Pushing Final Major Foward

Over the previous weeks, I have been focusing my time on working on the smaller projects. I felt that by having less to work on I would reduce my stress levels, make my thoughts less jumbled and focus more of my energy on one thing. I am feeling confident that I will finish all the projects by my final deadline. I also believe that I am starting to overcome my creative block, frustration and fear of my final major project. At this point in the academic year, I currently have three projects to work on which are: Final Major Project (FMP), Final Major project R&D and Dissertation design. I was starting on my professional practice presentation, however, I recently found out that I will be emailed question before my presentation. I feel I shouldn’t start creating this presentation till I have received the email.

Over the Easter holiday, I have really struggled to find ideas for my final major project, I feel this was due to the stress of having so many things to juggle at once. After I had final cut down my workload, I went back to the drawing board for my final major project. How could I make it more creative yet keep the direction I was going towards? I started looking at design trends on graphic mama, the link can be found below this post. I noticed that typography was still very strong in contemporary design, as well as hand-drawn illustrations and double exposure. I was wondering if I could add this to my FMP, it was also helping to stimulate ideas for my dissertation design which I was still struggling with.

I created a Pinterest board of illustrations, what is currently being done in the mental health community and anything linking to the creative brain. I was drawn to the vibrant pain stains, ink smudges, split-brain designs. I started thinking if it was possible to bring the vibrant colours into my designs, incorporate the paint stains and bursting effects.

I thought to myself that I was starting to create a visual language for the magazine design. I knew that I wanted each article to be different, inducing creative ideas in the audience while keeping them engaged with the magazine. Yet I knew I had to have a sense of consistency. I first started working with the world of views article, I wanted to turn the solid overlaying colours blocks into paint stains. This would allow me to keep the original style while throwing in a creative twist that I hadn’t seen done in an editorial design before. While I still have a few more pages and spreads to go, I am really pleased with the direction the spreads are going towards. The designs can be seen below.

As I wanted to create different styles for each article but keep a visual language throughout. I decided to play around with photomanipulation for the first article; Are creative more likely to suffer from mental health issues? I re-read through the article picking out callouts while questioning what images would work with the article. I decided to use an image on a woman screaming with the callout “What is the likelihood of a creative really losing their mind? I feel that the scattered paint revealing an abstract woman draws the audience to the question, while still keeping in tune with the visual language of the overall magazine.

My next steps are to find a style that I can use on the title pages, I also feel that I currently have four articles, which I believe is not enough for a magazine, due to it only spreading over 88 pages. I currently have colleagues who have over 150 pages. I am aware that it is not quantity but quality, however, I feel that my magazine is still on the small side. To bump up my pages, I feel I need to write a few more articles. With the extended writing, I also feel I need to keep pushing the project forwards, finding more creative solutions for encapsulating the audience and getting the education about a serious topic.

I feel that using a variety of techniques through the editorial design shows the ranging skills that I have as a designing. The ability to work with typography, illustration, photography, photo manipulation and journalism. I also feel that the different style through the magazine will target the creative audience and get people discussing the topics of each article. The creative photography and illustrations should draw the audience into asking the bigger questions.

Links:

https://graphicmama.com/blog/graphic-design-trends-2018/

Hub Branding Feedback & Further Development

My feedback for this project was a little less daunting and demanding when compared to the ISTD, I am unsure which project has brought my overall grade down but I will be working to improve both the designs, not just for a higher grade, but to add something stronger to my portfolio. I have been adviced to provide more visual research, carry on with my developments and show my understanding of the client through other mediums other than mindmaps. I will plan on adding this additional information to the early slide of this R&D file while mentioning it through the final improvements.

I recently went back to the drawing board to create a secondary line, however, I really struggle with copywriting. I have constructed a few secondary lines that I really like while looking at other brands. I have noticed that not all brands have just one secondary line and I am tempting to use a few of them on different touchpoints and aspects of the brand identity.

I feel that using different quotes on different aspects of the user experience will help to tackle some of the issues of the community. Having residents communicate with one another is the biggest issues at the moment. I feel that having encouraged conversation quotes in the main hub will help tackle this, while on the website having secondary lines that inform individuals before visiting that its a social community will prepare the residents to be social when they visit. Or with brand elements that one might have in the house secondary lines that encourage them to go out and meet other people will also provide a subtle nudge into getting them talking.

 

Branding Guidelines

I have decided to create a branding guidelines document for the hub branding project. I feel this will allow me to show my knowledge I have for the company while showing the wide range in with the brand’s visual language can be used. I looked back at the previous branding project that I did for level 5. I feel it is time to really push the project forward and create a strong summative outcome. I feel that by creating brand guidelines this will allow me to show what I know about the company working on my feedback.

I thought it would be wise to not construct strict rules for the branding guidelines. I did this as I felt it was wise to give a large amount of freedom to the designers or community members that use it. I created it in a printed format as I thought the clientele are more likely to want to use a printed document for working with the brand. This will allow for better cool scheme selection when working with the hub interior. While I have provided a large range of colours for the brand to use. I did this as it once again provides more flexibility in the brand design as it expands across the community.

One of the final aspects I did for this project was creating a wider range of touchpoints. I thought it would be to provide the new member of the community with a welcome pack and gifts. These gifts are simple material possessions such as a keyring, coasters, canvas bag, and a plant. These should provide subtle reminders of the community hub causing them to visit more often. While the brand design can’t make the community members engage with one another, it can be designed in a positive manner to make it a more comfortable environment.

Overall, this project was very challenging, however, I am really pleased with the outcome that I have produced. What I have learned over the past three years is that graphic design work is never truly complete. If I was to expand on this project and push it further, I would play around with the colour scheme and palette. While it offers a variety of colours for the community, designers, and Derwen to use, I question if it is too vibrant for a community of older individuals.

Another aspect I would like to improve is the printed guidelines, I have seen some really interesting guidelines on Contentharmony. I feel if I pushed the printed guidelines further, I could add more information about the community and their brand values. I am really pleased with the final outcome and I am proud to put it in my portfolio. It has re-sparked my love for brand design and it is one of the projects I am tempted to put in my exhibition. I still regret how long it took me to come up with the new idea but at least I got there at some point.

Why pricing is so difficult? A Talk from a buiseness man

I recently attended a short discussion about charging clients for your design work. Art is not a normal business and creative clients are not creative, this is a challenge when it comes to pricing design. I have to learn how to charge my clients for the ‘creative time’ that I put into the work, this is a tricky challenge as at this point in my career I am unaware of how long a project will take. While I was adviced that this will come with practice I was also adviced a few tips for when I start off. This post will discuss the 5 best tips I received from a large quantity of information.

1.Graphic design & tax, do not mix

I learned that when you pay tax you do not pay tax for the aspects that you need for the business such as food you are going to sell, water, electricity, design software, etc. The downside of this is that for graphic designers who do not need a large number of things to get the job done, maybe a camera, laptop, software, some paper, etc. When compared to other jobs or industries, designers do not spend much of products to get the job done. This means that a lot of the income a design receives for work is taxed.

This was very new to me and something I was yet to think about it. I was advised to create a tax book and get into the happy of write in the book weekly. While I must keep receipts for everything I spend that goes towards work. Apparently, this is an essential part of being a freelance design and good record keeping is very important. While I have not been lucky enough yet to get commissioned work. I will keep this in mind for when I do.

2. Have contract ready

This is another element I had not thought of, however, I do feel it will make a much more professional appearance. While I feel it will build a stronger relationship between the client and myself. The client will know that the work is going to get done and I have the reassurance that I will get paid once it is complete.

3. Build a process or journey for the client

This tip was about making it the creative process more understandable for the client. It allows them to get to grips with what they are paying for and can allow timescales for meetings. The process could be A – Meeting, B – Ideation, C – Creation, D – Refinement. Each part of the process can have a price value, which will allow the client to get a better idea of where their money is going. This journey or process can be incorporated into the contract.

4. Always get a deposit up front!

This is something that I have been told by numerous designers, the amount of the deposit is negotiable. However, I learned that 50% is the best option, they can pay half now and the other half when the job is done. As a little extra source of information, I learned that you can show the client the first work while still protecting yourself from them using it without paying. I discovered that watermarking the designs or reducing the resolution can stop them from using it, once they pay they can then get the high res watermark free versions.

5. Look at networking events

Another time I bring up the importance of networking, the more I learn about the working world after university, the more I learn about the importance of networking. I wish I had known this in the first year as I would have made the most of the networking opportunities that happen in other cities. I also wish that Cardiff had a bigger networking scene, this has just made me think that it will be wise to change cities after graduation.

While the talk did provide me with some knowledge for my future freelance design career. I am not a fan of the businessman mentality that comes along with starting your business. I am aware that money makes the world go round and that we can’t work for free, design has to pay the bills. I just dislike the concept of getting the most amount of money out of the clients which normally comes with the business. I hope that I remember these tips when I start doing freelance work. I also hope that I do not lose my empathy towards the clients and get consumed by the greed which is common for business owners.

 

Criticality: Challenging Contemporary Packaging Design Principles

Criticality was a short project about challenging contemporary graphic design principles and social beliefs. It was one of the most confusing projects I have done to date due to the sheer freedom I had over the brief. It is not my favourite project I have done since starting university, however, it has provided me with a range of ideas for future projects. I feel that I could have created a stronger design outcome if I went in a different direction. I feel I played it safe after my personal tutorial as I was confused with what was expected of me. After discussing cigarette packaging laws and alcohol with my tutor, I decided to keep striving forwards with working with this graphic design principles as I was worried my other outcomes might not solve the brief.

I created a range of packaging design for mind-altering substances from the legal ones like caffeine, painkillers, alcohol to the illegal drugs like ecstasy, cocaine and cannabis. I used the cigarette packaging laws when designing packaging for the legal substances. I hope this raises the questions to the audiences of why do we treat nicotine different to the rest when all of them can have devasting effects. I am aware that cigarettes are more dangerous than coffee, however, both have been linked to heart problems when abused. Why does society allow things like Redbull to be advertised and sold in enticing packaging when science has linked it to health problems?

I feel that advertising, packaging design and other graphic design principles along with social attitudes cause us to forget that these things are drugs. While the UK has been very lucky to not get hit with an opioid epidemic quite like America, British citizens can still buy highly addictive opiates like codeine other the counter. This medication is often advertised on television and sold in persuasively designed packaging. I am aware that America has a much larger problem due to different drugs laws and medical systems. It still makes you question why we design packaging to sell drugs or medication that can have harmful effects without placing it on the label.

Just to add more controversy and questions to my overall outcomes, I decided to use contemporary packaging to brand packaging for illegal drugs. I did this to highlight the fact that if we change drug laws would we sell them the way we sell alcohol now? And if people answer no to this question then why do we sell alcohol, codeine, etc. in carefully designed packaging at this current moment. If alcohol can have similarly devasting effects towards the individual and society as illicit drugs or cigarettes then why do we give it a different set rule to the rest? Why does society have such a lax attitude towards its consumption, production, brand identity, etc?

While this was a short project, I did push it further after my feedback, I expanded the outcomes to just highlight these questions. I hope that this project at least makes someone think differently about their relationship with alcohol, caffeine, etc. Or their perception of illicit drugs and prohibition laws. If all else fails, I hope it provides a sense of humour from the more controversial packaging designs. I feel this project will provide an alternative perception over a controversial and taboo topic. It has created some design I am cautious about implementing in my portfolio as people can have strong views on this topic. Only time will tell if society changes its views on substance use.

Update: Since this creation of this project, the state of California is now making Starbucks and other coffee shops place cancer warning labels due to the carcinogenic properties of brewed coffee.  While this is not part of the UK it is now highlighting how warning labels could be used across a variety of commodities.

ISTD: The Hardest Challenge to Date

I wished that I had kept my blog up to date on my progress as it has been one of the hardest challenges to date. By the deadline for ISTD, I had created a large quantity of work while juggling other projects, writing about professional practice and struggling with personal issues. It was an incredible journey which I wished I had recorded in more detail, however, this blog post shall discuss the word I had created. The pro’s, cons and things I would do differently if I had the chance to do it all again.

Since my feedback from the first semester, I really managed to push this project forward. I am still surprised with what my final outcome looks like. I was told to experiment with typography more, take more risks and move away from the corporate design feeling. I am unsure about the last comment. I have noticed that my design style seems to be very corporate as this is a reoccurring comment from my tutors. I was encouraged to play with hierarchy more and to really expand some of my pages.

SONY DSC

I feel one page that shows the increased development of this project is the contents page. At the end of the first semester, it had very little hierarchy, I wasn’t using enough of the space provided or challenging the audience’s perception of editorial design. The new version can be seen in the right image above. I decided to create page numbers that fall off the page. I did this as a lot of the titles are split into two tones e.g con being silver and tents being blue on the contents page. I also thought of doing this as coffee’s effects are sometimes subtle, hidden in the background but still there when you’re looking for it.

SONY DSC

James Neale – Coffee & Poster

This concept of challenging the typographic rules, the audience’s perception and making the most of the space I have, started to be a reoccurring element. One of the pages that challenged me the most was the Euphoria spread, highlighting the effects of caffeine. The words fall from the page, taking up as much space as possible. The hierarchy, grids, and folios get thrown out the window creating a feast for the viewer’s eyes. This spread was turned into an A2 poster design, which I didn’t even look at before submission. I will be honest by the deadline I was thankful to rest my eyes from looking at the challenging project.

The colour scheme for the ISTD brief was constantly evolving and it was something that I am still unsure about. It moves from blue and red, to blue and brown, then a lighter brown before finalising it as blue, orange, silver and black. I selected the colours for the reason for the contradictory effects and culture that surround coffee. It is a food that stimulates and calms, increases weight or causes weight loss, keeps you up all night making you restless, even when it is sold under the description of lazy Sunday roast.

James Neale – Coffee & Strategy      James Neale – Coffee & Society

James Neale – Coffee & Specs      James Neale – Coffee & Process Book

Coffee & Lables

The cover for my editorial design was one of the last constructions. I feel that this is something I always leave until last as I feel once you have the whole book created only then you can create its essence on the front cover. Along with the main typographic response to the brief, I had to create a range of books to go with my final design. These were a process book, a 500-word strategy and a specs books.

The process book was one of the hardest tasks due to its sheer size. This project highlighted the expenses involved in graphic design and I had quite a shock when it came to printing. The process book was smaller than it could have been due to this aspect. I also didn’t print labels that I was going to add to the box of the chocolate coated coffee beans, however, finances got in the way of my additional presentation aspect of this project. Back to discussing the process book, even though it was created for the reason of showing the journey, research, development and thoughts, that went into coffee & society. I was really pleased with some of the page designs. In particular, the page where I discuss my use of expressive typography.

The specs book, I kept simple, I feel I could have expanded it much further as even though my design was consistent it did have a range of variations. I attempted to cover these variations by giving elements of leeway in my description e.g colour with a tint between 50-100%. I know that I cover every aspect of typographic design that the examiners would look at, the only element I missed was ligatures. I only remember this after I had printed the finished document.

Overall

This project was one of the hardest challenges I have done since starting university. I feel that it has provided me with a strong piece of design for my portfolio and a chance of winning a MISTD. It has taught me a great deal about working with typography and large documents. I feel more confident in using masters pages, hierarchies, challenging typographic rules, juggling multiple tasks, etc. The list goes on. It was a really intense learning experience and one that I am grateful to have participated in.

The downside of this project is that it became more expensive than I had anticipated causing financial difficulties outside of the university. The financial issues caused me to not complete everything for the project that I would have liked to. I feel that it has caused me to become a little bit behind my blogging and final major project as I have struggled to manage my time. However, I feel this was a good experience to have before going into the real world after graduation. I am looking forward to the next challenge!

Update:

I felt it might be nice to add a link to one of my Pinterest boards that I used at the start of this project to help induce some ideas. This Pinterest board can be seen below.

 

Final presentation: ISTD Competition

For the final presentation for this project, I attempted to get my editorial piece as close to finished as possible. It has been an incredible challenge that has expanded my skill set, I have learnt how to write articles, research, structure magazine and create something out a few simple words. I have also improved my knowledge with InDesign, such as using master pages, grid systems and swatch libraries.

The presentation was like every other presentation, it had its challenges. The university printed cause a few errors, printing out my design on A4 paper even after charging me to print A3. Also, my binding skills have yet to improve since first, I was told I look like I had been chewing the paper and three years later, I still feel it looks like I have been chewing it. This presentation I went it in more prepared than any other, I planned out my slides and written a script beforehand. Even with all the preparation, the nerves of public speaking overwhelmed me, cause we to talk as fast as possible, missing out several concepts and finishing within minutes of starting. I keep trying new methods to help my nerves with public speaking, yet I still can’t seem to overcome it. I am starting to feel that this might be the one skill set that I will have to accept I do not have.

My feedback was incredible constructive while giving me a lot more challenge to overcome, I am now starting to question if I can complete all my project by the final submission. I really want to create an editorial design to the best of my abilities for ISTD, however, I need to finish the research and development files while working on design for real. I feel that I am going to have to learn to prioritise what I can work on now and after submission.

The feedback was to find better images that look less like stock images and create more ambience. I work in a coffee shop as supervisor, which means that I have access to coffee making facilities which should provide me with some powerful images to use. I also have to think differently about the shots I get and style, add a sense of ambience and my own unique style to each shot. I shall have to get up early before our doors open to get these images. I will have to have 5 am start to the day to get these photographs, but the perks of a creative job is that not every day is the same.

The other feedback I received was to check my spelling and grammar, this is one of negative habits that I am aware that I do on a regular basis. I feel that I rush to get all my thoughts on the paper and when I do read it back I skim read, knowing what I have written and understanding what I am discussing, which to some it might make no sense. I also have to keep developing my structure for the type to sit on the page, I feel that this is something that I will be working on until the final ISTD deadline week. Typography can always be improved like all forms of design there is never a perfect outcome.

I did also receive some feedback but like all feedback, I feel that I do not have to completely take on the ideas. I was told that my chapters did not have equal white and colours space, I have chosen to do this as I do not want the editorial design to feel too repetitive. I will be looking at other design to see if I have to keep to a complete same format to each chapter. Other than the last two chapters which I feel need more experimentation, I feel that the first two are superb while similar and unique enough that they still work together.

Overall, I feel relieved that the final presentation is over. I will be working on this ISTD project for the next few months, while also trying to get it to as close to finishing by next week. Other than my spelling, photography and layouts, I will then be placing this project on the back burner while I work on the research and development files. I feel that the next following week will challenge me in time management and task priorities.

 

Dissertation Design: Three Concepts

This project has been giving me a headache like no other. I got hit by a massive wave of creative block and really struggled with which direction to go in. After a reoccurring feedback of my design outputs playing it too safe. I wanted to really challenge my design skills and create something a little bit different. It did not go to plan to cause my grade to plummet, sent my stress levels soaring into clouds of frustration and had me pulling at my hair. I was really disappointed with my design outcome and even more disappointed with my feedback, I play it too safe and now I had gone to risky, leading to an unreadable design. I had created three different designs in my frustration and over this blog post, I will discuss each outcome before assessing my next goals.

As my dissertation was split into a variety of topics, each linked by exploring male representation in the media. I initially thought of creating several separate book designs each with a unique style. I got this idea from when I get to explore artists books in the library. I decided to attempt playing around with duotone, once again inspired by the artists’ books. I selected the blue colour to symbolise masculinity and decided to start on chapter one as it is the chapter with the most amount of images.

I really didn’t like what I had created, I was loving the concept of creating a variety of mini books for each chapter. However, I was disliking the style in which my dissertation was going towards. I was unsure about the colour palette I choose, along with the use of images. The images I have for my dissertation are all very different in style which was making it a challenge to find a way to combine them together. I wanted to challenge myself and try something new but it was not going to plan. This is when I decided to attempt another design.

I attempt creating another style, I went for a comic book feel as this is a very masculine orientated design style. I wanted to find a way of combining all the images together to make them feel part of the same design. This was a challenging process with one page I really liked. However, yet again, I was not happy with the overall outcome. I was really starting to struggle. I was feeling the pressure of two projects and a short time scale to create an outcome for both. The added element of having two bad design outcomes for one project was adding to my frustration. I felt like I was wasting time and the more I tried to create something risky, the worse the results were getting.

My final style was geometrically inspired, I thought that maybe if I disrupted the images into geometric shapes this would help them combine, creating a publication as if all the images had been selected for more than just the research and argument. I also wanted to use the LGBT colours as the dissertation explores sexuality in depth making it seem highly suitable to the design outcome. Once again, I was really unhappy with the final outcome.

My feedback for this project was not comforting or positive in the slightest. Due to the printers being down on campus, I had to print my design in black and white which was making the design even more difficult to read. This did not go unnoticed. However, I feel that my attempt at taking a risk and trying something a bit different did go unnoticed. I even left a note with my design explaining my dilemma and uploaded digital version on the tutors’ computer. I feel that these two things also went unnoticed. I was not expecting a higher grade for my designs, as I knew they were not to the highest standard, however, I was expecting better guidance.

I have decided on the next steps, I am going to go back to the drawing board. I feel it is time to move away from the screen, research, sketch and start playing it safe again. I am designing a dissertation design and maybe this is not the project to take risks with. I tried something new, it failed so now it is time to go back to clean, crisp, minimal and professional designs.

Update:

I decided to add a link to my Pinterest board for this project, I feel it will expand over the upcoming weeks. However, in case it does not expand I thought I would add it below. Some of the inspiration for this project overlapped with my final major and my competition.

A World of Views; Exploring Diverse Cultural Views on Mental Health

As part of my final major project, I am creating an editorial design with each article written and research by myself. While undergoing group tutorial, I noticed there was such a diverse view on mental health and creativity from the range of cultures I was surrounded by. I decided to use this to my advantage and arrange a few interviews with creative individuals for diverse locations. This was my first experience of taking interviews and completely ethics forms, it was a challenging process, especially when discussing sensitive topics.

I created the questions to be ambiguous in style to allow the article to read as if its a  conversation. This will allow my interviewee to reveal as much or as little as they felt comfortable with. This technique of asking questions did play to my advantage with two out of the three interviews. It allowed me to gain great insight into the cultural diversity and creative industries around the world. I learned some unique and thought-provoking stories reality to mental health which has caused me to go about the article in an anonymous manner.

The biggest correlation between each individuals perception was that they all felt that creativity could provide a sense of emotional outlet. That if you were feeling sad or any other negative emotions. Doing something creative would help them change their mood into a more positive emotional state. The eastern Europeans that I interviewed believe that their cultures see mental illness as a weakness. One, in particular, would argue that mental illness does not exist and that the UK culture favours those who are out of the ordinary. Making mental illness a go-to option to stand out from the crowd.

My Chinese interviewee had a similar sense towards mental health whether this was due to a language barrier or if China doesn’t have a mental illness or health discussion.  There is a strong sense of being the best in your family in China. With many parents putting a large amount of stress and pressure on their children to be the best.   I did learn that Chinese people feel that Japan has a lot of negative emotions and a lot of suicide. While on the creative side of the research, China is one of the biggest exports of cultural and creative services.

The articles are almost completely finished and I have tried my best to keep as much of the individuals’ personality without revealing their true identity. I would like to take on another two interviews just to gain more cultural insight. I feel that the next two interviews I will record audio as I found it hard to recall every piece of information that was discussed. I feel that recording will also allow me to be more in tune with the interview and less distracted by the rapid pace of taking notes. I am still unsure if I will take on another two interviews as my current editorial design is 35 pages with only three interviews, an article and editors letter. I feel this will be a discussion I make further down the line.

Rabble Talks: Ben Tallon

This months Rabble talk was with Ben Tallon, a highly enlightening and inspiring illustrator. His talk was very down to earth and made me question my own creative journey. He talked the audience through his youngest memories, to his first experience of design and illustration, finally reaching his current point in his career. His talk induced ideas for my final major project and gave me a new outlook on the city I am currently living in.

The interesting aspect of his talk was him question his young, reckless and impulsive behaviour which has lead to his path in the creative fields. It made me question my younger behaviour that has to lead to me becoming a designer. I was obsessed with playing roller coaster tycoon, building and designing theme parks. Little did I realise that when I was an adult, I would be graduating in a career where I use computer software to help create the society around me.

He encourages us to be open and proud of our histories, even if they are not the best start. I strongly agree with his attitude and there are parts of my history I hide, but it is those intense lows that keep me moving forward. When you end up homeless for a short period of time, it takes a lot to stress you out, push you down or stop you from chasing your dreams. While my hometown, Swansea, is characterised as the graveyard of ambition. To me, it was where my journey hit rock bottom before turning around. It will always have a fond element to my heart even if I never return there to live.

I had not been to a Rabble talk for a long time, while this was one I am glad I did not miss. It really made me self-reflect on my life journey and proud of where I am heading. I know that the next part of my journey is going to be tough, but life doesn’t get easier, we just get stronger. On a professional level, the talk has inspired me to attempt creating some illustrations for my final major project. I love Ben Tallon’s fluid and slightly chaotic style which I feel would benefit my topic of mental.

The only aspect that I really struggle with going to design events is networking. How do I start a conversation? How do I get myself out of my comfort zone? How do I go about this whole networking thing? I have done a few google searches on how to start conversations in networking events but I really struggle chatting with people I do not know. I am going to challenge myself to get a conversation started at one of the future events. Whether that is Rabble talks or one of the events in London. I have recently discovered in London which has a design scene and LGBT activist scene which really intrigues me. Until then I will keep researching icebreakers.

 

Final Major Project: Constructing a Brand identity for Suss magazine

My final major project is creating a beautiful editorial design with the aim of it becoming a quarterly magazine. It is going to be aimed at creative students and professionals. The word creative being used to portray those who are inspiring artists or designers. My current concept for the magazine is every issue while be looking at the links between the creative industry and a social issue. This quarterly issue will be focusing on mental health. Like all magazines, they seem to have a strong brand identity and I would also like to create a brand identity for mine magazine. This blog post is going to answer some common brand questions to get me thinking about the visual language that I will need to construct to make my magazine kick off.

To help get my mindset back into the method of thinking about brand identities. I decided to go back through the presentation of branding from the previous year. I managed to find the form for creating a brand in the first year. I feel that just like writing an ethics form that filling out this form will help me get in know more about the brand I am creating. I know that I also have an editorial to design but I want my project to be bigger than just an editorial design. I want it to have an identity and I feel this will help to construct the editorial.

Background Overview

The company is newly established, the first issues have not yet been realised. However, the articles have been written and are ready to be added to the magazine templates. The company is currently based in Cardiff while the magazine will be sold worldwide online. It currently has only one employer, while there is a large amount of work for one individual person. The main activity of the magazine is to educate and inspire creatives while exploring social issues. There is currently no financial overturn or previous design for the company.

The project objective

The project objectives are to create an editorial design for Suss magazine. With the magazine, the aim is to create an online blog or website that will release similar articles. The magazine news to have a launch, this could be advertising, web banners, social media accounts, etc. This will make it become more known and widespread.

What will my brand values be? 

The magazine is going to be experimental, informative, luxurious and creative.

The competition

The current competition which either shares similar target market, brand values, ideas, etc.

The Eye, Creative Review, GQ, Vice, Drift magazine, Etc.

Who is the target market? 

The primary target market, Designers & Artists who want something that will inspire them without bombarding them with designer reviews, exhibition reviews, etc. Sometimes the best creative ideas come to you when you’re not thinking just about design.

The secondary target market, those who are interested in social issues, taboo news and magazine that’s a little bit different from the GQ or Creative Review. Almost like the better behaviour version of vice magazine.

The target market is gender neutral with an age range of 20’s – 30’s in the attempt of having lifelong customers. Occupations are creative students all the way up to full-time creative directors. They value creativity, innovation, simplicity, and attention to detail. The customers are not put off higher price tags if the product is beautiful. The audience is most likely found in urban creative environments. Due to age range, the target audience is well connected with technology and printed materials have become a luxury.

The target audience? 

The target audience at the current moment is direct to the general public, the publication can be bought online. However, with progression, the magazine could be sold in who retail outlets. Due to the target market the best method of contact with them through the virtual world.

Distribution

The user will buy the publication online or in a high street retailer, the company will get the highest form of income from advertisers and sponsorships in the long run. The company will create a digital publication to save on material, a quarterly subscription can be brought if the project is successful.

Promotion

The magazine will be promoted across online platforms and social media, this will be the best form of capturing its target audience.

What is the unique selling point? 

The unique selling point is that it is a magazine that explores creativity and social issues. This question I have left till last as it brings me back to the design concept for the first issues, exploring creativity and mental health. While this exercise has taken me up some time, I feel it has given me a greater understanding of where to take my editorial design. I know feel I need to create both digital and printed editorial designs. I have never created a digital magazine before, however, I feel this will be a new challenge. During the process of constructing the editorial design, I will create a visual language for Suss magazine. I feel the promotion and website will be the last areas I work on.