Visual thinking Workbook Graphic Design level 4 Nick Smith
Key Texts Throughout this unit I decided to have a look at the key texts to see if they would help me. Seeing how type is designed is very interesting. Whilst working on this unit i kept in mind the different techniques and styles of creating type. I had a look through several of these books to chose an appropriate typeface for our 3D sculpture.
Ambrose, G. and Harris, P. (2011). The fundamentals of typography. 2nd ed. Lausanne: AVA. #Chapter 2, pp. 39-51 Cheng, K. (2006) Designing Type. USA: Yale University Press Crow, D. (2010) Visible Signs: An Introduction to Semiotics in the Visual Arts. London: AVA Publishing Crow, D. (2006) Left to Right: The Cultural Shift from Words to Pictures. London: AVA Publishing Hall, S. (2012) This Means This, This Means That: A User’s Guide to Semiotics. London: Laurence King Heller, S and Talarico, L. (2012). Typography sketchbooks. London: Thames and Hudson. #pp. 6-11, 22-25, 366-367 Muller-Brockmann, J. (2008) Grid Systems in Graphic Design: A Handbook for Graphic Artists, Typographers and Exhibition Designers. Switzerland: Niggli Verlag
I had a look through all the books through the library however the ones I took out were these two. Both nooks helped me throughout this unit especially when creating the book for letters in the landscape.
Designing type by Karen Cheng This was the main book that I used in this project. For most of the decisions I made when thinking about type i would refer to this book. It goes through how and why type is designed, going through proportions and dimensions.
‘Language is arguably the most significant human characteristic. Through a complex system of signs, sounds and symbols, ideas and messages are communicated to our ever-expanding global society’
Pages like this one came in great use when positioning text on the Letters in the Landscape project. Ensuring the type is of good quality and its to scale was a very important point I picked up from this book.
The Brief
Aims: A1 To extend your confidence and ability to conduct relevant research A2 to develop your critical abilities and improve your theoretical and contextual awareness A3 to enable you to use and combine a range of materials, media and techniques Learning Outcomes: On completion of this unit you will be able to: LO1 Demonstrate your ability to conduct visual and contextual research and communicate your findings effectively. LO2 Demonstrate your developing critical evaluation of your practice, appropriate theoretical knowledge and related audiences. LO3 Demonstrate an appropriate range and level of technical competence in the production of coherent visual solutions.
Letter R
We wanted to find a word that when represented with “r� it could be easily recognised and stand out
Initial Chosen word designs
Reflection: Would be relatively simple to design, may be expensive as a large mirror would be required to give a bold effect.
Railway: This would look original and could be very interesting if scenery is added.
Ruler: I don’t think this design is very effective as there is very limited detail and the final piece would be too simple and boring.
Robin: i think the idea of using animal would be unusual however I don’t think it produces a very iconic typeface.
Royal: If i chose to use this idea it would give me a chance to try and create something classy and to a really high quality
Chosen Idea Rocket: This is one of my favourite ideas as i think when this is made into a 3d object it will look very strong compared to the other designs.
Typefaces
R R R R R
R R R R R
R R R R R o
o
R R R o
R R
Letter shape
R R R
Original typeface=silom
Out of these three options this is the one that I don’t think will work well as a type face for our rocket design. It isn’t streamline and doesn’t look appealing.
Original typeface=Bauhaus 93
I think with more work this could be an attractive typeface however at this stage the proportions are wrong.
Original typeface=Impact
This is my favourite design out of the three. It shows the shape of a rocket extremely well and doesn’t change the ‘R’ so much that you don’t know what it is.
Chosen Word (Rocket) Development
Original rocket design I think this is the type of typeface I am looking to produce
Rough sketch of dimensions for this rocket design. Will need improvement however it gives us an idea of the layout.
The colour really brings the image together so we will defiantly use it in the final piece
With these two designs i think they have too much of a cartoon like quality and look too simple for a rocket. I do think the shape looks good however i don’t think it looks appropriate for a typeface.
Ideas
This is one of my prefered designs however I dont think it sums up the letter and doesn’t relate to a typeface. I can see how it would look very bold as a 3D model but it doesn’t relate to the brief. I will need to chose a design that is related to one of the typefaces that I picked out.
Ideas
With the typefaces I have chosen i have tried to create these designs around the style they are in.These are a good starting point to what I would like to design however I need to develop the ideas further. Next i will try creating some designs in a digital format and see if they look as effective.z
Development
Using Photoshop I created these three simple designs. I am very happy with the overall shape an I think its a very effective type face.
With this design I have tried to apply the surface of a rocket onto the typeface, I think it needs to be developed more however it gives me an idea of what it could look like.
Using Photoshop I have played around with using a background and enhancing the shape with some shading. In my opinion it look too simplistic however it is very easy to understand what it is.
Name/Rocket tag
A R D S N 0 1 2 1 4 Angara Rocket, designed by, Sam & Nick on 01/02/14
A N G A R A R O C K E T
Angara Rocket
T F I 2 4 R E G Typeface,24,REG
Ideas for surface of design
We are undecided on whether to create the rocket surface of an actual rocket or create the whole design in a classic representation of one. I have selected a few images that I would like to work with on this design. If we decided to make the design look realistic then we would have to use a great deal of detail for all the sections and panels.
Ideas for surface of design
Having the surface of the design in a simple and iconic way may make the design stand out far more than if it was realistic. The design however may look very unprofessional as there will be limited detail.
Making the model
Development This is the first design we created for the rocket and we decided to start adding panels however we also wanted to see what it would look lie with an actual rocket surface. With this design we tried to make it look simple and have an iconic rocket look. We added pins for nails and started experimenting with different materials to see what would look best.
We based this design on the Russian rocket (Angara) We wanted to try and produce a design that copied the surface of a real rocket. We will develop this design further and maybe use Photoshop later on to add some more surface detail. I am tempted to also add some colour to the design as it looks slightly too boring and needs to make more of an impact. We will experiment some more with the design and then try to produce something that looks effective and relates to the typeface ‘Impact’
Surface Development
On this page I was experimenting to see if adding colour and detail would improve the design. In my opinion it takes away the realistic theme and looks childish.
Final 3D letter
I think the final design is easily recognisable and an audience would know what it is immediately. It stands by itself has a sturdy hold and we have slued the parts down well for extra protection. Keeping the design black and white was a good move. It works well with a plain background and keeps the focus on the detail of the rocket. From this stage we are a going to gather a good amount of images from a photo-shoot and then create a postcard from the images.
Photo-shoot
Postcard Ideas To start my postcard off I chose a detailed photo from the photo-shoot and cropped the image. From this I will apply text and adjust the levels and curves so that the image reaches its full potential. I thought having a dark background would be most appropriate so it fits in with the theme of the rocket. Later on however I may think about different background that could be applied.
Having the postcard landscape will provide a huge amount of room for the text to be placed. However the model looks very small this way so It may be better to have the postcard portrait.
Postcard Ideas
For this design i was thinking about adding in the surface of the moon. It would be relatively simple to do as it would fit in with the existing background. I would then have to words written into the moons surface so they look like part of the image. With the photo however i don’t think it really makes the model stand out compared to using the black background. With this in mind I am leaning towards using a darker background.
This was the first postcard design we created. We decided to keep it simple with a dark background. We used a modern font and took a quote from an astronaut just so that we could see the layout and how the text would look next to the design. I would also like to experiment with different background to see if it makes the design stand out. Also using a detailed background may make the overall postcard look much more appealing
Background Ideas for postcard
I will try out these backgrounds and see which ones look the most effective.
This was my first attempt at creating a postcard that suits our letter model. As this is a mock up I have kept the image the same and used a space quote to see what text would look like when applied. I think I need to change the position of the text as there is too much negative space. I do think the background looks effective however it looks to intricate for the ‘R’. To resolve this i need to either make the ‘R’ more detailed or make the background look more simple. I could add metal textures to the surface of the rocket through Photoshop so it gives more depth to the image.
Postcard Designs I really like the colour scheme for this design as it fits in with the letter and pushes it forward. I alps think the way the text has been layed out has been done well as it doesn’t cover the background and the letter is very easily visible. I do however think this design look slightly too dull.
With this design I have adjusted the text and created a description of the letter. I have also tried to add detail to the design by taking sections from photos of rockets and added them to the surface of this design. I have tried to make this image look atmospheric and took time in trying to get the right amount of colour. We tried to write a small description that is easy to read and relates to the typeface we used. We spent a large amount of time looking through quotes from astronauts to see if they related to this design however. The quotes we found involved the word ‘Impact’ which is the typeface however they weren’t relevant enough for this postcard.
Letters in the landscape book This unit begun with a visit to Poole. In groups of 4 we had to find and photograph letters in the landscape. We had to find every letter in the alphabet and make it into a book for printing. Using a variety of camera we could see which best with the lighting and close ups. After taken a huge amount of photos we could then which are our favourite and use them in the
worked having decide book.
We then Set up a page in InDesign and started creating the book.
favourite photos of the day
The Photos we used
I wanted to show the Indesign file that we placed the images in. We used several different tools and techniques to adjust and manipulate the photos to our liking. Here is the A to Z set of photos ready for print
We decided to start of with a bold clear version of the letter a. We think the Grey and blue tone compliment each other.
The B is a very interesting image that we found within a wall made by stones and shells. Looking around Poole we noticed the good use of type on shops so we used it for th C.
This is my favourite C typography. It was mounted on the side of a building and gives a great 3d effect. The light blue background behind the white letter really pushed the letter forward.
We found both of these Es embedded into the sides of buildings. I think both these are very striking.
The F was found in a museum in Poole. We think it looks very professional and of a high quality. The G however contrasts this looking dirty and urban.
As we had a large amount of some letters that we thought we of good quality we decided to use a few on one page.
At this point we decided to try something different by stretching a letter across the whole page. It gives a much more eye-catching effect.
For some pages we tried to make a contrast between bold and detail. I think this shows this very well.
Due to they way the book is made each side of the page wont be together. We had to be careful not to compare the images together
The N was found on a common street sign however presented in this way it looks very effective.
We also wanted some of the photos to go across a double page. Using the letter o is good for this double page effect.
For these os there was a large amount of close up detail in both of these images. Without this these pages would not be very successful.
I wasn’t sure about the P however once printed it worked well with the Q below. Cropping the image so that it is separated was a good idea.
This Q was found all along the each of the coast for the boats to moor up on.
I think out of this book this T is my favourite photo. The background really forces the t shape forward.
Coming towards the end of the book we wanted to keep it calm and professional.
This X was very difficult to see however looking clossley we managed to get the right lighting for it to show through.
We think this Y image sums up shows Poole in a very effective light. The sunshine bounces off the water showing the Y shape.
Making the Book Once we had designed how the book looked on InDesign we had to set the document up for printing. We had to ensure the print would go over the crop marks so when the book was stuck together it wouldn’t loose any of the image.
This was the layout we were given to follow. We had to ensure all the pages were printed to the same size and that there was extra space on the edges for them to be stuck down. When the pages were printed we used this example to help fold the pages to the correct size. When this was done we then had too cut all the pages down.
Using this guillotine allowed us to get a crisp strait cut through all of the pages. It lined up the pages and sliced through with one cut. Once this was done we had to glue the pages together.
This vice holds the paper firmly together while we applied the glue. We had to apply several layers to the sides of edges and to the middle. We had to ensure we waited 4 minutes in between each layer to allow the glue to dry.
Final Book
I am very pleased with the way this book turned out. The print quality was excellent and the binding/gluing was strong and sturdy. Looking through the book will all the letters together really brings the project together. In my opinion it was very professional and meets the brief.
Lecture 1 (Oohhhhh ahhh ooohhhhh)
This lecture explores the notions of taste, aesthetic judgment and consumer culture. What makes something popular, wanted or unique? Function, aesthetics and personal appeal are the main qualities that I believe make something wanted. Our relationships with object and how we respond to and give value to things. For one person an object can be valuable however for another it may be worthless. How our aesthetic judgements and purchase decisions relate to consumer culture. Taste - derives from old French term -To touch or to feel Everyone has different taste. It changes with experiences and a perspective of an idea. Cultural consumption Different tastes in different countries -Cultural preferences, social taboo In 19th century - development Planned obsolescence comsume-dispose-waste ‘Redundancy is designed into industry’
This lecture was very helpful in allowing me to understand and think about desire and taste. It showed me how people think differently and why they do.
Lecture 2 (Power of Persuasion)
This lecture talks about the way in which persuasion can cause effect and reaction. Within the graphic design world this becomes a key aspect Sped/Promote/Bried Ideas For my essay I will need to include some of the information gathered from this lecture. Persuasion is closely related to propaganda. Propaganda is a way to persuasion usually using biased or misleading methods. Questions from the lecture What persuades people? How something is appealing to someone? Does target audience matter? What makes someone think differently If someone has the ability to persuade they automatically have power over other people. In history this has been used for good and for the bad. An example of this is Hitler. With his sly mind he managed to convince huge numbers of people that he was for the good.
Lecture 3 (Decoding Culture) In this lecture we explored the modern culture and had our first encounter with semiotics. Everyday we experience / engage with a variety of media communication. How do we react and take in this information? Television , film, advertising, photos, internet etc...This is now a culture dominated by visuals Visual literacy - we read images We understand a meaningful whole. A picture is worth a thousand words. Old literacy based on written texts and verbal literacy New literacy = alternative to written/verbal = potential threat to the present dominance of verbal Language is the social construct in which everyone used day to day. I allows use to express our views and gain understanding from others. Its also used to convert power and status in contemporary social interaction Production of meaning=sign making Semiotics or semiology is the study of signs in society - a way of analyzing meaning (Semeion - Ancient Greece = sign) It was originally used as a way of understanding how language works SYMBOL Stands for something E.g. Road sign, red = danger This lecture was great to understanding different cultures and how signs and symbols have been used. I love the idea that everyone can understand an image where as a word isn’t as versatile.
How have these Lectures helped me?
These lectures helped me to think about and understand different aspects of graphic design. Compared to usual classes these lectures teach us a whole new side of design that is everywhere. When creating my own work I will think about the ideas behind these lectures and try to apply them. Understanding as much about this industry and history is a very important aspect of the course
Workshop 1 (Mein Gott Gutenberg has gone digital) Graphic Design This workshop helped me gain understanding of what the old traditional method of letter press was like. Creating designs in a digital format but in a traditional style produced some great outcomes.
We started off with a blank screen with a simple set of tools along the bottom of the page. We first got used to what each tool did and started experimenting with them.
As there was a huge variety of different typefaces I have to go through and choose which one I wanted to use. Seeing all the old style text was very interesting.
For my first design using this software I decided to create my name with the letters. Using one typeface made it very simple and easy t do. I then used the ruler to line the letters up
I then moved the printed design over to Photoshop and started playing with the colour and size.
This was the design outcome from the workshop. It took me a while to adjust the words so they were in proportion. I think it is a very bold design that has a great 3D effect.
For my second go I wanted to try using more letters and see if it looked as effective. It took slightly more time however I think it looks much bolder. Being able to see all the old type and using them in such and efficient program is a great way to practice design.
After playing with this software for a large amount of time i decided on this design. When the print is added I would be able to use Photoshop to edit and move the design.
This is the printed image from LetterMpress which I think has worked really well. A very unusual design that has a great deal of potential. This text reminded me of old news paper type. With this im mind I decided to create a news paper themed as a background . Both these designs look serial but have a good format
Workshop 2 (Explosive Drawings) Fine Art
The explosive drawings workshop was a very different way of working. We had to paint/draw what we heard and interpreted from a story that was read out. The entire floor and walls were covered in paper and we had the day to respond to the words. This workshop helped me to increase my drawing and painting skills. Also being able to see what everyone else has produced makes me realise how different everyones styles are.
Workshop 3 (Risograph Printing) Visual Communication Using I Illustrator I has to create an image for the risograph printer to print. The figure I chose to create was an owl. It has very distinctive features and it would be relatively easy to create.
The first later to print would be for the shading. The green will work well against the red. I decided to use two different shades of green to give the overall design more of an impact.
The second layer was the main shape and figure of the animal that would bring the piece together. I had to be careful not to overlap onto the green layer.
This is what it should look like when printed. Before printing I had to use registration marks and set the colour of design.
This is the final print that was created. I think its a good first design that shows a good use of time. Next Time I will explore more colours and layers and try to create a image with much more death.
Exhibition For the Love of Graphics
This was a one day exhibition that aimed to explore the love of graphics through a spectacular display of graphic artifacts, text and collections collated and curated by the class. (Graphic Design course at the Arts University Bournemouth) This exhibition aims to investigate how we consider, position, love and cherish examples of Graphic Design. The Exhibition was a success. There were a large number of people that cam to view the exhibition through the day that were impressed by it. Also the variety and amount of items to display was very successful.
Exhibition Photos
What I Brought to the Exhibition
I decided to bring in my posters on Bauhaus. The reason for this is because I really thought that the Bauhaus era was a crucial time for design and that it would be inappropriate if it wasn’t present within the exhibition. They both looked great on the wall as the dark shapes really made a contrast between the white wall. I love this type of design as I can easily see how some design has progressed from this era.
Exhibition Posters
Posters produced by the class to promote the exhibition.
Evaluation Of Unit
If I had the chance to do this project again I would change my approach to the tasks. I could have got a great deal more out of the unit if I had done things differently. For the majority of the projects i would take greater time and care in developing my ideas. The reason for this is because I need to be careful not too go down the wrong route and make sure every decision I make it the correct one. Once I have a exceptional and unique idea then I can experiment and explore it. I would also try to think outside the box more often as my thought process throughout this unit has not been creative enough. I would have preferred to have come up with some much more original and unusual concepts. I struggled with building a 3D sculpture as I am new to the area however in the time frame we had I think the sculpture and 2D material was of a high standard. With the Letters in the landscape project I enjoyed working seeing how others go about working. It enabled me to communicate my ideas with the group and come together to chose the best choice. Working in a team has both advantages and disadvantages but being able to work in a team effectively is a great skill. Keeping up to date was key in the project to make sure you didnt get left behind. I wanted to keep on top of work all through the unit so I could complete each task to a good standard.For projects and units in the future I will take these points into consideration and ensure I take my time to understand the brief and tasks. If i can remember this it will make my time at uni much more efficeint and I will become more experience quickly. Overall I am please with the way I have structured my tasks and believe I have met the requirements of the brief. Each task, lecture and workshop brought new challenges that I haven’t encountered before. Over this Unit I have learned a variety of skills that will aid me greatly in the future.
End of Visual Thinking