10 statements that summarise my research that identifies my positioning as a graphic designer.
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I am a multidisciplinary designer with a passion for conceptual design solutions for both international corporate brands to small scale independent clients.
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Although at the moment I want to specialise in certain areas such as editorial design and typography, I don't exactly want to restrict my design practice, therefore I challenge each brief as an individual problem to develop a solution accordingly.
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I feel that not only have I improved a lot in my design practice, I've also picked up new skills that has introduced me to areas of design that I have not previous considered. Currently my skills focus around: typography, editorial design and conceptual thinking. Areas I would like to venture into more include: branding/ identity, web design and motion graphics. I am confident with using and learning to use new design software as a source of visualising and developing my ideas.
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I enjoy working independently and collaboratively as proven from some of the briefs and my most recent collaborative side project on Christmas postcards. I feel comfortable managing my own work, aswell as overlooking and managing group work. In the future, I would like to collaborate with other creatives such as illustrators and photographers. As experienced from my short internship in HK magazine last summer, I feel confident that I can also work under a creative director as well as along side a small team of designers.
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Although I have limited industry experience, I think that a small - medium sized design studio that deals with client based work would be the most ideal first step after this course. I want to work with a team of designers and be more involved while building my own contacts for the future, working on client based work would mean that I can get involved with a variety of work that could range from corporate identity to motion graphics for a tv ident.
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Currently, I am still in the process of deciding on what I'd like to specialise in, there I do not have a specific market group to target. Although I like to work with and collaborate with a range of different clients. I feel that a successful design solution between the client and the designer requires a close relationship, therefore my potential clients will be restricted to be within the country that I'll be working at.
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I don't really like long term commitments therefore location wise, I'd like to try out as many different places as possible, in which case I feel that internships would be the way forward in achieving this. Areas of interest at the moment include major cities such as Berlin, Hong Kong, Tokyo, New York City and London. Travelling and working in different places for short periods of time would offer the advantage of building a relationship with other designers aswell as a range of other potential clients.
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I am aware that design is an extremely competitive industry, therefore I will need to establish myself as a unique designer. I do not want to be associated with a particular style as this is not how I want to work. More importantly, I want to promote myself as a designer who would provide a professional design practice towards creating relevant design solution while building an understanding and relationship of the client's needs.
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As it is a competitive industry, I will need to let the design world know who I am and what I do as a designer. Aswell as promoting myself through an online portfolio, gaining experience from different companies through internships and acquiring contacts is essential. I would like to collaborate more with other creatives towards hosting an exhibition in the future, as this would be a good method of attracting potential clients and designers in the future.
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Ideally, I would like to work in a range of design studios of different locations and sizes before venturing into a freelance designer or even work collaboratively with a couple of other creatives. My ultimate aim is to work my way towards creative directing, which would require years of experience before I can even start thinking about this.
Sunday 13 December 2009
Tuesday 1 December 2009
TASK 04://
Using the SWOT analysis to compare two Leeds based design studios; B&W and The Consult judging from their websites. I have chosen to compare these two as they share a few similarities such as their location and the quality of work that is evident from their website. Both studios are also ideal places, that I can see myself working for in relation to their philosophy, work showcased and the type of client based work they are involved in.
B&W studio - Leeds
Strengths://
The recently updated website for B&W studio has a rather simple but interesting interface which incorporates a column of links on the right of the page, which flows throughout the site. In terms of the visual appeal, users are introduced to the site with a bold black & white homepage containing the initial links and a brief description of what they do accompanied by their full address. The layout is well considered, with all the work categorised into different project links, possibly in order of production, which makes it easy for people who view the site regularly for updates. Throughout the site, only black and white is used to reflect the brand name, with exceptions for the work itself which are showcased in full colour, this gives the site a consistent look throughout and doesn't attract any attention away from the work.
In terms of interaction and functionality, the whole site is categorised into several clear sections; work, clients, awards and contact information. Each project is followed by the title of the brief/ project, the type of work involved eg: branding, packaging etc, the year produced and anything that needs to be credited such as external photographers, illustrators etc, offering potential clients a brief idea of the work they do and their concepts behind each project. The photos of the work itself has been taken very professionally with a well lit back drop and a range of different angles to ensure that the stock and production quality is captured. The site doesn't follow a scrolling system, where you can literally scroll down on the site. In fact users are required to click on each project title link to view a piece of work, although this might be more time consuming it shows more appreciation for each project.
There is a wide selection of work displayed on the site ranging from branding to editorial designs. Majority of the work on the site are client based work, which range from local builders to universities around the UK, demonstrating that they are quite versatile where they can adapt good design to a range of areas and produce work of a variety of formats. They've also dedicated a section on the lists of clients and awards won over the years. I think this is incredibly important for a studio, as this shows that they're being recognised for their achievements. For a client, this instantly builds more trust, which can make a difference from offering them a project or not.
As a whole, the site is well designed and thought out, the content is appropriate and the overall site gives a good impression for the brand and offers clients/ viewers a positive idea of who/ what B&W studio is about.
Weaknesses://
I can't really fault the site that I'm seeing really, only few areas that I would reconsider would be to have all the work under one single 'Projects' link. I'm not sure why there are 3 separate links, but would be more efficient to have them all under one heading as it can sometimes become quite confusing trying to navigate back to a piece you've seen before. Another point would be to include more information about the scale of the studio and generally more information about them as a design studio. They might have limited this deliberately to allow the work to speak for itself, but as a designer and client's point of view, I would like to know more about them, especially if i'm considering commissioning them a project.
The Consult - Leeds
Strenghts://
The Consult's homepage contains a clean layout displaying the latest news/ work produced with several links at the top leading to the different parts of the site. I have been following both websites for a while now and I've always found that homepage both worked really work. Now looking at the Consult's homepage with a more critical eye, I do feel that it has an advantage by showing some of the latest work/ news as it instantly gives viewers an impression that they're an active and current design studio.
The site follows a consistent layout throughout, for example the top section of the site is constantly reserved for the links etc. A efficient grid format is used to ensure that the contents are displayed effectively. Similar to B&W and many other design websites, the background and text of the site itself are quite simple in terms of the type and use of colour to reduce any attention away from the work itself. Each piece of work is displayed accompanied by the title of the project, brief description of the project, client, solution and any extra notes about the final resolve.
The site is essentially designed with the clients in mind, therefore the work needs to be easily accessible and easy to understand navigate around. The work is categorised by 'discipline' and 'sector', which makes it easy when clients are in search for a particular type of work to sample. The filter option also allows them to list the different disciplines that they offer.
I think the two most important parts of a design studio's website is the design of the site itself and the work they have to backup the site. The Consult definitely seem to have both, with a strong selection of work showcased on the site, their work demonstrate high quality design solutions for both print and digital production and a good understanding and experience with client based work as shown from the ever growing list of clients they have worked with. The site contains some brief information about The Consult as a design studio, ranging from their philosophy to the awards they have been rewarded, which makes them more approachable and trustworthy. They've also included a 'testimonial' section which displays the positive feedback left by their clients. Something that I rarely see in other design websites, but definitely something to consider for myself as it shows that they're professional in achieving successful design solutions while sustaining a good relationship with their clients.
Weaknesses://
Both the function and aesthetics of the site seem to represent them well, showing a good range of work and covering the essential information that a client or designer would require. Again, there are minimal areas that I would criticise on. In comparison to B&W, The Consult seem to have more information about the studio itself which was what seemed to be missing in the B&W site. I think the navigation around the site is slightly more straight forward and user friendly with The Consult especially as the work was categorised into different disciplines.
B&W studio - Leeds
Strengths://
The recently updated website for B&W studio has a rather simple but interesting interface which incorporates a column of links on the right of the page, which flows throughout the site. In terms of the visual appeal, users are introduced to the site with a bold black & white homepage containing the initial links and a brief description of what they do accompanied by their full address. The layout is well considered, with all the work categorised into different project links, possibly in order of production, which makes it easy for people who view the site regularly for updates. Throughout the site, only black and white is used to reflect the brand name, with exceptions for the work itself which are showcased in full colour, this gives the site a consistent look throughout and doesn't attract any attention away from the work.
In terms of interaction and functionality, the whole site is categorised into several clear sections; work, clients, awards and contact information. Each project is followed by the title of the brief/ project, the type of work involved eg: branding, packaging etc, the year produced and anything that needs to be credited such as external photographers, illustrators etc, offering potential clients a brief idea of the work they do and their concepts behind each project. The photos of the work itself has been taken very professionally with a well lit back drop and a range of different angles to ensure that the stock and production quality is captured. The site doesn't follow a scrolling system, where you can literally scroll down on the site. In fact users are required to click on each project title link to view a piece of work, although this might be more time consuming it shows more appreciation for each project.
There is a wide selection of work displayed on the site ranging from branding to editorial designs. Majority of the work on the site are client based work, which range from local builders to universities around the UK, demonstrating that they are quite versatile where they can adapt good design to a range of areas and produce work of a variety of formats. They've also dedicated a section on the lists of clients and awards won over the years. I think this is incredibly important for a studio, as this shows that they're being recognised for their achievements. For a client, this instantly builds more trust, which can make a difference from offering them a project or not.
As a whole, the site is well designed and thought out, the content is appropriate and the overall site gives a good impression for the brand and offers clients/ viewers a positive idea of who/ what B&W studio is about.
Weaknesses://
I can't really fault the site that I'm seeing really, only few areas that I would reconsider would be to have all the work under one single 'Projects' link. I'm not sure why there are 3 separate links, but would be more efficient to have them all under one heading as it can sometimes become quite confusing trying to navigate back to a piece you've seen before. Another point would be to include more information about the scale of the studio and generally more information about them as a design studio. They might have limited this deliberately to allow the work to speak for itself, but as a designer and client's point of view, I would like to know more about them, especially if i'm considering commissioning them a project.
The Consult - Leeds
Strenghts://
The Consult's homepage contains a clean layout displaying the latest news/ work produced with several links at the top leading to the different parts of the site. I have been following both websites for a while now and I've always found that homepage both worked really work. Now looking at the Consult's homepage with a more critical eye, I do feel that it has an advantage by showing some of the latest work/ news as it instantly gives viewers an impression that they're an active and current design studio.
The site follows a consistent layout throughout, for example the top section of the site is constantly reserved for the links etc. A efficient grid format is used to ensure that the contents are displayed effectively. Similar to B&W and many other design websites, the background and text of the site itself are quite simple in terms of the type and use of colour to reduce any attention away from the work itself. Each piece of work is displayed accompanied by the title of the project, brief description of the project, client, solution and any extra notes about the final resolve.
The site is essentially designed with the clients in mind, therefore the work needs to be easily accessible and easy to understand navigate around. The work is categorised by 'discipline' and 'sector', which makes it easy when clients are in search for a particular type of work to sample. The filter option also allows them to list the different disciplines that they offer.
I think the two most important parts of a design studio's website is the design of the site itself and the work they have to backup the site. The Consult definitely seem to have both, with a strong selection of work showcased on the site, their work demonstrate high quality design solutions for both print and digital production and a good understanding and experience with client based work as shown from the ever growing list of clients they have worked with. The site contains some brief information about The Consult as a design studio, ranging from their philosophy to the awards they have been rewarded, which makes them more approachable and trustworthy. They've also included a 'testimonial' section which displays the positive feedback left by their clients. Something that I rarely see in other design websites, but definitely something to consider for myself as it shows that they're professional in achieving successful design solutions while sustaining a good relationship with their clients.
Weaknesses://
Both the function and aesthetics of the site seem to represent them well, showing a good range of work and covering the essential information that a client or designer would require. Again, there are minimal areas that I would criticise on. In comparison to B&W, The Consult seem to have more information about the studio itself which was what seemed to be missing in the B&W site. I think the navigation around the site is slightly more straight forward and user friendly with The Consult especially as the work was categorised into different disciplines.
Wednesday 11 November 2009
TASK 03://
How will I promote myself – what do they want to hear?
As I leave the college as a graphic designer to pursue either a freelance career or go to work in design studios, I will need to promote myself and let the world know who I am and what I do. In terms of personal selling, I will continue to get in contact with businesses of interest to build a relationship with potential clients. Along with this, our end of year show would form the basis of our introduction as designers to the public as it will be the first official showcase of what I do, practicing designers and businessmen will be around in search for potential new designers. Direct marketing would be essential in inviting designers and potential business people to attend the show, although this can be time consuming and expensive in terms of gathering the appropriate contacts and getting the invites produced and delivered, this form of promotion is highly effective as it delivers a more personal message and build a stronger relationship.
Looking at the end of year show as a form of directing selling; this is an advantage as our work will be available for discussion and opportunities can be negotiates with people who are interested in it. We are also able to speak to existing designers and business people, even if we don't get offered jobs, we can make an impression, build a relationship for potential future opportunities. There is no doubt that this method of promotion is one of the most important ones in terms of placing ourselves in the design map.
As well as getting in contact with general businesses of interest, building strong public relations would help promote myself towards a wide audience at a low cost. These include charity work or supporting local small business in the area. Setting up communal events, such as arts fairs, small competitions etc. This form or promotion would be credible and helps build relationships and trust with local people. The only downside of this would mean that alot of time will have to be spent on this and targeting the wrong client group can result to negative publicity.
When it comes to advertising, I really get irritated by being bombarded by banners on websites and leaflets, I find that not only does this clutter space and waste paper, but it can do the reverse and give the wrong impression to people. Therefore advertising requires consideration of the target audience, location and format. Creating the branding / identity material for myself as a designer would be a good start, things like a business card would become useful especially when dealing with potential clients etc. I personally wouldn't use magazine/ newspaper advertising as I think that the target audience would be rather vague, advertising in creative magazines like Creative Review would be ideal but this is extremely expensive. Therefore, I will use the internet as a form of advertising, the running costs are fairly low, and with the right networking, my work is potentially available globally. Another advantage of advertising through a website means that possible clients can view my work, and I can use this a form of a portfolio.
Although I may not be directly selling products in a sense, I will be providing a design service which I can offer sales promotions. I would avoid things like buy one get one free offers as I find that this can devalue your practice and give a wrong impression, however offering slightly more for the same price can give the impression that the client's are getting more for the same price.
On top of all the promotional material, the place of marketing is also an essential part of the success of your business.
As I leave the college as a graphic designer to pursue either a freelance career or go to work in design studios, I will need to promote myself and let the world know who I am and what I do. In terms of personal selling, I will continue to get in contact with businesses of interest to build a relationship with potential clients. Along with this, our end of year show would form the basis of our introduction as designers to the public as it will be the first official showcase of what I do, practicing designers and businessmen will be around in search for potential new designers. Direct marketing would be essential in inviting designers and potential business people to attend the show, although this can be time consuming and expensive in terms of gathering the appropriate contacts and getting the invites produced and delivered, this form of promotion is highly effective as it delivers a more personal message and build a stronger relationship.
Looking at the end of year show as a form of directing selling; this is an advantage as our work will be available for discussion and opportunities can be negotiates with people who are interested in it. We are also able to speak to existing designers and business people, even if we don't get offered jobs, we can make an impression, build a relationship for potential future opportunities. There is no doubt that this method of promotion is one of the most important ones in terms of placing ourselves in the design map.
As well as getting in contact with general businesses of interest, building strong public relations would help promote myself towards a wide audience at a low cost. These include charity work or supporting local small business in the area. Setting up communal events, such as arts fairs, small competitions etc. This form or promotion would be credible and helps build relationships and trust with local people. The only downside of this would mean that alot of time will have to be spent on this and targeting the wrong client group can result to negative publicity.
When it comes to advertising, I really get irritated by being bombarded by banners on websites and leaflets, I find that not only does this clutter space and waste paper, but it can do the reverse and give the wrong impression to people. Therefore advertising requires consideration of the target audience, location and format. Creating the branding / identity material for myself as a designer would be a good start, things like a business card would become useful especially when dealing with potential clients etc. I personally wouldn't use magazine/ newspaper advertising as I think that the target audience would be rather vague, advertising in creative magazines like Creative Review would be ideal but this is extremely expensive. Therefore, I will use the internet as a form of advertising, the running costs are fairly low, and with the right networking, my work is potentially available globally. Another advantage of advertising through a website means that possible clients can view my work, and I can use this a form of a portfolio.
Although I may not be directly selling products in a sense, I will be providing a design service which I can offer sales promotions. I would avoid things like buy one get one free offers as I find that this can devalue your practice and give a wrong impression, however offering slightly more for the same price can give the impression that the client's are getting more for the same price.
On top of all the promotional material, the place of marketing is also an essential part of the success of your business.
Saturday 31 October 2009
TASK 02://
A list of client groups that use graphic design in their products and services://
- Retail, indoor / outdoor signage/ literature,
- Corporate, large businesses that require graphic design to help establish their 'brand' / identity to communicate more effectively, rebranding opportunities / promotion aswell as potential design work for new/ upcoming products that they might require packaging and other services for.
- The music industry require a wide range of graphic design services ranging from music label branding to the packaging and music video to merchandise / promotion.
- Product /packaging for everything from furniture to fruit & vegetables?
- Entertainment - Games / tv
- Literature/ editorial - Magazines, books, publishers.
- Small / medium sized businesses ranging from catering, salon and local charities to small scaled shops who require graphic design services ranging from branding to their literature, logo design to expanding and promoting through the use of the internet.
- Fashion - branding/ identity of fashion label, advertising, packaging and ultimately the link to retail design.
Currently I have ambitions to work in editorial design once I graduate, therefore literature based client groups like book and magazines would be a place to start. 4 examples of this client group are://
Local :/ No - Title
National :/ Dazed & Confused
European :/ Vice
Transnational :/ IdN
Politics://
The number of magazines out there are constantly increasing and there is tough competition in every genre of magazines as it is already, which reflects the importants of the magazines philosophy to help differentiate it from the rest. Sustainability is becoming a major issue, for publishers who distribute thousands of copies a month, it is in their own interest to consider alternative renewable resource to print and distribute their magazines with. One alternative is the use of ebooks and online publications such as the ones from issuu.com , which saves distributing and printing but lacks the quality and enjoyment of actually having a physical magazine.
Economic://
The economic factors of this client group varies depending on the size of the publisher, their target audience for each specific publication and the distribution quantity, which is ultimately reflected in it's budget. The pricing of a publication is crucial, especially if its a monthly / weekly magazine, this can sometimes put people off buying if it's too expensive as their is a sense of commitment once you buy one volume. The target audience is also another factor to consider, depending on the target audience, thorough research is essential to determine the price range. In a time where the digital format is becoming more prominent, publishers might have to reconsider their pricing to stay in competition with other publications. For European and particularly transnational publishers, the exchange rates and can have a huge price difference from once country to another.
Society://
Magazines themselves are what shapes society along with popular culture through tv and the internet, delivering the latest trends and news. However, this does not mean that publishers can just throw anything into a magazine. Careful consideration towards what their consumers demand, target audience they would like to attract would affect the content and the whole identity of a publication. Having a strong philosophy and promoting an ethical approach effects the magazine's brand and would most likely attract a specific audience that would share a similar way of thinking.
Technological://
As technology advances, there will potentially be newer, more efficient ways of manufacturing that can be considered for small and large scale publications. For a publisher, new economical inks and renewable stock can have an effect on the price of the magazine itself. Again, going back to the digital technology, many magazines are now being made available online to expand it's readership and also an alternative for smaller publishers/ magazines to start off and gain an online presence at a relatively low price.
Using the segmentation analysis to define who my desired clients could be://
Demographics://
20 - 70
Professional
Appreciates design
Geographic factors://
Local - Small businesses around Peterborough, where I would possibly return to after graduation, this would act as a start, gaining small/ medium sized briefs locally where I can work closely with the client while gaining some freelance experience.
National - London, the city I aspire to work at as it is well connected in the centre of everything. Commuting is an option as I would save money by not living in London but still having the advantage of working there.
European - Berlin, Oslo, Copenhagen, Paris
Transnational - Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Tokyo, New York
Psychology://
Appreciates design
Strivers
Informed
Willing to take risks
Ethical
Loyal
Ambitious
Passionate
Behaviour://
- Retail, indoor / outdoor signage/ literature,
- Corporate, large businesses that require graphic design to help establish their 'brand' / identity to communicate more effectively, rebranding opportunities / promotion aswell as potential design work for new/ upcoming products that they might require packaging and other services for.
- The music industry require a wide range of graphic design services ranging from music label branding to the packaging and music video to merchandise / promotion.
- Product /packaging for everything from furniture to fruit & vegetables?
- Entertainment - Games / tv
- Literature/ editorial - Magazines, books, publishers.
- Small / medium sized businesses ranging from catering, salon and local charities to small scaled shops who require graphic design services ranging from branding to their literature, logo design to expanding and promoting through the use of the internet.
- Fashion - branding/ identity of fashion label, advertising, packaging and ultimately the link to retail design.
Currently I have ambitions to work in editorial design once I graduate, therefore literature based client groups like book and magazines would be a place to start. 4 examples of this client group are://
Local :/ No - Title
National :/ Dazed & Confused
European :/ Vice
Transnational :/ IdN
Politics://
The number of magazines out there are constantly increasing and there is tough competition in every genre of magazines as it is already, which reflects the importants of the magazines philosophy to help differentiate it from the rest. Sustainability is becoming a major issue, for publishers who distribute thousands of copies a month, it is in their own interest to consider alternative renewable resource to print and distribute their magazines with. One alternative is the use of ebooks and online publications such as the ones from issuu.com , which saves distributing and printing but lacks the quality and enjoyment of actually having a physical magazine.
Economic://
The economic factors of this client group varies depending on the size of the publisher, their target audience for each specific publication and the distribution quantity, which is ultimately reflected in it's budget. The pricing of a publication is crucial, especially if its a monthly / weekly magazine, this can sometimes put people off buying if it's too expensive as their is a sense of commitment once you buy one volume. The target audience is also another factor to consider, depending on the target audience, thorough research is essential to determine the price range. In a time where the digital format is becoming more prominent, publishers might have to reconsider their pricing to stay in competition with other publications. For European and particularly transnational publishers, the exchange rates and can have a huge price difference from once country to another.
Society://
Magazines themselves are what shapes society along with popular culture through tv and the internet, delivering the latest trends and news. However, this does not mean that publishers can just throw anything into a magazine. Careful consideration towards what their consumers demand, target audience they would like to attract would affect the content and the whole identity of a publication. Having a strong philosophy and promoting an ethical approach effects the magazine's brand and would most likely attract a specific audience that would share a similar way of thinking.
Technological://
As technology advances, there will potentially be newer, more efficient ways of manufacturing that can be considered for small and large scale publications. For a publisher, new economical inks and renewable stock can have an effect on the price of the magazine itself. Again, going back to the digital technology, many magazines are now being made available online to expand it's readership and also an alternative for smaller publishers/ magazines to start off and gain an online presence at a relatively low price.
Using the segmentation analysis to define who my desired clients could be://
Demographics://
20 - 70
Professional
Appreciates design
Geographic factors://
Local - Small businesses around Peterborough, where I would possibly return to after graduation, this would act as a start, gaining small/ medium sized briefs locally where I can work closely with the client while gaining some freelance experience.
National - London, the city I aspire to work at as it is well connected in the centre of everything. Commuting is an option as I would save money by not living in London but still having the advantage of working there.
European - Berlin, Oslo, Copenhagen, Paris
Transnational - Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Tokyo, New York
Psychology://
Appreciates design
Strivers
Informed
Willing to take risks
Ethical
Loyal
Ambitious
Passionate
Behaviour://
Wednesday 28 October 2009
TASK 01 - Where do I stand://
What skills do I have?
As a designer going through my 2nd year of my degree, I feel that I've been developing a range of skills and qualities, that is helping me to define and pin point who I am and how I work as an individual and collaboratively as a Graphic Designer. I have a good knowledge and experience with a range of software, which has helped utilize and resolve my ideas, without allowing it to take over my work process and the way my ideas develop. As experienced from the past and particularly during the 1st year, my skills as a designer have been tested with numerous projects, which has helped carve who I am at the moment and the range of work I have produced have certainly reflected this. I don't really have a particular 'style' to my work because I feel that it restricts what you do and ultimately makes your work rather predictable as you're working towards what is expected of you already. Also, I feel that I'm still in the process of exploring different specialist areas of graphic design and have yet to define what my main field is. The way I interpret myself as a designer is the way I work and the way I challenge a brief to utilize a resolution. I am comfortable working independently, I know where my interests lie and where I want to be as well as working collaboratively with small teams, I'm vocal when it comes to pitching and communicating my ideas and as a visual learner, I find it easy to talk about ideas and offer constructive feedback. My main interests in graphic design often jump from one to another, proving that I have yet to identify my main specialist area. However I do know that the areas that I have grown a huge interest and almost obsession in include: editorial design, typography, book designs, packaging design and info graphics, while still continueing with my interest in photography. Outside college, I took part in a 3 weeks internship at Hong Kong based HK magazine as one of my first industry experience, which has helped realize my interest in the above.
Who needs them?
From current course work and the little industry experience I have, I feel that my practice as a designer would fit well in a small design studio that takes in commisioned work. I'd choose this over an in house design studio as I believe that a successful team would only require a small focused team as apposed to huge teams of people who would only deal with a small part of a brief each. I would aimed to work in a small studio with individuals who carry different specialist fields, where we can easily feed off each other's knowledge and collaborate. Aswell as offering less corperate orientated work, this approach would hopefully offer me the freedom learn from other people in the industry, gathered my own contacts, which would hopefully lead me into a freelance practice in the future.
In reflection to all of the above, I feel that I should conclude with the process of the 4 P's://
Product
typography, editorial, identity/ branding, promotion material, packaging, exhibition work + genereal print based design.
Place
Based in the south of England and would like to focus in London. Also a Hong Kong citizen so potential of moving there to gain work experience.
Promotion
Print based, ethical aware design strategy with established branding/ identity by the time I graduate.
Price
"Will come back to this one - "
As a designer going through my 2nd year of my degree, I feel that I've been developing a range of skills and qualities, that is helping me to define and pin point who I am and how I work as an individual and collaboratively as a Graphic Designer. I have a good knowledge and experience with a range of software, which has helped utilize and resolve my ideas, without allowing it to take over my work process and the way my ideas develop. As experienced from the past and particularly during the 1st year, my skills as a designer have been tested with numerous projects, which has helped carve who I am at the moment and the range of work I have produced have certainly reflected this. I don't really have a particular 'style' to my work because I feel that it restricts what you do and ultimately makes your work rather predictable as you're working towards what is expected of you already. Also, I feel that I'm still in the process of exploring different specialist areas of graphic design and have yet to define what my main field is. The way I interpret myself as a designer is the way I work and the way I challenge a brief to utilize a resolution. I am comfortable working independently, I know where my interests lie and where I want to be as well as working collaboratively with small teams, I'm vocal when it comes to pitching and communicating my ideas and as a visual learner, I find it easy to talk about ideas and offer constructive feedback. My main interests in graphic design often jump from one to another, proving that I have yet to identify my main specialist area. However I do know that the areas that I have grown a huge interest and almost obsession in include: editorial design, typography, book designs, packaging design and info graphics, while still continueing with my interest in photography. Outside college, I took part in a 3 weeks internship at Hong Kong based HK magazine as one of my first industry experience, which has helped realize my interest in the above.
Who needs them?
From current course work and the little industry experience I have, I feel that my practice as a designer would fit well in a small design studio that takes in commisioned work. I'd choose this over an in house design studio as I believe that a successful team would only require a small focused team as apposed to huge teams of people who would only deal with a small part of a brief each. I would aimed to work in a small studio with individuals who carry different specialist fields, where we can easily feed off each other's knowledge and collaborate. Aswell as offering less corperate orientated work, this approach would hopefully offer me the freedom learn from other people in the industry, gathered my own contacts, which would hopefully lead me into a freelance practice in the future.
In reflection to all of the above, I feel that I should conclude with the process of the 4 P's://
Product
typography, editorial, identity/ branding, promotion material, packaging, exhibition work + genereal print based design.
Place
Based in the south of England and would like to focus in London. Also a Hong Kong citizen so potential of moving there to gain work experience.
Promotion
Print based, ethical aware design strategy with established branding/ identity by the time I graduate.
Price
"Will come back to this one - "
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