06
BA (Hons.) GRAPHIC DESIGN
LEVEL
Module Code
OUGD301
Outcomes
Module Title
DESIGN PRACTICE 3
Doc. Code
Name
Robyn Makinson
Blog.
www.robynmak.blogspot.com
Dissertation Title
Date
OUGD301tut01
23rd September 2011
Pedro Almodóvar’s Breakdown of Gender Dynamics in 1999’s ‘Todo Sobre Mi Madre’
Andy Broadey Dissertation Tutor Rationale (200 words) ‘A print based investigation into pop culture with a focus on packaging and promotion’. I wish to explore the many facets of printing techniques, from complex digital processes to more traditional screen-printing ones. These printing techniques will be combined with my admiration for current pop culture, whether that be mainstream or cult, and then be used to create some form of unique packaging and accompanying promotional material. The statement implies that I no longer wish to explore design for screen or moving image, and instead focus solely on design for print. Within ‘design for print’ I intend to specifically explore the technicalities of package production and the promotion required to sell/market new products. Lastly, subject matter is paramount; with no interest in the area I will become disheartened with the brief. ‘A light hearted/humourous investigation into film and television with a focus on colour and composition.’ ‘A visual investigation into music and theatre with a focus on format, range and distribution.’ ‘An illustrative investigation into packaging and promotion with a focus on print techniques, both digital and screen printed.’
Statement of Intent (SOI) - (400 words) To fulfil the intentions outlined above here are the key things I will do: • Attend workshops; more specifically ‘Design for Print’. Here I will learn new techniques that are relevant and can be used to my advantage when working on briefs. New processes will become apparent to me, and after using them, hopefully, become second nature. • I need to re-introduce myself to the screen-printing area. Perhaps sign up for a session with the technicians or ask my more experienced peers for advice. • I need to be as well versed in ‘pop culture’ as possible. This requires reading of both journals and online materials, and blogging my investigations. If I wish to focus solely on Film and TV then are multiple organisations that deal with design for just these subject matters. I should make enquiries and enter as many competition briefs as possible. • I enjoy short, poster-orientated briefs. So I should aim to compete in every single ‘Don’t Panic’ brief. • Inform myself of the latest developments in unique packaging. The lengths and extremities people go to, how far concepts can be pushed and just how complex nets can be. • I need to work collaboratively, either with a fellow graphic designer or across the courses. This will remind me of my strengths as a team player and re-enforce the areas of design I enjoy
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Make the most of Bridget’s ‘Common Room’ idea. I intend to be more vocal and ask fellow designers for their opinions more often. As we are often told we will not have the ‘studio’ environment luxury after this year, so I need to make the most of it now. It is essential I still experiment. I don’t want to get stuck and play it safe, but I also need to remain level headed and make decisions as quickly as possible. To create the best resolutions I can I need a thorough method from beginning to end. My concepts need to be stronger; done by spending time dedicated purely to idea generation with no design consideration, and my products needs to be to a high standard; done by trial and error and not being afraid to go back and try something again. Keep organised with a diary. Plan meetings, tutorials, surgeries etc that don’t clash by improving time management skills. Brand myself to make contact with studios and designers that inspire me. Keep up to date by blogging every day and noting down at least one piece of design context daily.
1
The Almodóvar Collection
A self-directed brief that deals entirely with the films of Pedro Almodóvar. This brief will no doubt help with my dissertation progress and perhaps help me in terms of a case study and giving me ideas for chapters and quotes. It’s predominantly a packaging brief, with the basic idea of combing Almodóvar’s entire back catalogue into one DVD box set with re-imagined graphics for each individual film and with 18 films to work with the brief is not short on content. Colour and experimentation is key with this brief. It will exploit my interest in digital print processes and put the workshops I sign up for to good use. 3.
Parks for the People
A live brief taken from graphic competitions.com that specifically deals with getting people to appreciate the American National Parks. After visiting two over the recent summer holiday I feel it is a subject matter close to my own heart and something I could really sink my teeth into. It is first and foremost a promotion brief, with a strong emphasis on creating bold and eye catching graphics that combine playful qualities with ethical and ecological undertones. Restrictions may mean I cannot actually enter it, but I can use the idea as a catalyst for a personal brief. I could take the initial outlines set and expand on it to craft a more self-directed brief, yet all the while feeling comforted for I know that it was intended to be a live brief. Meaning there are briefs such as this out in the real world. 4.
Collaboration with Meryem
At this moment in time I do not know exactly what the collaborative brief will entail but I am more than enthusiastic about the prospect of working with Meryem. I have witnessed her extraordinary screen printing skills in previous years and no doubt relish the opportunity to share in her knowledge. This will be the brief in which I develop screen-printing skills and demonstrate my abilities. This means that the rest of brief resolutions can be digitally created, for I am fulfilling my intentions with purely this one. No doubt the brief will combine both out interests and borrow from a selection of live briefs we have researched into. 5.
Daniel Clowes Book Cover Re-Designs
I want a brief that will allow me to work somewhat editorially and explore a strand of popular culture that I have previously ignored: literature. I intend to re-imagine the front cover illustrations of Daniel Clowes’ back catalogue and market them to an entirely new audience. This brief will allow exploration into target audiences and designing directly for them. It will also allow me to look into book binding, a skill that I have been dying to explore further since the second year. However it is not entirely focused on the crafting side, so if I discover my abilities are less than adequate I still have a resolution that is of a high standard. ADDITIONAL BRIEFS • Competition: Possibly one from both YCN and D&AD briefs when they are announced. • A live branding brief. • Exploration of Movie Posters: Self Directed movie poster brief, one per week for four weeks. New releases instead of cult films, so I stay relevant. TUTOR’S Signature STUDENT’S Signature