howie-james-sem2

James Howie Website: www.howiesgraphics.co.uk Blog: howiesinspiration.blogspot.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/howiesgraphics Email: james.howie@hotmail.co.uk

Type of brief I most certainly work better within a tight framework. So working with clear guidelines, and demands is better for me, but sometimes I do like open briefs. Open briefs give me freedom, and the opportunity to experiment, and try out all kinds of techniques. Depending on the project in hand I feel this exploration can lead to the more powerful concept. When a concept is applied well to a project it makes it a very strong piece of design.

Integral elements One of the most important elements that I couldn’t do without would have to be my research. Without this initial step I find it hard to carry on with the rest of a project, and allow myself to create ideas with huge potential. From the beginning of this year I created an online blog. Each day throughout the year I’ve been adding inspiration on this blog for personal gain. It’s been a very good resource that I can rely on as everything on it was picked by me. Now it’s proving to extremely useful.

Success I’ve been most successful through online blogging, and social networks this semester. Through a variety of networks I have gained a few freelance jobs. These live briefs have been hugely beneficial as dealing with a client is very different to choosing your own project. The process of dealing with a client has made me understand what is needed of by a graphic designer.

Problems When dealing with a client there are times when you are waiting for a response, and sometimes this response is needed before you can carry on with the project. I overcame this problem by doing other projects while I waited for the response. It was good experience, but at the same time quite beneficial to me as it gave me a break from projects so I could return with a fresh mind.

Personality I feel as though I do have a design personality. I generally like to keep things simple, and have fun messing with colour, and pattern. After completing a few packaging, and identity briefs this semester I think I’ve found what I’m interested in. Having the opportunity to design an identity to see it being used is an amazing feeling.

James Howie Website: www.howiesgraphics.co.uk Blog: howiesinspiration.blogspot.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/howiesgraphics Email: james.howie@hotmail.co.uk

James Howie Website: www.howiesgraphics.co.uk Blog: howiesinspiration.blogspot.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/howiesgraphics Email: james.howie@hotmail.co.uk

1. Fusion Whisky / D&AD Packaging

2. Int-Ice / Freelance branding & packaging

4. Code Cumbria / Freelance identity

6. Volcanoes / Editorial

3. Museum of Trees / Identity

1. Fusion Whisky I entered the D&AD Student awards this year, and decided to have a go at the packaging brief they had set. It involved me designing the branding, and packaging for a new whisky drink aimed at a female market. In response to the brief I decided on creating a new range of whisky cocktails.

James Howie Website: www.howiesgraphics.co.uk Blog: howiesinspiration.blogspot.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/howiesgraphics Email: james.howie@hotmail.co.uk

2. Int-Ice As part of a freelance job I got offered this year I had to brand, and design the packaging for Int-Ice. They needed a contemporary design approach for there new range of ice lollies which are to be sold this summer at many music festivals in the UK.

James Howie Website: www.howiesgraphics.co.uk Blog: howiesinspiration.blogspot.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/howiesgraphics Email: james.howie@hotmail.co.uk

3. Museum of Trees This brief was set as part of the Roses Awards this year. It asked for an identity for the museum of trees. As part of this brief I designed a logo, signage, and merchandise to be sold in the shop.

James Howie Website: www.howiesgraphics.co.uk Blog: howiesinspiration.blogspot.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/howiesgraphics Email: james.howie@hotmail.co.uk

4. Code Cumbria As part of a freelance job I got offered this year I needed to create an identity for Code Cumbria. They are a group for programmers, and digital creatives who arrange meetings every three weeks to discuss recent developments in technology.

James Howie Website: www.howiesgraphics.co.uk Blog: howiesinspiration.blogspot.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/howiesgraphics Email: james.howie@hotmail.co.uk

5. Volcanoes As part of a self directed brief I set myself I created an informational, and historical editorial piece on volcanoes, and the event of Pompeii. I designed it as a small drop out which could be included inside National Geographic magazine.

James Howie Website: www.howiesgraphics.co.uk Blog: howiesinspiration.blogspot.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/howiesgraphics Email: james.howie@hotmail.co.uk

Work experience Throughout this semester I’ve had the opportunity to undertake multiple freelance jobs. This has given me valuable experience in dealing with a client directly. When dealing with the client via emails there has been times when I’ve had to wait for a response, and nothing to work with. I tackled this problem by working on other projects in which I had resources to work with.

James Howie Website: www.howiesgraphics.co.uk Blog: howiesinspiration.blogspot.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/howiesgraphics Email: james.howie@hotmail.co.uk