Thursday, April 27, 2017

OUGD503 Studio Brief 03 - Project Report

Studio Brief 03 - Project Report

Overall I found this module to be really engaging and valuable as I have learnt how to work on professional briefs as well as with others. Working on professional briefs means working to client requirements and time restraints which has been challenging at times. Also a higher level of professionalism was needed to make sure designs were fit for real world application.

For one of the smaller briefs for studio brief 01, I undertook the Penguin book cover design competition. I produced an outcome for the cover of 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote. I really engaged with this brief as I found the research and idea generation the most fun part as I could be as creative and free with my ideas as possible. I wanted to create a unique design that takes a more conceptual approach, as I have a love for developing strong concepts. I tried to keep my design contextual referenced by applying a pop art / psychedelic style, which was around when the book was published, by the use of contrasting colours that produce a high impact visual. I have also become more aware just how important feedback is, as I was able to make the necessary changes to produce a more succinct design. I found it difficult working with typography, selecting the most appropriate as well as positioning on the page was something that I struggled with. Gaining feedback for this was really beneficial as this is an area that I want to improve and gain a better understanding. Even though it is a competition brief it has felt more relaxed and I have been able to enjoy the work as it hasn't felt too intense and the work has been manageable.

For my other smaller brief I took part in the Papyrus colouring book brief, which allowed me to produce work that is going towards a good cause. This was one of the main reasons I was attracted to this brief as it allows for my design to do good. As well as that it sounded like a fun brief that would be quite relaxing to do, free from the pressure of a bigger competition. Initially I felt quite stuck for ideas as I wanted to produce something different, something that hadn't been done before. I also wasn't all that confident with my drawing abilities, and it is a skill that I want to work on and improve. After submitting I didn't really think that it would go any further as I wasn't confident in the design. However, hearing that it got shortlisted has really given me a confidence boost, and has shown me that I need to have more self belief. I think that this was really good for me as confidence in my work is something I really lack. It also made me create an instagram account, encouraging me to put more of my work out there. Overall I have really benefitted from this small brief as I've got a lot out of it, and it has encouraged me to keep getting things out there.

I chose to do YCN's, The Grown Up Chocolate Company's brief as part of my big brief for studio brief 01. I chose this brief because of my interest within packaging design, and this allowed me to explore that further. I have found this brief to be extremely challenging as I really struggled to come up with strong design ideas. I think this was due to the brief being to broad and maybe I wasn't quite connecting enough with the humorous nature of the brand. I struggled to try and inject humour into the design but I have kept the design fun and playful. I think that this brief would have worked better if I had worked collaboratively with someone else as I would have been able to bounce ideas around. It has felt like a big project to take on by myself due to the extra requirements of mocking up a webpage. However I think that the challenge has been really beneficial as it has pushed me out of my comfort zone.

Working with the net was also challenging trying to apply the design correctly so that it would look right when 3D, it was using a more practical way of thinking that I really enjoyed. I have struggled slightly with time management as I was so stuck for ideas at the beginning of the project that really held me back. Next time I will try and get more feedback and support if I am struggling for ideas as I realise how detrimental that can be to a project. I have enjoyed working on a more professional brief but because I struggled with it, it has made it less enjoyable. Although, I am reasonably happy with my final design as it is more abstract and expressive than I would usually do, and I believe that I met all the requirements and guidelines within the brief.

Studio Brief 02 working collaboratively on D&AD's Fur For Animals brief has been the most enjoyable part of the module. I really enjoy working with other people as I understand the importance of how it can produce a more developed design. Working within the team has been really beneficial to work on my communication skills. Discussing ideas and working together to produce a successful outcome has been really rewarding. Although I didn't physically create the design or animate the video, I have really enjoyed helping with the art direction, developing ideas and organising. Art direction is something that I am really interested in and I felt like that was one of my main roles within the group as well as developing the campaign further. The only negative would be that I wanted to take on more of a design role as I haven't really got anything that I have physically produced. However, I do think the job roles were appropriate, Kieran being an illustrator did the illustrations, and Ed feeling more confident on after effects than me, working on the animation. The video that we have produced works well as it doesn't shock or scare but takes a softer approach through the style. This way people will be more receptive to the message and create a more personal connection with the character. I believe our team worked extremely well together and this is clear through the successful animation we have produced.

Working in a team on a professional brief allowed for the more refined professionalism of the overall outcome. It also provided the necessary pressure so that everyone worked and stuck to deadlines. I definitely want to undertake more collaborations in the future as I am really proud of what we have produced, and hopefully I will be able to take on more of a hands on role and further develop my art direction. Working with people from other disciplines is something I am interested to do further as I can see the potentials to produce really good work.

OUGD503 Studio Brief 02 - Fur For Animals - D&AD Submission

D&AD Submission:






Wednesday, April 26, 2017

OUGD503 Studio Brief 02 - Fur For Animals - Evaluation

Evaluation:
Overall I have really enjoyed working collaboratively and I am proud of the outcome that we have produced. Working within the team has been really beneficial to work on my communication skills. Discussing ideas and working together to produce a successful out come has been really rewarding. Although I didn't physically create the design or animate the video, I have really enjoyed helping with the art direction, developing ideas and organising. Art direction is something that I am really interested in and I felt like that was one of my main roles within the group as well as developing the campaign further. The only negative would be that I wanted to take on more of a design role as I haven't really got anything that I have physically produced. However, I do think the job roles were appropriate, Kieran being an illustrator did the illustrations, and Ed feeling more confident on after effects than me, working on the animation. The video that we have produced works well as it doesn't shock or scare but takes a softer approach through the style. This way people will be more receptive to the message and create a more personal connection with the character.

OUGD503 Studio Brief 02 - Fur For Animals - 20th March - Final Video and Voice Recording

Final Video and Voice Recording:
As the deadline was approaching fast I suggested that we book out the recording studio the same day we received the feedback from Simon and find a suitable voice over. 

We decided that we wanted a female voice that is soft spoken as this creates a connection with the audience and evokes empathy. It also will help to put the audience at ease while talking about a serious subject, so they are more receptive to the message being portrayed.

The Real Price of Mink from Georgina Smith on Vimeo.

Password: The Real Price of Mink

- Kieran's paper cut style provides strong visuals that avoid stereotypical, shock campaigns that use graphic imagery.

- The style will appeal to a younger audience, teaching at a young age could help to prevent further development of the fur trade.

- The short length of the video is appropriate due to attention spans being shorter on screens.


- The language used is concise and clear which adds impact to communicate the necessary information. 

OUGD503 Studio Brief 02 - Fur For Animals - Further Feedback

Further Feedback:
When the animation was finally finished and subtitles added, I suggested that we show our tutor Simon our video to provide some new perspective. This was really beneficial as it allowed the video to further develop. One of the issues that was pointed out and something we had noticed ourselves is that the text was very hard to follow. This was due to it blending in too much with the animation, making it hard to read and at times illegible. As there was lots of information to convey it only gave the reader a short amount of time to read as to keep up with the animation, this made the design disjointed. It also distracts away from the animation which should be and is the main focus.

Simon suggested adding a voiceover as this would help to immerse the viewer and create more of a connection as they can pay full attention to the animation without any distractions. Overall he was really impressed with the design of the animation as he felt it was really striking and created the emotional connection to really get the message across.


OUGD503 Studio Brief 02 - Fur For Animals - Development

Development:
While Ed began to start animating the video and Kieran continued the final parts of the illustration, I looked at how we could further develop our campaign in other areas.

Merchandise:
The illustrative style of the video allows the concept to be developed further through products like t-shirts, tote bags and pencil cases. This will help to bring mass awareness to the campaign, applying it through fashion items which targets a big area of the fur trade. Photos taken of people wearing the items can be shared through social media. Money made from the items can be used to support and help develop area of the charity to spread the word.



Emoji:
Thinking further, based on our research from a WWF campaign, an emoji has been created to help solidify an online campaign. Users can download the emoji for a small fee with the proceeds again going back into the charity. Further development like this helps to tackle a wider audience of different age ranges. I based the style of the emoji on Kieran's illustration to help keep cohesion with the design.


OUGD503 YCN - The Grown Up Chocolate Company - Evaluation

Evaluation:
I have found this brief to be extremely challenging as I really struggled to come up with strong design ideas. I think this was due to the brief being to broad and maybe I wasn't quite connecting enough with the humorous nature of the brand. I struggled to try and inject humour into the design but I have kept the design fun and playful. I think that this brief would have worked better if I had worked collaboratively with someone else as I would have been able to bounce ideas around. However I think that the challenge has been really beneficial as it has pushed me out of my comfort zone.

Working with the net was also challenging trying to apply the design correctly so that it would look right when 3D, it was using a more practical way of thinking that I really enjoyed. I have struggled slightly with time management as I was so stuck for ideas at the beginning of the project that really held me back. Next time I will try and get more feedback and support if I am struggling for ideas as I realise how detrimental that can be to a project. I have enjoyed working on a more professional brief but because I struggled with it, it has made it less enjoyable. Although, I am reasonably happy with my final design as it is a more abstract and expressive than I would usually do and I believe that I met all the requirements and guidelines within the brief.

OUGD503 YCN - The Grown Up Chocolate Company - YCN Submission Boards

YCN Submission Boards:






OUGD503 YCN - The Grown Up Chocolate Company - Landing Page - Design Mock-ups and Justification

Design Mock-ups:




Justification:
I have decided to keep the design similar to the original website, this will be easier to introduce the product and help to keep a cohesive design. The layout is organised as clearly as possible to create a better user experience that can be navigated by a range of audiences easily. Having a box where designs for the wrapper can be uploaded and then being updated, will provide a better customer experience as they will be able to see their designs come to life, creating excitement about the product. Listing the ingredients and having a check box system is the easiest and clearest way for users to see what they can choose and what they have chosen. The minimal design allows for a clear understanding and better presentation of the product.

OUGD503 YCN - The Grown Up Chocolate Company - Landing Page - Design

Design:
Using the quick mock up sketches and looking at the current design of the website I was able to create a design that works cohesively and helps to show off the product effectively, as well as being easy to navigate.

The first screen when coming to the website will show a large scale image of the box alongside large scale text to attract the attention of the consumer. I have used the typeface that they use currently 'Headline One' to fit in with the current design. 



If the user was to click on the image it would take them to the product page. A square image of the box is on the left hand side with the information on the right. The information is organised clearly so that it is easily understood. The arrows at the bottom would flash and when clicked upon it would scroll down the screen.


This would show an empty box on the right where users will be able to upload there own wrapper designs, it will update to the image once uploaded. To the right of that is a large box which would have the list of ingredients, users will use a check box system to create the flavours of the chocolate.

OUGD503 YCN - The Grown Up Chocolate Company - Landing Page - Ideas

Ideas:
I began by sketching down my visualisation for the landing page. I wanted to keep it as clear and simple as possible so that it is easily accessible.

I started by thinking about what could go onto the slideshow on the homepage. Text next to an image of the packaging.



Then I began thinking about how it would be displayed where you can pick your flavours and upload designs for the wrapper.



I tried to follow a similar style and layout as what they already have for their products to create a cohesive design.

OUGD503 YCN - The Grown Up Chocolate Company - Landing Page - Research

Landing Page:

As part of the brief I also have to create a landing page, that will present the product to customers when they click through their e-commerce site to explore the customised product. The webpage design should reference the packaging to create a cohesive image for the new concept.

Currently I am quite confused as to what a landing page is, and what information needs to be shown, therefore I am going to do some further research.

Research:

Definition: 

- a web page which serves as the entry point for a website or a particular section of a website.

- a standalone web page distinct from your main website that has been designed for a single focused objective.

Types:

1. Click Through - have the goal of persuading the visitor to click through to another page. Typically used in ecommerce funnels, they can be used to describe a product or offer in sufficient detail so as to “warm up” a visitor to the point where they are closer to making a purchasing decision.

2. Lead Generation - used to capture user data, such as a name and email address. The sole purpose of the page is to collect information that will allow you to market to and connect with the prospect at a subsequent time. As such, a lead capture page will contain a form along with a description of what you’ll get in return for submitting your personal data.

They type of web page that I would be producing is more likely to be a click through, as this goal of persuading the visitor is ultimately what they want to achieve.

I think that I want to show the journey of how it would be seen on their website.

1st screen - Home screen 


On the first screen that users come through we have big images/content that grab attention. These are on a slideshow type of thing, that scrolls through them, leaving a few seconds on each for the user to digest the information, but also keeping their interest. This will be the perfect place to direct attention to the new product, making customers aware and encouraging them to click to find out more.

2nd screen - product display


The next screen would present the product stating the name, price, weight, description, gift wrapping, add to basket, free shipping, ingredients allergens and nutritionals. On the left would be an image of the product in a square box format. I will also need to consider how I am going to incorporate the personalisation aspect of the chocolate flavours and wrapper design.

Information to take into consideration when thinking about the design:

- New product

- Customers customise own chocolate 

- 100 quality ingredients (and grown up!) ingredients — from hazelnuts to almonds, cinnamon to sea salt. 

- Purchase online e-commerce site only

- Customers can design the wrapper of each bar by uploading graphics, photographs and other images — to create a product that’s entirely unique.

- Three 100g bars

- The webpage design should reference the packaging to create a cohesive image for the new concept.

OUGD503 YCN - The Grown Up Chocolate Company - Final Design & Justification

Final Design:















Justification:
I believe that I have produced an appropriate outcome to the brief that reflects the brands fun personality. The dynamic abstract pattern draws attention, as the question marks allude to the mystery of what could be inside. This creates intrigue and excitement, which is further exemplified by the large scale typography, asking 'Whats in your box?'. The typeface is already used within current packaging so will provide cohesion with the rest of their products. The vibrant colourful design hints at the playful nature of the brand and the combination of flavours that can be created. Their catchphrase appears on the sides of the sleeve as  a more engaging reminder of the humorous side of the brand. While the hand drawn pattern helps to reflect the handmade nature of the chocolates and the care that goes into their products. Overall it is suited to young professionals as the design is lively but sophisticated.

OUGD503 YCN - The Grown Up Chocolate Company - Final Design

Final Design:

I have found working with the nets to be quite a time consuming task as they didn't come with crop marks. I had to apply all of the crop and fold marks myself and then delete the outline so that it didn't print onto the design.

Sleeve:



Inside of tray:


Outside of tray:



Printing:
I decided to print on a matte card as material consideration isn't something that was specified in the brief and this will provide a good, strong mock-up of the design. However I came across a problem when printing double sided, something that I have come across before, the design didn't match up on the other side. This has caused the design to move slightly, the only visible issue is that the text on the inside of the tray is now a lot closer to the edge, there isn't much space in between. This is unfortunate but there isn't much that can be done to resolve the problem as this is an issue with the printer.

Building:
To construct the net I used a scalpel to cut it out and scissors to score marks for the folds. It was a time consuming process as I needed to take my time to ensure I didn't make any mistakes. It was also quite difficult to stick the sides down with prit stick but I managed to make it stay down.