End of module evaluation

The self discovery throughout PPP this year has been immense. The chance to select my own live briefs to work on and contact artists that inspire me every day has developed me as a designer, giving me chances to create work I wouldn't have imagined and showing me that at a professional level, the work is complex but so rewarding and different each time. Being reminded why I am here on this degree is such a positive.

The interview process was far less daunting than I had imagined- spurred on by the motivational lectures, I made lists of artists I wished to contact due to their more niche style I aspire to, and messaged all of them with no hesitance. the questions I asked were inspired by our talk with John and it was down to what I wanted to actually know and get an experienced honest answer from, such as working for clients and how they gained popularity for their designs. Getting 3 long interviews with 3 really individual artists of different sectors visually stimulating work that is related to or has inspired artworks which have been put as the poster side for my interview posters.

Within interviews I was completely myself, even though they were through email. I never want to appear non engaging and boring with my questions or presence as I feel this is forgettable, and as they were email interviews I wanted to make it seem as real and chatty as it would face to face. From talking about music to getting excited and inquisitive about information I had read about them through research. I gave all artists the choice of wether to meet/skype or email, and it was most appropriate for all of them to email which I adapted to for them and made my language as expressive as I could, in which I received warm responses from all 3!

I had planned a studio visit to a local one in Leeds city centre from meeting one half of the collective but due to conflicting schedules this had to be cancelled, but will be revisited. This module is ongoing and I will continue to visit events and document them, a lot more through photography hopefully although developing film isn't very cost efficient so it is quite slow paced for now!

As for the live briefs, the ones I chose had to be in an area I wanted to explore more or challenge myself to such as a campaign for Thirsty Planet which personally paid off and I am proud of the collection and the phrases I created. Collaboration is an aspect I want to dive in to a lot more, as this is present in the industry even more so. Collaborating with different courses is a goal of mine and is inspired by the discussions and momentum gained by being in my collective AWOL. Unfortunately, I didn't get to collaborate with a different course this year however the project was still a success, except I want to learn from other courses and combine completely different skill sets which may be more stressful but rewarding.

The fact most of the exhibitions I have been to have been underwhelming may just be down to me and my style, but I definitely can see why I enjoy combining styles and clashing colours, as a lot of more clinical toned down design does bore me if too predictable. I like to inject puns, humour, pattern, etc, which I found was also the case in the fine art exhibitions I have visited which is reassuring. The most enjoyable events have been ones not restricted to prints in a row on the wall, but that become an experience which is more valuable.

Plans and goals for summer

This summer more than ever I am determined to keep designing and considering my future and university consistently! Absolute musts for summer are
-Look in to placement opportunities, in Leeds or Manchester. I need to find places that will elevate my skillsets and lead to the right opportunities for me, in which I want to find the appropriate studios. Starting in summer I feel is late already, so it is crucial I do this

-Continue my own design work-brush up my skills on my graphics tablet, keep drawing and painting,work to live briefs

-Complete work assigned for the start of year 3

-Find appropriate sources and decide on my dissertation question/topic

-Develop all my 35mm rolls and collate collections for zines next year which I want to publish and distribute, possibly exhibit

-Continue to network where possible and keep making links at exhibitions/events/socially

Creative Presence creative report FINISH

Posters

These posters tie in my own practice and showcase my inspiration and interest in the artists creative sectors, working in similar styles they themselves work in and discuss within the interviews.  Sending these to the artists will mean my work can be put out there and hopefully put up in their work space as a tribute and thank you to them for being so kind to let me interview them, as well as celebrating the interview designing them all in different styles unique to the artist. The typefaces, colours and background choices were all based off their work and this has allowed me to take completely different pieces of my work brought together as a trio of posters.

Creating posters opposed to online publications or otherwise allows me to send them a physical copy sharing my joy for collecting art posters, and I know they all sell prints and posters so this works in line with their practice also. They are all very different artists but creating these have brought them together whilst also collectively celebrating a style unique to them. Main points I have taken from the interviews are highlighted either in different typefaces or in bold to make the text more interesting to read whilst also pointing out key points. I was so lucky to get 3 amazing interviews with so much different advice, whilst also being in good discussion sharing my work and showing support.

These posters which will be sent out to the artists allowed me to bring together a variety of projects and give them a new meaning and purpose also, as none of them had much success in their initial purpose. To not be disheartened and keep trying and believing in my work is becoming a necessity and part of who I am as a designer.

PPP presentation

Since my presentation it has hit me, from seeing others, and also from the point I feel I am going on to third year that it is time to take control of the projects I choose like in responsive, my links socially and professionally, submitting work and getting work, all of these in which I have set goals for summer to complete. Crucial is to get an online presence as from interviewing some of my favourite artists, this is how to roll with it in terms of getting recognized especially on Instagram. Through every talk we have had also, online presence.

I feel I carried on my confident speaking from last year, although perhaps I missed a couple of key points out such as why I chose the briefs for responsive and identifying and contacting studios for placements and work.

Neon Cactus,Reds True BBQ and Holy Matcha branding

Neon Cactus by Analogue

 

This menu instantly drew in my attention and creative eye in admiration for the electric minimal design of the rebranding, the way it has used symbols and mexican inspired type in such a clean way. This made me consider the design for my studio brief 2 for OUGD505, if I were to design for inside a club/bar, a way for my message to stand out without looking too tacky.

This menu at Reds True BBQ is a perfect example of a brilliant design concept all tied together, making the menu bible related. This is another way I have taken in that publications should be unique and informed to embody a concept and make it stand out, as well as stock considerations. Creating a publication earlier in the year did not go very well as it wasn't thought out enough, and it has taught me to always have other options.

Haven't not ever even tried or heard of Matcha before, this branding stood out to me instantly on Instagram and reminds me of my self branding from last year but so much more clean and elegant. I feel like it would be me if I were a cafe!! This cafe has got so much attention and attendance just from the interior and identity of it; consistency and really pushing a design can benefit a company so much. Even the quilted stock, food detail, the walls all prompt people to take pictures and share spreading the word which is amazing for the business. I would like to take ventures like this on in the future and reminds me of how much I enjoy graphic design and the pushing concepts! This typeface also became the same one used in my collaborative brief which worked perfectly as it has a clean feminine flick to it.

Love/hate relationship with screenprint

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i first went wrong with screenprint for being impatient and not being a perfectionist when it came to printing the pieces which really put me off doing screen print ever again, as well as complications and mistakes with learning how to use the screen and mine being taken playing a role. I realised after submission however that the underlying issue was that I wasn't designing the appropriate cover for my publication which brought down the entire publication, and could see clearly after submission when I wasn't clouded by stress and frustration how it could have been done successfully.

Although I said to myself I would avoid it at all costs as I enjoyed monoprint and linoprint which are methods not as popular- after visiting an exhibition focusing on music posters screenprinted, it reminded me of why screenprint is so popular and still is to do this day despite advancing digital options- the results are unique and beautiful, and I actually learnt how to screenprint through learning from mistakes from the first time round which was annoyingly beneficial, meaning this time round I was a lot less stressed and more willing to experiment with gradients and try different designs and colours.

It is often very hard to take multiple risks such as screenprint with my grades and confidence at stake but I have learnt from this that I am still learning and it was a benefit going through that at the beginning as from feedback, my west indian carnival piece is different and has captured the energy of the festival. I wasn't happy with many of my prints but I still aim to see this as decent progress.

'Only' professional visit

Points taken from the local strategy/design consultancy @ Munro House

-no tech,'you need an idea you can visualise'
-design process:research (audience,how will they interact?), wireframing (what is the product/key interactions, layout, where do things go?), design and then front end
-try your design on all 4 most used device sizes
-try to input the branding into the content as much as possible

have worked on user interface designs for Goldsmiths, Uni of Suffolk, Lost Village (which was my favourite due to unique typeface created) and Bring Me The Horizon's new website and many others within 3 years from starting. I asked them if brands contacted them first and what was the best way to put your work out there, and both agreed if you put good work out there good opportunities will come your way.

Pitcha Pitcha presentation

As a collective we wanted to celebrate all variety of skills within the design field, as we are all different and it is reassuring to upcoming creatives to embrace what they are good at and enjoy, and that there is room for variety in the industry. Our aim to showcase a variety of work will also be beneficial in drawing in more creatives in to creating as there will be work suited to everyone for a source of inspiration, and even to recognize what they don't like. I came forward with the concept in which the group understood and agreed instantly allowing everyone to have a fair contribution and spot to talk and show their work.

A strong collective supports and happily shows each others work, so within our pitch we showed examples of all our work to give watchers a grasp on the variety we want to display and showing our own work and combination of skills. I showed my motivational mantras cover as it was made for first years, intended to provide positive strong quotes to accelerate confidence and productivity whilst giving useful advice of what to remember in first year, so including this felt important as we have a similar aim to show the public what the creative industry is about. I also showed a poster from my latest campaign designs for Thirsty Planet, in which I feel my approach to the brief was bold and grabs attention which we would want our publication to do in a similar fashion, making the public feel part of the collective using similar language.

My focus was colour, and these show two different ways of using it combining traditional print with digital which I enjoy doing within my work. AWOL are all about getting as many people involved and interested as possible in contributing their skills and with this, hoping to break the stigma seemingly still present within the public and I am proud of my collective and what we put together as we all had a fair contribution, staying true to our collectives ethos, and wanting to go further than an exhibition.

Artfromnonart by Goat Collective submission and positive feedback

Saw the call for submissions on the noticeboard which I always take a look at to get involved in submissions and helping out other students however I can, and it is to submit collages involving appropriation. As I had so much fun working on my cultural appropriation piece, and slight confidence based off comments admiring my concept, why not submit? If I get featured or not, we are learning getting involved is as important.

Along with this getting some positive comments, I also put up 3 motivational mantras from my publication last year and one of my peers said it really reminds her to initiate feedback and promotes her confidence in her decisions and work which is amazing to hear back. Have also had comments that say my work stands out and motivates well, which for my mantra as a designer is the best to hear. Putting your work up or submitting/showing where you can is well worth it for any feedback.

Collectives

Nuvo Collective
Goat Collective
Endless City

http://www.itsnicethat.com/news/new-exhibition-featuring-work-by-jean-jullien-and-stefan-marx-opens-in-la-3100317

speak to endless city
message goat collective

Update: Unfortunately Aaron at Endless City and I had conflicting schedules at the time but we are going to meet up at some point to discuss his work as he is a brilliant guy with links in Manchester and Leeds who I could learn a lot from.

Robin Eisenberg interview

Poster for Robin's interview with my Space Grrls design which was inspired after I interviewed Robin, emulating her space girl theme turning it in to a Spice Girls tribute which appeals to the same target audience of Robin's fans as her style is very feminine and bold which is what the poster represents and introduces the amazing interview in which she discusses her love for space.

Can’t wait to see the interview, and thanks again for being so rad! 

Talk soon! <3

Robin 

PS: I’ve attached a couple photos of me at my desk, too. haha! <3 

What attracted me to your work was your girl daydreamer, outer space bright badass inspired artwork , which gives such a distinctive look for your brand. How did this style begin and what things inspire you to create one of these images or gifs? 

Thank you! I have always loved drawing women and the moments in their/our lives, and I also have a forever love for all things extraterrestrial and dreamy. In the past, I used much more realistic colors but I started using bolder neon colors a few years ago. The art I started creating felt much more like the world in my brain that I was trying to express and I kept building on that style from there. 

Do you usually hand draw the type and designs? What is your design process? I am very new to digital illustrating but can see how rewarding it is seeing your work for companies and zines.

I hand draw everything, usually either directly into Photoshop or on paper with pen. I have never used vectors, mainly just because I’ve never learned and I feel more comfortable with more hand drawing.

How did you get in contact with Thrasher to create the amazing merchandise? They’re such a huge company! Also think your skater references in your work are so funny, as well as the pizza references, I can really relate haha.

Haha awesome! They actually reached out to me, which was amazing. I think they kept seeing my work pop up on Instagram - I have a drawing of an alien babe in a Thrasher tee looking out into space and I think Thrasher posted it on Instagram at one point. Then they ended up emailing me asking if I wanted to collab on a few tee designs. It was so much fun working with them and so rad to see the shirts everywhere! 

What set up do you prefer to be in when working on your design work, and if you listen to any music what music do you like to work to? When im painting I love listening to Hendrix and Lana Del Rey usually get lost in another world!

I am obsessed with my desk and my office, it’s honestly my favoritest place to be, haha. For me, lots of light is important! I also like having music on or sometimes I’ll have old Star Trek episodes on in the background. Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Laura Marling, Erykah Badu, Lorde, and also Lana Del Rey haha! <3 

I am currently doing a graphic design degree and I don't really know which direction I am going in and worry about this sometimes. Were you the same and what is the best advice you could give to getting on track?

Totally. I think for me it was just a struggle to find my own style that felt uniquely me and no one else. I think it’s really hard to want to be inspired and feel influenced by other artists but still find a style that’s your own. For me, it was also just a matter of not wanting to feel bored with my own work - I wanted to feel challenged and excited. And definitely it’s also hard to know which direction to go in - illustration, graphic design, web design, etc. For me, I was never really that great at anything but just drawing, haha, so I went with that. I sometimes wish I was a better “graphic designer” as it would make my life a lot easier! Maybe I’ll learn eventually! 

What is the best advice you have ever been given career or life wise :)?

Probably just to not be afraid of weirdness or pushing your own boundaries! Keep surprising yourself! 

Who or what inspires you the most? Family or any other artists? I bet living in a place like LA is wonderful for inspiration...

I get really inspired equally by both nature and city life, so LA is a really awesome place for me. I love being in the middle of such a humming, busy place but also being able to drive to oceans + deserts + mountains whenever I want (although there is a ridiculous amount of traffic, haha). I also get really inspired by futuristic books and movies. Oh and I’m obsessed with Planet Earth and always want to draw alien versions of the animals. 

What do you feel your biggest accomplishment is so far? You look like you're doing brilliantly with such a unique style which so many young females can relate to. 

Thank you so much! I think my biggest accomplishment overall has just been to reach a point where I am my own boss and I’m making a living every day doing something that makes me incredible happy. I’ve always dreamed of being in this situation and I’m so glad I’ve been able to make it happen. :) 

Any plans for the future, like any projects or anything else you want to learn?

Definitely! I really want to become a better animator, and start making longer and more complex animations. I also want to start creating larger scale pieces, murals and maybe even sculpture or installations of some kind. I would also LOVE to complete a graphic novel in the next couple of years! Can I pause time please?! Haha. 

I am doing graphic design but am evermore enjoying illustrating...I also enjoy having a feminine style with bright daring colours; when working for a client does this get compromised a lot?

Yeah, it definitely can be an issue in my experience. I’m fortunate to be at the point where I pretty much exclusively take on projects that I feel are in line with my style and that I would be proud to have in my portfolio. Sometimes, if I feel like a client wants something that doesn’t work well with my style, I’ll just let them know that it might be best for everyone if they look for a different artist who has the style they’re looking for. But, there definitely have been times in the past where I’ve ended up creating something that doesn’t really feel like my own work, which to me is really frustrating and ultimately kind of counterproductive. 

What would you say is the best way to get your design work out to clients? Do you network a lot?

I’m the worst at networking, haha! I know when I was first trying to get more work, I would draw people or bands that I thought were really rad, then send them the drawing or tag them on social media. It was helpful to get more people looking at my work and also fun to draw people who had influenced me. I ended up getting a few big projects that way and it was a cool way to connect with people who I thought were awesome. 

Which kinds of clients or pieces have you enjoyed working on the most and why??

I love working with bands as music is such a huge part of my life and was also my career path for a while (I used to play in a band called Crocodiles and it was so much fun!). I also love working with Giphy - I do a new GIF every week for them that’s based on recent news or happenings and it’s fun to be always working on something current and interesting. 

I really love all of your images but in particular the mermaid pieces. Currently have one mermaid tattoo and literally want to be covered, I really enjoy drawing them too! What do you love about mermaids?

Aw, that’s awesome! I love mermaids tooooo! I have a fascination for the ocean that I think is similar to my love of outer space… It’s such a huge place that is still relatively uncharted and I just think so much about the ocean and the beach is so dreamy. I love being by the sea, it makes me feel incredibly calm and happy. I also love learning about creatures under the sea and love the way the plants and animals look. If I could breathe and live underwater for a year and have some kind of cool mermaid dwelling I would totally do it.

Any bizarre stories from being a creative in LA?

So many! I grew up here too, so I feel like my life is just a series of bizarre, lovely and occasionally awful or boring stories about being a creative in LA, haha. Come visit and you can have an adventure and an LA story of your own!

The poster I created will hopefully be complimentary to her own pieces if put up somewhere in her beloved office, maybe, hopefully! 

The fact Robin responded and was so lovely made me smile from ear to ear! It has really made me confident in taking the chances to speak to people and not being put off by doubt they'd ever reply, and I preach this to my peers! Her responses made me realise a lot about my own style and interests which is why I asked certain questions, and the fact she still has so many goals she wants to achieve and develop skills further and she has already been so successful! from all my interviews it has been stressed to do work that makes you happy, an online presence will lead to amazing industry opportunities to take your work even further.

NEST Space submission

Inspired by the artist Robin Eisenberg who I interviewed, I seized the opportunity for the space theme to create a play on the Spice Girls and create feminine alien characters similar to which Robin does which is some of her most popular work. This is a very different approach to the Space theme and I am not confident it will get chosen but it was worth submitting as always!

This also gave me the opportunity to practice with my graphics tablet which I am getting more comfortable with every time I use it which is valuable in the industry and amending certain parts or quickly editing something is easier with this.

I took notice of the shading and highlights that need to be applied to the bodies to make them non flat looking which I was pleased with. Although it could be a lot better, this is a start in developing my personal style and concept ideas.

An event-ful day in Leeds- Walkabout in Leeds study task

Punk exhibition at Village

Although I absolutely loved the focus of the exhibition and the pieces so gritty/striking/nostalgic reigniting my adoration for subculture design, the size of the exhibition space really let it down and I could barely move.  The punk theme was refreshing as it was more post modernist which I always find a bit more exciting than really clean minimal design.
If I were ever to have an exhibition it would definitely be in a bigger space as the small space really irritated me.

Gig Posters exhibition at Munro House

This was such an exciting exhibition as it was music and traditional print based with live screen print! This was decent to walk around and look at every piece with ease as the space was more spread out- each piece was unique and really interesting which for music pieces I do also. This spurred me on to take the risk of screenprinting again for OUGD505 as the results are so truly unique, I can't avoid this amazing method for the rest of my life seeing results like these.

Out of Order level 6 exhibition at Colours May Vary

Whilst being proud to be an LCA student and enjoying the variety of illustration styles on display, the free business cards got me! As I have discussed previously I am a collector/hoarder of great design when possible, so creating these business cards was a brilliant move by the group as they are all up on my wall and I got to get their names and follow them. Giving out freebies is very beneficial and will make you more memorable, which I will do in future.