LinkedIn - Boden Job Role

Having seen a Junior Graphic Design role at one of the clothing brands whose practice I admire, I contacted one of the designers listed as one of their current employees. Due to the start date listed on the job role, I am currently unable to apply however still expressed my interest towards the role for future opportunities. Doing so has made me more confident in reaching out to other creatives on LinkedIn as it can develop connections and answer questions I may have. 

Following this discussion, I contacted the HR department in regards to a placement. Unlike the impression Emily gave me, the company do not offer a placement. This is a company I have 'liked' on LinkedIn to keep up to date with their advertised job roles in the future.

Chrissie Elliott

As part of my CoP3 research, I arranged to meet with Christina Elliott, a entrepreneurship researcher who ran a careers workshop. The aim of the meeting was to gather a better understanding of Elliott's knowledge and research into Social Enterprises. Arranging the meeting developed my professional communication skills over email, ensuring that information was communicated clearly. 

The Hepworth Christmas Market

Following on from my interest to start my own business, keeping up to date with craft fairs is an important part of my progression and understanding in this area. The Hepworth Wakefield Christmas Fair is an event that I found out about through their Twitter and Facebook page. This has also shown me the importance of engaging with creatives on social media to keep up to date with events. 

Attending the market has been an essential in my progression as a creative. I have been able to engage with a number of different creatives such as Sarah Empson from Geo Heaven and Michael Lewis from The Archipelago. Through a conversation with Michael I was able to further express my interest in the studio and in response he was positive in me in visiting the studio in the new year. This is a connection I hope to follow up with in the future. Approaching a person who's practice I admire has been something that I have been anxious about and in the past been reserved to do. From this positive experience of introducing myself to Michael and his partner, I have more confidence in myself. This is something that reflects into my practice. 

Exploring the various independent stalls at the market has inspired me to continue to consider this direction for my future. One way in which this could start now is by printing the designs that are part of the 100 Day Challenge and gaining further exposure by selling the prints. Digitally printing and traditionally printing the image based designs will also improve my print based experiences. 

You've Got Real Mail - Response

Having replied to this message, no further communications were had with David. His lack of reply could have been due to the busy schedule that he had due to the next issue of the magazine being soon to be released. Unfortunately, it is also the fault of my own for not remaining active in this communication and persisting further. This is due to other priorities taking away from attention of my professional practice. In the future this is something that I will not let happen. To ensure this, reminders will be set to ensure follow ups are made.

Writing About Work

Writing about my own work whether that be on Behance or on Blogger, is a task that I struggle with. This workshop has given me a key structure to follow to ensure that that work is effectively communicated on a range of different platforms.

In order to write effectively about your work, you need to be able to understand it's meaning.

What is it responding to, trying to solve, improving or communicating?

WHAT, HOW, WHY?
What is the core idea?
How does it work?
Why does it work?
These are three questions to answer when writing about work. 

Example: The core idea is to provide information to carers of those with psychosis/schizophrenia in an engaging accessible way. It works by being accessible via post which means the information can be accessed in a safe and comfortable environment. The content includes line drawings to illustrate some of the key information making the information engaging. The pack also includes a planner which allows the carer to have a space to note their own activities and therefore improve their self care.  


W: A series of visually driven, informative guides for new carers
H: Making the support available, clearer and more accessible
W: Because identifying as a carer can be incredibly tough 

"NAME OF PROJECT" is a series of visually driven, informative guides for new carers, making the support available, clearer and more accessible. Because identifying as a carer and understanding the demands of the role can be incredibly tough.

You've Got Real Mail

To show that I am a multimedia based print artist, I chose to screen print one of the pattern designs and digital print another. Along with the prints there was a handwritten note on the back of Instagram 'like notification' shape. This adds context to the message as well as adding creativity to the package. 

This mini project has encouraged me to get my work out there and to continue making connections with those that I admire. This will be an ongoing project that I will be able to work on throughout the year. It has also encouraged me to take my digital designs to print which allows me to expand my digital and traditional printing skills. 

You've Got Real Mail

This session focused on making something and sending it. The 'post' must be meaningful to myself and the receipt to make a lasting impression. 

As this is a whole group project, it is important to consider that a number of peers may also be contacting the same studios/individual creatives and therefore being as unique as possible is important.  

To link this task to another brief that is current, I am going to contact those who have been supporting my 100 Day Challenge on Instagram. Although this task focuses on making connections with new individuals/studios, I would like to build a relationship with those who are following my progress. This will then progress to contacting those who I wish to engage with through the challenge and inform them of the brief. 

Who? 
To identify who I am going to contact, I have looked through the Activity page on Instagram and identified those who are daily followers of the challenge. It is also important to consider those who I would like to build a professional relationship with. 

Hannah Fawcett is one of the individuals who follows my creative Instagram. I initially followed her profile through discovering that she is a Designer and Jump studio in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Through looking at her LinkedIn profile, I have also discovered that she did a foundation year at Leeds Art University. 
Although as designers we have different styles, we have common similarities in our attention to detail in hand made pieces of art such as embroidery. 

Address for Jump:
Milburn House
Dean Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 1LE

Brie Harrison

Brie is a Designer and Illustrator whose work I have been following for a number of years. Her illustrations are inspired from travel and the details that she captures through exploring. This is a process that inspires me in my practices the everyday life is a subconscious inspiration to my creative practice. As well as producing prints for an online shop, Brie also works with a number of clients. This is a direction of work that I would like to explore in the future. It provides the freedom to do what one wishes as well as being able to be commercially recognised. 

Address: Brie Harrison Ltd, The Studio, 21 Bucklesham Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 8TH, UK

The Independent Leeds are also a follower of my profile. I was in contact with a member of the team who was a Journalist for the magazine however this contact has recently been flaking. To reconnect a relationship with the IL they will also be a team that I will be contacting through this task.  

hello@independentleeds.com

What?

As those who have been initially selected have already engaged with the 100 day challenge through Instagram, I would like to send them 2 prints that have already been produced. To ensure that they are unique to the individual, adjustments will be made to the design. For example, as Hannah works with embroidery, an element of this will be included in the print. 

Accompanying the prints will be a handwritten note to say 'Thanks for the support'! This will add to the receivers recognition of my work as well as being a positive gesture and a platform to open up discussion. 

Brief 01, Evaluation

The brief: Produce a business card for Kristina Sergeeva, a documentary photographer. The outcome will be used primarily used at the Paris Photo event. 

Through the brief, Sergeeva had a high creative input in to the design decisions made. Although this is important for a client to ensure they gain the outcome that best reflects themselves, I felt that my creativity was not as important in this process. Completing this brief felt more like a task as there was limited creative freedom. Due to the very specific requirements and feedback by Sergeeva, there was no openness to exploring a variety of options.


This brief has provided me with an insight into what it is like completing a project for a client. It has demonstrated the importance of communication as well as the hinderance that a high level of input can have on the brief exploration. I have also been able progress my skills when working to a tight deadline as this brief was completed and the outcome delivered to the client within two weeks. 

The Archipelego

The Archipelago is a two person studio based in Leeds. They have a current side-project called The Plant Room, focuses on introducing plants into the workplace. This has been informed by research and created a collaborative project bringing plants, illustration, ceramics and design into working environments. This project reflects my own interests in research informing design. Due to these similar interests, I contacted the studio to see whether they are available to meet and discuss more about what they do. 

Creative Networks Brief - Collective

In Level 5 myself, Courtney, Emma and Georgina worked as a Collective in answering a course written brief. Through this we discovered our strengths with working together and therefore have continued this into Level 6. Having learnt each others styles and ways of working, the Creative Networks brief was an opportunity to explore these further as well as get back into the process of researching and completing a brief. 

The brief required the production of a concept for a promotional campaign for one of the selected creatives. This involves a poster design(s), flyer design and a "Creative Network" moving image. This brief therefore played on our individual interests in print and digital design which allowed for individual practice when answering the brief as well as working collaboratively.

This collaboration brief was a good way to to start back into the process of responding to a brief. As a team we worked efficiently together and separately, communicating through email and through the use of google drive. This meant we were able to stay up to date with each others workings and provide feedback. This was found to be an effective way of working as we were able to respond to the brief in the one week timescale that was presented. 

100 Day Challenge

Following on from the talk by Frankie from Design Kids, I have started a 100 day challenge on my creative Instagram account. I am challenging myself to try create a new piece of design each day and post it on my account. Through this I hope to be able to explore a range of illustration/design processes and styles as well as increasing my social media status. This will also enhance my skills in software programmes such a Adobe Illustrator as well as my hand produced painting/drawing skills.

The Design Kids

Hearing the experiences and adventures that Frankie has been on/been involved in since graduating has inspired and given me confidence for the future. She highlighted the importance of being active in the creative world but as well as having personal interests. I aim to continue developing the network connections that I have built on through the previous two years of study. One way in which I have already done this is by enquiring about The Design Kids TDK networking event in Leeds.

Through being involved in the workshop run by Frankie from Design Kids, I have also began to consider a number of potential career routes for the future. These directions are important to consider when considering who/where I would like to complete placements. To explore these directions, I aim to research more into the highlighted job roles, as well as speaking to individuals in the particular creative fields. 


What I learned:

- Be confident and passionate 

- Attend network events weekly

- Graphic Design degree doesn't mean a Graphic Design job

- Find the job that best fits your personality

Career Directions

Following Frakie's talk, the following roles have been explored and referenced to in terms of my progression through Level 6. This research has allowed me to identify how to develop my skills in the areas- primarily through completing briefs in Extended Practice that explore each area. This will ensure that my practice is developing and progressing in a direction that will allow me to explore the various disciplines further. 

Graphic Design
- As a whole, this subject can refer to a number of different disciplines and directions. 
- Aim to complete a range of briefs that explore this area, focusing on identity as this allows for illustration, copywriting and organisation to filter in 

Illustration
- A sepeerate practice in itself however also filters into graphic design. 
- Aim to complete briefs that allow explore this discipline further, looking at print and digital making to show variety in my portfolio


Copywriting
- Can be used as stand alone type or in conjunction with other design elements
- Used to engage the audience, sell a product, make a statement
- This could be applied through live briefs that involve a campaign

Contact

To continue my communication with creatives over summer, I reached out to Tin Eller who is an artists whose practice I admire. This has benefited my practice as it has boosted my confidence in contacting individuals over social media as well as indicating how important it is for my personality to be reflected through the tone of voice used. 

502 End of Module Self Evaluation

At the end of this module I feel I have completed my original aims and have identified goals for level six. These are points that were discussed in the presentation as they have been important in my growth as a creative as well as providing myself with goals for the future. 

Through engaging with creatives who have a similar interest/style as my own, I have developed my understanding of graphic design as well as enhancing my illustration knowledge through collaboration and reading. Completing studio brief 02 has encouraged me to engage with creatives and has given helped me to develop these relationships. Through choosing to produce a physical outcome in response to the interview content to send to the creatives involved, I have also been able to put into practice some of the skills that I have built on this year. Those being preparing and printing and editorial as well as effectively communicating in collaboration. These are relationships that I hope to build on over summer and throughout level 6. One way in which I hope to do this is by getting involved with Buttercrumble to produce a proposal for the Independent Leeds for a feature in the magazine.  

Before entering level 6 I hope to be able to practice traditional print methods more. For the 505 01 module I felt that my confidence in my skills meant that I restricted myself in the outcome produced. This is not something that I would like to hold me back in the future and therefore aim to practice screen printing/foiling over the summer period to better my practice. These are key printing methods that I have identified as being unique to have in the graphic design/illustration industry and therefore would like to ensure that I bring into my practice more.

Creative Report

Printed Zine

The decision to digitally produce and hand bind the publication was informed by my own personal interests. This has allowed me to further practice my interest in editorial design as well as having the opportunity to collaborate with an illustrator. 

The decision to hand bind the publication was informed by the relationship that I have built on with the creatives involved in this project. Using this binding method reflects my personal interests and engagement with the creatives. The publication is going to be sent to the creatives involved to show them what I have done with the interview content as well as to show off the illustrations produced by Katie. 

503 End of Module Self Evaluation

Through completing this module my communication, confidence and collaborating skills are the key areas that have been tested and have subsequently improved. This has been through primary research such as talking through ideas/designs with the target audience for the Greenall’s Gin brief as well as working cross-course in response to the Bear brief. 

Through completing studio brief 01 I was able to explore a more personal style that involved the inclusion of graphic design and illustration. This was an important aspect that was considered when selecting the briefs to ensure that the brief allowed for my design interests to be explored as well as experimenting with new methods such as collage (Penguin) and vector drawing (Papyrus).

Although the chosen briefs were open in their requirements it has meant that I have been able to explore my skills in brief interpretation, illustration and expanding the concept outside of what the brief states. This was particularly relevant in the collaboration response to the YCN Bear brief and was one of the main reasons why we selected the brief. 

Although including an illustration form in each response was not always relevant, it was a direction explored in each of the individual competition briefs. This has taught me to always explore alternative directions in response to a brief and to ensure that the most appropriate solution is identified through self analysis and peer/target audience feedback. The completion of the YCN Greenall’s Gin brief demonstrated the importance of gaining and understanding of the target audience and receiving their feedback on designs. This is something that I would like to bring in to my practice more as it not only produces a response that is relevant to the client but that appeals to the target audience too.

Through developing my confidence in my all round design,communication skills and my time management through completing short and long time frame time briefs in studio brief 01, I was able to transfer these skills through the completion of studio brief 02. Working in collaboration has taught me the importance of communicating with other creatives as well as learning how to take on the opinion of others when making design decisions. We managed our time through a group calendar which is a method I am already used to through completing other briefs. We also communicated through shared messaging conversation which meant questions were able to be asked/meet ups could be easily organised. This benefited my practice as I was able to stay on track on what the other creatives were doing as well as being able to receive feedback/pass on messages. On the other hand this does not reflect a more professional collaboration as this would involve more communication through email. This is different to the collaboration process for this brief as we mostly worked on the project in person and therefore were able to verbally communicate our ideas/design decisions with each other. As I have identified the differences between types of collaboration, it is an area I would like to explore more to develop my skills in working with various creatives on a project. 

When working in collaborative practice I have discovered that my role lends more to art direction rather than being an active designer in the competition of the work. This is a role that I would like to experience more through other collaboration briefs. 

Rick Ferguson - Presentation Skills

I learnt of this presentation workshop through the university emails. This event was held by Rick Ferguson and focused on the initial skills of completing an engaging and professional presentation. 
From the session I learnt the importance of body language, tone of voice and eye contact when presenting. Although these may be obvious elements to think of when presenting, I was not fully aware of the impact that they could have on the audience's engagement. 

Having a slouchy body posture gives off an unprofessional appearance as well as giving the person the more unorganised appearance. This is something that was demonstrated in the presentation and therefore the implications of body posture were experienced in both ways. Standing tall and using relevant hand gestures is much more engaging for the audience. This is further reinforced through the use of changes in tone of voice. Emphasis on certain words can demonstrate importance and maintain the attention of the audience. Maintaining engagement with the audience can also be achieved through the use of eye contact. 

Attending this session has been highly influential and has given me a more developed understanding of key skills involved in presenting. These are skills that I hope to be able to practice and use when presenting Studio Brief 02. 

Collaboration Reflection

As this collaboration process has been different from others, it has taught me a number of different skills as well as highlighting the importance of others. One of the main issues that was encountered through this process was time frame communication. Although we had discussed maintaining weekly communication, this did not go as well as hoped. On the day scheduled to print the zine, I was aware that Katie had finished the illustrations however had not yet sent them to me. This meant that I was not able to finalise the overall layout of the zine and it will therefore require further adjustments and a second print. This could have been overcome by the illustrations being received before the print date and therefore appropriate adjustments could have been made before the print appointment. This also meant that experimentation with printing on tracing paper was not achieved due to the illustrations not being received in time. 

On a more positive side, this collaboration has taught me how to discuss my views and ideas with another creative and to visualise their interpretation. This was also achieved through discussing Katies illustration ideas and process. This meant that I was also able to have an input in the work that she was completing. 

Girl Gang Leeds

From being a member of Girl Gang Leeds, I regularly receive updates of upcoming events and exhibitions that they are hosting. One of their most recent events was an exhibition held at The Brunswick, featuring all female artists. It wa inspiring to see the work of female creatives displayed in purely female exhibition and represented the passion and creativity of the city. From attending the event I got to speak to a number of the artists who were involved in the exhibition. Through conversation it was inspiring to hear how influential the exhibition experience had been to each of the individuals (Emma Saynor, Hannah Brown). This has encouraged me to aspire to be involved in/organise my own exhibition in the continuation of my practice. 

Collective - Pitch

The presentation was something that we put together as a collective. The overall structure of the presentation followed a who, what, why. This was covered through each of the presentation slides in a succinct and natural way so that the information was clearly put across, without sounding like a check box exercise.  

We have discussed in depth how the collective will be funded. Due to the social media side being free to post/promote through this is not an area that requires financial attention. However, time will be spent managing the profiles and is something that will come out of own time. This is something that we are all happy to do, due to our passion to address the lack of female creatives out there. On the other hand, the printing of the zine will require funds. This is something that we are going to look into further by contacting the print studio Footprint. This will hopefully provide us with some estimated figures that we can discuss and work out how to cover. One way in which this could be done is through asking for a small contribution from the creatives who are featured in the zine. This would cover the initial printing costs of a set number of zines that we hope to distribute across the UK. 

YCN - Greenall's Gin

Through completing the YCN Greenall's Gin competition brief it has taught me the importance of engaging with the target audience. Throughout this brief I received feedback and had discussions with the target audience. This influenced the overall outcome in response to the brief as well as the design. This therefore demonstrated to me the importance of completing a brief for the target audience as well as for the client. 

This competition brief has developed my skills in interpreting a brief and understanding what is being asked for. As a competition brief is different to a university written brief, I have been able to develop my existing skills and adapt them to understand and interpret the wording of the brief. This has given the me the confidence to complete similar briefs as well as feeling more confident in completing a brief sufficiently. 

Presentation Reflection

As part of the preparation for the presentation, I verbally practised what I wanted to say with and without notes. This is a technique that I used in Level 4 and found that it reduced my anxiety when presenting the presentation in front of peers and that I said all that I wanted. Again, this proved to be a good method of practising and I felt that the presentation went well. Although I spoke quicker than practiced, I ensured that everything that I had planned was spoken in a clear and concise way with only looking back at my presentation notes for reassurance and a pause. 

Development

Due to the nature of the discussed outcomes, it was not an issue to include both interviews in the same outcome. This is something that has been seen in each of the research examples. Due to having not received the illustrations, the layout of the pages had to be determined without. 

The use of a line to separate the question and answer has been influenced by the page design on the Independent Leeds. As this is a publication that Buttercrumble are involved with, it was an important area of research. The simple use of a line separates the two sections of text as well as adding visual importance to the page. This is due to the thickness of the line drawing in the eye of the reader.   

The influence behind this page design is the pattern designs that Dount Press and Buttercrumble bring into their own work. The repetition of Buttercrumble's iconic phrase has been taken from the interview. This quote was selected due to it being the phrase the pair use to describe themselves. This is something that I initially picked up on from their talk at LCA. Including this page also creates a break from reading the very structured interview Q & A. 

Alternatively to having the text content all on the same page, having it separated will allow for the matching illustrations to be presented on the same page. This will be something that will require adjustment when the illustrations have been received.