Responsive: Briefbox - Digital Development + Patterns

- Here I started recreating my drawings digitally, to create the geometric effect that was asked for in the brief. I really like the blockiness/geometry of the character and I think it adds an element of charm and personality. I also started to experiment with patterns, and how I could incorporate them into my drawings. To create the pattern I just repeated basic shapes. I intend to experiment with other shapes, as I feel that pattern will be a big aspect of my final design. 

- Based on the inspiration images given in the brief, I added colour to my illustrations using their colour schemes. Although I do not intend to use the exact same colour scheme, I really love how the boldness brings the illustrations to life and gives them more personality. 

Responsive: Briefbox - Brief Analysis + Initial Ideas

Visual Identity for Painter & Decorator Alison - Brief

Briefbox is a forum that posts practice briefs online, for designers to gain experience in designing for clients. I think it's a really good opportunity to exercise my design skills, and practice responding to specifications and requests.

What problem(s) are identified by the brief?

The brief is ultimately asking for a set of 5 business cards, each with variations of design. The designs must display bold, playful and contemporary elements in order to reflect the clients identity and promote her business.

What is the brief asking you to do about it/them?
I will design a range of business cards, using bold colours and geometric patterns. I intend to include some sort of Illustration also.

Can you foresee any problems in responding to the brief?

If I were designing for a client in real life, I would feel it necessary to familiarise myself with work they've done, and ideally meet them in person to get a feel for who they are. It is an identity project after all, and I feel that meeting the client would help me to portray them more accurately. In terms of the variation of designs, I am concerned as to how varied they are expecting the designs to be - can they just be different colour? 

Like many of Briefbox's briefs, as they are only hypothetical it is an open ended brief, meaning I can submit work whenever I want. To ensure my time is managed effectively though, I intend to submit it by the end of January, before other modules begin and secret 7 launches. 

Initial Ideas

When first faced with the brief, I started sketching the basic painting and decorating elements, paintbrushes, buckets, ladders etc, but found that they were a bit boring. As the brief explained that the client is interested in geometric patterns, I really wanted to incorporate that aesthetic into my images. I'm really trying to take inspiration from the images given with the brief, but finding it difficult as patterns aren't really my strong point:

Some of my most successful images were characters based on the client, that I think would add a personal and friendly touch to the business card. I also started to play around with her name and initials to create some interesting visuals. I wanted to try and convey her slogan of "adding another dimension to create the perfect home".

About The Author: Making a start on the Sting

Mockup/Test trying out motion and methods of production: 

TEST from Daniel Gilmartin on Vimeo.

After taking part in a number of After Effect workshops (mostly blogged about), I started thinking about my sting in relation to translating my storyboards into animation. The short test animation (above) was based around a scene of the storyboard from the study task. This exercise was really just to try and gain some confidence using After Effects which seemed very overwhelming. I think that the use of digital media in this case doesn't look very effective, however I intend to push it using textures from my prints etc. I intended to use my initial colour palette, however came across various other shades that I felt really complimented the palette, giving me some other options for my final prints. 

About The Author: Screen Print Workshop

Positives for my screen print, creating using photoshop brushes. 

When creating these I took a bit of a risk when adding texture to the face and the arm, however I think it worked out quite effectively, giving my image an added depth. I think this is a really good example of how I could translate my digital imagery to screen print. Although I do not feel that the image itself is totally effective, I think that the techniques I have used to create some of the textures have given the image alot more authenticity. 

My final screen print

In terms of printing processes, Silk screen printing is my favourite by far. I love the way it creates block colours, and the effect of the overlapping ink adds a really authentic texture. My final print, although needs refining slightly, I am really proud of and think that the colours used are really complimentary. Although I intended to experiment using a certain colour palette, I think these colours create the same effect. I was really pleased with the way the textures came through, which is an element I am going to take forward into my final outcomes for the brief. 

Some colour experiments, with addition of patterns created in mono print. 

About The Author: Progress Surgery (Teresa + Pete)

Concept Sketches to present at crit:

These were just some very rough concept sketches that I created to show my ambitions for my printed outcomes, and a storyboard for my sting. The storyboard is a revisited one that I developed from the storyboarding task, which condenses it down to fit in 15 seconds. 

Here I became inspired to change my printed outcome to a publication, instead of prints, as they weren't working very effectively. 

About The Author: Print Workshop - Mono + Lino

These are the outcomes from the recent print workshops in Mono + Lino print. 

 Mono Print

Regrettably I have never enjoyed mono printing and don't particularly like the effect it creates, and so have avoided it. I am not a fan of the fuzzy quality that is created when drawing directly onto the back of the print, and do not feel that it resonates with the type of work I want to make,  or possibly make in the future, and do not feel that the images created were successful atall. However, from recently creating a range of prints I have come to recognise the beauty of the textures that can be created, which i would be really interested in incorporating into my images. I did use the session to really experiment with different tools and creating a variety of effects/textures which may be used to enhance my images. 

Lino Print

This was my first time using Lino Print and found it quite exciting. I really love the rigid marks made and think that they add a real sense of authenticity to any piece of work. Although my lino outcome does not communicate very well, it allowed to me to get to grips with the technical side of lino printing.  I feel that as I was only working on a small piece of lino, I was unable to add the amount of detail needed to make my image make sense, (which is a shame) however I think on a larger scale, using lino would be alot more effective for me and my work. 

As an illustrator who is very shape and texture driven, I find it hard to create prints that I find aesthetically effective as in the previous 2 cases, they have quite a messy feel to them. 

About The Author: Digital Experimentation

This is just a small piece that I created using the Cintiq, trying out the brushes with my subject matter. I think that the effects created look really authentic and although I understand the appeal of using analogue media I feel that I am able to get my ideas down alot quicker. I really like the dusty effect of the charcoal brushes and feel that it gives my images a sense of authenticity, which Is something I really try to incorporate in my work.  

Despite my recent attempts with digital art, I intend to incorporate analogue elements into my final outcomes, for example screen printing my digital drawings, which I think will give them an authentic value as well as aesthetic. 

About The Author: Kyle T Webster Custom Brushes - Digital Experimentation

After meeting Kyle T Webster through the big heads session I was really inspired to continue creating digital work. To enhance the digital side of my illustrative practice, I recently bought his custom photoshop brushes to give my work different textures etc. I've never used custom brushes before so it was certainly a new experience for me. I found that the brushes work a lot like the actual media they are attempting to replicate which is really useful when creating certain effects. 

After experimenting with a range of brushes I created a reference sheet for the ones I found to be most useful and textural. 

About The Author: Storyboarding Workshop

A storyboard a production tool that consists of scenes/sketches and actions that map a series of events, and is a tool by which we communicate ideas to other people, thinking sequentially. The process allows people to work together and brainstorm ideas without having a fully working animation to critique. 

Selection of storyboards from google images; Star Wars"A Galaxy far, far away" and Gladiator "Tiger Tale".

When researching existing storyboards, it was amazing to see how from a storyboard, media like films are translated. It is clear that in storyboards it is best to be as precise as possible in terms of camera angle and directional movements etc, to communicate your ideas in the best possible way. It is also interesting to see how media is used in the actual storyboards as it varies hugely from one to another in terms of detail and technical skill. However in the end it comes down to if or not your idea can be fully understood. 

Image my storyboards are based on:

My own storyboards from the session

In the session I created a variety of storyboards based on one of my images from my visual journal. I found the task difficult in terms of generating 3 different ideas for animations and pushing a single image in 3 different directions. However, I think I got my head around sequential thinking/drawing quite quickly. I found the task really useful as it helped me to actually start thinking about my sting and how I can translate artwork from journal into something that is animated. I think that some of the ideas shown in my storyboards are slightly optimistic as I have never used after effects before, however I'm glad that i have been able to get them down on paper. 

Notes made during workshop

Animation + Sound

Some examples of animated stings; 

Daft Punk - Technologic music video for VH1

 A really powerful, energetic animation that uses appropriate movements/transitions to make the text come to life. It is an excellent example of sound and animation being used to compliment each other. From watching this I have gained a sense of how sound enhances what is going on, and without it this animation would not have an impact at all. 

Sound Deconstruction Task

ASIF2015 Animation Festival opener from Neta n Lior on Vimeo.

This short sting was created as an opening to a festival. The animation uses a low-fi pixelated effect, creating a sense of video games, which in turn connotes fun. This effect is further emphasised by the use of bold colours against a dark background. The use of audio in the animation is really relevent to the subject matter of under the sea/in space and once again maintains an electronic, video game-like score. I love the way that the music pulses in time to the animations of explosions etc, and think that it really brings the animation to life. I think the animation is really effective in the way that the movements are quite rigid, yet diverse, maintaining a 3D aspect. 

Further Storyboarding Task

From the storyboarding workshop, i learnt that it would be really helpful to choose a sting soundtrack first, and then plan and create my sting based around the sound and mood. I have been thinking about it alot and the mood/atmosphere created in my sting will be the main focus. 

(First 15 seconds)

1) This track is very easy listening and a bit jazzy, which I think would give my animation a fun and upbeat atmosphere. I really want to achieve a feel of Italian influence and almost transport the viewer back to the time and place where Italo was growing up. I feel that the atmosphere created by this track is also quite quirky, and the use of rhythm in the song creates movement anyway, which would be ideal for my idea. 

Here I created a storyboard based around this track, using quite fast paced movement and panning. I really like the idea for a final outcome, however I feel it would really test my skills and patience in after effects, which still seems quite daunting to me. Also being able to animate the walk cycle is something that would take a lot of time to get right. If the animation moved in time to the various instrumentals in the music, I think it would be a really effective sting. 

2)

So that I could generate as many ideas as possible, I started thinking about tracks that are completely different to the previous, quirky and Italian sound. I found this song by the cinematic orchestra and think that it is just so atmospheric and beautiful, so I really wanted to incorporate it into my work somewhere. I think that the tempo of the track will also aid my animation and hopefully make it quite slow placed and simple. 

This storyboard, like in the session, was based on another of my images from my visual journal which I felt had potential for an interesting animation. In terms of communicating, I feel that this idea has alot more of a general atmosphere which is what I was hoping to create. I think that the music will aid this animation perfectly as it has a lot of scenes that just transition with a straight cut, which would work well with the strikes of piano. I think this idea has alot of potential for a final outcome and would be perhaps simpler to create than the previous idea, and be more effective. The music I feel would create a sense of being deep in thought while he writes. 

About The Author: Colour Research

So far in my visual journal, I have created a lot of imagery using warm colours like orange. Admittedly, I had no reason for using these colours, other than i like the colour and the twee, inviting quality it brings to my work. However, from researching and looking at Calvino's background and upbringing in San Remo, I have found many images that resonate with my preconceived ideas of italian towns, which generate a certain warmth, mainly emphasised by the colour of the architecture.  

Selection of images of 'San Remo' from Google Images. 

Some colours I have been thinking about based on my research are warm yellows and deep navy blues. I think this combination of colours would work perfectly for my 2 colour theme throughout my work as it maintains a warmth, however i think that the dark blue has connotations of science, which links to Calvino's upbringing around botany and science. These are not final, however I intend to start experimenting in my sketchbook using these colours. 

 

Responsive: Narrative In Advertising + Task

John Lewis - Man On The Moon ad 
Good example of cross platform campaign #manonthemoon

Many of John Lewis' adverts often contain a message that is conveyed through a narrative, with a beginning, middle and end. A formula that is used yearly that has proven to be effective. The use of narrative promotes a reaction, positive or negative, thus making the viewer interact with the brand. 

3 Levels Of Narrative 
Protagonist faces Antagonist
Overcoming Fears
Born Anew 

The storytelling animal - how stories make us human
A book that outlines an argument how stories have real power to hold human attention and shape our thinking. 

Cave Of Forgotten Dreams - W. Herzog 
Ambiguity - starts audience's imagination. Boy foot print and wolf foot print. 

Task - Narrative for your chosen brand?

For my collaborative project, I am really interested in the Desperados brief because of my interest in branding and  advertising. The brief creates a sense of an opportunity to create exciting, lively and fresh work for the target audience of young urbanites. 

- The Desperados brand, after watching various existing advertisements, is quite lively and young, with the tag line of 'break through to the other side'. 

- "Desperados is a unique brand, positioned between beer and spirits", higher than average alcohol content, hints that target audience are people that use drink in order to have a good time. To give the consumer what they need, to fuel them. 

- There is alot of excitement and energy surrounding the brand, a large sense of 'party' is created. 

- The main emotion is excitement.

- Narrative ideas?

A wrestler (keeping to the mexican aesthetic) loses his energy and loses fight, becomes miserable and stops fighting, discovers desperados and drinks one, fights and wins.

Although it may confuse the audience into thinking that it's an energy drink, the message is that the desperados gives him the fuel he needs to pursue what he loves. 

I will look into the desperados brand in greater detail when I start my collaborative process.  

Responsive: Brief Analysis 2

Before entering competitions/working for clients - consider if you agree with the ethics of the brand? Age, Audience, Lifestyle, Political, Ethical and Moral issues?
What are the tech specs? size? deadline? budget?
Rights???? - Do you retain the rights to your original artwork once it has been submitted?

James Webb Young - 5 Step model of creative process:
- Gather as much info on the problem. Read, underline, ask questions, visit the factory.
- Take the information and wrestle with it, work it over in your mind. 
- Take a step back and let your subconscious mind deal with it.
- The birth of an idea
- Evaluating the success of the idea. 

Dan Wieden suggests that branding is about humanising products. All brands have a set of core values that appeal to human nature, that we can develop relationships with. 

"If it isn't human, it's not worth shit"

User Experience - Refers to a range of media, droppings pictures on twitter, viral videos, web banners, how do you create a vibe/buzz about your product? Example: Chipotle, Cultivate a better world experience:

The Scarecrow

Really powerful film to accompany an online game, to encourage viewers to eat eco friendlier and eat at Chipotle. use of major and minor keys in the music are an aspect that make this film so effective. Think about sound.

- Solving problems - Think Laterally
- Ask questions

Useful contextual references:
- VW Snowplow ad
- Absolut blank - the start of creativity (doesn't mention the word 'vodka' or 'drinking' once)

About The Author: Italo Calvino Playlist

In order to gain inspiration and start thinking about sounds and music for my animated sting, I was recommended to create a playlist to listen to whilst creating work. I used spotify to put together my playlist based around Italo's life and work. Alot of my playlist is traditional italian music relating to his upbringing, with some italian Cafe music, which I imagined him to hear if he was sat in a cafe writing. I think this will really help me to get inspiration for colours and imagery. 

Responsive: Initial Thoughts + Study Task 1

Possible competitions:
YCN Briefs
House Of Illustration - War Horse
Penguin Random House Design Awards
Brief Box
11 Seconds Club
Loop De Loop
Secret 7 

How to approach a vague brief?
Ask questions!!!
What's Involved specifically?
How many colours?
Any reference material?
how many pages?
how many characters etc?
Make sure you know exactly what is required for the brief.

Study Task 1  - Brief Selection - What is the Problem? (Part 1)

Secret 7

The substantial brief I am currently most interested in is Secret 7, which unfortunately is not live yet, however I am really excited to find out what the songs will be. I think the brief will be interesting in terms of pushing me out of my comfort zone, to create images for not only the songs I like, but songs that might be challenging to represent visually. I think this brief will allow me to fulfill several criteria for success within this module, as I feel that aswell as getting yourself public recognition, it is also to  gain confidence with working to dimensions/specifications, and clients. This brief in particular will do all of those things, aswell as giving me an opportunity to exercise my creative skills for a live brief. As the actual brief/tracks have not been released yet, it is difficult to identify any problems at this stage, however I know that I will be designing artwork in response to 7 different tracks, in order for them to be printed, exhibited and sold to raise money for a charity. 

Brief Box - Visual Identity for Painter & Decorator Alison

I feel really drawn to this brief, and is linked to the area of design/illustration that I am interested in. This brief provides the opportunity to design for a client with a requirement of reflected the clients interests, which also appeal to me; strong use of colour, geometry and pattern. In terms of fulfilling criteria for the module, It will once again provide exposure (not alot), but also give me experience in designing for clients. The main issues I am picking up from reading the brief, are that it is quite vague once again, and if this was an actual client I would want to meet them and get to know them as a person before giving them a visual identity. The brief does not specify the age of the client, or how long she has been painting and decorating for, which I think is another really important aspect that would need to be known in order to create a successful submission. Also there is no concrete deadline, which is clearly an issue.

Illustration Friday

Once again, not a hugely rewarding brief, but really great for generating work for my portfolio. I would ideally like to do a handful of these over the course of the module, and see how the subject matter effects my ways of working.

What is the problem? (Part 2) - Secret 7

• What problem(s) are identified by the brief?

Album covers for the 2016 tracklist for secret 7 need to be designed in order to raise money for charity (unsure what this year's will be).

• What is the brief asking you to do about it/them?

The brief is asking 

• What is the brief trying to achieve?

Aswell as celebrating the successes of 7 musician/artists/bands, the competition aims to support charities and gain exposure for them, funded by people buying the artwork. There is a large sense of trying to revive the culture of vinyls and physical CD/album artwork.

• Who will benefit?

People effected by the disease that the charity supports, myself if I won as I would receive publicity. 

• Who is the audience?

As the competition is quite well known, it is heavily received by music and art fans, aswell as the general public. Usually there are alot of established artists that enter the competition, creating more buzz. 

• Can you foresee any problems in responding to the brief?

The only problem I can see at the moment is not knowing who the judges are for the competition. As the competition will be judged very subjectively, it would help to know who will be judging in order to impress them. 

Print Induction 2: Using Spot Colour Channels in Photoshop

Pantone Spot Colour Reference System

Printing Using Spot Colour Channels

- Grey Channel is the positive for Black Ink

- New spot channel / Very important to name the colour for reference

- Very simple way of creating positives for different layers of colour 

Printing with 3 colours, using spot colour channels

- Using colour range to seperate certain colours in the image . When selected, choose a different spot colour for each channel and repeat. 

- Once you have your 3 spot colour channels, make sure it doesn't need cleaning up. (use levels to get rid of light bits of grey)

*** Also Save Image, and try 'Split Channels' to print separate positives for each channel

If you split the channels, you cannot undo it.

How to print out Positives from Spot Colour Channels

- Save as TIFF or PSD files, so that Spot Colours is ticked

- Open Illustrator, and place new file

- Save file, Output options, Mode: Seperations. 

- Make sure previous options have been selected.

- AAAAAND PRINT

*Trapping Ink