The PayPal Adverts below are a great mixture of both 3d and 2d - the hand drawn black and white style (although I think the style is probably too childlike for what I would like to create) I love the range of motion and how everything links to the dialogue. The movements are relatively simple- flat objects and careful sound effects have been linked well together to create a cohesive animation. The hand drawn elements are bold and there is a great sense of contrast introduced through the use of black and white. I love the ninjas which are the only objects which utilise a more complex movement- I think that they have been drawn in those various positions and cut together (at least for the forward spin flip) and it's something I should consider when animating my own design- since I want it to move relatively smoothly and have a stop motion effect.
The christmas tree is probably my favourite element within the advert below it's simple and it pops into the world smoothly. The snowflakes remind me style wise of the Charlie and Lola cartoon (again a simple movement easily achieved in after effects). Colour is added into the various logos but again it is minimal. The PayPal adverts are fun, quirky and hand-drawn - elements that I want to achieve in my own design.
This advert combines paper and 3d together to create this animation and I love how the vibrant colours evident within the various scenes (in contrast to the black and white PayPal adverts) seem to define each location. Each location seems to have a specific colour palette: dark reds for the china section, pinks and yellows for the opening and blues for the morning. I love the florence puppet at the beginning and the hair movement which grows outwards in patterned paper which effectively breaks up the block colour. I think various cameras have been used to generate smooth movement between the segments- and again the combination of 3d and 2d really brings the paper sculptures to life. The use of drop shadows separates the flat elements which gives everything an intriguing physicality.
Tuesday, 30 December 2014
Stop Motion Inspiration- Possible Concept Idea
Although my final print piece will be a still there is an opportunity for me to create a motion piece as well. I opted to look into some paper cut stop motions since this is the overall style that has provoked my interest so far.
The video below is really really clever- the animators created an entire paper world for the story to take place in - it was actually made for the song which links the lyrics to the onscreen actions. The use of black and white is really effective especially when a vibrant red is introduced and I love how the paper cuts and visual styling gives the animation a gothic victorian vibe. Although the world and colour scheme are incredibly simplistic the characters themselves are very detailed which is achieved through small, careful lines and patters. Again 3d elements are incorporated in the background set which integrates a variety of depth. All of the limbs are moveable but there are no pins evident which probably means that it moves through the use of interlocking sliding elements. That or they are attached in a moveable manner without using pins. Either or the end result is very impressive, gothic, vintage animation fun.
The paper cut animation is really fun- I'm Not sure how some of the moving parts work (I'm guessing it's a sliding page, or a digitally enhanced motion for the parts that spin, that or some of the elements are interchangeable or other pages which have been placed atop). My best guest that lots of paper layers have been create and put atop one another which creates the movement. Again the paper cut styling is both intricate and simplistic which works well visually - and once again emphasises the handmade (an element that I think WeTransfer are keen to display).
This human body stop motion has very simple movement and I love how different textured paper has been used to create all the various elements - everything is bold block colour or simple pattern which should look bland but it is made interesting through the variety of textures and smooth movement. I particularly like the breaths of air that curl outwards because the motion contradicts the simple slides that are used throughout. The foldout heart works well too because it operates on an outward level further introducing a physicality.
Overall I think the paper cut animation - or at least the style- is probably one that I am going to continue investigating.
The video below is really really clever- the animators created an entire paper world for the story to take place in - it was actually made for the song which links the lyrics to the onscreen actions. The use of black and white is really effective especially when a vibrant red is introduced and I love how the paper cuts and visual styling gives the animation a gothic victorian vibe. Although the world and colour scheme are incredibly simplistic the characters themselves are very detailed which is achieved through small, careful lines and patters. Again 3d elements are incorporated in the background set which integrates a variety of depth. All of the limbs are moveable but there are no pins evident which probably means that it moves through the use of interlocking sliding elements. That or they are attached in a moveable manner without using pins. Either or the end result is very impressive, gothic, vintage animation fun.
The paper cut animation is really fun- I'm Not sure how some of the moving parts work (I'm guessing it's a sliding page, or a digitally enhanced motion for the parts that spin, that or some of the elements are interchangeable or other pages which have been placed atop). My best guest that lots of paper layers have been create and put atop one another which creates the movement. Again the paper cut styling is both intricate and simplistic which works well visually - and once again emphasises the handmade (an element that I think WeTransfer are keen to display).
This human body stop motion has very simple movement and I love how different textured paper has been used to create all the various elements - everything is bold block colour or simple pattern which should look bland but it is made interesting through the variety of textures and smooth movement. I particularly like the breaths of air that curl outwards because the motion contradicts the simple slides that are used throughout. The foldout heart works well too because it operates on an outward level further introducing a physicality.
Overall I think the paper cut animation - or at least the style- is probably one that I am going to continue investigating.
Paper Puppets Design Style Inspiration
After looking into some inspirational images I decided to continue looking into the paper cut puppet style (since I think it has the most potential) and have found the pieces below.
The fold out quality to the character above is what attracted me to this character- I like the 50's styling of the character the hair is probably the main focal point which contrasts against the pale blue. The three dimensionality of the character contrasts against the flatness of the paper. The only issue with this folding method is that it won't be easy to move unless there are some hidden split pins. There is a strange grittiness to the character (the cigarette and the sad expression) which is highlight through the grubby red ash which mars the white of the skin. I do like the solid fill skin- the lack of shading exemplifies the body shapes but it also keeps the character very simple something that I should consider when making my design.
Source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/567101778052021521/
This is an example of a pinned together puppet - it has got a lovely rustic quality to it - which has been achieved through distressed shading and textural paper which further separates the character from the background. Again this is a simplistic design and again I think it has a lot of potential - especially with the additional 3d element of the nose which introduces height.
The black white and brown pieces above are probably my favourite puppet pieces so far, the lines integrate detail into the solid fill but they are again very simplistic. I am very much reminded of lino cut prints which further generates an artistic handmade quality. The brown paper is softer and more textural than the white elements previously researched, theres a softer rustic quality to them and again I think that they have a lot of potential. Careful white lines carefully add detail without being overwhelming which also makes the very simplistic shape more complex.
Monday, 29 December 2014
Style Inspiration and Visual Concept Ideas
I have put together a list of images below that inspire me style wise and represent some of my concepts visually.
I briefly considered the idea of using puzzle pieces to create myself - or to tell a story of some kind- I contemplated the idea of creating images- of myself in a variety of fantastical roles that I would like to be in 10 years time (the queen, a superhero a rockstar etc...) and digitally tearing them up and reforming them in a before ending with a drawing of my real self - I liked the idea that who I could be in 10 years time could be interchangeable- which would allow me to explore a variety of possibilities. Everything and anything could happen in 10 years times- and I'm showing that through the reformation of the images. I would probably like to end with the words in 10 years time I will be.... anything I want to be!
by Alex. T Smith
I love the design style of the image above with paper crafted and 3d elements. The colours are lovely and I like the softness of all the shapes- its very fluid and is what I would consider a more grown up cartoon style that would be suitable for my target audience (designers aged between 17-30) I also like the paper cut style (it's something that I have always found encapsulates the quirky handmade style) and its an avenue I would really like to explore. It introduces a but of height even if it's subtle - and from a motion perspective it would be easy to move all the various paper elements (especially if I used split pins to secure them).
by Morgan Davidson
I really love the image above- its one of my favourite pieces that I have looked into so far. It's quirky, fun and very vintage looking - I love the idea of having a variety of objects in my hair- I could collect objects along my journey and end with this still - which would also be the still printed piece that I submitted. Again I think this would work well as a paper cut style element and I think its got great potential to work with some of my ideas.
I love the combination of 2d and 3d - but mostly I think balloons are a quirky travel method that I could incorporate in my journey.
Source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/61361613643330839/
The visual style above is another that I am considering for my self portraits- it is based on the illustrations in the Charlie and Lola books. The one above is a little more sombre in comparison - but I like the wide eyes and nose ridge (which is defined through detailed cross hatch) and the hair which by the look of it has been shaded using some kind of felt pen. I see a little bit of gothic style to the image and I think the golds and blues work really well together - they along with the peacock motif on the wallpaper give it a sense of the vintage.
Although I am not set on whether I am actually making a stop motion - or making something digitally (but making it look handmade and drawn simply because of our projects time constraints) the puppets above make making the animation easier. Using split pins means that limbs can be interchangeable (useful for actual stop motion) but it also means that the digital movement doesn't have to be perfect (it can look jaunty and rigid because its replicating a puppet movement). The puppet theatre above is really well made- its neat and structured- incredibly vintage and it provides a really interesting frame for motion. I do really love the handmade elements- and would love to create something physical - but I am not sure that there is going to be enough time - once I submit my idea and planning - and hopefully get approval I can plan out my remaining time to see if I can indeed make something physically or whether I would simply make it digitally. Even if I do go down the digital route it will all be hand-drawn so I am hoping that I can retain the quirky coolness that the actual handmade provides.
The last image with silhouettes is another possibility because I wouldn't have to introduce or shade or colour (except for the end moment and the final print version) silhouettes could be an option for an actual handmade stop motion because design wise these shapes would be simple and easy for me to create.
The Target Audience
The WeTransfer brief stipulates that the target audience is of our own choosing - after looking into both WeTransfer and the D&AD I have decided that my target audience is going to be my own age group - Since WeTransfer is aimed at designers it makes sense for me to use a similar design audience (I think that WeTransfer market themselves at a slightly older age group between 25-35) but I am widening that to include younger people as well since I think that they are also more likely to use WeTransfer and engage with my idea. I think I am going to aim my concept at 17-30 year olds - (who are arty, illustrative and digital) because I think that what I can produce will be better received by this age range. Since I am a part of my target audience it will also give me a better insight into what I think is needed.
Concept Refinement
In order to make a coherent animation (to fulfil the digital section of the D&AD brief) I need a strong sense of story. After much brainstorming I settled on the concept of journeying- although my final print piece will be who I will be in 10 years time- I think it would be good for my digital motion entry to show my journey to that point. I have come up with a few journey ideas that I could incorporate into my design. I don't plan on my final piece (or the journey to be truthful in anyway) I think my design will be more quirky and fun if it is based in the fantastical.
My design could revolve around a superhero origin story (for myself) and along the way I could collect all the various objects that a superhero needs. So I start as a normal person and I end up collecting my powers, strength a cape boots etc along the way - before finishing up as a sum of all the things I've collected.
Or
I could being my story as a superhero going to a distant city in order to save it I have to travel there and encounter various obstacles- like a storm, mountains and various animals etc- again I could collect a variety of objects- and it could in fact end with me revealing my identity - as myself. In 10 years time I will be ... a superhero!
Or
I could go on a journey - in order to discover who I will be in 10 years time - and end up collecting a variety of objects that represent me - it would end with me as a summation of all these objects and possibly the slogan - In 10 years time I will be .... an older version of ME! or in 10 years time I will be ... world traveller..!
It's still a work in progress but I am definitely focusing on this idea of journeys - which I think will be more exciting than the end project (10 years is a long time so I feel like the final 10 year product should be a summation of everything that has happened in those 10 years).
My design could revolve around a superhero origin story (for myself) and along the way I could collect all the various objects that a superhero needs. So I start as a normal person and I end up collecting my powers, strength a cape boots etc along the way - before finishing up as a sum of all the things I've collected.
Or
I could being my story as a superhero going to a distant city in order to save it I have to travel there and encounter various obstacles- like a storm, mountains and various animals etc- again I could collect a variety of objects- and it could in fact end with me revealing my identity - as myself. In 10 years time I will be ... a superhero!
Or
I could go on a journey - in order to discover who I will be in 10 years time - and end up collecting a variety of objects that represent me - it would end with me as a summation of all these objects and possibly the slogan - In 10 years time I will be .... an older version of ME! or in 10 years time I will be ... world traveller..!
It's still a work in progress but I am definitely focusing on this idea of journeys - which I think will be more exciting than the end project (10 years is a long time so I feel like the final 10 year product should be a summation of everything that has happened in those 10 years).
Tuesday, 23 December 2014
10 Years Time- Ideas
After looking into many past D&AD entries I have tended to notice that concept was a key element throughout. However I felt that many of the entries lacked finesse which made the final products themselves obscure and visually dull. I also feel that my chosen brief has already given us a concept: Ten Years Time. The brief is personal to us and after looking into WeTransfer they are aiming this at designers because they love to display good design. Their product is very much aimed at designers and I have noticed throughout that they seem to be drawn to the hand drawn works. They even highlight analogue and digital techniques within their brief. I have narrowed my ideas and key thoughts into this list below:
Identity
In 10 Years Time I could be: A rockstar, a superhero, the queen... or the next disney princess...
In 10 Years Time I could grow: Wings- and learn how to fly, a tail - and swim with some sharks
In 10 Years Time I will have finally: Received my Hogwarts letter, hatched a dragon and saved the world
In 10 Years Time I will be: Everything I have seen
Read
Watched
Made
Done
Heard (10 Years In Music?)
Time/ Career/Environment/Achievement/ Anything/ Everything/Hopes/Wishes
Digital/Handmade/Hand-drawn/Book/ Poster/ Stamps/ Stop Motion
Fun/ Quirky/ Creative/ Optimistic
Seasons/Travel
Message/Moral: Time is short- do what you want- be who you want? DO ANYTHING
Target Audience: Me- Young students - Designers/Illustrators/Creators
Identity
In 10 Years Time I could be: A rockstar, a superhero, the queen... or the next disney princess...
In 10 Years Time I could grow: Wings- and learn how to fly, a tail - and swim with some sharks
In 10 Years Time I will have finally: Received my Hogwarts letter, hatched a dragon and saved the world
In 10 Years Time I will be: Everything I have seen
Read
Watched
Made
Done
Heard (10 Years In Music?)
Time/ Career/Environment/Achievement/ Anything/ Everything/Hopes/Wishes
Digital/Handmade/Hand-drawn/Book/ Poster/ Stamps/ Stop Motion
Fun/ Quirky/ Creative/ Optimistic
Seasons/Travel
Message/Moral: Time is short- do what you want- be who you want? DO ANYTHING
Target Audience: Me- Young students - Designers/Illustrators/Creators
WeTransfer Wallpapers
I decided to look into some of the wallpapers displayed on the WeTransfer website (which is how they make most of their money). I really liked a lot of the artwork I found. It is highly graphical , well made and full of creative flair. The work displayed doesn't relate in any way to WeTransfers brand (which is an aspect congruent with the D &AD brief), it there to look good and helps to align WeTransfer with good design work.Looking into these wallpapers was very inspiring and it gave me a good insight into what kind of work they like to display and be associated with.
I love the three dimensionality of the bird in the piece above I think it might be an actual sculpture made out of paper that has been well photographed. I like the use of a paper effect - it is really well made and contrasts against flat graphical pieces that normally occupies these wallpapers. It's highly textural and the vibrant orange works well against the blue background.
Again there is another hint of the handmade in the pencil image and again this helps to include a physicality. Although I prefer the bird piece I think a handmade theme is definitely a common element throughout a lot of WeTransfer. Blue also seems to be a common element throughout (as a possible nod to WeTransfers logo colour scheme).
The chalkboard effect is something that was utilised within the kinetic type WeTransfer advert- again its handmade- again it's something physical and real and not entirely graphical. It obviously relates to their advertisement but it has enough design flair to be visually interesting. Looking at this particular artwork tells me WeTransfer are marketing themselves to designers in particular which is evidenced through the use of the tablet, the hand drawn design and the segmentation between clean lines and the chalk.
This is another hand painted piece by Andrew Turner/Famous When Dead - its visually an odd painting but again there is a large amount of blue used and a hand painted element two elements that are becoming a common element throughout WeTransfer.
This piece has been made digitally (but it has been made to look like paper- the designer in question draws everything by hand but her draws it using a digital medium). Again a large amount of blue in this image (a colour I should consider when designing since it alludes to WeTransfers logo) This designer actually won a professional award in last years YCN competition. This wallpaper proves that I do not necessarily have to physically make something - but I could generate an image digitally in my own hand-drawn style.
Overall these wallpapers are very inspiring- I have learnt that I should include the colour blue (as a part of my design), that the handmade/ hand-drawn is something celebrated by WeTransfer. Furthermore WeTransfer seem to be marketing themselves to designers- so I think it would be good to appeal to this audience as well (since it will match WeTransfer's purpose as well as being something personal to me).
Friday, 19 December 2014
Wetransfer Advertisments
I really wanted to get a feel for WeTransfer as a brand and company so I also looked into some of their advertisements. Although their brief is entirely personal to us as designers I wanted to see how they as a company used design to advertise themselves and whether they had a particular style that I should integrate into my response.
The advert below is situated within the physical world - as opposed to the digital. It features a man and woman who exchange messages by hiding them in various locations. It ends with the line "there is an easier way to send files" which explains the seemingly random exchange before. I would say that the advert and therefore WeTransfer is aimed at designers and film makers (who are more likely to need to transfer large files) at between 25 and 35 year olds. Stylistically its pretty dark and dramatic (which im guessing is also supposed to link to the music used) but rich in background settings.
The advert below is a very simple one- hand drawn kinetic type provides the various phrases of information. Its fluid, employs simplistic movements (zoom in zoom out, write on to page, turns and fade outs) all of which are very easy to achieve in After Effects. The chalkboard style gives it a more hand drawn and artistic effect- its short, sweet and basic.
WeTransfer don't really have much of a style- so I think I am good to take my response in a direction of my choosing. I have noticed that they have used a lot of "real" or handmade elements which is something that I plan on considering in my own response since it's an aspect that I love.
The advert below is situated within the physical world - as opposed to the digital. It features a man and woman who exchange messages by hiding them in various locations. It ends with the line "there is an easier way to send files" which explains the seemingly random exchange before. I would say that the advert and therefore WeTransfer is aimed at designers and film makers (who are more likely to need to transfer large files) at between 25 and 35 year olds. Stylistically its pretty dark and dramatic (which im guessing is also supposed to link to the music used) but rich in background settings.
The WeTransfer wallpaper advert below is very boring. Nothing much happens in it - I would have thought that they would have included more of the wallpapers that they place within their site. Although it is only a 30 second sting it just feels incredibly slow. Although they have included a physical element (the roller) which contrasts against the digital artwork they display and the nature of their product.
The advert below is a very simple one- hand drawn kinetic type provides the various phrases of information. Its fluid, employs simplistic movements (zoom in zoom out, write on to page, turns and fade outs) all of which are very easy to achieve in After Effects. The chalkboard style gives it a more hand drawn and artistic effect- its short, sweet and basic.
WeTransfer don't really have much of a style- so I think I am good to take my response in a direction of my choosing. I have noticed that they have used a lot of "real" or handmade elements which is something that I plan on considering in my own response since it's an aspect that I love.
Wednesday, 17 December 2014
Wetransfer - Website- What is it?
Now I have looked extensively into D&AD I felt like it would be a good idea to look into my briefs client: WeTransfer.
WeTransfer are a company that primarily focuses on file transfers- you can send large files that are to big to email. It's a really useful service (one that I have used before) and is free of charge it makes some of its money through the plus account version and its graphical backgrounds which are actually advertisements (although they look like art). This suggests to me that they would probably be more supportive of a highly illustrative and graphical response to their brief- something thats really well designed, visually striking and original. Colour seems to be an important element to their website which is something that I will further consider.
Source:https://www.wetransfer.com/
D&AD Judges Feedback
Below are some key pointers that were iterated by the Judges regarding last years entries- though they do address specific elements that relate solely to last years brief, generic advice was also offered which I have decided to list below as aspects that I will consider when designing.
To Consider:
"A common difference between successful and unsuccessful entries was insight vs. absence of insight."
"READ READ READ the brief then read it again. Refer to it throughout."
"Know your audience (and realise how lucky you are if it's you!). Know your brand and what they do – don't repeat what they already know."
"Don't overcomplicate. Simple ideas are harder to get to. Refine. Refine. Refine."
"Ask your friends if they'd use/partake in the idea."
"Always refer back to the brief to avoid creative misjudgement and make sure you answer it."
"Think how others would perceive your ideas."
"Keep on going. D&AD standards are exceptionally high so look at the winners and be inspired, though not directly influenced by them."
"Simple ideas are stronger and sometimes more adaptable too. It's difficult to avoid over-complicating but a more straightforward idea always has more impact."
"Work needs a hook - an unexpected way in to capture my attention in the first two seconds.""When you have an unknown brand and quite a complicated premise it's really important that your idea doesn’t confuse."
To Consider:
"A common difference between successful and unsuccessful entries was insight vs. absence of insight."
"READ READ READ the brief then read it again. Refer to it throughout."
"Know your audience (and realise how lucky you are if it's you!). Know your brand and what they do – don't repeat what they already know."
"Don't overcomplicate. Simple ideas are harder to get to. Refine. Refine. Refine."
"Ask your friends if they'd use/partake in the idea."
"Always refer back to the brief to avoid creative misjudgement and make sure you answer it."
"Think how others would perceive your ideas."
"Keep on going. D&AD standards are exceptionally high so look at the winners and be inspired, though not directly influenced by them."
"Simple ideas are stronger and sometimes more adaptable too. It's difficult to avoid over-complicating but a more straightforward idea always has more impact."
"Work needs a hook - an unexpected way in to capture my attention in the first two seconds.""When you have an unknown brand and quite a complicated premise it's really important that your idea doesn’t confuse."
Past D&AD Winners The Black Pencil Award
These are the black pencil award winners for 2013 (there were only two) which was my last D&AD award research.
Anna Barton, Louise Delves and Sam T Smith Collaborative Team
The Brief (as stipulated by the D&AD):Illustrate a significant event, or series of events, from the history of XL Recordings.
Out of the two black pencil award winners I prefer the entry above- I do like the making of video- and I can see the appeal to the final piece but I really don't understand the reasoning behind the concept- they have punched holes into paper with the various lyrics on (I think) and then used a small musical device which plays the tune as it goes through - but the music it plays isn't a white stripes song (and it was only after I googled was it revealed that the music played is something that inspired the album) so though it has relevance its also highly obscure. Having said this it is admittedly an original and obscure product (though I'm guessing the process was given more importance than the actual final piece).
Paul J De Ridder and Yme Gorter Collaborative Team
The Brief (as stipulated by the D&AD):Create a campaign for the AI Gore that not only makes people accept we have a problem but persuades them to do something about it.
This is another winner- I think it won because it was part of a whole cohesive idea that has been well explained, however I can't say that I found the product very interesting at all and I really can't stand the voice over which I think is far too cheesy and Americanised.
Past D&AD Nominated Entries
After looking at some of the Yellow Pencil Award winners- student and professional- I opted to look into some of the nominated entries as well just to see the range of responses produced. I mostly focused on graphical and illustrative responses because those are the two areas that I am utilising for my chosen brief.
The design above was a professional entry - a book case designed for Nick Cave's new book The Death Of Bunny Monro. As far as I can tell this was actually used on the special edition releases and the company ended up designing the book cover and the whole campaign. It actually had a very steam punk vibe and I think the gothic wallpaper inspired pattern emulates Nick Cave's style. The use of pink is a surprisingly feminine touch but it matches the gothic/steampunk styling used throughout. There is something almost Victorian about the design - which is further corroborated by the designer who supposedly based the design on Victorian funeral cards. I can certainly see the inspiration - it comes across as elegantly weird which I think really mimics Nick Cave's persona.
Source: http://www.dandad.org/awards/professional/2010/book-design/18043/the-death-of-bunny-munro/
The Brief (as stipulated by the D&AD): create a sequential panelled design with a narrative to present this history and enrich the visitors experience.
This is actually a student entry for a V&A brief (as described above) but I love the styling - the idea itself is very simple- 40 iconic images that represent V&A history - they have been positioned in a way that reads as a long comic book (an aspect that adheres to the "narrative" element of the brief- but also integrates something visually fun). The artistic style used in the design of the panels ensures that each of the panels is its own work of art. Though the colour scheme is one that is used too often (its the most obvious example of contrasting colour) I love the screen print and hand drawn style which I think is the selling point to the whole design. Whereas in the other projects that I have looked into the concept has been the driving force this brief stipulates the concept very clearly which means that more thought has been given to the design style. The comic book layout integrates an original twist and works cohesively with the illustration.
Again this is a student entry (all I could garner about the brief it responds to is that its part of a smoothie advertising campaign) I love the handmade aspect to the images- the little models have been arranged and photographed well and they display a sense of fun (which I image corroborates with the brand whose slogan is smoothie operators). There is a definite sense of humour to them and I am very much reminded of the Coca Cola advert (in which all the little monsters create and bottle the coke inside the vending machine).
The Brief (as stipulate by D&AD): Choose one of Little White Lies top 5 favourite films and illustrate a cover for the magazine.
Again the concept behind these designs has already been iterated in the brief which has allowed for more visual consideration. Though I can appreciate the pencils skills required to achieve such a delicate black swan image the Tinker Tailer Soldier Spy is my favourite entry (I think that they both actually won Yellow Pencil Awards). I love the hand drawn nature of the piece (although it has been finished with digital techniques as well) - it has an almost collage like elocution and relies heavily on texture which makes the product visually more interesting. Though its dark and dramatic - the designers own illustrative style does really come through which I think is what makes it so appealing.
Tuesday, 16 December 2014
Past D&AD Yellow Pencil Awards - Professional Illustration/Design Entries
After looking into some of the students that won the Yellow Pencil Award I also opted to research what professional winners had submitted. Mostly because I wanted to get some additional inspiration but also because their responses were bound to be more visually competent. Because they were professional entries they didn't have specific briefs given to them - instead they submitted one of their own projects designed for one of their clients.
An interactive colouring book:
The book above is well designed and has a very simple concept (two elements that make it an effective book). I like the idea that the book has a purpose (to teach art) but its a very practical way of teaching and it also offers a level of engagement. There are a variety of different art styles used (its dependant upon the art movement/artist being described). It's target audience is definitely a younger one that I would place between 8-16. Stylistically it's fun, bold and simple which gives it a lot of strength.
Again there is a sense of physicality to the poster above. It definitely has a handmade vibe to it (although I am guessing only in part) which I feel makes it all the more dramatic. Its a very dark image and is supposed to represent process- visually it represents the design process and how things are made. Whilst I'm not sure if I actually understand this when I look at the image- but nonetheless it has been well made, combines photography and typography and is visually striking.
This is a collection of pieces that were made for the London Underground. Its part of a whole selection of artworks that supposed to emulate the London underground and its history. I can't say I really understand the pieces. I also find them visually boring (they seem like generic maze images) which I don't think is very original.
Source: http://www.dandad.org/awards/professional/2014/graphic-design/23660/labyrinth/
Overall I am finding that a lot of the winning entries are very concept orientated- and whilst I can respect that having a clever niche, twist or idea helps a design - I feel like the ideas aren't visually represented well - with both the student awards and even some of the professional ones, its not clear what the design means and sometimes the elocution of the design is really rather lacking. I think the overall twist/niche will help create something original - but making something thats visually cohesive and well designed is just as important.
Past D&AD Winners- The Yellow Pencil Awards Student Entries
After choosing my brief it felt prudent to research what past designers have produced - initially I have looked into student Yellow Pencil Award Entries (I focused on the more illustrative/graphical and motion entries because those are the mediums highlighted in my chosen brief).
Joshua Ogden Past Yellow Pencil Award Winner Entry
The Project Brief (as stipulated by D&AD): To create an innovative poster that reflects one of the Ministry of Sounds biggest annual events: Saturday Session 2012.
I love the handmade quality to the entry below, theres a sense of physicality and textuality to the piece which is introduced via the layering. Although I like the sense of depth, the layers and the careful hues used I do think that it is one of the duller entries. There is no real sense of originality to the design (since its the Ministry of Sounds logo) and as a whole design it's visually pretty bland.
Group Collaboration-Past Yellow Pencil Award Winner Entry
The Brief (as stipulated by D&AD): Create a bilingual identity for the British Council's dressing the screen exhibition, reflect the high fashion and moving image nature of the exhibition through the physical graphics, way-finding, web presence, brochure and print design.
The designs below were part of a moving exhibition (these are the stills advertising it) - I like the simplicity of the movement (it utilises an almost stop motion effect which much like the entry above introduces a textural physicality). Motion seems to be the key theme throughout the designs which is displayed by the distorted strips of image. In some, vibrant colour has been used to break up the monochrome which creates a stain glass effect. These winners designed the whole branding for the exhibition which meant that their response was incredibly thought out an cohesive. Having said that from a design standpoint although the final responses are fairly interesting (and are fashion orientated which is an aspect of the brief) again I am struggling to see anything really original (they feel like fashion photographs- which I know may be the point but there also seems to be no intriguing twist to give them more of a purpose)-I also feel that the posters themselves could have benefited from some colour- something to make them visually striking.
The designs below were part of a moving exhibition (these are the stills advertising it) - I like the simplicity of the movement (it utilises an almost stop motion effect which much like the entry above introduces a textural physicality). Motion seems to be the key theme throughout the designs which is displayed by the distorted strips of image. In some, vibrant colour has been used to break up the monochrome which creates a stain glass effect. These winners designed the whole branding for the exhibition which meant that their response was incredibly thought out an cohesive. Having said that from a design standpoint although the final responses are fairly interesting (and are fashion orientated which is an aspect of the brief) again I am struggling to see anything really original (they feel like fashion photographs- which I know may be the point but there also seems to be no intriguing twist to give them more of a purpose)-I also feel that the posters themselves could have benefited from some colour- something to make them visually striking.
Richard Teahan And Samantha Wilkinson Yellow Pencil Award Winners Entry
The Brief (as stipulated by D&AD): Create a 25 second ident for Digital Cinema Media (DCM) and fill it with your creative interpretation of the true power of cinema. You will need to visualise emotion, literally showing how film feels.
This is probably one of my favourite entries out of the two above- mostly because it utilises so many familiar movie elements. There is a sense of depth, and though sometimes the elocution is a bit rough around the edges I think the idea is a nice one. The music matches the clips well and they have provided a range of various characters and clips. Having said this emotionally they have stuck to similar clips and I think personally I would have probably included a variety of emotions in order to fulfil the "literally showing how the film feels" element to the brief.
This is probably one of my favourite entries out of the two above- mostly because it utilises so many familiar movie elements. There is a sense of depth, and though sometimes the elocution is a bit rough around the edges I think the idea is a nice one. The music matches the clips well and they have provided a range of various characters and clips. Having said this emotionally they have stuck to similar clips and I think personally I would have probably included a variety of emotions in order to fulfil the "literally showing how the film feels" element to the brief.
Source: http://www.dandad.org/awards/new-blood/2014/dcm-show-the-emotion-of-film/2423/bringing-cinema-to-life/
So far my initial impressions of the past student winner are that they have produced really cohesive designs. Whilst I think the elocution of these entries is sometimes lacking I think that its important to generate something thats clever as well as well made.
Friday, 5 December 2014
My Chosen Brief- Wetransfer
Wetransfer Brief
I did have a look into all of the briefs but the Wetransfer brief was the only one that really appealed. Since I think its important to decide quickly and this brief plays to my strengths I have pretty much decided that this is my chosen brief. I have highlighted the key elements iterated in the brief itself to clarify what my outcome should be and what I can begin to research in order to try and come up with an idea.
I have listed some key elements from the brief below that I need to consider when researching so I can fully answer and explore my chose brief:
10 years time
Target audience (of my choosing)
A strong concept/theme/idea
Celebrate a future me
Analogue Techniques
Digital Techniques
Print Piece and Digital Execution
Purpose
I have listed some key elements from the brief below that I need to consider when researching so I can fully answer and explore my chose brief:
10 years time
Target audience (of my choosing)
A strong concept/theme/idea
Celebrate a future me
Analogue Techniques
Digital Techniques
Print Piece and Digital Execution
Purpose
The Challenge:
Create a print and online illustration to celebrate the person you’ll be in 10 years’ time. You can be whoever, wherever, however you want to be. Who knows – this may be a prophecy...Create your response in any medium you feel best represents you (the future you).
You get to decide who your target audience is. It can be who or whatever you want it to be, just be sure to tell us when you submit your work.
Considerations:
This is your opportunity to create a future you. It’s up to you how you interpret this. Consider, question and ultimately celebrate the person you want to be.
Your response doesn’t have to be a literal portrait, although it can be if you want. Indulge in yourself and your abilities.
Question the things that matter most to you now. Will they still matter to you in the future? How will you have changed? What will you love and hate? What will you have kept with you from today and what will you have lost along the way?
Think about what ‘illustration’ means in the 21st Century. It’s a broad church of skills and approaches, from established analogue techniques to emerging digital tools; from hand rendered typography to 3D model making, hand torn collage to highly rendered CGI, from the single static image to the animated narrative. Perhaps your future portrait will be made using a method yet to exist? Does your choice of medium reflect the person you’re presenting?
Remember that concept is key. Illustration is most powerful when driven by a strong concept.
This brief is designed to stimulate creativity, self-promotion and discovery, so be as expressive as possible and make it count.
What Is Essential:
A portrait of the future you, with one print and one digital execution.
The type, size, etc of these executions is up to you (though make sure that when
you come to enter you adapt your work to fit the submission spec). Your print piece could be a poster, book, or even postage stamp. Your digital execution could be static, moving, or interactive. The print and digital executions should be extensions of each other, that can work together but also stand alone.
you come to enter you adapt your work to fit the submission spec). Your print piece could be a poster, book, or even postage stamp. Your digital execution could be static, moving, or interactive. The print and digital executions should be extensions of each other, that can work together but also stand alone.
Document and show your research and how you developed your ideas.
To Submit:
Main deliverables (mandatory)
Submit your print piece as one image.
Submit your digital piece either as one image (for static work), or as a video (for moving image or interactive work; max. 1 min).
To show your research and development, submit either up to four images or a video (max. 1 min).
Submit your print piece as one image.
Submit your digital piece either as one image (for static work), or as a video (for moving image or interactive work; max. 1 min).
To show your research and development, submit either up to four images or a video (max. 1 min).
Thursday, 4 December 2014
D&AD
We finally have a new brief to work on - we have been tasked to complete a brief of our choosing from the D&AD awards. Below is our assigned university brief:
You must choose one of the following briefs set for the New Blood (D&AD) Awards. Bare in mind your strong points, your experience and, which projects might be appropriate for your personal learning and development. You can work in a team for this brief but you must present your case to the course leader and get the go ahead.
AirBnB
BBC
Pact
iD (this one must be agreed by the lead tutor & should be considered very carefully)
Monotype
Npower
Nationwide
Pantone
Talk Talk
Vice
Wetransfer
WPP
WWF
John Lewis
At the moment after a quick cursory glance I am very much drawn to the Wetransfer brief- it seems to be very open and requires a concept based in illustration.
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