showed him the blog posts of the final outcomes and he thought that what i had produced was good but not extensive enough. i explained that this was the reason for redoing it and he was encouraged by my enthusiasm and drive. he suggested:

- a digital platform to accompany the printed infographics. this would appease the modern day and make the data more accessible to climbers in the field.

- consider what i want to tell the audience - this should dictate the design formats the outcomes will take. 

- keep the infographics visual as bouldering is a visually based sport. consider using colour schemes appropriate to climbing paraphernalia.

we then went on to talk about my calligraphy publication brief and what my direction was. he told me about a radio station dedicated to talking about type. he told me to listen to the gottfried pott talk on type radio.
http://www.typeradio.org

- clarity in teaching is the key to success. the audiences understanding of the contents fully dictates the publications success. 

- involve a geographic separation of calligraphic practices into the publication for separation. it would also be good to include a historical aspect to the publication to give some background understanding and context. 



i think the crib was really useful and danny gave me some good ideas and visual contexts to consider. he put me onto some good artists and helped me hone in on the paths for the briefs discussed.

OUGD603. Extended Practice. DR. ME: LECTURE & DAY BRIEF. Brief

on the 20th of october a design studio duo from manchester, DR.ME, came in to talk to us about their practice, history, work, and to set us some briefs to be completed in the day.

Ryan and Mark started the studio after they were classmates at university on a graphic design course. they offer a range of services but are recognisable for their collage and hand crafted style. they gave us a lecture first on their history as individuals, as a studio, their work and styles and the things they like to do. i feel as though they were really relatable and down to earth and inspired me to get out and do more with the skills i have.

after the lecture we were partnered up and i was partnered with Melissa. the brief, split into two parts, was then explained and a copy given to us.

the brief:

i re wrote my own brief for the projects:

BA (Hons.) GRAPHIC DESIGN Level 6 Module Code: OUGD603 Module Title: Extended Practice Learning Outcomes: BRIEF TITLE: DR. ME DAY BRIEFS Brief: Brief 1: Music artist ‘Evian Christ’ has produced a mix, which they have named ‘Duga-3’ after the radio communication masts constructed in Russia in the Soviet era. The designer is required to develop and produce and original and relevant album cover for the mix that portrays both the context of the name and mix and the music itself. Brief 2: Odonis Odonis have a music event at Kraak Gallery in Manchester and they need a poster design to promote the event. They desire a poster relevant to their music and the event venue. Brief 3: Create a piece of artwork of your own choosing in any style or using any tools you want. Background: Brief 1: Duga-3 transmissions are 10hz tapping sounds produced by the transmissions masts and are included in the mix so the designer must include this consideration somehow. Brief 2: Odonis Odonis are a, as they describe themselves, an ‘Industrial Surf-Gaze’ band and produce original and individual music tailored to their specific fan base. Considerations: How the designer will include the Duga-3 transmission sound and concept How the designer will include the ethos and motives of the artist and the mix How the designer will encompass the musical style of Odonis Odonis and the venure being played at Mandatory Requirements: The Duga-3 mix album cover must be produced within a day The odonis odonis poster must include the relevant information as specified by the client The personally produced piece must be in the dimensions of 23cm/16cm Target Audience: Music lovers, in particular those who follow and see the artists in question Those who might be swayed to attend the events or listen to the mixes Tone of Voice: In line with the musical styles of the artists and the venues in question Deliverables: 1 album cover 1 poster design 1 piece of design in any form or style

OUGD603. Extended Practice. Brief Plan.

as part of the planning and organisation for our progression through the extended practice module, we were asked to write a brief plan. we were asked to submit a printed copy of the plan to be seen my the external examiner/the tutors. this plan will outline the perceived time scales for each brief with relation to research, design, and production time scales.

BA (hons) GRAPHIC DESIGN

OUGD603

THE PLAN

Name: JOSEPH HARRISON

Manifesto: 1. “IT’S ALL IN THE LINE...” ITS  IMPORTANT  TO  BE  AWARE  OF  THE  HAND’S  ABILITIES  -  BECOME  FAMILIAR  WITH  THE  EXTENTS  OF  YOUR  HAND-RENDERED  SKILLS. 2. “EVERYTHING IS INFLUENCE.” USE  YOUR  SENSES  TO  NOTICE  THE  THINGS  AROUND  YOU  -  ATTEMPT  TO  DERIVE  THE  COMMUNICATIVE  MESSAGE  FROM  YOUR  SURROUNDINGS. 3.”APPROPRIATION IS KEY.” RECOGNISE  THE  MATERIALS  AND  PROCESSES  AVAILABLE  TO  YOU  -  UNDERSTAND  YOUR  OPTIONS  AND  ALLOCATE  THEM  APPROPRIATELY.

Brief one (title): Fresh Whip Skateboard Co. Board Design.

Time frame: 2-3 days

Brief two (title): Totem Audio Brand & Promotional Design.

Time frame: 2-3 weeks

Brief three (title): Clothing Company Brand Identity & Apparel Design.

Time frame: 4-6 weeks.

Brief four (title): Caligraphy Publication Design & Production.

Time frame: 4-5 weeks

Brief five (title): Music Tour Branding & Promotion Design.

Time frame: 2-3 weeks

Brief six (title): Organic Food Co. Brand & Packaging Design.

Time frame: 3-4 weeks

Brief seven (title): Bouldering Info-graphic Pack Design.

Time frame: 3-4 weeks

Brief eight (title): Tattoo Festival Brand & Promotion Design.

Time frame: 3-4 weeks

i tried to be liberal with my time scales as i feel that its better to over estimate and be better prepared for more lengthy aspects of brief completion.