My new website has finally gone live, and the experience of building it has pushed my knowledge once again and challenged me to expand my design skills. It is not my first experience in designing for web using cascading style sheets, but it threw up additional learning opportunities nevertheless.
From my experience of browsing portfolio websites, there are several issues that I wanted to avoid. First on my list was the home page 'dare to be original' large underlined passage about how the student loves typography and clean layout, are exceptionally hard workers that; live design, were born for design! You get the idea.. we've all seen them before. It is not the copy itself that I refuse to endorse; it is the reality that the concept of this passage has been regurgitated by countless aspiring designers who contradict their claimed originality by the mere presence of this device. In recognition of this, I have parodied the appearance of the large underlined introduction and delivered the message as a pastiche. Should the quality of work on show not speak for the designer's interest and dedication?
Secondly, I have always looked more favorably upon vertical scrolling images of work that complete a section of the portfolio. While the single image with 'next' and 'last' arrows are fine, I personally find them less accessible than a straight list that portrays the work as once piece on one page. Having chosen this method of layout, I needed to find a solution to the problem of the work description. One perfectly logical location for the description could be the right hand column next to the images, which is exactly where I intended to put my copy text. From my experience however, I felt that by scrolling down and browsing the work, the description is no longer on screen if the viewer wishes to read again or clarify the rationale while they are lower down the page. This is an issue that I discovered first hand, and wanted to avoid.
My solution resided in the mysteries of java-script. I could create a div-tag with a fixed position when scrolling that never went out of frame. There are known to be compatibility difficulties with internet explorer version 5, but my target audience of designers and professionals are almost certainly going to run more sophisticated browsers, therefore I am aware that more commercial websites would need to use this technology sparingly.
The process of creating this website was an exercise in education, and a rewarding struggle. I feel that I have leaned considerably more about CSS, particularly through the 'special' task of acquiring a valid CSS certificate. Please visit and see what you think! link
Friday, 12 February 2010
See What You Mean
We recently had the privilege of viewing a presentation lecture from Owen Johnson of See What You Mean studio, Cardiff. A charismatic talker with a an impressive slide show made for an insightful and worthwhile experience. While explaining the context of his graduation and arrival into the world of design, he enlightened us with some of the technological advances that the studio now deal in.
See What You Mean are now primarily a digital design service. They offer businesses strategy solutions for presentation that often take innovative and refreshing form. It was difficult to imagine their work as a more engaging form of power point presentation, but the benefits of the product lie in the ability to interest the audience in order to inform. There is no doubt that the design team from the studio are light years ahead in terms of digital software mastery, but it was the creative element that was showcased and emphasized as the most important skill a graduate can display.
Owen finished his talk by offering the opportunity to work in their office space. A chance to experience the working environment on a high-spec computer and witness first-hand the creative process of a successful studio. It is a shame that the space was offered to the entire year group, as there are some less prepared students that will benefit less from the experience but will no doubt apply nevertheless; adding to the plethora of applicants clogging Owen's inbox and junk folders. Despite this however, the talk can only have enriched our knowledge of the design industry and has personally inspired me to challenge my boundaries in the art of digital design.
See What You Mean are now primarily a digital design service. They offer businesses strategy solutions for presentation that often take innovative and refreshing form. It was difficult to imagine their work as a more engaging form of power point presentation, but the benefits of the product lie in the ability to interest the audience in order to inform. There is no doubt that the design team from the studio are light years ahead in terms of digital software mastery, but it was the creative element that was showcased and emphasized as the most important skill a graduate can display.
Owen finished his talk by offering the opportunity to work in their office space. A chance to experience the working environment on a high-spec computer and witness first-hand the creative process of a successful studio. It is a shame that the space was offered to the entire year group, as there are some less prepared students that will benefit less from the experience but will no doubt apply nevertheless; adding to the plethora of applicants clogging Owen's inbox and junk folders. Despite this however, the talk can only have enriched our knowledge of the design industry and has personally inspired me to challenge my boundaries in the art of digital design.
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
OGC Logo
On the theme of amusing logos, the OGC logo is a great example whether it was intentional or not. The Office of Government Commerce wanted a bold logo that embodied the aims of saving money by “improving value for money by driving up standards and capability in procurement”.
Here is the logo below, where at 90 degrees, the double- entendre is unveiled:
Deliberate or not, it has been said that the column inches generated by this hidden gem have given OGC invaluable exposure as a spokesman for the company dared to call it a success. It may be an example of subliminal gorilla advertising for the brand...
Here is the logo below, where at 90 degrees, the double- entendre is unveiled:
Deliberate or not, it has been said that the column inches generated by this hidden gem have given OGC invaluable exposure as a spokesman for the company dared to call it a success. It may be an example of subliminal gorilla advertising for the brand...
A-Style logo: Rome
Like most I suppose, an element of wit in a design appeals to my sense of humour and appreciation, giving the communication a greater impact. Like the gutsy identity of 'Serious' waste disposal commissioned by Elmwood, I stumbled upon a logo that works on a similarly crude-but-amusing tone of voice. The logo is A-Style's - an Italian clothing manufacturer that isn't shy of a bit of Gorilla advertising.
Upon more closely inspecting the way that the circles fall on the A, it becomes clear that the stick man formation was no accident. An amusing outcome that certainly couldn't be accused of being safe.
Like most I suppose, an element of wit in a design appeals to my sense of humour and appreciation, giving the communication a greater impact. Like the gutsy identity of 'Serious' waste disposal commissioned by Elmwood, I stumbled upon a logo that works on a similarly crude-but-amusing tone of voice. The logo is A-Style's - an Italian clothing manufacturer that isn't shy of a bit of Gorilla advertising.
Upon more closely inspecting the way that the circles fall on the A, it becomes clear that the stick man formation was no accident. An amusing outcome that certainly couldn't be accused of being safe.
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Dominico Tedone Design
I was recently asked to create a flash portfolio website for a photographer. He wanted a clean, simple design with a nice flash navigation. While I am confident of my abitily to design the site, I had a look for navigation inspiration and found a few innovative examples. Dominico Tedone's site is far more complex than any I would produce, however it is a great piece of skill that sets his portfolio apart from so many out there.
His wheel navigation gives the user ultimate freedom of movement in a seemingly three dimensional environment. The mouse controls whether the wheel zooms in, out or rotates to a new piece.
The navigation is best experienced in person. To visit, click here
His wheel navigation gives the user ultimate freedom of movement in a seemingly three dimensional environment. The mouse controls whether the wheel zooms in, out or rotates to a new piece.
The navigation is best experienced in person. To visit, click here
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
St David's Centre, Cardiff
Identity
Having recently completed a college-set identity brief for a youth center in Newcastle, I was interested to observe the visual style of the newly branded St David's Center in Cardiff, Wales. Interestingly, the concept is quite similar to the one which my group produced. It focuses on the idea of many people coming together to create a whole, and this is the basis for much of the design within the identity.
Above is the concept of gathering realized as an image of a crowd producing the letter 'D'. The shadow of this idea becomes the logo that is hung above the center in Cardiff and has been applied the poster and signage design. The logo as it appears in the center is pictured below.
While I feel that the logo is reasonably dynamic and energetic, I am undecided whether it is successful in visualizing the concept of coming together. Having spoken to a number of non-designers about the logo, it would appear that I am not alone in this trail of thought. Some were explicit enough to call it childish and mediocre. When I explained the vigorous process of design that must have constructed this outcome, my defense was undermined by the famous phrase 'it looks like a two year old could have done it'. Admittedly, this view would be one of the extremes of my findings, but it serves as a testament to the difficultly of pleasing everyone in commercial design. It reminds me that designers often have a different opinion to non-designers and illustrates the need to take a look from outside in in order to communicate to the target audience.
While I am relatively impartial to the identity, I am sure that there are admires as well as critics regarding this style. The design was developed by a London based company named Johnson Banks. More of the St David's visual identity can be found here.
Having recently completed a college-set identity brief for a youth center in Newcastle, I was interested to observe the visual style of the newly branded St David's Center in Cardiff, Wales. Interestingly, the concept is quite similar to the one which my group produced. It focuses on the idea of many people coming together to create a whole, and this is the basis for much of the design within the identity.
Above is the concept of gathering realized as an image of a crowd producing the letter 'D'. The shadow of this idea becomes the logo that is hung above the center in Cardiff and has been applied the poster and signage design. The logo as it appears in the center is pictured below.
While I feel that the logo is reasonably dynamic and energetic, I am undecided whether it is successful in visualizing the concept of coming together. Having spoken to a number of non-designers about the logo, it would appear that I am not alone in this trail of thought. Some were explicit enough to call it childish and mediocre. When I explained the vigorous process of design that must have constructed this outcome, my defense was undermined by the famous phrase 'it looks like a two year old could have done it'. Admittedly, this view would be one of the extremes of my findings, but it serves as a testament to the difficultly of pleasing everyone in commercial design. It reminds me that designers often have a different opinion to non-designers and illustrates the need to take a look from outside in in order to communicate to the target audience.While I am relatively impartial to the identity, I am sure that there are admires as well as critics regarding this style. The design was developed by a London based company named Johnson Banks. More of the St David's visual identity can be found here.
Sunday, 1 November 2009
D&AD Talk
I was lucky enough to book a seat for the D&AD talk last week at the Radisson Blu, a lecture where the upcoming briefs would be outlined alongside help and advice on gaining a foothold in the creative community. There was also a portfolio surgery where students could have their portfolio critiqued and valuable advice given by creative professionals from both London and Cardiff. Unfortunately I missed out on putting my name down in time, but the lecture itself was a more than worthwhile experience.
A speaker from the D&AD panel ran us through what makes a successful entry. This was supplemented by examples of both student and professional work that have impressed in the past with a combination of a great idea and professional execution. Below is an image of a poster that was particularly stirring:
Techniques commanding the attention of the public were showcased by two Wonderbra campaigns. The first 'Hello Boys' was a bold effort to draw the eye with a half naked model that most should be familiar with. It was explained that on its release, this poster caused a huge stir and saw people (men) causing traffic jams as they rolled past, staring at the provocative imagery. Now that we have become accustomed to such visuals, they no longer have the shock factor and companies like Wonderbra need to change their angle to achieve such commotion again. Above is the response to this problem, and uses a cryptic technique to challenge the viewer to discover what it means. It caused a few rewarded smiles at the talk as people cottoned on to the subliminal meaning giving them a sense of achievement, thus making the poster and brand memorable. I won't spoil the fun by writing the answer to this puzzle, but it is an excellent example of observing a problem and solving it.
The second part of the lecture saw Emma Booty take to the projector. Her career boasts a wealth of experience in a number of countries and agencies. She recently ended a long career at Landor, and let us see how things work at such a large company. She showcased her impressive communication skills as she offered her knowledge and working method to an interested audience.
It was in insightful afternoon for me, and one that I can draw inspiration and insight from in the upcoming D&AD competition briefs.
A speaker from the D&AD panel ran us through what makes a successful entry. This was supplemented by examples of both student and professional work that have impressed in the past with a combination of a great idea and professional execution. Below is an image of a poster that was particularly stirring:
Techniques commanding the attention of the public were showcased by two Wonderbra campaigns. The first 'Hello Boys' was a bold effort to draw the eye with a half naked model that most should be familiar with. It was explained that on its release, this poster caused a huge stir and saw people (men) causing traffic jams as they rolled past, staring at the provocative imagery. Now that we have become accustomed to such visuals, they no longer have the shock factor and companies like Wonderbra need to change their angle to achieve such commotion again. Above is the response to this problem, and uses a cryptic technique to challenge the viewer to discover what it means. It caused a few rewarded smiles at the talk as people cottoned on to the subliminal meaning giving them a sense of achievement, thus making the poster and brand memorable. I won't spoil the fun by writing the answer to this puzzle, but it is an excellent example of observing a problem and solving it.The second part of the lecture saw Emma Booty take to the projector. Her career boasts a wealth of experience in a number of countries and agencies. She recently ended a long career at Landor, and let us see how things work at such a large company. She showcased her impressive communication skills as she offered her knowledge and working method to an interested audience.
It was in insightful afternoon for me, and one that I can draw inspiration and insight from in the upcoming D&AD competition briefs.
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