Evaluation

During the third year of the course, I have really begun to define myself as a designer. Perhaps not exactly in terms of a design ‘style’, but certainly with regards to key interests and disciplines that I have a strong interest in.

When writing my statement of intent, I stated that for my final major project I wanted to focus on technical illustration, as I had developed a strong interest in the instructional (generally vector-based) graphics of instructional manuals, and in information design in general. I had already begun to investigate this kind of work during the design practice 3 module, and in some ways the final major project was a continuation of this - although in the dp3 module, the work produced served more as an investigation into learning how to produce technical illustration, whilst in the FMP I was able to explore its application within the areas of traditional graphic design a lot more. A good example of this is the National Science Museum work, which evidenced the ability to apply this kind of work into a context that it would not necessary be seen as an area where technical illustration would serve its needs best- however I feel that by combining it with a strong use of typography and a simple layout, it worked just as well, if not better, than many standard graphic resolutions. This brief also serves as a good example of my developed ability to contextualize my work in a clear and professional manner, which although existing in previous modules, was perhaps not as strongly presented.

Whilst my focus for my FMP was on technical illustration, I feel that I did not limit myself solely to instructional graphics. My exploration of the techniques and interests that are integral to technical illustration allowed me to produce highly inventive pieces of work, such as a complete typeface based on the printed circuit board, something that I could have never envisioned myself producing at the beginning of the course. I also stated in my S.O.I (statement of intent) that I wished to work with motion graphics, which I accomplished with the After Effects viral video for ICM, and the Flash based graphics for the National Science Museum brief.

Early on I stated that I wanted to consider the concept of ‘how things work’ as a focal point for my FMP, as I believed it would be best suited to my design interests, whilst providing a problem that I would be able to develop a unique and interesting solution for. Ultimately this concept was developed into my final brief for the FMP, dubbed ‘Explanations’. I put a great deal of time and effort into this brief, aiming to create a series of instructional/technical illustrations that would operate as examples of what the Explanations project was about, split into the categories of ‘systems’, ‘actions’ and ‘objects’. However due to the highly time consuming nature of the work I was doing, I was only able to produce 2 of the three example pieces. The third, explaining how a football stadium works (for ‘objects’) was not completed, although the drawings I had begun to produce for this were submitted along with the rest of the project. When submitting this work it did seem to me that the project was explained in enough detail that the third explanation was not required anyway.

For some time I was unsure about what the design context part of the FMP was going to entail, however it became apparent that technical illustration had to be the focus, as it was entirely logical with what I had been researching for my design practice. I am glad I made the decision to do this as my contact with professional technical illustrators boosted my confidence and assured me that despite being on a course called ‘graphic design’ it did not mean that I was necessarily limited to producing work that is seen as within the ‘traditional’ forms of graphic design (logo design, typography etc). On the contrary, I was actually given compliments on the technical illustrations I had already produced, and was given advice on how I could go about learning more about the subject for the future. What struck me most from my interviews however was the fact that nearly all of them were producing graphic design alongside their usual work, assuring me that I was heading on the right path and that the reality was that with time and patience I could develop equal skills in graphic design and technical illustration, and begin to weave the two together to produce work that is high in quality and impact. The only downfall in the design practice is that, despite sending my book off to Lulu over two weeks before the deadline, it still did not arrive in time, and as a result I was unable to verify whether what they produced was in line with what I had designed. I have attempted to remedy this issue somewhat by submitting a CD containing a PDF version of the book, and also uploading a version to Issuu, where it can be read online.

Ultimately my strong point lies with vector based illustration, particularly instructional and technical illustration, and whilst I feel fairly well rounded as a designer, this area of design is going to be something I want to carry forward with me as I begin my journey to enter into the ‘professional’ realm of graphic design.

Design Conext - Issuu

As a lot of people have been unhappy with the books they have received from Lulu, I am pre-empting a similar situation happening to me. So I am uploading my book on Issuu, and posting it here. I have made a few minor adjustments for it to work with Issuu, but its pretty much exactly the same as I am hoping to receive from Lulu.

Explanations - Illustration Process & Development

Instead of doing a blog post, or pages and pages of hurredly organised printouts to explain the process of producing the illustrations for this brief, I have instead devised a these short books/publications that explain the process in stages. A number of people suggested that I really made it clear that I had put lots of time and effort and thinking into this work, and I feel this helps to address the issue of evidencing that.

These books were printed on off-white (library stock) sugar paper and designed at B5 format, however I have simply folded them and left the crop marks, as I don't feel the need to do a great deal with these works, they are to support my project rather than be the centrepiece.

Wardenclyffe Tower - Illustration Process & Development















Crane - Illustration Process & Development

Explanations Promotion

Promotional idea







Just an idea of the kind of thing I am going for with regards to promotion. This 'idea' did take a while to do however, trying out different things with the type etc... so more than likely it will be developed further.

Design Context - Finished and Sent

Last night I finished and sent off my design context book (to Lulu). I am really quite happy with it, I managed to speak to the people I wanted to speak to, and instead of doing page upon page of designer profile after designer profile, I got a few ones I really respected and focused more on them over a couple of spreads.

Proof of purchase:


Cover:


Some spreads:

Final Crit

Just a run through of what was discussed at the final crit (really is a final crit, as it is the last one timetabled in for our time at uni!)
First of all Fred made a good point when he asked why I had asked for feedback on the other (practically finished briefs), when it is the current brief 'How Things Work' that I wanted the most feedback on. In fact, almost everyone was guilty of this, and when it came down to critting each other we really only had time for one brief to give thorough feedback on.
One of the questions I brought to the table was 'what do people think of the title 'Vexplanations'? The overwhelming response was that it was too confusing or difficult to say. Other suggestions were thrown up, but ultimately the simpler title of 'Explanations' just seemed to figure better with everyone and this is what I am working with now.
I brought along the visuals for the wireless and crane explanations I was working on, and people seemed fine with the way this was going. The only issue raised was the way I had proposed to display it, via a horizontal scrollbar based interface. It would seem people just feel better scrolling vertically, so this is something that I am changing and working with.
I also asked the question of whether I should expand the brief into promotional material aswell. The response from Fred was that this really goes without saying - I am proposing this informative and useful website to people, but how are people supposed to see it? This is something I need to spend some time considering.. this is the brief where I really have to push the boat out and get as much out of it as I can, although perhaps saving things like huge prints until the end of year show (when the large printers will start to free up). Regardless I will be proposing things like this as part of the rest of my work.
As for the other briefs, they are essentially finished. There is support work I need to print for each of them, and at least 2 of the briefs will need an extra board to explain certain aspects. But enough talk, I need to put things into action. More soon.

Vexplanations - Hybrid Crane

Have been working on this piece on and off. It is forming the basis for a vexplanation for 'how do you put a crane up?'. So difficult to find stock imagery that I could use for the entirety of the crane, so ultimately I had to use 3 different cranes, and used artistic license to put it all together into something that resembles a real life tower crane. You won't be seeing one of these in real life, it is truly 'unique'. Only thing missing here is the box the crane operator sits in the 'cab'.









The vexplanation is taking the same horizontal scroll based interface as the other piece I am working on for 'what is wireless?'. It will basically explain each stage of the construction process, showing how the cranes in actuality 'build themselves'.

Research: Crane Process

Found this really simple gif animation to explain the process of putting a tower crane up. Essentially the cranes build themselves, and seeing it this way has helped me gain a better understanding of this. Now to translate this in my own manner...

PPD

Today I went down to L&K, a design agency based down in near the waterfront in Leeds. Fred had mentioned to that L&K were looking to take on students for internships after university, and as I was impressed by the work showcased on their website, I contacted the design director Lee on Monday, who told me to come down on Thursday (today) for an interview. I spent most yesterday making sure my portfolio was up to scratch, and even utilizing my tutorial with Justin as a mock interview/portfolio review. I really wanted to take opportunity like this seriously and tried to be as prepared as possible.
The interview went well, and I felt I was able to describe the projects in a fair amount of detail, although I must admit I drew a blank at certain questions, although it was just out of nervousness. I am now doing an internship with them for a month from the 22nd of June : )

Vexplanations. Research & Mockup

I started putting together a PDF yesterday of some of the work I have going on at the minute, including already completed work for the FMP. The reason was because was I was worried I would not be able to get the work printed for my portfolio, however I was able to get a slot for today so this was no longer an issue. The only key piece of work not featured was the project I am currently working on, 'how things work', now called 'Vexplanations (visual explanations). I have decided to post up those pages from the PDF onto here instead.

FMP (How Things Work)

I have selected my first example from the category 'Systems', which is one suggested during my primary research, 'What is wireless?'

I have realized that it would be far too difficult and time consuming to visually explain all aspects of wireless, so I have made yet another categorization, which is specific to the subject of systems. I have broken down the subject into 'forms' 'pioneers'. This can be applied to any system, but not necessarily objects or actions. I will have to decide upon the categorization for these subjects.

Therefore for 'what is wireless', I have selected the form, 'wireless energy transfer'. The other option is 'wireless communication' - however there is already an ample amount of visual material available on this subject online, and I felt that the purpose of the project is really to hit a niche market of people seeking answers to obscure subjects.

The pioneer selected is Nikola Tesla, due to his early success with wireless energy transfer, and his unfortunately unachieved (due to budgetary reasons) vision of a world powered wirelessly via a system of energy transmitting towers (such as his Wardenclyffe tower project). A crucial part of this therefore is to explain what he was aiming to achieve, how, and what he was going to use. I have spent some time illustrating the Wardenclyffe tower material (the tower, power station & original patents) due to its key importance in explaining this fully. I will be making a seperate post soon to show how the process of producing the illustrations, and mocking up the context.

Design Context Update

I mentioned previously that I had been working to A4 landscape for my design context book. I printed out some of the pages I had been working on, and it was at that point that I realized there were some flaws in the design. For one, the images I had used were too low in resolution. I had predicted that this would be an issue, and there would need to be changes or additions to remedy this, but I hadn't realized just how much this would affect. And the second issue is the use of space. I can't explain quite what I mean by this. It just felt like the balance of space between the text and images wasn't just right.

Therefore I've begun redesigning the book. The new format, still at landscape, is now a little bit smaller, at 9 " x 7 ". This means that many of the images I had used previously can still be used at a smaller size. And in my opinion, the balance in the pages is much better. Whilst it is more constraining, I find working to this format more interesting.

_work: neonspice

_work: neonspice is the website of New York graphic designer Neslon Ng, who is particularly strong with regards to layout based design. I have been looking at his work in relation to design context, as editorial based design is not my strong point, I think it would be useful to examine some people who are.



_work: neonspice

Design Context Presentation

Presented my design context work this morning. I have always felt quite worried about whether my approach is right for the design context, as I see other people working on their books/websites/etc. and choose their favourite design agencies, and were able to eloquently explain how these agencies had an approach to graphic design that is completely compatible with their own personal approach, I kind of felt that my focus was a little less solid.

Whilst I am very interested in the discipline of technical illustration and how it relates to contemporary graphic design, I am unable to relate to them (the tech. artists) in the same way, in the sense that the practicioners I am looking at often study technical illustration from the get go, picking up graphic design skills on the way, whilst I am of course, the polar opposite.

I have a real challenge ahead of me in the future if I plan to pursue this interest, and for this reason the design context book I am producing is part of the process of overcoming this challenge. I want to be able to look at it and remind myself about what the subject of technical illustration is really all about, how the pro's operate, how the skills can be weaved within traditional graphic design practice, etc.

Anyway as for the presentation itself, I discussed the book I am producing (and self-publishing via Blurb or Lulu), presented several example layouts I have been working on, and some of the information I have gathered from e-mail interviews I have conducted. Examples of the layouts I have produced so far can be seen below.