OUGD502 Berlin Trip Plan

Berlin Trip Plan:

Dates: 27/02/2017 to 02/03/2017

Outward:
Depart / Manchester Airport
12:05
27/02/2017

Land / Berlin Schonefeld Airport
15:00
27/02/2017

Return:
Depart / Berlin Schonefeld Airport
10:40
02/03/2017

Land / Manchester Airport
11:40
02/03/2017

Accomodation:
Generator Hostel
Storkower Strasse 1
60.10407,
Berlin

Things to do:

Bauhaus Museum

The Bauhaus school of design, which was founded in Berlin itself in 1919 by Walter Gropius. The design ideas fostered by the pre-WWII era school covered architecture, visual design and industrial design. Bauhaus has made an undoubtable contribution to the field of graphic design and you can see exhibits of how it all began here with sights like László Maholy-Nagy’s early poster designs and Paul Klee’s colour theories. I am really interested to see the building itself as it seems like a really interesting piece of architecture. I also want to broaden my knowledge and learn more context and history within graphic design.

Buchstaben Museum

The only museum worldwide entirely dedicated to typography outside of its original context. The collection is of soon-to-be lost or fading signage and comes from a variety of cultures. Each example includes the name of the fonts used and their original locations. I think this will be a really inspiring place to see the different ways that type can be used as well as this informing my own practice.

Mauerpark & East Side Gallery

Mauerpark is a public linear park in Berlin's Prenzlauer Berg district. The name translates to "Wall Park", referring to its status as a former part of the Berlin Wall and its Death Strip. Art covers the wall from murals to graffiti. Multiple generations of artistry that has come to represent freedom and unity in this previously divided capital.

EPS51

A graphic design studio developing visual concepts with a strong focus on typography and bilingual design. Their professional expertise ranges from developing brands, establishing visual identities and conceptualising online presences to editing and designing books as well as organising cultural events. They have worked on numerous intercultural projects over the past years, regularly take part in exhibitions, give lectures and hold workshops.

OUGD502 Studio Brief 02 - Possible Contacts - Robot Food

Robot Food:

Robot Food are a branding agency based in Leeds, they are determined and passionate and like to tell the truth of a brand in the most compelling way possible. Detail is important, they like to take the process with care as they believe that every element counts in making a successful brand.

Their services:
- Brand audits
- Brand strategy workshops & blueprints
- Brand & product naming
- Brand tone of voice and copywriting
- New product development
- Branding
- Packaging design
- Art direction
- Packaging structure
- Mock ups & visualisation
- Artwork production
- Advertising
- POS
- Web & digital
- Brand guidelines and guardianship

RF are skilled in many areas and seem to have a strong service that can provide the best for their clients.

They really take pride in their work and build brands which values are aligned with their own.

Their values:
- We’re fiercely independent.
- We never take a brief at face value.
- We’re not afraid to ask questions.
- We’re challenging, in a good way.
- We champion authenticity.
- We encourage personal expression. 
- We employ on fit and ambition.
- We’re not controversial or contrived.
- We let our work do the talking.
- We work with people we get on with and believe in.
- We treat people how we like to be treated.
- We value our time and have a good work/life balance.

I think it is really important to have values as it allows them as designers to stay true to who they are and what they believe in. It is really inspiring to see this because it gives them personality and intrigue, it seems less corporate and inspires creativity.

They care more about whether the client is happy rather than winning awards.

Brands they've worked with:

Work:

Electric Ink - Tattoo care
I really like this project, the strong illustrations make it extremely eye-catching and work cohesively with the product. They collaborated to produce this, and I think that really highlights how successful collaboration can be. 

Naughty but Rice
Bright bold pattern flashing through a nice clean sleeve creates intrigue and hints at the mischievous nature of the product.

Roots & Bulbs
A nice simple, clean branding and identity design that really helped to emphasise the whole organic feel of it.

Cadburys Mini Rolls
Engaging type that works with the product well, such as incorporating the apostrophe and the curved letterforms. 

I am really interested in this design studio, the work that they do is always bright and fun. Their work is also consistently really strong which shows the high level of professionalism. Im going to send them an email to see if I can look round their studio and hopefully do an interview with someone working there.

Email:

Hello!

I have recently come across your studio and I love the work that you do, it is bright, bold and communicates each brand perfectly (my particular fav is the 'Naughty but Rice', I love the engaging pop arty illustrations that really make it stand out). Your values also resonate with me about working with people and on projects that you agree with, I think its important to stay true to yourself and what you believe in. 

Currently I am in my second year studying Graphic Design at Leeds College of Art, and I wanted to know what its like out there in the real world of design. My particular interest is within packaging design and the work at your studio is exceptional and something that I really admire! Is there any chance I would be able to come and have a look round to better understand what a real studio environment is like, as well as the exciting work that you do. 

I am also interested to learn about an individuals experience working at Robot Food, and how they got into the industry, my hope is to put this together into a publication that will give others currently in study a better understanding of the journey into the world of design.

Regards,


Georgina 

OUGD502 The Interview (Lecture)

The Interview (Lecture):

What is the purpose of an interview?
To record a beneficial and informative interview with a person of my choice. To arrange, format, construct and conduct a meeting that will both inform and enhance my interpersonal skills in a professional manner.

What do I want out of it?
I want to gain more confidence talking to different professionals so that I have more of a drive to ask for help/advice or even to collaborate. I want to understand someones personal journey so that I can learn from them and apply it in my own way to help me develop and grow. I also want to know more about the real world of design so that I can prepare myself for what is to come once I have finished my degree.

Step 1:
Contact my interviewee and give them a reason for my contact and WHY I chose them in particular. I CAN say that it is a college requirement BUT I must explain the reason they were my particular choice.

Step 2:
Contact my interviewee and arrange a mutual method of connection, in person, Skype, email etc.

Preparation:
Make a list of what I want to get out of the interview and how beneficial it can be for my practice and something that I can produce a tangible outcome, in print or other medium from the interview.

Questions:
- INTRODUCING
'Why did you...?' or 'Can you tell me about...?'
Through these questions I introduce the topic.

- FOLLOW UP
Through these I can elaborate on their initial answer.
'What did you mean...?' or 'Can you give more detail...?'

- PROBING
I can employ direct questioning to follow up what has been said and to get more detail.
'Do you have any examples?' or 'Could you say more about...?'

- SPECIFYING
'What happened when you said that?' or 'What did he say next?'

- DIRECT
Questions with a yes or no answer are direct questions.
I might want to leave these questions until the end so I don't lead the interviewee to answer a certain way.

- INDIRECT
I can ask these to get the interviewee's true opinion.

- STRUCTURING
These move the interview on to the next subject. 
For example, 'Moving on to...'

- INTERPRETING
'Do you meant that...?' or ' Is it correct that...?'

1. Start slow, safe and personal.
Begin with a question that focuses on the person and not the topic at hand, such as: 'Where did you grow up,' or 'What was your first job out of college?' First off, you relax your subject and you humanise the interaction. This relaxes the atmosphere, starts the conversation on safe ground, and let's you get a sense of the where your subject is coming from. Second, I might get a surprisingly good story.

2. Coax, don't hammer.
My audience is too sophisticated and businesslike for complexities, the Post Modernist questions, their feeling on life after death?
The up-close, but soft style that coaxes revealing newsworthy, useful answers.

3. Make some questions open ended.
All interviews require you to ask specific questions that get answered with narrow data points.
'What was your last job title?'
The most interesting responses can come from open-ended questions, such as, 'What is your vision for your organisation five years from today?' or 'Do you worry about any unintended consequences from what you are trying to accomplish?'

4. Ask what you don't know.
Surprises mean I will achieve something that has not been previously reported.

5. Let the interviewees wander a bit, but be careful.

6. Don't send advance questions.
Make clear the topics that I wish to cover and even ask if there are other subjects the interviewee would like to discuss. 
But don't send full questions in advance.
The result is that very little new ground is covered.
It also eliminates follow-up questions, the ones that drill down on what was or was not said in the response. Very often the followup question produces the best information.

7. Be prepared. Find the overlooked.
Quite often a subject's response to one question begs for a follow up. Many times the follow-up question reveals more than either the interviewer or interviewee expected. I can't just make that happen when Im following a script. When you do that, your mind very often goes on to your next question and you are not listening carefully to what your subject is saying. Be prepared and let the subject know what subjects you want to cover.

8. Listen, really listen.
The value of an interview comes out of what people say not what you ask.
The key is to pay close attention to what is not answered and make on-the-spot judgements on why that are was skipped or glossed.
Was it uninteresting to the subject?
Unimportant? Painfully embarrassing?
Use good judgement.

9. There are dumb questions.
Try NOT to ask a question that your subject has already answered. It discloses that you really weren't listening after all. Also try not to ask any questions that are answered in the interviewee's online biog or website/blog FAQ.

The interview is about the person I am talking to, NOT me.

Some good questions I could include in my interview:
- What's the best advice you ever received?
- Who inspires you and why?
- What's the hardest lesson you ever learned?
- Describe a defining moment in you life.
- What is your biggest accomplishment?
- Do you have a personal motto?

OUGD505 Footprint Workers Co-op Talk

Footprint Workers Co-op Talk:
Today James and Claire from Footprint came to give us a talk about what they do. Footprint is part of a workers co-op, which means that it is owned and managed by the workers. Workers co-ops came out of the industrial revolution to tackle workers conditions. 
In 1844 The Rochdale Pioneers came up with principles which are the ideals of early working co-ops. 

1.That capital should be of their own providing and bear a fixed rate of interest.

2. That only the purest provisions procurable should be supplied to members.

3. That full weight and measure should be given.

4. That market prices should be charged and no credit given nor asked.

5. That profits should be divided pro rata upon the amount of purchases made by each member.

6. That the principle of ‘one member one vote’ should obtain in government and the 
equality of the sexes in membership.

7. That the management should be in the hands of officers and committee elected periodically.

8. That a definite percentage of profits should be allotted to education.

9. That frequent statements and balance sheets should be presented to members.

They mainly use risoprinting:
- 100% recycled paper
- Using less energy
- Avoid big 6 (energy companies)
- Only ship in UK
- Recycle everything they can
- 1% of profits goes to Treesponsibility 

Altogether there are 5 members:
- All directors
- Democratic - negotiations 
- Decide what to do with profit
- Equal pay - just above minimum wage
- Every hour worked 50p goes into a donation
If they don't agree with something they won't print, even if that is just one person.

Good stuff:
- Very cheap and free printing (anti-raids cards)
- Cash donations/sponsorship (Worker co-op archive, Fix-IT, Housmans, Co-op camp)
- Treesponsibility
- Chapeltown arts fest
- International women's day
- Leeds queer film fest
- Leeds queer fest
- Deliveroo strike fund

Other co-ops get 10% discount as well as trying to offer support and advice.

Doing lot's of work for small artists - they are flexible and easy to work with.

They try and make printing as affordable as possible. Laser and full colour can be expensive, but their riso is below average for cost.

They can also fold, staple or spiral bind, as well as getting properly bound books done by partner companies.

Papers:
- Standard paper stocks are 85-100% post consumer waste recycled paper.
- Wide range of colours in recycled paper and card and recycled gummed paper.
- Haven't been able to source recycled sticker paper.
- They don't print on glossy paper as they are under the impression that either china clay will be used in its production, or it will be plastic-coated.
- Supply small quantities of our standard recycled papers at cost price.

Printing Processes:
- Majority on Rispgraph machines, they require none of the nasty chemicals associated with lithographic printing and don't require heat or cooling. There are no solvents or alcohol and they use soya inks rather than petrochemical derived ones.

- Laser printer is not in fact a laser printer but an LED printer. This is used for short run colour jobs and uses less power than a laser printer and produces a far superior print.


- Electricity from Good Energy, a genuinely 100% renewable electricity supplier.

All of this information is really good to know that I can use a sustainable printers in Leeds. It is also beneficial to understand what working co-ops are and what they do.

OUGD502 Module Assessment Feedback - Design Production

Module Assessment Feedback - Design Production:

When I received my module assessment feedback and result I was pleasantly surprised by my mark. Personally I did not think I would get such a high grade so I am proud of myself and it has given me a boost that I can actually do this. Within the module I felt quite unmotivated and lost, it felt like I wasn't giving myself enough time as well as thinking that I wasn't coming up with creative designs. After talking through with Simon I have realised it comes down to confidence, I need to be less focused on what everyone else is doing and realise that I am here for a reason. 

For studio brief one I haven't been entirely happy with the production of my book, I feel like the front cover really lets it down. When I get my book back I want to work on this further trying to make the bind less flexible by using glue and I need to come up with a way to make the title of the book stand out a lot more. I want to do this not only for my portfolio but for my peace of mind because I am not entirely happy, and it had the potential to be a really successful publication. I think going back to this will help me to develop as a designer and hopefully making this better will help me gain more confidence and feel prouder about my work.

OUGD502 Nest Issue 10 Launch

Nest Issue 10 Launch:
I went down to the launch night of LCA's student magazine run by Erin in our class to show support and to see some of the work that is featured. The magazine itself is well presented with a clean layout, I particularly like the cover using tracing paper and a white emboss. I was really happy for Erin that the magazine and the launch were such a great success. I think that it is really important to support what others are doing in the group. It can also give me a chance to submit work to the magazine. It was also really good at getting people together, it was a chance to talk to people in the class in a more relaxed, casual setting. Events like this help you to be more comfortable to network and talk about art & design with others, this could then lead on to collaboration and work.

OUGD502 Build Studio - Email

Build Studio - Email

As I found the talk that Michael from Build did really motivating and inspiring, I felt compelled to email him just to say thank you.

Email:

Hello!

Not too long ago Michael came in to do a talk at Leeds College of Art, I just wanted to send an email to say how inspiring and motivational I personally found it. Currently I seem to be struggling with creative block, feeling quite uninspired and overall out of my depth within graphic design. However, the honesty and the passion that Michael portrayed allowed me to see a different aspect that doesn’t rely on ego’s but the drive of honest design.

Hearing personal experiences and his journey was really motivating, that if you work hard it is extremely rewarding. It reminded me of the reason I chose to study graphic design, as I have a love for ideas and overall how we can communicate through design. I wanted to ask how within such a competitive area of design, how do you stay true to yourself as a designer and really love what you do? Within the university environment there is a lot of pressure to be THE BEST, such as with competitions. What do you think would be the best way to keep focus and not get overwhelmed and caught up in what everyone else is doing?

Overall I just wanted to say thank you, as the talk didn’t just have an impact on me but many others feel inspired as well!

Regards,


Georgina

OUGD502 Build Studio Talk

Build Studio Talk:

Michael from the studio Build came in to do a talk about his career and how he has built his design studio. Music has been a strong influence for his design passion, album artwork from bands like Iron Maiden, Saxon, Motorhead and Black Sabbath were something he was interested in from an early age. He hasn't got any family with an art background, so this was something completely new for him. He began to develop a typographic focus through letraset catalogues. 

What inspired me the most from Michael was that he considers himself an interesting graphic designer but not actually the best. He talks about how it is his passion for design that has driven him forward and bought him his successes. He encouraged us to be excited, emphasising that passion is more important than skill. This was something that I really admired because I don't consider myself the most skilled but I would say that it has been my passion which has progressed me through education in art and design. 

Michael also talked about having influences, interests and hobbies as that will help your work to develop into something personal and unique. This is something I definitely need to work on more, I feel like I need to be more aware of the design world but also I need to find a hobby that gives me a break and takes my mind elsewhere. Being experimental is something that I don't do very often I usually run with the one idea i've got, but Michael made it clear that it is something that you must do to get the ideas flowing and it will become more interesting and enjoyable. 

If you work hard it is very rewarding, working with people is something that he enjoys, as he likes utilising different abilities to get the best out of a project. This is something I definitely agree with as I also like working with other people because where I lack in certain areas they can fill in the gaps, it's really fulfilling working together and helping others produce something really great.

Another thing that I am now aware of is how important business is within graphic design and it's definitely something that needs to be considered. Communication and discussion are important as well as time management and managing client expectation. The last piece of advice he gave was that if you feel restricted, are you asking the right questions? This talk for me really opened my eyes and in a way reignited my passion for design. 

Builds work is outstanding, I love the strong use of colour that really pops and makes it stand out, as well as the clever use of typography. The work is fresh and vibrant, it is something that I really connect with at how effective it is.

OUGD502 Presentation Practice (Film Synopsis)

Presentation Practice (Film Synopsis):

To help build confidence with presenting we planned to do a quick 2 minute presentation on a film synopsis of my choice. I chose to do the film dodgeball as I think I would be more confident with talking about something that would make people laugh as it would put me more at ease. Generally I get really nervous for presentations and it something that I want to work and improve on. 

Originally I wanted to use gifs, but to make sure the presentation worked it needed to be in pdf format, and you cannot imbed gifs into pdf. Therefore I decided to use memes / quotes to help portray the comedic value of the film and to distract attention away from me. I planned out what I wanted to say, which took some time to properly condense the information so that it wouldn't run over time. I wrote out notes to help give me prompts and to make sure that I knew what I wanted to say.

I decided to go in the first group because I always find the waiting the worst part as I seem to get more and more nervous and work myself up unnecessarily. I did feel nervous before I presented but I tried to remind myself of the casual nature of the presentation as well as the small group size. It helped me to remind myself that I am just telling my friends about a film, to make me feel more comfortable. 

During the presentation I felt nervous and my voice seemed to me to be a bit shaky, however I managed to get through my presentation at a good pace. The projector didn't show my images too well which did throw me off a little but I managed to carry on.

The feedback that I received was really positive, the use of images with the quotes provided the comedic value which helped me to set the tone of the film and keep interested focused. However it was pointed out that one of my images did not work due to 3 images being used with quotes which was just to small and didn't provide a high enough impact. The pace of my presentation had a good flow that worked well with the images. Overall it was positive feedback and has given me more confidence to try and tackle my nerves.

The other presentation that I watched were really strong, it was noted that some of the people with notes didn't sound like they were scripted, they had there own personal touch to it, which is really important to keep interest. Some people were really in depth with the details and they did it in a really engaging way that worked cohesively with their images to provide a high impact. One of the presentations used about a sentence of text to go alongside their images, this worked really well as it was clear and concise and you were able to follow the story easily. A presentation that worked particularly well used a light hearted tone to portray quite a serious film, this provided a nice contrast and kept the viewers engaged. The fast pace also worked really well at getting the point of the film across. Simon also mentioned to try and avoid showing how many slides are left because people are then just waiting for it to end. Having a structured beginning, middle and end also makes for a really successful presentation that flows properly. If you don't have a clear ending people won't know its finished and it's awkward to say by the way i've finished now.

Watching other peoples presentations was really useful as I was able to see what works well and take that on board for the next time I have to present. I still want to work on this further so that I feel more confident to stand up and speak without a shaky voice. I am going to start analysing how professionals present themselves confidently, to see what techniques they use.

My Presentation:

Hey, so I'm going to give you a brief summary of what happens in the movie Dodgeball.

  Peter La Fluer is the owner of Average Joe's, a small gym with only a few members.

His rival White Goodman owner of Globo gym is tying to take over Average Joe's, unless Peter can raise $50,000 in 30 days.

 Average Joe's members try to raise money for the gym, when it is suggested to enter a dodgeball tournament to win the exact amount needed to save the gym.

They watch a video to learn about dodgeball and manage to qualify due to the opposition failing a drug test.

White finds out about Peters plan and forms his own team.

Luckily Average Joe's have the help of dodgeball legend Patches O'Houlihan.

With lot's of interesting and funny matches they manage to advance to the final round against Globo gym.

But the team face multiple problems such as Patches dying, Justin and Steve leaving, as well as Peter taking a bribe.

Average Joe's are forced to forfeit, but a loophole and the help of Chuck Norris allow the team to play.

The game is intense leading to a sudden death match between Peter and White. 

Peter blindfolds himself and still manages to win!

Peter had also used the bribe to bet on Average Joe's to win which leads to him winning 5 million.

He buys control of Globo gym and fires White, who is left eating junk food and becoming obese.

Overall it is a classic funny film that you have got to see, thanks for listening.

OUGD502 Film Photography

Film Photography:
I have always admired film photography as it has more of a rawness, it has character. I've been interested to try this method of photography myself so I booked to have a brief induction. This went through how to load the film, how to take a picture, and then the whole process of developing the film. There was a lot of process that goes into getting the film developed and it was very different from what I expected. I did not fully realise the time and care needed to properly develop the images. Such as doing test strips to make sure that you have the right contrast on your final image.

It was overall a really beneficial experience where I have learnt a new skill, and I am keen to test it out a lot more. Although the process is very long, it was extremely satisfying watching my image develop. Taking this forward further I want to look at getting more involved and playing around with film as it was something that I really enjoyed doing and something that could be included within my practice.

Below is one of the developed images from the induction.