Throughout this module I have developed a number of skills primarily improving my handwriting and calligraphy abilities, but also developing my logo and poster designs by completing several logo and branding briefs and a few collaborative poster designs. Working collaboratively has improved my confidence in designing and often the best outcomes have been determined by working in close proximity with a design partner to change and correct mistakes or flaws in work efficiently and quickly. This also means we can have a fast turn around on designs which is essential in the industry.
I enjoyed creating Anne Wyman's branding as I produced it digitally and it was a nice break from my usual entirely hand drawn designs. Applying her branding across different collateral made the project feel complete and showed how the identity can be used across every aspect of the photographer's professional business.
One thing I've learnt about my design preferences is that I don't enjoy creating script logotypes as much as minimal, clean cut logos. This has developed from last year as I created a lot of script lettering styles, whereas my interests have developed more to calligraphy and handmade brush strokes, creating lettering that doesn't have to be refined over and over. The first and only strokes are the ones used, which is a skill that has to be developed and practiced over time to be able to do so.
Another skill I have developed hugely over the course of this year is sign painting, and I have completed a few briefs that required me to produce hand painted letters in the outcome, e.g. Amplify sign painting, Slowhandclap, HPBC signs and other pieces.
One of my favourite briefs from this module was our Disposable Society exhibition which involved us curating and promoting the event. I learnt a lot from this in terms of organisation for myself and for a group of people, as we each took on tasks to ensure that everything was completed on schedule. As it was our first exhibition we were new to this and all sat together to sort through the submissions before selecting, which meant we had to discuss and vote on the majority favourites. Designing the posters and online material was a fun process and it definitely helped that we included a guerrilla advertising campaign. This is something we should push in future projects as it had very positive feedback. The poster designs worked and I thnk this was partially due to the process behind the image we used - spraying found objects white and photographing them added physical qualities to the poster that enhanced the overall design. For the curation of the event it was a learning curve for us all when organising, going to meetings and visiting spaces, before making decisions having thought of everything.
I used to enjoy working individually much more than on collaborative briefs, but when two people are suited for different roles within a brief, collaborative design makes the project easier and more interesting results can be created with two separate minds working together. Other collaborative briefs I enjoyed working on include Slowhandclap EP covers which was good to experiment with printing processes especially mixing inks, as well as the Irish Boxing cover.
It has been good to see my work shown and displayed at a couple of exhibitions including my design on GFSmith stock at Leeds Print Festival along with my Disposable Society piece. I also put my typism designs out into the public and had my sign paintings viewed by a lot of people. The mural I collaborated on with Aidan and Mo has been selected as the winner of the competition so that will be another design that will be seen by many people as it's in the centre of Leeds, which is good exposure again.
Some weaknesses within this module include the lack of brief extension and application to all relevant mediums in certain briefs. Although the briefs only required a logo design which the client could then use as they wish, I could have extended these myself to produce appropriate designs using the logo. This would strengthen my branding abilities and portfolio. I'd also like to improve my research methods by looking more in depth at the subject matter to gather a deeper understanding.
Overall I have really enjoyed this module as it has given me the chance to explore my design interests and produce work for live and paid briefs which I feel has helped me take a step in to the industry while still studying at university. I intend to develop my practice as a calligrapher and lettering artist while taking on briefs such as logo design and branding as well as sign painting to become a commercial designer.
