Final Portfolio

I have finally settled on a design for my portfolio. At this moment in time it contains purely imagery from the previous module, something I will address at the end of the Final Major Project. It is the portfolio layout that got me a two week placement at Hallmark through the 'Creative Milkround' event organsied by the college though. So it can't be too bad.

With the portfolio I have tried to combine a few different projects to communicate the different elements of design that interest me. The first section of the portfolio has image shots of several packaging briefs I have worked on. I think the images show my crafting skills, as well as my fondness for illustration and colour combination. It also communicates how I am willing to work with different materials and my fondness for vectorised artwork.

The second part of the portfolio features a few stand alone poster designs I have worked on. I think it's important to include these as it shows I like to work with simple, flat compositions as well as the more complex packaging items. However, the most important thing about the last section is that it reinforces the idea that I like to work with popular culture, and reference things such as films and television quite frequently.

Evaluation

Throughout the PPD module I have struggled to promoted myself and my design practice. Perhaps it is due to my lack of confidence that I neglected responsibilities such as self branding and creating promotional material. Whenever I look around the studio I see people improving, getting better day by day. It's incredibly disheartening to feel as though I am the one being left behind.

My two weeks at Hallmark where a shock to the system. I had always considered myself a 'mac monkey', someone who likes to be told what to design. As long as I don't have to think up a clever concept, or propose ground breaking ideas then I always assumed I'd be happy. However, after sitting at a desk for two weeks illustrating non stop I realised it wasn't the career path for me either. It was a rude wake up call, and I still don't think I have recovered.

Nevertheless I am lucky to have several resources at my disposal, including screen printing equipment, and therefore intend to continue to design, but only in my spare time. I am not driven by money, or status, I simply want a job that I am content with, something that makes me happy. I personally feel working 9-5 in a graphic design studio is not that something.

In conclusion the PPD module has been useful in terms of discovering my limitations. I have used it to gain a real insight into what my future prospects look like, not 'pipe dreams' or unrealistic expectations.

Final Business Cards

Below is a screen shot of the business cards I was using during the second year of the course. I remember desiging them and feeling a little disappointed. I hadn't quite achieved what I had wanted to. I liked the colur choice, and was happy with amount of negative space used, after all a business card can never be too simple. But there was just something missing, and the text layout was WAY off.

When designing my business cards for the third year I wanted to do a few things differently. Firstly I wanted to change the format, and go with portrait rather than landscape. Other reasoning behind this was the shape of my logo, and flipping the composition would allow for a slightly bigger version. I also wanted to reduce the amount of information on display, and use a typeface that was much less decorative and purely functional. I took the primary colour approach I had settled on for the logo to create three different variation of the card. The flip books below show what my final business cards look like. I think I am pleased with them... it's always hard to say. Even if I was head over heels in love with what I had designed, I will probably hate it in a few months. Ehhh, you can't win.

Finalised CV

If I'm going to be staying in Leeds I figured I would need an up to date CV. Being someone who has never even held down a basic, minimum wage job my entire life it was a challenge to find enough material for a CV. I realise the CV itself is design related, and may not be of great use if I am applying for a menial job just to earn money to live, but it's a start. Now I have a basic template I can continue to add and other experience I may gain, or remove any stuff that seems dated.

I decided to turn my branding into a one colour design and place it in the top left corner of each page. It adds a sense on continuity and certainly won't let the person reading the CV forget my name or what my logo represents.

The Gateway, Leeds

YAY!!! Today was the day. The day when I officially signed a year long contract to move into 'The Gateway' apartment complex in Leeds.

The images above show the exterior of the building and a few basic shots of the inside. I have signed for the year long lease with a friend who recently graduated from the University of Leeds. We both originally come from Wigan and didn't much fancy returning there after spending three years in Leeds. Even though the links to Manchester and Liverpool are fantastic in Wigan, I knew I would have to move back in with my parents and I just couldn't face that.

After having a few 'real world' realisations, particularly in the last year, I knew it would not be an option for me to return home. I would fall back into the routine I was in before I left. I would allow my parents to take control of life again, and I wouldn't be living it the way I wanted.

Living in Leeds, for the minimum of a year, will allow me to explore what I want to do in the 'real world'. Admittedly I am incredibly naive, having been in education since a very young age. I thought three years for a degree would be easy, at one point I was even considering a year long masters specialising in a specific design field. I now know this was a pipe dream, something I was considering to postpone living in the real world for another year. Well, I bit the bullet. I will be in Yorkshire for the next year, I best get my shit together if I'm going to make anything of myself.

Design Strategy Presentation

Today we had our design strategy presentations. I was incredibly apprehensive about the presentation, most probably because I didn't feel as though what I had to say would be worth listening to. Especially by John and Lorenzo. It's not that I didn't have anything to say, it's just none of it was positive.

Nevertheless I prepared a presentation, but I didn't feel like writing a script this time. If presenting on multiple occasions has taught me anything its that you can't write word for word what you intend to say. It never works. You start to read then look away from the page, before you know it you're looking back and you've lost your place. You start to stutter and basically make a show of yourself. Instead I wrote a few bullet points for each slide, and trusted myself to freestyle. I think it worked and a few people told me I seemed relaxed when presenting. This was exactly what I was going for. I didn't want to it seem as though I wasn't interested, I just didn't want to make the people watching me feel nervous. I think doing three years of PPD has had at least one positive effect; I'm much better at public speaking.

There where certain parts of the presentation that I felt where more important than others, certain points that I wanted to stress more. These where primarily the fact that I have realised my own limitations whilst on the course. This may seem a little pessimistic but it allows me to look at my future with a clear head. I am never going to be a 'creative director' or have people working under me. I will never want to be in charge of a 'team', the thought alone scares me to death. I am not that way inclined. But I personally feel there is nothing wrong with that. I realised I like 'mindless' design a while ago, but was told this wasn't

Another point I wanted to stress in my presentation was that London is NOT the place for me. I can't stand the South; the fast paced lifestyle, the traffic, the people, the stress, the weather, the noise, the buildings, the accent... I could go on for a while. I've always felt you have to incredibly driven to succeed in London. They don't just hand out opportunities, you have to really strive for them. I realise this is the case everywhere, but if I'm going to be working 24/7, I want to be in a place that I at least enjoy. A place where I may actually look forward to the weekends. Also, I know a lot of graduating students from this year will be venturing to the South, so I guess that leaves less competition up here.

After spending two weeks previously on placement at Hallmark in Bradford I was feeling incredibly down. I had spent 14 solid days drawing, and to be perfectly honest I was sick to the back teeth of it. This was pretty shocking as I went into the experience thinking it would be perfect, I'd come out the other side greatful ofor the opportunity, desperate to do some freelance work. This was not the case. It was incredibly disheartening, and it kind of affected the rest of my module. This was something I wanted to express in my presentation but felt may be a little too pessimistic. So I tried to put a positive spin on it. I think I did.

The slides from the presentation can be seen below.

Dave Perillo Interview

Dave Perillo, another designer who I came across whilst searching through the Gallery 1988 archives, I was struck by his playful character depictions. Additionally, his choice of colour is always on point, and his compositions are always humourous.

The piece below is just one example of his work, and one of my personal favourites. There's something about the way it draws your eye around the page, finally settling on the eccentric character in the middle effortlessly. I also admire how Dave combines his fantastically fun illustrations with type, something I often struggle with. I find it hard to find a typeface that is legible and fits with illustration so perfectly, but it seems Dave has no problem! More of his work can be found here.

___________________________________________________________________________
From: montygog@yahoo.com
To: robynmak@live.co.uk
Sent: Thurs, February 9, 2012 11:32:26 AM
Subject: RE: Quick Interview?

Hi Robyn,

Thanks glad ya dig my stuff. Here's some answers to your questions, hope that helps and good luck at school.

Dave

What’s your background?
I have a Bachelor degree in Graphic Design, but I have always been fond of illustration and cartooning.

Describe a typical working day.
I currently work full-time as a illustrator for a medical trade magazine were I do mostly editorial and occasionally medical illustration. In the evenings is when I get to do my fun freelance work like what is seen on my blog.

What’s the most challenging part of your job?
Finding enough time to create all the art I do and the inspiration to do it.

And what’s the most enjoyable?
I think the reaction of others to my work and having them like it, makes me feel like I've accomplished creating art people enjoy looking at.

What do you hope to achieve in 2012?
I will be doing a two-man show in September with fellow artist Tom Whalen at Gallery 1988, so that is what hope to be a great achievement for 2012.

How did your first collaboration with Gallery 1988 come about?
They contacted me about 3 years ago to be in their Crazy 4 Cult 3 show and I've been doing shows there ever since. Probably the best gallery for artists like myself to get exposure and out in the public eye. Because of them I've had the opportunity to do so many really cool projects.

What would be your ideal Gallery 1988 exhibition to contribute to?
What i'm doing in September for them is really an ideal show for me since we were able to come up with the theme, unfortunately I can't reveal that til later this summer.

Are there any films/games/music artists etc. you have always wanted to design for?
 I am a huge Doctor Who fan so I would love to do something involving that.

Are there any fellow artists/designers you have been exhibited with at Gallery 1988 that inspire you?
I really enjoy the work of Olly Moss, Kevin Tong, Scott Derby, Scott Campbell, Nathan Stapley, Israel Sanchez & Tom Whalen.

Andrew Kolb Interview

Andrew Kolb is a designer I have desired (read: envied) for a while. I came across his design for a 'Walking Dead' poster a long time ago and have stayed up to date with his work since. Then I discovered he was contributing to the 'Silver Screen Society', a monthly film poster collective whose back catalogue has been used as inspiration for many of my projects, and figured he was exactly the type of designer whose career I would love to emulate.

The poster below is just one piece of his work that I admiregreatly. Much, much more can be found here.

___________________________________________________________________________
From: andrewrkolb@gmail.com
To: robynmak@live.co.uk
Sent: Thurs, February 2, 2012 8:45:07 AM
Subject: RE: Quick Interview?

Hi Robyn, Thanks for writing and I'm honoured that you'd approach me to help you with this. I hope other illustrators that you've gotten in touch with (if any) have been open to help too and all I ask in return for answering these questions is that you help students when they come to you in the same position (after you've made it big and blown all us little fish out of the water!)

So, questions and answers! I wrote the responses in amongst your email to keep it all organised (also so I don't ramble). If there's anything else please feel free to let me know!

Andrew

What’s your background?
I went to school for graphic design (college for a diploma and then University to continue on for my Bachelor of Design). After a few years of illustrating for design studios (when I wasn't already designing) I decided that I should pursue the part of the job that I dug the most, drawing.

Describe a typical working day.
Well I don't necessarily have a typical day of work (some days are very drawing-heavy and others are almost entirely taken up by emails and other administrative nonsense). When I can control it, I do try to do a few specific things. I usually start with emailing for half an hour. If I don't get to everybody I need to then I get back to them after lunch. I try to keep emailing/invoicing/and that admin stuff I mentioned to specific blocks of the day. It helps me get into a groove and then I can stop thinking about it while drawing. With that said, I always live a little admin stuff to do so that I can go back to it if I'm having an illustrative block. Sometimes the drawings just don't come. If I'm on a deadline then I'll push through it but usually I can take a break and the change of pace is the sort of recharge I need to be able to get back into the groove. Does any of that make sense? Uhhh...I don't think that answered anything.

What’s the most challenging part of your job?
Well from peers I've talked to the biggest challenge is self-managing. Freelance, in my non-illustrator friends' eyes, means freedom all the time but I find it's quite the opposite. So for some I would say it's sticking to work and not getting distracted. Though for me I find the most challenging part of this job is to trust that there's always going to be more work if you keep at it. Everyone runs into lulls and it's only just recently that I've gotten better at recognising this (and not thinking that my career is OVER!)

And what’s the most enjoyable?
Ha. Well I would say pretty much all of it. Layout, character design, getting positive feedback from clients, it's all wonderful! Though I think what I appreciate most (aside from the crazy awesomeness of the fact that I draw for a living), is the sort of direction I get. I don't know many jobs where an email will say "his head isn't square enough" or "Let's make his feet longer and knees more knobby". I love it. What do you hope to achieve in 2012? Oh gosh! Well I'm working on a few personal projects over the summer that are quite ambitious for me. So I'm hoping those catch and find someone who's interested in them. I know that's vague but I'm a sneaky ninja.

Thank you again.
Oh hey you're welcome!

Matt Chase Interview

From: matt.chase@swbell.net
To: robynmak@live.co.uk

Hope this helps!

What’s your background?
I'm originally from Wichita, Kansas, where I lived for eighteen years just prior to attending college at the University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS), where I graduated in May 2010 with a BFA in Design. I moved to Boulder, CO for a short stint as a design intern with ad house Crispin Porter + Bogusky, and soon moved out here, to DC, where I currently work for Design Army.

Describe a typical working day.
I currently work for a studio, so I have a pretty normal schedule. Not like those folks you hear about who get to wake up at noon and eat french toast on their sofa while they watch Star Trek and get paid to draw pictures of things. Someday, maybe. One can dream. But no, studio life is great. I can't really get into the details of how we work or what our process is, but I can say that each day is a new adventure.

What’s the most challenging part of your job?
Remembering to have a life. Design is one of those things you get so hooked into that you forget to perform basic life necessities like consume food and go to bed. It was literally at a point a few months ago where I was bailing on beer night to work late and I was like, "This is out of control. Time to slow it down." It's all about balance; you gotta have that disengage, the time between when the gears turn on and turn off.

And what’s the most enjoyable?
I had a guy in another country email me a photo of one of my prints hanging in his house, and out the window I could see the Baltic Sea. Was the coolest feeling ever. So I guess knowing that there are people out there who like what you do enough to make it a part of their home, a part of their life—that's probably the best part of it all. Also you meet and get to learn from some really incredible, talented people. The design industry is hyper-saturated with people who are cool as shit. Can't complain about that.

What do you hope to achieve in 2012?
Make more time for prints. Also finish watching Lost. Those things will probably happen at the same time.

Your re-imagined film posters are particularly relevant to my own design aspirations, how do decide what film posters to re-interpret?
I didn't really sit down and make a list when I started that project. I've sort of always had this running tally going in my head of films I'd like to do posters for, and when I felt like the list was getting to thte point where I might start forgetting some, I finally buckled down and did the first set. It's kind of an open project; if there's a film I watch that I really, really like, I'll jump right into my sketchbook and start fiddling around. Star Wars is one I've always really wanted to do, but growing up that's all I watched, so I feel like the movie's so close to me that I could never actually do something I'd be happy with. I must have close to a hundred sketches for a Star Wars series that I know I'll never have the heart to actually finish.

How did your first collaboration with Gallery 1988 come about?
I literally just e-mailed the gallery and was like, "I love what you do. Can I make something for you?"

What would be your ideal Gallery 1988 exhibition to contribute to?
There was a show called "Required Reading" not too long back that I would've loved to have contributed toward. Eric Tan did an Alice in Wonderland piece that blew my mind. I look for it almost every day on eBay. A Wes Anderson show would be really cool, too.

Are there any films/games/music artists etc. you have always wanted to design for?
Would be pretty incredible to do something for Nintendo, for the Zelda franchise maybe.

Are there any fellow artists/designers you have been exhibited with at Gallery 1988 that inspire you?
All of them, to be honest with you. The great thing about the shows there—or any similarly collaborative show—is that you get to see how everyone interprets this one thing, but it's never the same. To see 100 different takes on something is just great.

Favourite/least favourite colour: Favorite color is black. This follows a long affair with vintage red.
Favourite/least favourite typeface: I would have no idea where to begin answering this question.
Describe your work in three words: Skipping this one :)

___________________________________________________________________________
Matt's responses are exactly what I was hoping for: insightful and personal. I can relate to what he said about re-designing a Star Wars poster, and his response to the question about fellow designers from Gallery 1988 is perfect. I've managed to get some great quotes here, and I think from now on I'll be less afraid of making contact with designers

Justin White Interview

A regular contributor to Threadless, and an all round amazing illustrator, Justin White's work often references popular culture in the most humourous ways. Particularly the poster seen below, created for the recent 'Adult Swim' themed Gallery 1988 show, in which he brings together various characters from two of the most ridiculous shows I have ever seen; 'Children's Hospital' and 'NTSF:SD:SUV::'. His 'modern vintage' feel is clearly evident in his illustrative style, and his choice of colour is perfect.

More of his fantastic creations can be found here.

___________________________________________________________________________
From: jublin@gmail.com
To: robynmak@live.co.uk
Sent: Thurs, February 16, 2012 12:13:25 AM
Subject: RE: Quick Interview?

Hey Robyn,

Just wanted to let you know that I'm not ignoring this email! I'm gonna go through and answers your questions and send em over hopefully later today. Thanks for the kind works, and I totally appreciate your interest in my crazy weirdo mind!

Justin

What’s your background? 
Well I went to a state school originally with the plan of majoring in Film + Television. I took classes and enjoyed what I was doing, but somehow wanted their to be a stronger focus on animation. At the time I was minoring in art and taking simple classes just to keep me drawing. My school didn't really have an animation department, so I decided to switch to a major in Art + Multimedia and minor in Film + Television. Multimedia was the closest thing there was to animation, but it was really just any type of art that had to do with computers. So I made the best with what I had in front of me and focused on illustration. Outside of school, I was learning how other illustrators made a living in freelance and met a lot of amazing talented artists through websites and communities online including threadless. I always knew I wanted to draw and be an artist, I just didn't realize it was actually a possibility.

Describe a typical working day.
This is a good question, but I don't have a very exciting answer for it. I just work. So I'll skip this one :P

What’s the most challenging part of your job?
For me, I often have a tough time staying motivated and inspired. It's too easy to hit an artist's block and become frustrated. I work freelance, so the only person pushing me to keep going and threatening to fire me is ME. And I'm a pretty laidback boss.

And what’s the most enjoyable?
Just being able to do what I love. I love to draw and make things and knowing that at least some people are enjoying it and paying me to keep it up is a pretty amazing realization.

What do you hope to achieve in 2012?
I want to draw more! I want a larger body of work regardless if there's an audience for it or if anyone even sees it. I would love to focus in on animation again. I want to create more stories and worlds through original art that would hopefully somehow inspire others. I guess that's the ultimate goal.

How did your first collaboration with Gallery 1988 come about?
Gallery1988 mentioned on their blog that they had an open call for submissions and I just emailed them "hey over here! me me!" Luckily, they took pity and invited me to a few of their shows the following year. The first being a show commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the movie Wet Hot American Summer which is one of my favorite movies of all time. So being a part of that and meeting some of the cast for my first show was an insane dream come true.

What would be your ideal Gallery 1988 exhibition to contribute to?
My ideal Gallery1988 show? Hard question. I've already been able to contribute art to their galleries inspired by my favorite movies, tv shows, and video games so I'm not sure. I don't have a good answer for this one either. X_X

Are there any fellow artists/designers you have been exhibited with at Gallery 1988 that inspire you?
There are loads of super talented artists that I've been lucky enough to exhibit art with at G1988. Do I have to name names?! oh man. Well I'm a big fan and quite jealous of the little plush dolls that Michelle Coffee has made. So creative. Hope some of that is useful and not too dull!

Early Logo Idea

Today I figured I would start working on a log design for myself. I already have a visual style that is applied to my website, I just felt it was a little stale and time for something new. It was incredibly hard to start, I just didn't know what to begin with.

I knew the branding had to represent me in the most obvious way. The logo itself had to be simple enough to process upon first glance, but complicated enough to attract multiple viewings. I thought about the basic elements of my design practice and came to the conclusion that vector illustrations and bold colours are at the heart of it. I pride myself on everything I create and will not submit a composition until I am completely satisfied with it. My logo would be no different.

I started with a bunch of random shapes and colours until I settled on the primary colours and the 3D composition you see below. I am pleased with the design so far, but there may be a little too much going on. I may have to tone it down a bit. After all it is going to be applied to a range of stationery and the detail may get lost when the scale is decreased.

Tutorial with Jane; 18th Oct

 

Contact List: 
Young.
42 Edge Street,
Manchester,
M4 1HN.
hello@weareyoung.co.uk

Glorious Creative.
10A Stevenson Square,
Manchester,
M1 1FB.
info@gloriouscreative.co.uk

DED Associates Ltd.
Workstation,
Sheffield,
S1 2B.
hello@dedass.com

Smiling Wolf.
Elevator Studios,
4th Floor,
29 Parliament Street,
Liverpool,
L8 5RN.
simon@smilingwolf.co.uk

Peter & Paul.
Unit R9a Riverside Block,
Sheaf Bank Business Park,
Prospect Road,
Sheffield,
S2 3EN.
info@peterandpaul.co.uk

UPDATE:

PPD Session: 11th October

1. What major point stands out in your learning of this experience? 
2. What one thing would you have done differently whilst there or in preparation? 
3. Has it changed your outlook on the business going into your final year?

Suzi Wong Experience:
1. I would say the thing that I learnt most in my time at Suzi Wong would be how difficult it is working with clients. It became apparent very quickly that I was no longer designing for myself, with aesthetics that suit my visual style, but instead having to design around an aesthetic style that suits them. Sometimes this can be helpful and it helps get you out of your comfort zone with surprisingly successful results, but in this case it wasn't. I tried to blend both visual styles, but ultimately the client settled on a design that was formulaic and a little boring. It also became clear that I'm not a fan of branding and identity, or at least not re-branding. Starting from scratch with no guidelines can prove useful and fun, but only having to slightly alter pre-set designs is not.

2. I think I would have thrown myself in a little more. I was apprehensive about the work environment having never even had a job, so for the first few days I was quiet and didn't want to voice my opinions. After trying to design for what the client wanted I was having less and less fun and my creativity had run dry. However if I had spoke up about what I thought looked better or worked more I think I could have had a better experience, and it probably would have resulted in a more pleasing resolution.

3. Due to the experience not quite being 'industrial experience' I would say that I'm still not entirely sure what I expect from the business side of things. It was certainly informative in discovering how much effort and dedication goes into keeping a company up and running, but in terms of designing pressure and industry deadlines I still don't know much.