WYS Studio Talk

Today, WYS Studio gave us a brief talk about their practice all the work that they've done after graduating from university and their residency in the uni.

They've worked with SCRT Magazine which expanded their interest in fashion design and communication, as well as more commercial clients such as BDFG which also broadened their client base and ways of dealing and working with certain different clients which have different needs and wants.

Most importantly, they also talked about their residency in the uni which helped them to massively build up portfolio. They  ere also able to use the uni facilities which helped them with maintenance and costs, as well as getting advice fro  tutors and talking to current Graphic Design students with the uni.

In the future, they hope to have a permanent studio space as well as develop a more fashion based clients, art direction and campaigns. In addition, after staring to get commercial clients they hope to expand their commercial client network predominantly in Yorkshire, but also to produce more self initiated work in develop their practice even more.

The studio also gave us a brief that we cant participate in.

SOCIAL WHISPERS

- interpret an image in our own way.
-24 hours
-in any medium.

Thoughts & Reflections:

The talk was really chill and informative which was really nice. They were also very relatable as they were the closest to the kind of reality I will probably have in the future when I graduated myself. IN addition, I also want to get involved with their project as I thought it's a nice way for me to start thinking about briefs that I want to do in my extended practice next year. Also, it's quick and something I can experiment with too.

502: End of Module Evaluation

Overall, PPP this year was a lot better than last year.

In particular, I really enjoyed doing SB1, as it allowed me to communicate to actual designers myself, and I was lucky enough for my chosen artists to reply back to me so quickly. In this brief in particular I learnt a lot during my interview with Rick Cho, as after sharing his thoughts and opinion it made me even more motivated to work in an industry where it's so vast and so ever changing in such a quick speed that working as a Graphic Designer would be a pain in the arse but at the same time totally worth it. SB2 was full of ups and downs, in particular I really had a hard time during this module because of overlapping submission with 503. However, at the same time in made me be more aware of my responsibility within a team and how my absence can greatly affect the teams dynamics therefore to make up for it I made work with I thought could help the team whenever I had a chance to talk to them. SB3 made me really think about who i am and what I stand for and my potential within the industry, I felt like throughout this brief it's just slowly hitting me that were actually going to be in third year and in a years time graduating and starting to find a job.

All in all, this module has been for the most part fun and exciting but also daunting. I feel like by next school year I should be implementing my manifesto to myself and excute the plans I've outline in my presentation. PPP this, year was truly, as in Orlando's words "cool". 

SB3: Manifesto Final

After further deliberation, I decided to simply print my manifesto using the Plike Orange paper on A3 as the business card size manifesto on was a bit too small and too awkward to read and hold. I decided for A3 as it can be used as a poster. Although it's not as 'personal' physically because it's not close to you. It's something that you can put up in your workspace as something that yo u will keep remembering as you work away or so something else.

This is the final poem that I used for my final which is from my development. I think that this poem clearly illustrates and sums up my ethos as a designer, without it being too formal for people to read.
I also think that the poem structure will help readers feel more comfortable and relate to the poem. For me, it's also another way of reminding myself about my ethos if I find it somewhere in my bedroom, and I stay most of my time in my bedroom, I feel like reading the poem would help me concentrate back into working or motivate myself when I'm feeling bummed down.

"Go at your own pace, designing isn't a race.

  Neither is not having a style an 'Achilles heel',

  but it's a skill.  

*Talking about designer identity and self awareness, I fell that it's important to acknowledge and have that confirmation that just because were designers doesn't mean we need a style, and it doesn't mean whether you have a style or not that you are a good designer. This part for me sums up the fact that instead you should use the 'lack of style' as a way to be a more flexible and versatile designer . 

 Learn from people. 

 Observe

 Talk

*It's pretty simple, this is a way for me to motivation myself to talk more and make connections more often. I made it as simple as possible just like how conversations should be.

 When you're left with a blank stare,

 STOP

 Get some fresh air.

This is going to be a rollercoaster.

CTRL+S"

*Especially when stressed it's important to have rest, and to acknowledge the fact that yu are tired and stressed already a sign of giving yourself a break. This had also been mentioned in my creative report and how Cho would just not look at his phone or computer he'd rather go out, this way he's resting but it's also a good chance to come up with new ideas.

Thoughts & Reflection:

Overall, I'm pretty satisfied with my manifesto. The content itself is something I definitely would like to live up to, and by writing will make me face it earlier. Furthermore, I think whist writing this manifesto I've also realised certain themes that I'd like to work on myself and helped me point them out within the manifesto. I also like how simple it is but at the same time through it's story telling structure it becomes more enjoyable and engaging to read therefore I think it could be effective in motivating me and other people when reading the manifesto. All in all, I think it turned out good, despite its simple production.  

SB3: Production Development

After doing the written development  for my manifesto, this is a production development which I thought would be a good way of showcasing the theme and me overall. I decided to make it small like a business card as I wanted it to be kept easily everywhere, in pockets, wallets, purses etc. as something that can be taken out quickly when in need of some motivation or to regularly see it when I open my purse to remind myself of what I have written ad if I am living the ethos that have written. Something, so small like a business card size manifesto also highlights the personal aspect of the manifesto as it's something that only I can see or, the person who has it can see and read.

I used the 330gsm Plike Orange paper from G.F Smith for the manifesto as I thought it would work consistency well with the creative report that I've created, as well as using the same main typeface (Nimbus Sans Extended Black). I also thought the colour represents me in  a way that I can be bright and active, however when I do want to focus I FOCUS. I also think orange is a very mild and conceptual colour, which I think also reflects the kind of concepts that I usually come up with for modules, sometimes I feel like I'm not even doing the right brief because my idea is too different to other people.

Thoughts & Reflections:

Although, I thought it was a good and simple way of showcasing the theme of the manifesto that I'm doing after I cut it down, it didn't actually look as good as I thought and I think maybe the size might be too small to read the fine print. Conceptually, I think it works but practically I think it's hard to read and awkward. For my final, I'm thinking of bringing it back, as to create a poster of the poem. Hopefully, it'll be more impactful and easier to read.

SB3: Manifesto Development

Continuing from my manifesto initial draft, I figured that putting my thoughts into themes and topics would be the best idea in order for me to think of sentences which I think sums up my ethics and principles as a designer. I also thought of creating the manifesto as a poem. Much like my presentation it has a storytelling element as well as communicate to the audience is a more interesting way.

Topics 

• Advertising - design thats expressive and reflective of the product. Not necessarily prioritising consumerism. Audience more design literate
• Connections / Networking - Just like what Rick Cho has told me in the interview with him. It's important to keep an equal role between people you collaborate with. Wilfulness to learn and exchange knowledge and skills.
• Self-identity - Going at your own pace and not worrying about having a certain style. be versatile, not having a style is a disadvantage but an advantage.

Poem Draft:

"Learn from people. An hour's worth tutorial for you, may be a 5 minute job to some people."

"Go at your own pace, this ain't a race"

"Not having a style, is a style. As ironic as it may be."

"Versatility is key, not having a style"

"Go at your own pace, designing isn't a race.

  Neither is not having a style an 'Achilles heel',

  but it's a skill. 

 Learn from people. 

 Observe

 Talk

 When you're left with a blank stare,

 STOP

 Get some fresh air.

This is going to be a rollercoaster.

CTRL+S"

Thoughts & Reflection: 

I think having it as a poem like this is very effective as it creates visual imagery in our heads through the story telling aspect of it, and is straightforward without being too formal like or too simple like a list. As it is a personal manifesto, I thought having it as a poem also makes it personal to me, like I'm talking to myself. But at the same time, it's also relatable to other people, especially in the course, so in a sense it's other exclusive and inclusive and can be interpreted internally by the audience/readers. 

SB3: Presentation Final

After developing my presentation and simulating how I'm going to present I've decided to make such final adjustments and here is the final presentation that I've done.

• Slide 1 - TITLE (my graphic design life as gifs)
• Slide 2 - hello
• Slide 3 - To start off, way back to last year during freshers week, I still clearly remember this advice that a second year gave me which was to "just try to stay afloat". which in a way kind of tried to prepare me for what was to come during first year. 
• Slide 4 - But in reality this was me last year, I drowned. Especially, since I cam straight from A-levels; it was a big shock to me. I don't even remember going out in first year which was shocking! 
• Slide 5 & 6 - However, I did like how it allowed us to experiment and in particular for me, it made me change the way I perceive my ideas and that tangents are good (most of the time) in order to create more unique and interesting designs. In particular the last two modules were the ones I enjoyed the most as I thought that I was developing more conceptual and interesting ideas based on my research and tbh they were the only outcomes I was fairly happy about :///
• Slide 7 - This is me this year, just barely trying to swim. This gif is actually a fairly accurate visual representation of how I feel about this year. In particular the amount of independence we had was good as it allowed me to get a better sense of my own capabilities and how I handle myself and develop my practice, however on the flip side this independence made me feel lost at times as the guidance and confirmation that I needed wasn't always there. 
• Slide 8 - creative concern - Creative concern...My first creative concern is not being able to voice my own opinions. Especially in group work I tend to not say my ideas as I think to myself it's shit and I'm still not confident enough as sometimes I feel like I shouldn't even be allowed to give criticisms to someone else when my won ideas are shit.*Time management as well if there's time.
• Slide 9 - internship - Another concern, I have finding an internship for next year. I've consistently been saying since last year that working in advertising is something I'd like to pursue, as I think it would be a good industry to get a 'real' since of design (or commercial design really - if that's even the correct term ;;;). Therefore, my aim for this summer is to research more into potential advertising agency internships as the only way for me to know if I really want to pursue a design career in the advertising field is to experience it. 
• Slide 10 - personal aims - my personal aim for next year tbh is to talk to people more. Explore more. Create connections. I mean I've started to do it this year by starting small and joining societies and activities that I enjoy. I found that through starting small like this I get to make new friends and create connections with them. 
• Slide 11 - In particular, I've been inquired to revamp the identity for the society that I'm part of, which would really my first 'commission' and in a sense actually makes me feel like A REAL DESIGNER. And I feel like through starting from this, I also like to start doing personal work in order to put myself out there as a designer. 
• Slide 12 - zen - Hopefully from the ups and downs I've had during the last 2 years I'm able to more confident and prepared fro myself next year. Knowing my weaknesses and concerns are will greatly enable me to develop and improve more as a student and designer. And, I think even after finishing uni, I will still be a student in a way as, as Graphic Designers learning and researching is always going to be part of us fro the rest of our careers; and developing a good work ethic now will definitely help me in the future. 
• Slide 13 - Having said all of this, hopefully  this is going to be me next year. Floating - have my shit together and ready for the real world of design. 

Thoughts & Reflections: 

I've decided to go for a story telling-esque approach as I thought my me personally this would be the easiest way i can talk about me and my experiences in a concise and effective manner, as often I feel like I verbally can't explain my ideas very well. But, having a story like structure will definitely help me talk about it in a more linear way. I also decided use gifs as the main tool for my sorry as I think they are great at summing up what topic I'm talking about and are great visual aid to the audience which they can relate back to my topic. I also thought it would be a good way to give the presentation a humorous, quite satiric tone, rather than just be a formal talk about me; also I use gifs a a way to communication most of the time as I think they sum up emotions very well and that's the style that I want to portray through this presentation too. 

I've also summed up topics together and deleted some slides, as I didn't want to overload it with gifs - as much as they could be funny, sometime during the presentation it might seem too much and lose their humour and meaning. 

Overall, I think this presentation sums up myself and my experience through the past two years in Graphic Design and also highlights my ambitions for next year and the future. Also, I don't think it'll be more than 7 mins as I feel like in some I'm going to be speaking really fast; also because I tend to go fast when I'm nervous. Though, as the presentation isn't until in 2 weeks time, I still have time to practice it to see if it hits or goes over the time limit. 

SB3: Presentation Development

Slide 1- title
Slide 2 - Intro hello gif (introduction) Hi, Im Brylle!

Slide 3 - to start off, i'd like to reflect back to last year when a then 2nd year student's told me and I quote "just try to stay afloat" so did i follow his advice?

Slide 4 - *drowning gif* I was barely hanging last year, especially because it was a big jump from A-levels to University I was still getting used to structure of the course as well as the city and everything else.

Slide 5 - However, I did like how we were able to experiment and try out various different processes, as first year was the "experimental year". Especially, during the last module where it was probably the only outcome I actually liked out of everything we did last year. And, it was also the module where we could do any them we wanted, therefore I enjoyed and wanted to do the best outcome for it. 

Slide 6 - *swimming gif* me this year - This year, stress level is lower - literally starting to swim out of the water. Now I think I'm used to the process that we did last year, however, honestly I still struggle to start ideas, that's why I don't give myself enough time' to do developments and truly refine final outcomes because I focus too much on getting the 'right idea'. However, I think that I am becoming more confident and have a more clear idea of which 'graphic design path' i want to go and where in the industry I want to take my designs skills to. Such as that in most of my modules the themes/concepts that I am studying has some kind of relation to music and culture. 

Slide 87*lol bye - I'm still scared of sharing what I've done to people as I always feel like what I've done is not goo enough and and because I can't verbally explain my ideas properly I lose confidence especially when I notice that I keep on going in circles when explaining my idea.

Slide 8 - *fml* - it takes me agesssss to think of ideas, so i feel like im already behind from the start and that's probs why most of my module feedback talks about time management.

Slide 9 - *reading* - be more aware of current graphic design trends and actually read not just look at pictures on instagram

slide 10 - start looking and researching into work placement that are pausible, possible in the north etc., music industry? or advertising

slide 11 - *time management* - apart from thinking of ideas quickly, I also need to actually do work rather than procrastinating

Slide 12 - Find ways to be more comfortable with talking to people and making connections. Start by frequently going to events more often perhaps, and naturally start conversations rather than do it at 'scheduled events' where it feels forced.

 Slide 13 - *job* realistically freelancing right after uni is not what i want to do, and gaining experience from a work setting environment and learn how the industry work from there i feel would be more beneficial for me in order to widen my knowledge about the industry. Maybe after then I may venture freelancing or do it as a side rather than full time.

Slide 14 - *zen and focused* Hopefully by next year I'll be able to be more focused and prepared if I achieve what I i'm aiming to do this summer.

Slide 15 - *kds* Also im hoping to do more personal commissions and work, starting from a society that I'm part of (revamping their logo and helping them with t shirt design fro their merch).

Slide 16 - Hopefully, my determination to start 3rd year, confident and ready will help me actually stay afloat next year and finish my studies without any regrets about what I have done during my three years of studying in this uni.