Tile Project... Jamie...

For my tile project i am thinking of doing it on the design process. Though for my metaphors i am going to base it around a common theme of pirates. The idea is to have slogans saying each stage, then having realistic sketches of almost a pirates take on it. i.e. "collect the pay" is a picture of a treasure chest. Also i had the idea of having one picture that comes together it makes a subtle picture of a treasure map, this being a metaphor of the journey to become a graphic designer.

Its not a lot but i really think that the idea will come together really well. it is up my alley theme wise and i look forward to drawing the slides.

Thank you.

VISUAL METAPHORS PROJECT Kurt

I have decided to go and have a heap of fun with this project with a gorilla suit, I am Discussing the Roles and Responsibilities of a Designer through my Visual Metaphors, and as part of my research i have looked at the design process narrowing it down to 8 key words in order.

1. ANALYSIS
2. SYNTHESIS
3. APPRAISAL
4. DECISION
5. INNOVATE
6. COMMUNICATE
7. CREATE
8. RETURN LOOP

So I,m also thinking that this process is a cycle so it maybe displayed in a circle.
I,m in the process of brainstorming the metaphor ideas that i can relate to each of my key words, and somehow use my Action Ape Character to communicate each of these.
I want to use a combination of lots of media to keep it interesting but somehow tying
each panel together with the character, i,m thinking that photography will be mainly used to get the scenes that i,m planning. I think it will be visually captivating to see images of a gorilla in scenarios that just usually don't happen.

Govinda-Design Studio Comparison

Red Graphic is an international graphic design agency with a long and impressive list of clients including Mercedes Benz, Nivea and Coco Cola. Even though this company represents such large clients, it has retained its friendly, humorous and unique attitudes. Tropixel, on the other hand, is a local graphic design studio situated here on the Gold Coast. There business approach is simple, professional and friendly.

Both design companies pride themselves on their wide range of skills and ability to understand the client’s needs.

Red Graphic, even though being a well known design studio who deals with large, multi million dollar companies, presents itself like a small, unique and somewhat quirky studio. Their approach is very fun and different. Tropixel, being a small, local design studio, tries to present itself like a big reputable company. Professionalism is a priority. This is something that Red Graphics does not push.

It is interesting to see how these two companies, one large and one small, portray themselves. The large company acts like a small one and the small company tries to act like a large one.

Alicias tiles

The Elements of Graphic Design
0. My idea is to have drawings of faces pointing out all the different elements of graphic design such as the following. Than once I have the drawings I will put them in Photoshop and make it all flow in together adding little bits of info about each element.

The elements of graphic design are used, and often combined, to create graphic works. They should not be confused with principles of design, such as balance and white space, but rather components such as color, type and images. Presented here is a list of the most commonly used elements in graphic design.
Shapes
From ancient pictographs to modern logos, shapes are at the root of design. They are used to establish layouts, create patterns, and build countless elements on the page. With graphics software such as Illustrator, creating and manipulating shapes is easier than ever, giving designers the freedom to create them at will.
Lines
Lines are used to divide space, direct the eye, and create forms. At the most basic level, straight lines are found in layouts to separate content, such as in magazine, newspaper, and website designs. This can of course go much further, with curved, dotted, and zigzag lines used as the defining elements on a page and as the basis for illustrations and graphics. Often, lines will be implied, meaning other elements of design will follow the path of line, such as type on a curve.
Color
Color is an interesting element of graphic design because it can be applied to any other element, changing it dramatically. It can be used to make an image stand out, to show linked text on a website, and to evoke emotion. Graphic designers should combine their experience with color with an understanding of color theory.
Type
Type, of course, is all around us. In graphic design, the goal is to not to just place some text on a page, but rather to understand and use it effectively for communication. Choice of fonts (typefaces), size, alignment, color, and spacing all come into play. Type can be taken further by using it to create shapes and images.
Art, Illustration & Photography
A powerful image can make or break a design. Photographs, illustrations and artwork are used to tell stories, support ideas, and grab the audience's attention, so the selection is important. Graphic designers can create this work on their own, commission an artist or photographer, or purchase it at all price levels on many websites.
Texture
Texture can refer to the actual surface of a design or to the visual appearance of a design. In the first case, the audience can actually feel the texture, making it unique from the other elements of design. Selection of paper and materials in package design can affect actual texture. In the second case, texture is implied through the style of design. Rich, layered graphics can create visual texture that mirrors actual texture.

Rosalind - Roles and Responsibilities of the Designer

I’m going on a quest with my little character; he is going on a journey, through the different stages of design. He meets various characters that help him with the problems and choices that we come across as designers.

Along this quest he meets characters that help him makes choices that will help him achieve his ultimate goal the book of design the key to a successful product. I intend to use a mix of media pencil, Photoshop, Illustrator and maybe a bit of collage, stir it up and hopefully come out with a nice set of tiles.

JADE'S TILES

Theme: Roles and Responsibility of the Designer.

Each tile will feature a different girl/character to represent the designer; hand rendered with light and heavy toned graphic pencils in a fashion illustration style. The tiles will also feature birds hand rendered as well. I’ll use different species of bird for each tile.

The drawings will be edited in photoshop, where I’ll crop the images and change the colour and tones etc.

The colour palette of the tiles will primarily be soft, pastel colours. The colours will be hand rendered, soft and vibrant- watercolour, watercolour pencils and normal pencils.

The type will also be hand rendered. The type will be an addition to the metaphors and meaning on each tile to relate to the theme.

Each tile will have different perspective/views/scale to give the work variety.

Idea: birds singing the meanings of the theme.. Music notes etc.

Inspiration: Illustration by Kelly Smith

Gemma: Tiles Project

For my tiles project I found it quite difficult to settle on an idea that I was happy with. I decided to choose the topic from the brief about how to stay abreast of design trends. I plan to express this topic through representing different time periods on each of the eight tiles; reflecting the popular culture and aesthesis in terms of graphic design in that era as well as any introductions to design, for example, Macintosh computers, digital camera, etc.

Each tile will have a year on it, eg. 1940, 1950’s, 1960’s. I aim to create an image and possibly quotes that represent the era on a whole to the best it can.
Research into the movements of each time period in design has been really helpful, I have been looking into designers work from such time periods, introductions of typefaces and popular designs that seem to be still well known today.

The tiles can be arranged in any order, however I think it would be most appropriate if they were set in accenting order in terms of each time period. Hopefully I can capture the feeling and movement of each time period and the final tile will depict what I feel may be some future graphics in the design industry.

Abby - Hall Project

Ideas:
• Depict the Graphic Design process.
• To do with the design process of magazines
• Design elements and principles
• Sign language to show design process

What to do?
• Draw hand signs and pictures, scan into illustrator.
• Research ideas/example of the project.
• Roles and responsibilities of design 1.4
• Titles will go in specific order.
• Sample composition Visual communication, not too busy and confused
• Nice colour interesting texture and line etc

ALEC

For my cluster of hallway panlels i'm in desperate need of an idea...just kidding. I'm thinking of basing mine around the idea of money VS satisfaction. By researching two different design organisations and looking at thier approach to design and their bussiness methologies I should be able to come up with some sweet visual metaphors.

I shall try and show how some design organisations go for the big bucks while others focus on personal and client satisfaction.

Panels will not neccessarily link together to form a story as such but rather tie together in a visual sense. I rekon I'll use photoshop to create some of the images as well as using hand drawn elements to give it a personal touch ^_^

ALL feedback on cash VS satisfaction argument welcome..

Hall way panels

Tracy_Hall way panels synopsis

 

I am basing my panels on the organisational configurations of Henry Mintzberg. Mintzberg mapped out the structure of organizations; he coined the term adhocracy, which has been used to describe the structure of Pentagram as an organization.

 

I will be representing each configuration within the shape of an acrobatic formation and the backgrounds will be based on the work environments of creatures such as beehives and rock pools.

 

The acrobatic forms will be vectorised and possibly filled with text, which generally describes the organizations in question; this will be subtle as the text will be the focus more than the information. I want to use overlays for the backgrounds in earthy colours and environmental textures. The title of each configuration will be incorporated into the layers/overlays of the backgrounds.

JOSH - BLOG2

LEE: Free Pitching.

Free pitching.

Is it good?

Is it bad?

That is the question.

The question of champions.

The question asked by so many, yet answered by so few.

Possibly because there is no real answer.

It all comes down to what you, the individual, think about it.

My stance on the situation?

I believe free pitching is both good and bad, depending on who you are.

For example:

To a relatively unknown graphic designer, free pitching could be the greatest concept ever.

It gives them an opportunity to get their work out there, to get noticed by big companies or whatnot. With the only investment required being time spent on the design.

Whereas in a normal situation, a novice graphic designer would have very little chance of being hired. After all, who risks spending money on someone who may do a horrible job? It is very risky for the client.

On the flip-side however, free pitching can create unnecessary competition in the graphic design industry, and can be a massive time-sink.

A graphic designer may get hired to do a job, and be guaranteed payment for their time spend working on the design.

but now with all this free pitching business, a large amount of time may be spent on a pitch only have it rejected and the artist has just wasted their time.

So in this way, free pitching could be seen as bad thing amongst the graphic design veterans.

So, in conclusion, What do i think about free pitching?

I don't know what I think.

Tane - Hall Project

I'm going to explore the hierarchy of a general corporate design firm.

The levels in the hierarchy will be represented by a unifying theme - FLEA CIRCUS.

Each job or level will be visually depicted as a flea trained to do a unique trick. The Ringmaster will exploit them all with a whip, representing the client.

The look? Vectorised clean shapes, incorporating some textured surfaces, possibly as background. Some of the lettering may be textured. 

Each square is non-connective to the others and shows a view of the relevant flea employee.

Information about each flea employee will be written on a plaque (part of the picture) that explains that this is the design consultant and look what tricks he can do.

A common circus-ish colour palette will tie the pieces together.

Images, vectorised, will be mostly drawn - but it depends on the availability of free relevant internet images.

Jump, diminutive fleas! JUMP!

Govinda - Free Pitching - Beneficial or Detrimental

After reading the pro’s and cons of free pitching, I am more confused than ever as to whether I believe it is good or bad. Both sides of the issue are relevant and important. Free pitching is viewed by many as being unprofessional and detrimental to the design industry as it devalues the designer’s work. It can also encourage poor quality work as the designers are trying to win the pitch instead of trying to create the best possible design solution.

On the other hand, some designers love free pitching and find it works well for them. Melbourne based designer Richard Scott sources the majority of his work from free pitching. He enjoys the thrill of winning and finds it drives him on in his design and encourages his creativity. He chooses his jobs and is able to work for himself.

Free pitching is such a large and controversial topic that is causing a stir in the design industry. Design organization such as DIA and AGDA are strongly against pitching in all its forms and are working to stop it.

The ever lasting debate:

To Free Pitch or not to Free Pitch?

For the designer of the modern age, as a new comer, finding work can be very difficult. Many options are open and one of them that has much controversy is the idea of free pitching. Free pitching for the client has many advantages. This includes, they are able to view many options for their needs, they aren’t stuck with the designer pushing for the same idea, whether good or bad, also it is a much cheaper option chosen by businesses.

Now with the great idea of free pitching comes many controversial ideas attached. The idea of free pitching is a great way to get into the business, but how easy is it finding work? What you are looking at is devoting your time on a project, that can cost money, competing for a prize that has a lot of competition. While spending time on this project you could be potentially loosing work from other avenues. This method seems to be a very one-sided favour. Though considering you win the design job, the business has the option of paying for your design and that’s all there is, though to be considered also is the possibility of possibly gaining a relationship for future work. But then you must think whether the business will just go for other free pitchers.

Also by possibly winning the design, the business has the design to use any were they want as many times as they want, and instead of royalties for the designer, you walk away with minimal money, while the business walks with a symbol that can potentially propel their business to make them millions. Another aspect comes into play, is the idea of ethics. You may design the logo face of a well known brand, and that brand then could be known for the destruction of baby animals. Now who would want to be the designing face for that business?
This debate swings both ways. Basically free pitching can be an advantage and a disadvantage to the designer. You could potentially win the design that starts your career as a designer, or land you with some petty cash from a major business. Free pitching should be seen as fun, not as a constant income. Thank you, Jamie.

Tracy: Free Pitching profession or industry

The concept of  "free pitching" is an ambiguous one on first consideration. The idea of undercutting the competition in order to gain a project-in cases where designers offer freebies, is easy to categorize as "free pitching". 

The instances in which it starts getting a bit murky are those in which organised competitions are involved as opposed to competing in the mainstream marketplace. Some competitions are acceptable to professional bodies, whilst others aren't. The Design Institute of Australia states that: 'In general a professional designer should avoid providing their skills for free, except in genuine cases of charity or in competitions where there is no intent to avoid the purchase of professional services'. (www.dia.org.au, 2008)

The DIA seems to be concerned for the welfare of young designers and is trying to guide them toward consistent outcomes. when viewing sites like '99 Designs' it is clear that the designers are being taken advantage of. Its a demeaning process, putting your skills and ideas up to be scrutinised by people who just want a cheap job done.

One could argue that the competitors make a choice when entering "pitching" competitions, though this does not consider how the credibility of the "profession" is being undermined. I suppose what it comes down to is that when you make a decision to pitch-you are to some extent deciding the future of the profession.

 

JADE: Pitching

The topic of design competitions in the design community is an extremely controversial one. Some people believe that solving a design problem by holding a contest not only exploits designers but also devalues and damages the professional industry of design.

Organisations such as NO!SPEC advocates that designers should boycott contests. AGDA Association suggests that “spec work” is an unprofessional practice for both clients and designers to engage in.

I agree that these contests are unprofessional in alot of ways, but I think there is room for it in the industry. I think it provides alot of opportunities and contacts for unqualified designers and students, adn brings out alot of new talent. I dont think these contests are only suitable for unqualified designers though, I think it would be a good experience for any one who wants to improve their design skills and have a chance at winning, which can lead to recognition of your work and talent, which can then lead to contacts and professional work. Going in these competitions mean you have a lot of flexibility, you dont have to answer to a boss, it’s an exciting challenge and its also flexible in the way that you only have to enter into competitions that hold your interests.

Crowd sourcing sites with large communtites of designers are becoming increasingly abundant on the web, with competitions becoming more and more popular. But as I said before, there is room in the industry for these competitions, I dont think pitching and design contests will ever “take over” the professional design industry, I think there will always be too many people who are against them, or are just not interested in getting involved. And there will always be the need for the big, traditional companies. with alot of design problems, there just isnt time to have free pitching. And design competitions don’t provide the same one on one interaction of the designer and client.

PAOLO- FREE PITCHING

I ‘ve  just had a horrible flash forward guys. The free  pitching  had expanded all over in the design industry, I saw bloody big companies full of money stilling  our energy for their own purposes,  all our ideas, talent, creativity,  brilliant concepts……they were  simply gone. I think this matter needs to be considered seriously, we  must open our eyes and stop feeding this kind of business, it is not worth it because this is not about design business, this is just about companies  business and their strategies to make money by exploiting people for free . Why multimillionaire Chanel (for example) should pay 10 employees 1000 $ a month (= 10000$ ) to get  only 10 ideas when it could have 50 ideas (maybe even 50 final renderings) and paying just one person(for ex.) 2000 $? There are a lot of ways to be noticed out there without to be used as a puppet of a nonsense destiny.  Creating  a nice web site to  be able to show our portfolio and skills would  be better than competing for something that might be totally vain as a competition  with unsure profit and many expectations . I ‘m just trying to say that we should, in this matter, separate  pitching competitions or competitions in general from work . If you want to prove yourself that you are good at design is plenty of competitions out there that you can enroll in, but if you’re talking about work  what  you want to   have is the certainty  that you `ll  be payed for what you do. Besides, If you do free pitching  who guarantee  that you `ll be noticed? Will they contact you again?. I think that  we  need to be protected  otherwise  there will be no good perspectives for the design business………………….Don’t feed the monster,  BOICOT IT.

 

Abby - Free Pitching

Pros
• Winning feels good.
• $$.
• Possible follow up work.
• More contacts.
• Self employment (no boss).
• Competition is fun and addictive.
• Competition inspires some people to get better.
• Improve skills by learning from other designers.
• Gain experience.
• Cheaper and more affordable for small business and Charities.
• Get feedback on your work.
• Add to your portfolio.
• Work as an inexperienced designer.
• Freedom and opportunity.

Cons
• Not winning feels bad.
• No $$ and lots of work.
• Comp. can intimidate and discourage some people.
• Risk of stealing idea.
• Competitions sometimes cancelled and there is no winner.
• Less money for the profession.
• Unprofessional design briefs and not very good for in experienced designers to learn from.
• Clients are not designers so they pick the design they like but this not always the best one.
• Inexperienced and unqualified designers make a lower standard of designer work.
• Power imbalance between employers and designers.
• No job security and no guarantee of money.

Competition is a good idea for inexperienced designers to try. It’s good for their future portfolio and to get a job.
Designers can get good money if they win. People who are not graphic designers could win the competitions with poor designers. This lowers the value of design. Free pitching can be good because graphic designers can share their ideas with each other and this helps improve the skills of inexperienced designers. It does not provide job security and is not a guaranteed way to get money.

JOSH - Stephan Sagmeister

The interviews with Stephan Sagmeister are really interesting.
Opened my insight into graphic design a lot. The theme that I got out of the interviews were we all live a life. Everybody learns and teachers through there lifetime. And it is up to us whether we remember and grow. Sagmeister really interested me when he talked about the journal writing. I my self have wanted to start getting into it but never started.
Now I am keen.

On my search for the image I came across the book ‘the things I have learned so far’.
I thought this tied in very nicely with the information I got out of the interviews.

So I chose this image.


What really made this image relate was when i found this image from a private source.
This is a perfect example of how we learn. These people took one idea from Sagmeister and an experience that we all experience and merged the two.
Somehting that Sagmeister talks about althrough the interviews

FREE PITCHING - WIFE OR DEATH

Free pitching – or supplying design services without a fee - has both positive and negative impacts on the design community. The idea of holding a competition to find the best design for a particular product/company at first seems an awesome idea but after further investigation I see it as a bride wielding a double edged sword.

By entering a competition – such as the type held on website www.99designs.com you subject yourself to x amount of hours working on a project with absolutely no guarantee you will win and get paid. You don’t know what the skill levels of your competitors are and as such would be hard to judge the amount of time and effort to inject. You could even be (un)lucky enough come head to head with competition ‘super designer’ Richard Scott who loves the thrill of entering and winning competitions. In an interview for Desktop Magazine (#240) he muses, “After I won a few contests early on, I realised there was some money to be made – possibly enough to base a business on”. Although this sounds easy enough it is a very idealistic view and to me isn’t the most realistic option for many a young fledgling designer.

I do believe that if these competitions become commonplace for the industry they could unintentionally and inevitably lower the quality of work and bring down the standard rate of fees that designers can charge. Having said that, I’m still drawn to these competitions and will most likely have a dig at one sooner rather than later.