Busy, Busy, Busy

In the process of developing a new blog! Keep your eyes peeled.... I shall post the link when it's ready.

A very small Ad campaign!

A little smile appeared on my face when I came across this on the Creative Review blog. To promote a channel 4 documentary based on Seven dwarves (and titled Seven Dwarves!) design agency 4creative subverted the notion of a huge billboard campaign by instead producing 20 mini poster sites. I think it's a really clever idea well executed.

I'm Back!

Well, It's been well over a year since I looked at or even thought about updating my blog. A lot has happened since then such as, finally graduating from University with a 2.2 Ba Hons in Design and Visual Arts. Although design is still in my blood and shapes the world around me I admit that it has taken a slight back burner over the last few months. However, I am back. This is with very many thanks to the guys at Play Creative with whom I met with today in Manchester. It was there valuable advice which has brought me back here. To them I am extremely greatful!

Marian Bantjes

I came across the work of Marian Bantjes when I saw the work she had produced for Saks Fifth avenue in which Bantjes was hired by Michael Bierut from design agency Pentagram. The campaign features around a signature piece called 'want it'. I really like the loose free handrawn designs and other words which were linked into the campaign and think they work well once applied to in store visuals such as windows and posters.

Music Packaging

Music inspires and influences me so when I came across this nice packaging design for a latest record sleeve I was made aware by how much the environment which I live in plays a huge part in design.

Found on Creative Review blog is the latest music packaging for the new UNKLE album. Art directed by James Lavelle, Ben Drury and Warren Du Preez and Nick Thornton Jones. The package includes a booklet of songs lyrics and sleeve notes as well as imagery produced on heavy card. All the elements are created on silver stock and show nice imagery and typography in a unique lavish way.

Tyler Thompson

I was recommended to look at the hypefortype blog after producing my own typeface design for my major project. Whilst browsing through the blog I found an interesting design piece by Tyler Thompson who got pretty bored of the designs of boarding passes, or lack of design within them. Some of his designs are 'ideal world' designs whilst some work with the existing limitations of boarding passes. Although the designs haven't influenced my final projects I still thought they were nice design ideas well executed.

Ruth Ansel

Whilst browsing through the latest issue of Creative Review magazine I came across an article on designer Ruth Ansel who has been an art director of three of the most influential magazines of all time. Working on Harpers Bazaar in the 1960's, the New York Times magazine in the 70's and Vanity Fair in the 80's. Ruth believes that graphic design at it's best' informs and entertains the eye whilst defining the moment' and one of her own primary goals is to create a new visual language that breaks with tradition of using photography and type. I was interested in finding out more about her as a designer and was also intrigued by the article published in creative review as it is the first in a series on woman designers. It made me think about whether there are enough female designers and if female designers are appreciated enough in the design world.

Whilst researching into the background of Ansel I came across an interview in which she speaks about how the workplace has changed for women over the years. I found this quite insightful as it delved into my own earlier thoughts of female designers.

(Interview with Bonnie Siegler found at http://www.stepinsidedesign.com/STEPMagazine/Article/28556/index.html)

S: How do you think the workplace has changed for women over the years?

RA: It hasn’t very much. It is more about appearances than reality. More women are in the workplace but they’re not getting comparable recognition or salaries with their male peers. Women are still working in a man’s world. It is especially difficult for an independent outsider type of woman, whether she is a graphic designer, an architect, or an interior designer, to really achieve a top position, even if she is an exceptional talent. Think of Eileen Gray, and how she spent most of her life having her work ignored, while her famous collaborator, Le Corbusier was celebrated worldwide. She did not become famous until shortly before she died in 1976. I admit I had never heard of her until then as well. There are certainly more talented women out there, more than men I believe, but I still think the glass ceiling exists and they get discouraged

BS: At times I feel if I was a man in the same position doing the same work, I would be paid more money, and be more famous.

RA: I started out as a graphic designer in the 1960s at Harper’s Bazaar magazine. At that time there were very few women to look up to who had preceded me in the field of magazine design. Of course, there were exceptions like Cipe Pineles and Miki Denhof. But things don’t seem to have progressed much since then. What I mean is here we are in 2005 and I don’t think you can name an equal amount of really talented and deserving women with an equal amount of men who are recognized graphic designers, heads of their own firms, or successful CEOs in advertising. If so I’d love to know who those women are.

I enjoyed this interview and felt it gave me a good insight into how what female designers think of the industry.

Carnovsky's RGB wallpaper

Itallian studio Carnovsky created a series of wallpapers that react to different coloured lights for the milan design week. The designs created for a noted itallian wallpaper brand feature overlapping illustrations and different elements of these designs are revealed depending upon whether a red, green or blue light is shone against them. I really like the striking illustrations themselves yet think the lighting element adds another striking characteristic. 

 

 

Image when red light is shone on wallpaper and different elements are revealed when a green light is shone against it.

To Dry For

Whilst browsing through a recent copy of the Daily Telegraph I came across an online company called 'To Dry For' which is an online boutique specialising in designer tea towels. Husband and wife team based in London they produce work for designers and also have a range of artist commisioned tea towels which promote the work of prominent up and coming designers and illustrators. I really like the witty thinking behind these designs as well as how visually appealing they look. I particularly like the ones designed for the penguin books.

You can see more here

True North

Today I made a visit to design agency True North to meet with designer Ady Bibby. I was looking forward to sitting down and chatting to Ady on a one to one basis about the design industry, his own reflections and experiences and also looking forward to receiving some valuable feedback about the work I had been producing for my major project.

As I arrived I was shown into a boardroom and offered a nice cup of tea whilst I waited for Ady to tie up a few loose ends. It was really nice and somewhat overwhelming to see all the awards that True North as an agency had won hung up on the walls, some of this work I had already seen in D&AD annuals such as the work for the Manchester deaf centre.

Initially myself and Ady spoke about the industry from everything to placements, to which agency I would like to work in and London. We also covered most of the questions which I had previously sent to Ady via email:

 Do you think it is harder to get a job in the industry now compared to 5 years ago?

Ady felt that it is harder now to get a job as there are so many graduates, however compared to last year where the recession hit people quite hard things are now starting to get easier.

 What would set a student aside from everyone else? What skills would you look for?

We spoke about students and I mentioned that from many guest lectures who had visited college many felt that being enthusiastic and dedicated would be what would set many students aside. Ady agreed with this but felt it was equally important for a student to have a very good portfolio also.

 Have you ever worked in London or considered moving to London? Would you suggest students move from their hometown to look for work?

We spoke about London and I spoke about our recent trip to London meeting with agencies. Ady expressed that moving to London never appealed to himself and he's quite happy commuting to London to meet with agencies but his home is Manchester. We spoke about London and how there are vast amounts of design agencies but Manchester is becoming just as popular. Once again this made me question where I would like to work in the future.

We spoke about placements and Ady was quite shocked that In my three years of studying design I had still not completed one single placement, however this wasn't a bad reflection on myself. Ady felt that the placement system is the most important way to get a job and it was what managed to get himself a job in the industry. 

After this insightful and extremely helpful discussion I spoke to Ady about my major project, my ideas and where I was up to so far. Ady gave me some honest constructive feedback which linked in ideas I had previously been working on with new ideas. He told me to think a little more about how to group everything together and maybe change my strap line but all in all he felt it was a good route to choose. Before meeting with Ady I felt at a somewhat loose end with my project and was confused with which direction to carry on in but Ady reassured me by saying that I already had my idea there and if I was to send my ideas to an advertising agency they would be able to understand it and tweak it to produce the outcome I want.

Before leaving Ady also asked what I wanted to do after graduation and who I want to work for, at the moment I still feel unsure. My heart lies with typography and editorial design yet more recently my work seems to be based around advertising design and agency wise I would love to work for the chase as I love their work ethics and the work they produce. However, after meeting with Ady today True North would definitely be in my top 5 design agencies in Manchester I would like to work for. I felt completely relaxed and everyone was friendly and welcoming. 

When emailing Ady prior to my meeting with him Ady joked by saying ' I'll provide the tea and coffee you bring the biscuits' so as a lasting impression I took some hobnobs and happy faces with me for the team to enjoy! 

I am very greatful to Ady for taking the time out to see me and I hope to stay in contact.

Mick Greer

After today's lecture I thought it would be a good idea to make the most out of Mick being in college and it was suggested by my tutor that I sit down with him and talk through my own copywriting ideas I had been working on for my major project.

I had been in contact with Mick prior to his visit at college as myself and Grace felt at a dead end with our Bacardi work, as the brief we were working on played primarily with copywriting Guy suggested we got in touch with Mick to get some valuable honest feedback, and this is what we got.

Therefore showing my work to Mick today I knew that I would get an honest opinion and maybe a push in the right direction. Mick suggested that hard hitting words would be what would make people read my bullying posters and right now they just weren't hard hitting enough and were also quite long. After feeling in a bit of a rut with my major project the advice that I received from Mick definitely helped and I will turn these negatives into a positive.

I am now working myself to a deadline of producing these designs and Mick's idea for next friday when I visit Ady at True North.

Piano stairs

I came across these fun interactive piano stairs in Sweden, that encourage people to take the stairs rather than taking the escalator. Really clever idea and I know I would take the stairs instead of being lazy!

There's even a video to show the journey and apparently since producing the piano steps 66% more people now chose to take the stairs rather than using the escalator!

You can check these out at Toxel

Topshop

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love fashion and more importantly how my favourite shop is Topshop. I always say that as well as graphic design, illustration and fashion feeds my practice as a designer every day so I was amazed when I saw my favourite aspects of design and fashion brought together. 

Japanese artist Que Houxo works infront of a live audience painting with bright colours and chaotic brush strokes. His work bursts with colour and energy that you can almost en capture the movement of the brush strokes. With this in mind Topshop hired Houxo into a few lucky stores to paint live in their windows.

I always admire Topshop's windows for their fun quirky designs.

True North

As part of my research for my issues and practices essay I had emailed Ady from True North a set of questions about life after graduation.

Email to Ady:

        

        Dear Ady

My name is Michele McKee, I am currently in my final year of Graphic design, studying at Stockport College. 

My main attraction towards your agency is your ability to be thoughtful towards the design process, I really liked the attention to detail especially in the work for Apg visual colour, I thought it worked extremely well producing black and white posters in a bid to attract the viewer rather than producing lavish style posters, it was a clever idea. How long do you normally get on briefs like this, and who do you look at for inspiration when designing?

My main reason for getting in touch with yourself is because I wondered if you could spare a few  minutes of your time to answer a few questions regarding the design industry which will help myself and others when we graduate. It will also help towards research on something I am working on at the moment as part of my degree.

1. Do you think it is harder to get a job in the industry now compared to 5 years ago?

2. Do you think students are well prepared for the jump from university to the workplace?

3. What would set a student aside from everyone else? What skills would you look for?

4. How many placements, if any do you offer and for how long?

5. How many students do you get asking for jobs and placements?

6. Have you ever worked in London or considered moving to London? Would you suggest students move from their hometown to look for work?

7. Did you find it difficult to get a job after studying?

8. What advice would you give to a student regards getting a job after university?

I understand you are very busy but I would be extremely grateful to hear back from you.

Many thanks

Michele McKee

Ba Hons Graphic Design

Stockport College

Ady got back to me very quick to invite me into the studio for a chat about my questions.:

Hi Michele,

that's a big old email to answer, especially as I'm a drawer not a typer.

Happy for you to come in for half an hour next week and have a natter. That any use?

Ady

After a few emails back and forth  it was decided that I would go into meet with Ady next friday at 10am, I will also be taking in some of the designs I have been working on for my major project to get some feedback from himself.

I am extremely grateful for Ady getting back to me so quickly and look forward to meeting with him.

Unusual and Creative Pencils

I came across these most unusual and creative pencils designed by people all over the world. I really like the ideas behind them. I particularly like the pre chewed pencil and the clothes peg pencil. They really made me smile!

  

David Lovelock

After meeting with David Lovelock from Studio Special, I got in contact with him again to Thank him for meeting with us but to also ask him some questions for research as part of my issues and practices. I appreciated how he got back to so quickly and how his answers really helped inform my practice.

Email from David, with my questions and his answers

Hello Michele

I'll have a go at answering these -

1. Do you think it is harder to get a job in the industry now compared to 5 years ago?

A designer would imagine its the same. if the time span was 10 years, then yes, maybe.

If you asked a statistician the answer would also be yes, its harder due to the competition / graduates.

But there are different ways graduates find jobs and placements compared to the past 5 / 10 years.

2. Do you think students are well prepared for the jump from university to the workplace?

Yes and no. Depends on the student and the University.

Students enthusiasm to learn and understand the industry they want to exceed in

University course structure. Is it teaching the students skills or are they just setting industry award briefs and letting them get on with it?

3. What would set a student aside from everyone else? What skills would you look for?

Approach, understanding, intelligence, enthusiasm, passion, literacy and then creativity.

4. How many placements, if any do you offer and for how long??

we've a single placement desk and tend to offer 2-3 months.

5. How many students do you get asking for jobs and placements?

1 - 4 a day

6. Have you ever worked anywhere else other than London? Would you suggest students move from their hometown to look for work?

No - but its not all about London or even cities.

7. Did you find it difficult to get a job after studying?

Right time, right place. I was lucky. 

8. What advice would you give to a student regards getting a job after university?

Question themselves. Do you really want to do this? 

Make a plan of action and research agencies you'd like to work for.

Its not all about design blogs.

Don't send a PDF containing all of your work and expect a reply. It doesn't work like that.

I could spend / go into a lot of detail answering these... but I hope the above help

David

Ycn Bacardi

Over the past few months myself and fellow student Grace have been working in collaboration on a competition brief for Ycn. The brief itself was to drive visibility and awareness of Bacardi flavoured rums and leverage the creative theme of flirtation. The target consumer was 18-24 year old males who are fun, lighthearted and outgoing.

Initial ideas involved working with chat up lines to create innocent banter and changing cocktail recipes into flirting techniques.... for example 3/4 of eye contact.

In the end we came up with a typographic solution which played with humour in a way to appeal to our target audience. We took a typical boy meets girl scenario and added in all the ways males and females flirt with one another using body language. To make it even more cheekier and flirtatious we added an inuendo at the end where the audience has to question what the female is grabbing for... of course it's the Bacardi.

Initial Ideas

Researching into copywriters such as Sam Cartmell and visiting London agencies with our designs helped us to push our idea further. We also decided to work with neon to create the typography as this created a night time club/bar feel. Therefore we researched into neon artists such as Tracy Emin and Bruce Nauman.

Bruce Nauman

Tracy Emin

Our final designs have changed quite a lot from the initial stages and I am more than pleased with the outcome. Whether we win or lose I am happy to of worked on this brief to a finished stage and it will sit nicely in my portfolio.

Final designs

Marion Deuchars

Illustration always feeds my practice as a designer and I love hand drawn type and lettering. I came across the work of Marion Deuchars when I looked at the 2002 annual review of D&AD. To celebrate it's 40th birthday the book was entitled 'What's the point' and was art directed by Vince Frost (another favourite designer of mine) All text in the book were handwritten in pencil by Deuchars.

Alice in Wonderland

After waiting for what feels like centuries Tim Burton's interpretation of Alice in Wonderland was finally released on the 5th March. In my opinion I loved it, as soon as I put on the 3d glasses I was thrown into a world where I was battling along with Alice. The outrageous costumes, makeup and hair are all bizarre and from another world. Like all of Burton's films he delivers the plot from a different angle so don't expect to watch it and see an average fairytale. Each character is also well represented with each one being adorable in their own way, my favourite was the Mad Hatter played by Johnny Depp who succeeds in carrying most of the film, however his character sometimes seemed inconsistent alternating from a scottish accent to back to normal again, however I think this just plays more on his 'Mad' role.

However, even though I enjoyed the film there is controversy surrounding it, for example are peoples expectations of the film made bigger just because it's produced by Tim Burton.Also Alice in Wonderland is being strongly compared to Avatar. Avatar was a film which percolated in James Cameron's head for at least 14 years and like Alice in Wonderland being made into 3d so many expectations surrounded it but was this merely because of the film itself or because it gave people a chance to watch something in 3d.

In my opinion I enjoyed the film and would consider going watching it again, maybe in 2d to see how it shapes up that way but it definately met my high expectations.