Overall, this project was really enjoyable as I was able to design the covers for a track and band that I was already a big fan of (The Internet). Even though this project was a competition brief, I felt that it was also a passion project for me. I also enjoyed this brief as I was able to experiment with collage in funky and exciting ways, collage has always been one of my favourite image making methods.
I was happy with how the final sleeves turned out as they looked clean as well eye-catching with their experimental, funky designs relating to the 3 stages of the track Come Over by The Internet. The designs also provided a successful romantic, 70s feel relating to the vibe of the song which was researched in early stages of the project.
Printing the designs for the sleeves wasn’t a requirement as my submission to Secret 7 was digital, however I enjoy design for print so I chose to get the 3 final designs printed for submission. Unfortunately, they can’t be handed in as our submission is now digital but I still enjoyed the process of producing them.
Doing this project made me discover that I love designing for music, this influenced a later brief that I did which was based on redesigning one of my favourite albums.
Additionally, the end result of the Secret 7 competition is 700 unique records which are exhibited in London before being sold on a first come, first served basis. However, buyers don’t know who created the artwork or even which song it’s for, until they have parted with their cash. All of the proceeds for this years Secret 7 will be donated to Help Refugees. I feel that creating work for a good cause is very important as a designer, which was one of the reasons that I chose to do Secret 7 as one of my competitions brief for 603.
Friday, 28 February 2020
Discussion with Jake
This afternoon me and Jake had a more in depth conversation about the refined concept that we are going to be sticking with as our next step is to start creating initial designs.
The final concept/rationale:
People are beginning to reject brands that don't allow them to have enough freedom, therefore individuals will lean more towards brands and social platforms that allow them to express themselves to the extent that they like with no boundaries. People will no longer define themselves around their jobs and possessions, but instead who they actually are, and this is what brands need to consider for future success.
Initial ideas and things to research into further:
The final concept/rationale:
People are beginning to reject brands that don't allow them to have enough freedom, therefore individuals will lean more towards brands and social platforms that allow them to express themselves to the extent that they like with no boundaries. People will no longer define themselves around their jobs and possessions, but instead who they actually are, and this is what brands need to consider for future success.
Initial ideas and things to research into further:
- How can design and communication platforms allow people to express themselves
- People want something more personalised and free to express themselves
- Experimental shapes and symbols which represent self expression and identity
- Use more experimental shape imagery rather than strict circles and squares for example
Below show some initial ideas for the screen saver/launch page and speaker layouts that follow an experimental aesthetic relating to the concept of people being able to express themselves through brands that offer freedom and fluidity.
Thursday, 27 February 2020
Final Prints and Mockups
Today I printed, laminated and folded the 3 final vinyl sleeves and 3 vinyl stickers for each cover. I printed the vinyl onto 245gsm matte paper (thickest matte paper available in digital print) which I then laminated with a smooth satin texture relating to typical vinyl sleeve finishing. Laminating the covers also prevents the darker colours on the matte paper from scratching whilst also increasing durability.
Overall I am happy with how the final sleeves turned out as they look clean as well eye-catching with their experimental, funky designs relating to the 3 stages of the track Come Over by The Internet. The designs also provide a successful romantic, 70s feel relating to the vibe of the song which was researched in early stages of the project.
Below shows mockups and photographs of the final covers alongside the vinyl which I bought the order day to show the sleeves and stickers in physical in context.
Overall I am happy with how the final sleeves turned out as they look clean as well eye-catching with their experimental, funky designs relating to the 3 stages of the track Come Over by The Internet. The designs also provide a successful romantic, 70s feel relating to the vibe of the song which was researched in early stages of the project.
Below shows mockups and photographs of the final covers alongside the vinyl which I bought the order day to show the sleeves and stickers in physical in context.
Printed vinyl covers and stickers on vinyl disc:
Colour Research
I have now started to gather some further research colour research. The colour research and meanings relate to the theme and concept that me and Jake have chosen.
Blue: Relates to social media which is very current and a big part of how businesses and young people communicate with each other. The colour blue also represents freedom which relates to the refined concept research that I have gathered based on the theme of Polarised people.
Pink: The colour pink represents sensitivity: relating to the fact that a successful brand should be sensitive and ethical towards consumers.
Yellow: Communicates optimism, joy and energy which relates to the concept of a positive future in which individuals can express themselves. The colour yellow also represents aspiration.
Orange: Represents being innovative which relates to the target audience of the theme Polarised Consumers (young people) communicating that Generation Zen is innovative. The colour orange also represents flexibility which also relates to the trend Liquid People.
The colours for body text, titles and headlines would be black and white depending on the application and background colours/imagery used.
Initial colour palette ideas:
Blue: Relates to social media which is very current and a big part of how businesses and young people communicate with each other. The colour blue also represents freedom which relates to the refined concept research that I have gathered based on the theme of Polarised people.
Pink: The colour pink represents sensitivity: relating to the fact that a successful brand should be sensitive and ethical towards consumers.
Yellow: Communicates optimism, joy and energy which relates to the concept of a positive future in which individuals can express themselves. The colour yellow also represents aspiration.
Orange: Represents being innovative which relates to the target audience of the theme Polarised Consumers (young people) communicating that Generation Zen is innovative. The colour orange also represents flexibility which also relates to the trend Liquid People.
The colours for body text, titles and headlines would be black and white depending on the application and background colours/imagery used.
Initial colour palette ideas:
Concept Refinement and Visual Research
I have now started to develop a more refined idea for a concept relating to the theme of Polarised Consumers.
The concept that I am most leaning towards based on previous research relates to the idea that in the future, individuals will lean more towards brands and social platforms that allow them to express themselves to the extent that they like with no boundaries.
This concept relates to the research on the trend Liquid People: Liquid people is about people’s reassessment of themselves, the lives they lead, the work they do, and their impact on the world around them, they will no longer define themselves around their jobs and possessions
This relates to the idea that the future of social is based on meaningful connections: In 2020 consumers will seek an antidote to vast and toxic online communities and social media platforms. They’ll embrace smaller and more intimate digital spaces that facilitate respectful and meaningful connections, let them interact with like-minded peers and allow them to truly be themselves.
Below show visual research mood board's relating to this concept. The first mood board takes forward the initial idea of designing the outcomes in a bright, festival-y and young aesthetic which relates to people being able to express themselves, have flexibility and freedom. The second mood board focuses on detailing relating to this such as colour palette's, effects, shapes and symbols.
The concept that I am most leaning towards based on previous research relates to the idea that in the future, individuals will lean more towards brands and social platforms that allow them to express themselves to the extent that they like with no boundaries.
This concept relates to the research on the trend Liquid People: Liquid people is about people’s reassessment of themselves, the lives they lead, the work they do, and their impact on the world around them, they will no longer define themselves around their jobs and possessions
This relates to the idea that the future of social is based on meaningful connections: In 2020 consumers will seek an antidote to vast and toxic online communities and social media platforms. They’ll embrace smaller and more intimate digital spaces that facilitate respectful and meaningful connections, let them interact with like-minded peers and allow them to truly be themselves.
Below show visual research mood board's relating to this concept. The first mood board takes forward the initial idea of designing the outcomes in a bright, festival-y and young aesthetic which relates to people being able to express themselves, have flexibility and freedom. The second mood board focuses on detailing relating to this such as colour palette's, effects, shapes and symbols.
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| Mood board 1 |
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| Mood board 2 |
Tuesday, 25 February 2020
Final Templates and Stickers
I have now developed the vinyl sleeve covers further towards finalisation as I am planning on printing out the final designs in digital print this week as well as the vinyl stickers. Below shows the final designs in vinyl sleeve templates:
Furthermore, in Friday's crit it was suggested to use an image from the covers for the stickers instead of type, however I wasn't a fan of how they looked when I tried this. I showed different peers to the ones that were in my crit the new image based design vs the old type based design, they suggested to stick with the type based designs and that it's good to not repeat the exact same imagery as the covers.
Image based designs vs type based design:
Furthermore, in Friday's crit it was suggested to use an image from the covers for the stickers instead of type, however I wasn't a fan of how they looked when I tried this. I showed different peers to the ones that were in my crit the new image based design vs the old type based design, they suggested to stick with the type based designs and that it's good to not repeat the exact same imagery as the covers.
Image based designs vs type based design:
I printed out both the designs above to compare, I felt that both were a bit simple and the first hand research that I gathered showed that vinyl stickers are usually busier. I decided to develop the sticker design further through combining both image and type in a more experimental way:
Vinyl Buying and Research
Today I visited a vintage store (Retro Boutique) which has a large vinyl selection, this helped me gather some first hand research on physical vinyl design and the different dimensions (12 inch, 11 inch, 7 inch). My main reason for visiting was because I want to physically print of my vinyl sleeves designs and stickers, having actual vinyl would mean I could actually show my designs in context.
I also enjoy design for print and production methods so this is suitable for my design practice, even though the submission for YCN just needs to be digital files of the front of the sleeve. I can now book a print slot for this week in which I will print the 3 vinyl sleeves and stickers.
I bought 5 different vinyl singles incase any of them got damaged or the stickers needed re-sticking for example. Overall I really enjoyed gathering this research, particularly taking a closer look at vinyl stickers.
Furthermore, in Friday's crit it was suggested to use an image from the covers for the stickers instead of type, however I wasn't a fan of how they looked when I tried this. I showed different peers to the ones that were in my crit the new image based design vs the old type based design, they suggested to stick with the type based designs and that it's good to not repeat the exact same imagery as the covers.
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| Image |
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| Type based design (old) |
Evaluation
Overall, this was one of my favourite projects that I have worked on during my time at university, this was because it was a passion project as well as a collaboration which are two of my favourite ways of working. I enjoyed this brief thoroughly as it was based on something I’m really passionate about: my favourite animal, the giant panda. I also think creating work on real life issues is important as a designer, this particular project focused on the vulnerability of the giant panda.
The final outcomes consisted of a publication, stickers, a website, two different t-shirt designs and social media.
The collaboration went well as me and Emma were able to communicate well and regularly as we see each other a lot. Her simple prints and shapes made the overall designs more exciting and gave the outcomes a contemporary and vibrant aesthetic which was appropriate for all age groups, this was important as the project needed to be child friendly as parents are more likely to donate to something that their children are passionate about but also something that is important in today’s society. The audience was also all ages as it focuses on animals and the environment, which I feel everyone should care about.
I feel that the photographs of the physical outcomes and digital mockups are both successful as it shows that I can work in design for print as well as design for screen, this is important to show especially in my portfolio.
Furthermore, if this project was pushed further I could’ve also considered packaging for the Panda Pack in more detail. I had ordered packaging online but I wasn’t able to brand it using The Panda Project branding as I didn’t have facilities for the print room anymore, as my idea was to seal the package with stickers of the logo and illustrations.
In the future, I want to continue to create projects based on protecting animals and the environment as it’s so important and as a designer I feel like I have a role to show my design skills through topics that makes an impact on the world.
The final outcomes consisted of a publication, stickers, a website, two different t-shirt designs and social media.
The collaboration went well as me and Emma were able to communicate well and regularly as we see each other a lot. Her simple prints and shapes made the overall designs more exciting and gave the outcomes a contemporary and vibrant aesthetic which was appropriate for all age groups, this was important as the project needed to be child friendly as parents are more likely to donate to something that their children are passionate about but also something that is important in today’s society. The audience was also all ages as it focuses on animals and the environment, which I feel everyone should care about.
I feel that the photographs of the physical outcomes and digital mockups are both successful as it shows that I can work in design for print as well as design for screen, this is important to show especially in my portfolio.
Furthermore, if this project was pushed further I could’ve also considered packaging for the Panda Pack in more detail. I had ordered packaging online but I wasn’t able to brand it using The Panda Project branding as I didn’t have facilities for the print room anymore, as my idea was to seal the package with stickers of the logo and illustrations.
In the future, I want to continue to create projects based on protecting animals and the environment as it’s so important and as a designer I feel like I have a role to show my design skills through topics that makes an impact on the world.
VMC Concept and Trend Research
Me and Jake have now started to develop the concept and theme for how we want to approach the VMC brief following the Jaywing presentation and brief guidelines.
Themes for choose from:
We have decided to go for theme 3 (Polarised consumers) as it this option was in both of our top 2 options. I feel that this theme will be interesting to focus on and is very relevant today's society and development as it focuses on young people today: the future.
3. Polarised Consumers: Young people are rejecting the perfectly curated feeds on Instagram in favour of an authentic and unfiltered aesthetic. Everyone has their own vision, own ideas that demand the more personalized service offering in the polarized society.
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| Polarised definition |
Jaywing also provided a list of websites to get started and gather some initial ideas for the theme development. I have spent the morning gathering research using them:
Future trends (https://www.accenture.com/gb-en/insights/digital/fjord-trends-2020):
Trend 3: Walking barcodes- As our physical features become increasingly machine-readable — just like human barcodes — brands will design new products and services that are more personalized than ever.
This trend is about how our bodies are becoming our signature — effectively blending our digital and physical selves. It’s also about how living services — contextually-aware, sophisticated digital services — will segue from the digital world into the real world. Hyper-targeted customer experiences will become the norm in physical environments.
Trend 4: Liquid people- Liquid people is about people’s reassessment of themselves, the lives they lead, the work they do, and their impact on the world around them. This trend reflects the human side of growth. It takes into account that we're more aware than ever of issues like climate change, mental health and sustainability — and how they’re changing how we live, work and buy.
While people still want to work and purchase things, they will no longer define themselves around their jobs and possessions. In response, businesses must redefine themselves, too. People’s priorities are becoming more fluid. They want more flexibility and freedom to buy what they desire — while also caring more than ever about their impact. And this consciousness rules the day.
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| Concept Mindmap |
Me and Jake have also made a rough time plan for the next two weeks so we can stay on top of things and give ourselves enough time for research, experimentation and design finalisation:
Websites
Todays PPP session was about websites since it's a requirement for our PPP submission in May. I already have a website which I created over summer using Adobe Portfolio with around 8 projects on, however it needs updating with new projects from the past couple of months. Alternatively I might make a website using a different programme to Adobe Portfolio if I feel it is more suited to my personal branding.
My current website: https://laveezaz.myportfolio.com/
Submit updated website via e-studio by the 17th of March for feedback
Must have elements for a website:
My current website: https://laveezaz.myportfolio.com/
Submit updated website via e-studio by the 17th of March for feedback
Must have elements for a website:
- Consistent application of my personal branding- e.g. logo, typeface
- A curated selection of my work- don't need to include every project
- An engaging bio (what how, why)
- Contact details and socials (obviously) but make sure all of the links function properly to the right socials
- Look at other agencies/studios websites for research
Other template websites:
- Squarespace
- Cargo
- Readymag
- Persona.com
Website inspiration:
- Siteinspire.com
- Awwwards.com
- Goodweb.design
- Readymag.com/explore
- Mariano Pascual:
- Roberta Donatini:
Monday, 24 February 2020
Final Website and Social Media
The Panda Project website and social media have now been updated further using the photographs from Wednesdays shoot.
The final website consists of 6 main pages: the launch page, home page/our mission page, the panda pack page, the order page, contact page and thank you page. The social media provides links to the website and raises awareness for the organisation, the Instagram mockups consist of a home page, posts and stories.
Social media:
The final website consists of 6 main pages: the launch page, home page/our mission page, the panda pack page, the order page, contact page and thank you page. The social media provides links to the website and raises awareness for the organisation, the Instagram mockups consist of a home page, posts and stories.
Social media:
Final website shown working and mockups:
Saturday, 22 February 2020
Final Outcomes Photoshoot
Last Wednesday was the photoshoot day for the final outcomes in which Nikita from Photography took the photographs and provided the models, I designed her personal branding so she was happy to help me with the photoshoot as I wanted some really nice photographs of the t-shirts being modelled.
She has now sent over the best photographs which she also edited for me which was great, I'm really happy with how the photoshoot has turned out and can now use these photographs on The Panda Project social media and website as well as using these photographs when showing this project in my portfolio.
Final photographs (selection of the best ones):
She has now sent over the best photographs which she also edited for me which was great, I'm really happy with how the photoshoot has turned out and can now use these photographs on The Panda Project social media and website as well as using these photographs when showing this project in my portfolio.
Final photographs (selection of the best ones):
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