@aimeechapmandesign

Visual Communications - Graphic Design L6

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Modular Reflection //

I can't quite believe I am saying this, but I think Im complete! It has been one very long and stressful modular to say the least. The beginning seems like a life time ago and the in-between seems like a blur.

I started this modular off by visit New York. It gave me such inspiration and a passion for designing to come in the Final Major Study. Equally, I also felt as a disadvantage from the time away. However, we were soon thrown in at the deep end. Rapidly I completed two D&AD projects. I can say throughout this modular they are by far, the work I am most proud of. It was hectic, with long hours and many tears but the outcome of working both independently and collaborative has given me a huge body of work. I think completing the both at the same time proved to me I could work effectively under such a stressful deadline. 

Reflecting on the overall body of work from the modular, I have completed a lot of projects (more than I realised). I have said yes to every opportunity that has come my way - Gareth, Molly etc. Unintentionally I have completed a lot of little projects, extending them to my own personal advantage. I am glad I have took on such a variants of tasks, especially when compared to Negotiated. A lot of my time then was focused on my personal work. In Major I have branched into commercial and campaign. As much as I love political graphics and collage, I think its a dream to find a full time job in it. Mixing my style up and incorporating has been a good change. 

Overall, this has by far been the most stressful modular I have ever completed at university. The obvious reason being the pressure. For me it has been the pressure of juggling everything. I have work commitments as well as univeristy and balancing the both has meant I have been non stop for the majority of the year. I think on reflection I am hugely proud that I have managed to maintain a job whilst also working towards my degree. The imminent idea of leaving into the unknown has also played a factor of stress. Because I have been so busy, it has taken my mind away from the situation. Three year of working inside univeristy and out has took its toll. However, I love being creative and with finishing univeristy I am going to solely focus on searching, networking and building my design career. The future is very exciting. 

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Final Submission Completed //

I have finally finished my submission document. Its took a week, too many hours to think of and countless checks. I hope (fingers crossed) that it is a s close to perfect as I wanted. I have linked them to my blog for reference so hopefully for more detail or if I have accidentally missed something they can take a look here!

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Final Submission Making //

The course of the past and my final week has consisted of making my final submission document. Its took FOREVER. If I was to do it again I would definitely do it as I completed each project. I have tried to give a really clear and brief overview of each project, clearly labelled. Using this platform for my main body of annotation and explanation of individual project journeys!

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LOGO COMPARE //

Here is the logos ‘Before and After’. I don’t think in many ways you can compare them, because the purpose of them is for two different things. One is created for brand purpose and the other is experimental.

However, I think that if I was to redesign for this project again I would find a middle ground. I really like the worn effect and the personality its adds. Equally the simplicity of the first works to brief. I am happy with this project because i think it shows how different one brief could be answered! I actually WAY prefer the second one, so I am pleased I developed it. When I go and visit Top Banana I will show them the logo difference and extension for some variety.

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Experimental Logo //

I know it actually doesn't look hugely different from the original logo. However, that wasn't my aim. My aim was simply to experiment with adding some texture and personality into the type of with I have created. The shadows really make the texture a lot more than it was originally. 

I think for brand fit the other one does suit a lot better thou. This ‘weathering’ effect isn't very on the topic of summer party. However, next time when doing a quick project (only a few days), I need to ensure that I include my own personal style. Answer the brief firstly and then put my own flare and personality into it!

(The texture hasn't shown up very well on here!)

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Final Experimental Logo //

This is the final product for experimenting. I tried to create that worn and rustic typeface look without going to over the top. I still thought it could of fit the brief however made with less appropriation? I think the shadowing works really effectively in creating a contrast and personality to the typeface. 

I do actually prefer this logo to the original. However, in terms of brief suitability I do think the other is more on point. I think the ‘rustic’ and ‘weathering’ effect doesn't really scream summer party! Its hard to balance cooperate and fitting the brief, to testing the boundaries. Something I am constantly striving to perfect.’

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‘A Summer Like No Other’ Re- edit //

In my last tutorial Tracy said that she thinks this project on mine, is not very much like me. She said its a bit cooperate of which the brief wants, however it wouldn't work in my portfolio. So for the purpose of my own work I thought Id experiment with something a little off brief.

Tracy said to look at ‘imperfection’ within the design practice. Being inspired by old retro signs it seems obvs to add in the ‘worn’ effect to the typography itself. I added drop shadow and some highlights initially to give the type some more personality and depth.

I then experimented with A LOT of different pattern types - worn down paint, riso etc. Trialling different things in design is key to see what works best. Especially with something as important as a brand logo, it must be right.

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Grad Show Extras //

In preparation for the GRAD show I have printed out five more more of my Newspaper to sit alongside my board. I think it nice to have a physical thing that people can look at, in a way its more memorable. Its an immersive experience!

I choose to redesign the back cover adding my own personal ‘@’. I think its a nod to the actual content of the newspaper itself. Equally it also mean if people read them, they know who exactly made them and where to fine me!

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Grad Show //

The other day I got sent this photo by one of my friends of my board printed. I have since seen them in there actual position. However, I have forgotten to take a photo! Here is the turn out for the A1 board. I think the designs work really well on the larger scale, especially due to the colour!

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Grad Show Help Out //

This week has consisted of ‘all hands on deck’. In any which way we could, we have all been painting, sanding and moving the university rooms around in preparation for the GRAD show. I have has A LOT to do this week, with tight deadlines and work commitments its been very stressful. I really wished I could of helped more, but I have done my bit! It looks amazing! 

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BUSINESS CARDS //

These are my business cards woooooo! This isn't a very good photo as I was in a rush. However, in real life there are beautiful and the quality is amazing. Unfortunately, the some of the blacks ones have printed with a tiny white border around them, I assume where the cut isn't accurate. I have spoke to the printers however and they are very kindly sending me a new batch - can't wait to start giving them out!

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Grad Show Prep //

As part of the GRAD show we all have a dedicated A1 and A2 board that we must fill. We have been given a selection of layouts and a theme to go with for this years ‘CheckOut’ grad show. Even thou it looks simply like a drag and drop exercise it took us all way longer to design. Obviously, its very important that this looks good!

Here are my boards to be checked over on Monday and then printed ready to go in the exhibition! I have selected a project from this modular and of last. They are two very varying projects to show ability in commercial and creative.

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FINAL BUSINESS CARDS //

Here is my final business cards! I have gone for two different colours, tying in with the rest of my branding. I have order the luxury collection, meaning there is a coloured layer within the design - on the black its red and on the red its black. Now we just have to wait and see them come!

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Business Card //

This is one of those things that I have been putting off for ages! Its a design that I need to love and be proud of, making a stand out first impression to employers. Obviously, with such big event imminent - the grad show, BDF etc. it was pretty obvious I needed a business card.

Having already designed my logo and website, as well as knowing what type of design I create it had already narrowed it down to. Taking inspiration from my CV and branding I began creating business cards.

It actually is A LOT harder process than I thought. The issue is because it is so simple, you struggle of what to put on it - the possibilities are endless. I originally wanted a square business card, however after designing I found out why post people go for the standard - because its a lot easier shape wise. I honestly created possible 25+ designs before coming to a conclusion!

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Design Festival Volunteer //

A few weeks ago we had Luke Tonge a lecturer as the uni come in and give us a talk on ‘Why’ to be a volunteer. This is Birminghams, first ever design festival so its a pretty big deal. Me along with a lot of my friends put our names forward. Its a perfect opportunity for Graduates and students to make connections, as well as gaining lots of experience. 

BDF begins on the 7th June (obvious VERY close now). I have been put forward to be a lead volunteer which will be a good amazing opportunity! On Wednesday, 29th there is a meeting giving everyone an overview and plans for the festival itself. I am actually really excited!

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SOCIAL EXPANSION //

As part of my journey at BCU we have been constantly push to build a platform and following within the industry. Throughout my three years I have slowly built up the platforms I am on as well as the amount I post. I like to post my favourite design. 

The main three for me are - Linkedin, Instagram and Behance. I have also joined WeGrowCherries as previous mentioned. There all a variation of platforms but all have in common - Networking. I have been using them more than ever. Instagram has proven hugely successful with people contacting me directly, such as Molly to work with them. Linkedin, has also had a similar effect of success. I have applied for jobs and received interviews which is a huge positive step!

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MUJI FINALS //

This is the final product for the Muji Brief. If I had more time I would of loved to have spent an entire day on this project rather than an hour, as I think its a really cool brief! However, I am glad I entered because it gave me the chance to design something of which I had never before!