During assessment week...

During the summer I randomly decided to make a typeface out of small pieces of masking tape.
During assessment week I decided to digitalise my photographs further by tracing over them in Illustrator.
I was stuck choosing a colour to fill them with, so chose to make them into a set using CMYK since we've been using this a lot recently.
I think they look pretty good. :)

Self Evaluation

This module, for me, has been a really interesting and eye opening. It has included a lot of techniques and process in which I enjoy and have a particular interest in. Although I do not enjoy packaging briefs, I managed to slip in logo design, something I find fascinating and enjoyable. Considering I have never enjoyed producing packaging, I am reasonably pleased with what I managed to produce. As usual, the concept and idea behind it is so much stronger than the final outcome, however, I still feel as though I did fairly well even though I didn't include everything I said I would.
My favourite part of the module has to be the 16 paged booklet. I love working with type and layout. I definitely think it could be improved, however, I'm pleased with what I managed to produce.
I thoroughly enjoyed the workshops also. They for me, were extremely useful, and I learnt an awful lot. I plan to use this knowledge I now have, in future pieces of work. Hopefully they'll come to great use!
I feel as though I could have done so much more during this module. I had various techniques in mind which I wanted to put into practise but failed to do so, which I find very disappointing. This also affects my research. I feel as though it wasn't as strong as it could have been. I will definately make sure I push myself in the next module.
In the way of the amount of work we have had, I've aways known I need to manage my time better, and again, I somehow failed at this even though I just about managed to get everything finished. Perhaps this is why I felt as though there was so much to do. Time organisation is something I need to work on if I want to make the most of it properly.

5 things I will do differently during the next module:

*I will manage my time better. Although I put a lot of time and effort in to working much longer hours, I failed to put it to good use. I found myself lost at some points, and somehow managed to loose interest in my work.
*I will ensure I put more effort into researching my subject. This is probably why my work feels dry at some points. I haven't got as much as I should to go on.
*I need to calm down. I have never stressed so much in my life as much as I did during this module... to the point where it made me sick. I just couldn't stop stressing.
*Using the staff to gain advice and professional opinions is something I should take advantage more of.
*I should prepare action plans, especially nearer the end of a brief/module. I reckon this would help me a lot more, and will keep me focused.

End of Module Self Evaluation

BA (Hons.) GRAPHIC DESIGN

END OF MODULE SELF-EVALUATION

1. The content of the module was relevant to my development as a designer.

I really enjoyed this module, although I found it extremely challenging.

I'm very interested in type and layout, so this was something great for me to have a go at.

I'm reasonably pleased with what I've produced in the way of type and layout, although I know it could definitely be improved.

2. The projects that we were asked to do were too hard (5), about right (3) too easy (1)

The projects were definitely challenging, and there was a fair amount to do to get everything finished.

3. The amount of work expected in the time available was challenging but fair.

I've always known I need to manage my time better, and again, I managed to fail, even though I just about managed to get everything done. Perhaps this is why I felt as though there was so much to do.

4. I feel that I have learnt a lot during the module and that it has helped/will help me progress.

I've learnt a fair amount during this module. I made sure I would try my hardest to take on board everything that would be taught. I aim to use my knowledge in my projects from now on.

5. The staff support during this module was useful and offered appropriate feedback and opportunity to discuss my progress.

There was more of less always someone around if I needed someone for advice or a general opinion.

I really used the crits to my advantage as well. They were extremely helpful.

6. The timetabled crits were useful and helped me move forward with my work.

As much as I hate talking about my work, I found the crits really useful. They make things seem so much clearer, and it's great to get other people's opinions on your own work. It really opens your eyes to what else you can do.

7. The assessment criteria was made clear throughout the module and I knew what I was supposed to be doing.

I'd say that criteria we needed for assessment was continuously made clear to us throughout the module. Speaking to lectures about our work was great so they could make sure we were on the right path.

Finally!

My final logo. :)
Whilst designing on Illustrator, I've been using the peach colour as it's a fairly calm colour. However, as I'll be heat transfering it onto my material teabag, I'll most probably use the black as it's a simple yet effective colour for a logo. It'll also stand out on the final product.

Logo developed..

I like! ...probably won't use it though! Can't say it's got much to do with tea. :/ DOH!

Phonetics

The strangest lesson.. BY FAR! But a good one! :)

Today was our last session, and did something a little unexpected. We were looking at phonetics and how words sound. One word can sound so many different ways.

We started off using our names, typing them which related to a specific scenario. The first scenario was someone saying my name just after I'd annoyed them. Notice the bold 'a' at the end. We tend to stick that invisible 'a' on the

end of words when they're being accented more.

Below is the scenario of someone saying my name because they want something! The end of the name is accented more, and sounds longer.

Try working out the rest!!

After messing with our names, we started thinking about transport. We were told to be specific. So, if I was to write the noise of an engine... what type of engine is it? What make of car is it?

Since I'm not too clued up on my cars, I stuck with the basics.

Below, I've thought of the sound of a bus when it stops.

Oh yeah, we also thought about the sounds we hear on a day to day basis.

-v

...and another transport one for you!

It's supposed to represent a car engine starting. :)

Mac workshop 2

After Effects

Importing: file > import > file > import as: composition

If making layers of type in photoshop, rasterize the text to make it into a shape, and then import into after effects

(WHEN IMPORTING FILES)

Difference between composition and composition cropped layers.

Comp' - can scale each individual letter towards the centre anchor point, and the whole work. can rotate too etc.

Comp' cropped layers - each letter rotates/scales etc around its each individual anchor point.

Rasterize = changing from vector to bitmap

Brand logo

So I've been playing around with typefaces for the logo of my product which will appear on the product itself as well as the packaging.
I have used two exising fonts which I foundon dafont.com. I joined the 'C' to 'almers' as I wasn't happy with how it looked completely in one of the two fonts.
As this will be used for four seasons, I wanted to change each, subtly. By doing this you would be able to tell they each belong to a set. The way in which I have chosen to do it, is by changing the font of the name of each season. I have been trying to find a decent font which represents each, and so far I've come up with what's below.

These are the originals. For both 'winter' and 'spring', I have used Myriad Pro.


Below I have used Footlight MT Light, and Harrington. I'm still debating whether to use other fonts, but these are my first thoughts.

I chose to use a Serif font for Winter as the serifs look like icecicles and looks to be quite chilly due to it's thin stems.

I chose to use Harrington for Spring mainly because of it's 'spring' look. It's all curly and fun, and looks quite natural. I think it suits the season, although I'm not sure if it's wavering away from how it's supposed to look? These are supposed to be aimed at a higher market and be limited edition.

Packaging

I've been thinking about what packaging to use for my product.
I flicked through a packaging book I found from the library which came with a cd. I used a few of the examples in the book, so printed out the nets and made them to see what they look like in 3D.
Here are a few I made.


I don't want to have anything too complicated. I want simple. I've always wanted simple. I much prefer the third and last image. Sooo.. here's what I've settled for...

Seasonal?

If you type seasonal gifts into google, you're most likely to see everything based around Christmas.
I want to design a product for each season, just so Summer, Autumn and Spring don't feel left out. :)

The Concept.
'Tea is good because it helps relieve stress.'
My product will help relieve stress through scent. Research shows that tea helps, so, I will produce a product containing tea. You cannot drink it. Only smell it. It is extremely compact, and is something which can easily carried around with you.

The Idea.
I will produce a leaf or flower representing each season. I plan to use material which will contain tea with, perhaps, a hint of a scent which also symbolizes the season.
I will ''invent'' a name for my product and design a logo which will appear on the packaging as well as the product.
I want the ''tea bags'' to be packaged individually so they can only be purchased during each season. They all won't be available throughtout the entire year, so I guess you could say they're limited edition.

Some more paper folding

Trying to further my origami skills, I had another go. Again, it went a little wrong. Oh welllllll.

Ow :(

I've just had my first origami experience. It wasn't good. In fact, I can't say I enjoyed it too much. Very frustrating indeed.

This is what I was trying to make. I followed a simple step by step youtube video (which I'll upload in my DC blog)........

.... and I somehow managed to make this..

DISASTER!

The crit..

..was a success! :)

I got some really good feedback and suggestions as to what I can do. I was also told to pick ONE idea NOW and to just stick with it.. which is what I was expecting to be honest, hahahah! And it's fair enough really. So yay! :)

Before I totally commit to just one idea, I'm gonna have a quick play around with the suggests that we're given to me. These weren't for the idea I was leaning more towards, but I'm willing to give anything a go really! I wanna try and make this as good as I can. So yeah, I'll have a play, and if I see it as something I'm really enjoying doing then I'll commit. Oh yes I will. If it all goes to pot however, I'll go with the idea I was leaning towards in the first place. Success!

A little unclear

I'm starting to come up with ideas that doesn't connect to my concept. :/ Thing is, I kinda like them. Uhm.. I'm not sure whether changing my concept would be alryte. I guess the crit in a bit will straighten things out for me.
Just needed to get that off my chest. I feel a little better nowwww.

Mac workshop

-Adobe after effects

-DvD menus

-Title sequences

-Idents

MOTION GRAPHICS

Outlined box - the active panel - always choose a panel

Can max/min panels

1. Gather assets in top left box - file > import file

Bottom panel = timeline arrange assets/position in time

Top right panel - composition window where you view your work

Create a composition to start. Has to have at least ONE composition

Composition > create new

NTSC, PAL - settings often found for video/dvd games

NTSC - american, different frame size, width/height

PAL - uk settings

PLAYBACK DIFFERENT AMOUNT OF FRAMES PER SECOND

(standard definition)

Needs same setup to play on a dvd - to be able to play it - constant settings

-if using video, choose (widescreen) D1/DV

-if using still images, choose D1/DV (widescreen) square pixel

(pixels that make up screen)

width 1024

height 576

underlining a number means you can change it

pixel aspet ration if not working with video (not still images)

frame rate - 25 pal video standard

start timecode 0:00:10:00

(hours, minutes, seconds, frames)

composition > comp' settings = to change anything (time, duration etc) just like changing a word document

comp' > background colour

comp' panel selected

layer > solid > 100/100 > choose colour > ok

change red time bar to determine what you can see for when and for how long you want to see it for. can move it to show the work earlier/later

PLAYBACK IN REAL TIME > time controls > play

info fps:25:0 (realtime)

DONT use play button

RAM preview button > green bar appears in time bar, renders work, plays back as if in realtime

(may stop half way through)

(comp' resolution)

(change to either half/third/quarter to preview in RAM playback)

(lowers resolution but plays back in perfect time > can be changed back to high resolution)

BOTTOM LEFT BOX

(arrow pointing down) = can reveal more about object

'transform' - anchor point

-position

-scale

-rotation

-opacity

(make sure you're on the correct layer to alter)

(stopwatch) = position

-choose object to move, click stopwatch, yellow diamond will appear. Click and drag the object which will be on a 'hinge'/anchor, and will also make another diamond. Move timeline along, click shape and drag to make another diamond.

The distance between diamonds determines the amount of time.

Each path will have handles, which can be altered, just like illustrator.

Clicking on the arrow tool when selected an abject/shape on a path, you can add/subtract points and convert smooth points into sharp points.

SHORTCUTS

r = rotation

s = scale

p = position

t = opacity

a = anchor point

shift + p + r = both ^ ...etc

i = beginning of timeline

o = end of timeline

u = shows everything you've used

shift and click more than one layer, press a letter to view rotation, scale etc