Very Design

Very is a graphic design studio based in London. Their services include; corporate identity, brand development, direct marketing, advertising, literature design, website design and development, email and viral marketing, website accessibility consultancy, exhibition design and project management. when attending our portfolio visit we met richard rhodes and john paul. we had our portfolio discussion beneath the studio which is situated over a pub! speaking genuiney about portfolios richard says he likes book portfolios for the reason that they are different. he also says that books are simple to go through and discuss. on the subject or working in london or manchester richard and john paul beleive that it is worth giving it a go down in london as they both feel that there is more opportunity and there is more exposure to opportunities.

The Change Foundation:

This is the first piece of work in my current portfolio. I created this piece of work on my HND course a few years ago. I like to keep this piece of work in as I still think the design is strong and has been executed very well. The Change Foundation was a self initiated brief. The change foundation would be a charity who deals with social, and environmental issues. The brief was to design a logo and other possible material.

The concept of this logo is the 3 c's. These c's interlock and give the idea of a bond. This should also give the impression of caring, nurturing and safety. The colour green should reinforce the idea of peace. However many designers tend to be slightly confused with this mark. Many designers feel that this mark reflects the message of a 'maze' which could possibly give the wrong meaning. e.g people feeling lost, stuck, and cant get out. Many ideas that the foundation doesnt want to promote. Richard suggested that I could possibly change one of the c's horizontal so we can see a definate c shape which would represent the change word.

Richard and John paul said that I could possibly try and implement the brand by creating other materials to reinforce the charity. It was also expressed that I didn't seem very confident dicussing this piece of work. As I have had many portfolio visits I tend to have highs and lows. Receiving many opinions about my work I tend to become a little unsure of what the next person will say. I would like to pick this brief up again and consider all feedback I have received from designers to improve this piece of work.

  

Photography Exhibition Material:

This is another piece of work that I am quite confident with. The brief was to design promotional material for the 3rd year students exhibition. The concept of this design is the shape creates a 'crop' mark which is used in photography. Inside the mark is the work of all the students involved in the show. I did this because I wanted to showcase each person and not just one. I decided poster and flyers would be most necessary.

Richard voiced that he thinks there could possibly be too many versions of this idea. I definately see where he is coming from and I will definately re look at this brief and improve this thought. Not feeling very confident about the illustrated bus stop myself, the guys also commented that it would definately be better to the poster in situe.

Logo Design:

Here is a collection of logos that I have designed. I thought this would be a nice way of showcasing the identity's.

Richard and John Paul expressed that they think I should look into taking my favorate logos further. To possibly show them on different applications whether it be business cards, letterheads or brochures. Another piece of advice is that I need to say what company the logo is for. This way it will be easier to identify whether the logo reflects the company.

It was also suggested that I should look at color variations for a selection of these identity's. I could also reinforce my logos with small scamps. Being very keen on pixelation and attention to detail Richard and John Paul believe that your portfolio has to be as neat as possible.

To visit the VERY Website click here: http://www.verystudio.co.uk/

To The Point- Portfolio Visit

Whilst in London I was involved in a few portfolio visits. One of our visits was with Nikki (CD) of 'To the point'. To The Point are a design consultancy specializing in branding and identity based in london who were founded in 1991.

To the point have a very big studio with a large amount of books and resources. The studio felt very laid back, and friendly. When showing Nikki our porfolio's she tried her best to give her honest opinion and advice. Nikki made comments on different parts of my portfolio and gave me positive feedback over all. Nikki also commented on our portfolios as a whole and said she feels we are on a very good course. She says the standard of our portfolios was high and that there is a level of competency. Nikki advised us that we should find a job in the right area we would like to go down when we graduate. On the subject of graduates Nikki's opinion is that with the way the economic climate is at the moment employers could possibly look at employing graduates for jobs as they will be able to offer a smaller salary.


Visit To The Point at: http://www.tothepoint.co.uk/

Portfolio Visit-Steve Owen Love Creative

Currently looking to improve my ideas based work I arranged to have a portfolio with Steve Owen of Love Creative. This was probably by far my most helpful. Steve also attended Stockport college. We got on very well and had a very good discussion. As steve works at a creative company he gave me alot of creative feedback and recommendations.


Expressing that I am currently working on my ideas based work steve says alot of my portfolio is actually ideas based. Steve believes the commercial work in my portfolio is good but states that the level right. Steve suggested that I could possibly have two portfolios. One corporate based and the other ideas based. Again this depends on where I would like to go.Whilst showing my portfolio Steve viewed my English Heritage end sting project. Just recently I had this end sting made into a flicker book. Steve loved this idea and suggested that I could possibly take out the still slides, as the flicker book is now the project and it is much more exciting. When viewing work Steve recommended that I could go down more paths of ideas.He says I could try applying my ideas to spaces instead of just flipping it onto posters, websites and leaflets he says this would bring the work to life

www.lovecreative.com

D&AD Portfolio Surgery-Rob Watson Raw Design

In October I managed to have a discussion with Rob Watson of 'Raw Design' about my portfolio. This was also at the D&AD portfolio surgeries.

Rob said that my portfolio was very well presented. When discussing my logo work he recommended that I possibly have a key to say what each logo represented. He also suggested that I could possibly show some development work and sketches of the logos to show my thinking process.

Included in my portfolio was a live brief from Avalanche Creative which was glow in the dark packaging designs. Looking back I can see why this wasn't a strong piece and shouldn't of been included. Rob expressed that he thought the fonts clashed and that ideally you shouldn't use no more than two different fonts in one piece.

During our discussion Rob said that it would be a good idea to get a website, stating that exposure is important. Altho Rob liked my portfolio he says I could possibly research the industry more. To look at what is going on in the design world at the moment. He recommended many websites which included formfiftyfive,booooooom, itsnicethats and typeneu.

Rob says that your portfolio should contain 6 pieces of work. To have the best at the front and he 2nd best at the back. Expressing concerns about my work being very corporate and wanting to improve on creativity he says I shouldn't worry about the main thing. He believes you should keep pushing your ideas but loosen up.

Portfolio Visit-Karen Bainbridge Liquid Liverpool

12.11.09

Our most recent portfolio visit was with Liquid solution based in Liverpool. We arranged to see senior creative director Karen. Liquid's work is mainly ideas generation and when approaching briefs they look at what it is, who the audience are, and the objective.Re-occurring advice I have received throughout these visits is to think about the next step of a brief and think of where you can take it. I have realised that being pro active is essential and going that extra mile is important.

Karen stressed that she believe's placements paid or unpaid are crucial. She says you should look into different companies to see where you want to be and to know what you are getting yourself into. At Liquid they don't tend to take on many placements and consider themselves to be very selective due to bad experiences. Karen's opinion was that potential work placements need to fit in, be interactive, pro active and willing to learn. As Liquid have limited time she says they don't want to get students in to be sat in the corner. They want themselves and the student gain from the experience. Karen herself, did 2 unpaid placements before and after she graduated before being employed at Liquid 6 years ago. As Karen was our first female designer on a portfolio visit we found this quite interesting. It made us question where were all the female designers?. Karen says it isn't as bad as we actually think and that there isn't actually a issue within the gender area within design. She says that the industry just works that way and that there isnt a specific reason for it.

I asked Karen what is expected of a junior Her response was that you shouldn't feel pressured to know everything. People understand you are learning. Karens opinion of requirements in a junior is enthusiasm, basics on programs, basic layout and typography skills, pro activeness, willing to learn, ideas and understanding.

http://www.liquidsolution.co.uk/

Portfolio Visit-Dave Sedgewick 999 Design

11.11.09

During the month of November our graphic design class attended a lecture by Dave Sedgewick of 999 design, Manchester. As four of us really enjoyed the lecture we took it upon ourselves to request more of Dave's time to ask for his opinions and advice on our portfolios. We asked Dave what his thoughts were on the format of a portfolio, whether you have a small folder, large box or book style. Dave says he likes the idea of the book as a nice leave behind but in his opinion the format of the portfolio doesn't make a difference to him personally. Dave says presentation is crucial and can be just as important as the work.


Throughout the visit Dave explained that he believes you should take work further than what the brief is asking for. He says that being pro active is essential and going that extra mile as it shows you are ambitious, motivated, interested and passionate. A strong opinion of Dave's was that you need to be confident and comfortable talking about your work. If you are negative it brings a negative atmosphere between you and the person that you are showing. It also gives off the vibe that you are unsure and not comfortable.

When voicing my concerns to Dave over my level of creativity and corporate work. I explained worries that I feel my design work is 'too corporate' and I feel that it isn't enough to make me stand out. Dave reassured me that this wasn't the case. Dave was very intrested in my love for logo design which he says is enough to make me stand out. As Mark previously said at Bourn it is a skill in itself.

http://www.999design.com/

Portfolio Visit-Bourn Design Stockport

11.11.09

Myself and three friends took it upon ourselves to arrange portfolio visits in and around Manchester. Our first portfolio visit was with Bourn who are a graphic design agency that have offices in Manchester and Stockport. We felt we wanted to meet Bourn as we were all very keen on their design work and like what they do.

This was the first time I have had a portfolio visit with other people. I found it quite useful as I could hear feedback that the others received and I had the opportunity of taking parts of their feedback to possibly apply it to my own portfolio if required. A key piece of advice we received during the visit was to network, get your work out there and speak to as many people as possible. Matt (Studio manager) and Mark (Creative director) also said that blogs can also be useful. Mark advised that when putting your portfolio together you need to consider which work is appropriate. Does certain design work have a purpose and should it be in there? It was said that you should also cover a variety of angles. i.e website, corporate, advertising etc to show you can work in a range of different areas.


Mark and Matt were very honest which we greatly appreciated as we obviously want to take professional opinions and feedback into consideration to improve our work. One main piece of advice that I received was that I needed to run to a grid system throughout my portfolio to keep it consistant. Although I do have the makings of a grid in place I agree that there are some inconsistencies on some spreads which I hadn't noticed myself. Even though I have a short explanation of the brief on each project it was also advised that I included a few lines of how I approached the brief and what my solution was.


Overall I generally received positive feedback about my portfolio but will definately be taking all advice into consideration to improve on areas of my portfolio that were suggested. For the future we were advised to start learning the technology. Mark and Matt say things are constantly changing and that you cant stay in one place. Their opinions were that the biggest gap from graduate to juniors is speed, typography and layout they also believe that their isnt enough commercial work in student portfolios. Mark voiced that there is a lack of Corporate and Logo design which he believes is a skill in itself. It was said that you need to have a balance between creativity and corporate.


www.bourndesign.co.uk/

Portfolio Visit-Avalanche Creative

Avalanche Creative is the company I did 15 months placement. When graduating on my HND graphic design course I took it upon myself to arrange a short placement due to feeling under confident in my design and knowledge. As I was approaching 6 weeks off I thought this would be a great opportunity before re attending my BA course in the September. During my time at Avalanche I gained a huge amount of new skills and knowledge which I am extremely grateful for. I was able to work on live briefs with the other creative's which I thought was a fantastic opportunity as this allowed all my work to be included and possibly be presented to the client.

The reason I am so interested in Avalanche Creative is because they specialize in allot of work that I enjoy doing. Their work includes Logo design, Stationary, Website design, Brochures and much more. Even though I was only on student placement I liked to enquire about the process of jobs that I worked on and to hear any feedback received from the designers and client. I strived to respect and sustain my responsibilities and roles within the company and I am genuinely interested in Avalanche as a growing business and hope to be around when they relaunch in 2010.


www.avalanchecreative.co.uk/

D&AD Portfolio Surgery-Chris Jackson Elmwood Design

05.11.09


Whilst attending the D&AD portfolio surgery's I also had the opportunity to discuss my portfolio with Chris Jackson from Elmwood Design. (Elmwood Design is the largest design agency in the UK). A main area myself and Chris have in common is logo design. We had a great discussion about Logo's and Branding. Although Chris liked all my logo's he advised that I should possibly apply the logos instead of just have them on a black and white page as he feels this takes away there voice.
Like Rob Watson I also expressed my concerns over my work with Chris. He advised me to explore things more and recommended I visited websites like Pentagram, The chase and Marks studios. He also recommended that I had a look at the 'Pentagram Marks' book as in his opinion Pentagram are the 'Logo Kings'! Towards the end of the discussion Chris also advised me to look at the way I order my portfolio he says that I should put my best work at the front and my 2nd best at the back.


http://elmwood.com

Portfolio Visit-Truth Design

‘Truth’ are a Manchester based agency which is run by Darren and Jayne. I recently emailed the company to request a short portfolio visit. The Truth office is based on Kennedy street in Manchester City centre. The reason for my visit was to discuss the current level of my portfolio.

Whilst discussing the briefs in my portfolio Darren has previously viewed a few students portfolios from the same university, and says that it is good to see how people interpret the same brief. Darren advises to experiment with everything you possibly can at university, as you cannot do this in industry due to restrictions. Darren beleives that design is ideas generation, space and layout.

Whilst discussing process of design, Darren says not to feel restricted by your computer skills if you have a idea make sure you execute it the best you can or ask somebody else who has better skills. Darren beleives that software is a tool to execute ideas but advises not to be a slave to it.

In terms of placement I was advised to do whatever / as many as I possibly can. When looking for possible placements Darren looks for potential in the design work, knowing that you can do the job and also personality is essential. If a placement was avaible at Truth students wouldnt be involved with live briefs as it runs the risk of losing clients if the brief isnt answered correctly. I was told that having students at the office can be hassle as it takes up time and computers. Although it is a hassle they do like to do it from time to time.

During the crit I asked Darren whether he ever felt intimidated by approaching very well known design agencies, he says sometimes he did but says that you have got to have self belief, self confidence, to aim high and dont be afraid.

Darren says that the presentation of my portfolio is good, that it looks professional and is very well layed out. Darren also advised me to show logos on a seperate page to the applications, so you can show the logo in its own right. He also says that I should show work that I am happy with, to show what I liked and not the client. He says that it is a good idea to show what the client chose but to also show what you would have chosen.

http://www.truth-design.co.uk/

Portfolio Visit-Music

22/04/09

‘Music’ is a Manchester based Graphic Design agency set up by Anthony Smith and Craig Oldham. I first met Anthony at his first lecture at university. We managed to keep in touch by email and I requested a portfolio visit. I approached Anthony as I felt he was very friendly, and more than willing to take time out to speak to students.

Anthony thinks that it is good to have links with Colleges and Universities to talk to students. During the crit I asked Anthony what makes a student stand out when being approached. Anthony thinks that letter writing can set you apart from others as nobody tends to do this anymore.

It is seen as more personal than an email. Anthony also thinks that if you are writing a letter you should think about the paper it is being written on and the envelope you send it in. Anthony beleives that the language, presentation, spelling and some wit also makes you stand out. He says not to get disheartened if companies dont reply. Anthony beleives that when approaching a company you should get to know what the company do and what kind of work they produce.

During the visit I asked Anthony what kind of portfolios should be used when visiting a company with work. He thinks that small, compact portfolio books are nice. They are easy to handle and look professional. I also asked what Anthony thought about designing and binding your own portfolio book like some students are doing at the moment. Anthony’s opinion was that he thinks they dont feel very good and they feel temporary, he also thinks they are very small.

Whilst talking about my portfolio Anthony said that my work was nicely and logically presented, and that it was a decent size. He recomended that I tried to vary the pace of my design work and possibly place full images to break the pages up to give my portfolio some variation. Anthony gave me advice on making the most out of some of my design work. He says have more fun with the work and encouraged use of different techniques and materials other than just paper and normal printing materials.

When looking at the work Anthony says I could include more logos and variations. He also says I could put more ideas based stuff in my portfolio. I really enjoyed my portfolio crit with Anthony as he asked me lots of questions about my work, course and current placment and seemed very intrested and willing to spend time talking to me. I will possibly be approaching Anthony sometime in the near future to request a possible placement during the summer.

http://www.designbymusic.com/