Module Reflection

Throughout this module, I've explored different areas of my practice, which was initially focused on gaining experience within branding and digital design with the hopes of becoming a junior designer post-graduation. However during this journey, I completed work experience at Black and Ginger, a branding studio based in Liverpool which made me reconsider my position within the design industry as I found the work I completed there uninspiring. This lead to the exploration of less traditional graphic design within OUGD603 through the production of a pinball machine exploring the routes you can take after graduation. This project was heavily inspired by Eva Creamers a guest speaker during Creative Conversation as I found her approach to life after graduation inspiring as she started to explore her own practise more which then led to different internships. Throughout the process of creating the pinball machine, I started to explore set and production design more as I want to work on more three-dimensional outcomes within my practice. Therefore moving forward I plan to explore my own practice more working with more three-dimensional outcomes whilst seeking out internships within set/production design or exhibition design as I feel these specialism are more suited to my practice now.

Although my focus has shifted since the beginning of the year I still would like to explore traditional graphic design, however I would want to work within a studio that also incorporated stage/set design into their practice similar to Studio Morros. One of the main difficulties I've faced throughout this module was found studios in both graphic design and set design that I want to work within in Liverpool or Manchester as I plan to move back to Liverpool after graduation. Many of the studios I've found such as Anna Rhodes and Studio Morros are based in London, which is something to aim for in the future, however, I don't want to move to London immediately. Throughout the year I've attended networking events in both Manchester and Leeds which I've enjoyed as it has given me the opportunity to learn more about the creative industry around me and the importance using your interests outside of design to influence your approach more. I feel like this outlook was applied during the production of my pinball machine as it allowed me to explore the routes available to me after graduation. Over the next 12 months I plan to use the reflection skills employed through this module to evaluate my own practice, exploring set design and production design through self-initiated and gaining internships in studios such as Lord Whitney who are based in Leeds.

Studio Morros

I recently discovered studio morros, Kate Morros's studio whilst looking for studios that work within set/stage and exhibition design. I already knew of Kate Morross however didn't realise her studio also works within set/stage design and more traditional forms of graphic design. If I was to work within a graphic design studio after university I would want it to either be Studio Morross or a studio that has a similar multi-disciplinary approach. I also like that they encourage the designer to take on self-initiated projects to continue with their personal practice alongside the studio. I find it very interesting that although Kate Morross has a very distinct style the studio designs for the client rather than designing to an existing aesthetic associated with Kate.

Lord Whitney

I came across Lord Whitney after discussing my interest in set design with peers who suggested I look at their work. I particularly like their tag line as 'connoisseurs of make-belive' and the variety of work they cover within their practice as this is something I would like in include and explore within my practice. I plan to develop a pitch based on my pinball machine in order to inquire about an internship and invite them to the End of Year show. I plan to re-shoot the pinball machine so the pitch can include a video showcasing each element of the machine as the current photos/videos I have aren't to a high enough standard to send out. 

I really like the variety within their work and how they design to a brief rather than trying to design for an aesthetic as this is an approach I use within my own practice currently. 

Presentation

Planning the presentation helped to organise my thoughts as to how I wanted to present what I've learned this year and the position my practice is in now (see figure 1). This has allowed me to organise and write down my thoughts surrounding university and my practice to better formulate my thoughts and plans moving forward. 

Upon relfection, on the year I feel my outlook on my future design career has changed as originally I wanted to be a junior design in a studio working within branding, packaging and editorial. However after completing my internship at Balck and Ginger I felt this route wasn't for me. During this time I started to explore more three-dimensional outcomes, specifically the pinball machine for extended practice. I really enjoyed this process which has made me consider other options such as set/stage design and production design. Over the next 12 months, I plan to explore this area of design more, looking at gaining internships within these areas with studios/designers such as Lord Whiteny, Anna Rhodes and undertaking an Annie Atkins workshop. Furthermore, if I was to work within a graphic design studio I would want it to be a studio similar to Studio Morross as they work within traditional graphic design but also do work for exhibitions, stage and music. 

Figure 1

Skills Evaluation

Over the past year I’ve developed an interest in animation and more physical three-dimensional work. Upon exploring both of these with other modules I’ve developed a sound understanding of animation software such as After Effects however want to learn more advanced software such as Cinema4D. Throughout the process of building a pinball machine in extended practice I’ve gain multiple technical skills in relation to construction physical forms as well as an understanding of how these process work. This understanding will make it easier to communicate with technicians in industry as I have an understanding of the measurements and detail they need. In addition I’ve developed my conceptual thinking further throughout the year which has allowed for the development of an effective workflow of research and brainstorming which can be completed quickly depending on the time-scale and brief at hand. A key strength of mine is time management and organisation which has been very helpful in managing multiple brief spanning different audiences and specialisms.

Skills Learnt this Year:

Woodworking/construction:
Whilst making a pinball machine as part of extended practice I've become familiar with lots of different construction methods as well as gained a working knowledge of woodworking equipment. This is helpful experience and knowledge to have moving into set and production design as I'm comfortable working with some equipment to build set but also understand the measurements and processes technicians used which will aid effective communication in the future.

Animation/After Effects:
Throughout the year I've explored the use of animation within a number of projects which has allowed me to develop my skills in After Effects more. I've enjoyed working with animation and plan to develop these skills further and learn more advanced software such as Cinema 4D.

Personal Branding - Printed elements / Overview

Business cards have been produced for use during future networking events as now my focus is on getting work/opportunities rather than learning about the industry which I fell has been my focus this year. Although I think online material is more appreciate within today's society as people tend to spend a lot of time on social media, I recognise the value in being able to give someone a business card so they remember you. This is also a more formal/professional way of making connections rather than just asking for someone's Instagram handle.  

In addition, an invoice layout and custom envelopes have been developed for use during any freelance work I may undertake whilst exploring set/production design after university.  The use fo custom envelopes addes value to my branding creating a more professional and high-end feel the branding as a whole creating a better impression on the client. 

Personal Branding: Online Presence

I've chosen to use the same photo of myself across my various online profiles I think it creates a friendlier impression as I don't want to only be seen through my branding. Furthermore, this allows potential clients and employers to identify my profiles easily as they all contain the same image. The pattern created for my branding creates a neutral banner for my LinkedIn and The Dots profile as having a place holder banner makes the profile look unfinished/unused. Overall my main focus in relation to my online presence is my Instagram as this is where I've received most of my engagement so far and it's also the platform I've grown/connected with more people on in the last 6 months. My website acts as a supporting element to this showcasing more of my work in more detail if users wish to click the link in my bio. Moving forward I plan to update my Instagram more but also focus more on The Dots and LinkedIn which are more industry-focused, which is likely to gain me more freelance work as work/the industry tends to be the main topic of conversation within these sites whereas you can get lost in the conversation on Instagram due to the variety available to users.


Website:
neveball.com

LinkedIn:

Instagram:

The Dots:

Personal Branding - CV

Over the past 12 months, I've not been asked for a CV by the studios I've worked with or contacted however I thought it would be good to create an initial CV that I can edit and develop in the future when one is required. I've used the typefaces used throughout my personal branding, keeping the cv very simple. Black on white has been used as although I primarily use white on black within my branding I wanted to avoid legibility issues that may occur. I've developed this as a starting point as I plan to explore my own practice more to more clearly define the area of design I want to work within, as I don't plan to go straight into a junior designer or in studio role. 

Strategy File