Mark Torrington | HNC Interactive Media | Wakefield College

Timesheet this week

2009-04-22T16:05:00.002+01:00

Evidence of a full development process, including a web plan

2009-04-21T22:35:00.011+01:00

Ahead of the scheduled deadline of Wednesday 22nd April at 9am.

See below evidence that I am working on the A14 Pastures New Assignment.

Thank you for viewing my submission of evidence.

Too many other commitments

2009-04-18T14:21:00.004+01:00

Too many other commitments this week such as Easter egg hunts and socialising events have hindered my progress. Normally the only time I can start on my coursework is at 9pm, unfortunately at this time I usually have a short attention span and being on computers all day means I am very tired. Hopefully by booking two days leave off work next week will allow me time to concentrate on with my final project.

I have found creating a personal website is very difficult. I defiantly am the worst client I have dealt with; I pick faults with everything because I know I can do better. Over the past few weeks, I have been researching and developing screen designs. Now on the 8^th version of my personal website, I think I have done it. Initially, I focussed on a photograph portrait but due to comments realised the opportunities an illustrated self portrait could offer, creating a visual example of my illustration skills while ensuring a friendly, professional and aesthetically pleasing design.

The final, final design, keeps to the one layout, utilising large links this should aid usability while the one image will ensure that artwork examples are the focal point of the webpage.

The main target for the next few days is to get a simple portfolio website done. Recently, I have been looking into lots of quirky javascript trickery, although it would be nice to integrate these techniques I feel this is probably a little too advanced for me at the moment.

Screenshot progress:

Cracked on with my portfolio design

2009-04-08T22:22:00.007+01:00

I have been juggled work this week between my personal portfolio and the final project, although it has been quite a challenge I feel disappointed I haven’t made more progress. On the plus side, I feel I have cracked on with my portfolio design. Following the comments I received from my fellow students and a brief chat last week with Steve the Tutor, I have removed my head from the webpage. Initial, I chose to use my head to give users an idea what I looked like, breaking the ice and thus adding a personal touch to an otherwise dull webpage. After considering all the feedback I decided to drop the head and set about creating a self-portrait, it may sound drastic however, I realised that it would look friendlier and show to people I can illustrate as well as create beautiful websites.

This is my self-portrait in cartoon form:
By not adding any shading will be easier to generate a vector version. Next week, I intend to complete the vectored image and insert it into the webpage. I even have drawn my trademark tanktop jumper.

These are my new screen designs:
(still not sure what colours to use yet. I would like it to look professional but not boring)

Weekly Time Sheet:
College=3hrs, Home=19hrs

These were my targets:
1. Research KS1 Maths and shapes
(I started but not have not completed to a satisfactory level)

2. Full development process = Target Audience, Competitive Analysis, Web Plan
(Completed Target Audience and part way through Competitive Analysis)

3. Create final portfolio screen designs
(After re-doing the designs I have created brand new set of screen designs)

Next weeks targets:
1. Gain some feedback on new portfolio designs and create initial website
2. Gather more research into KS1 Maths and develop resources
e.g. What am I shape quiz and division on the line
3. Complete Competitive Analysis and Web Plan

Production Schedule - (deadline 9am, 1st April)

2009-03-31T23:01:00.013+01:00

I thought this might be an April fool but I have done it anyway.
See below:

Initially, I thought it might be a great idea to enter the 2009 D&AD Open Brief: ‘What else do you do?’ however, following registering an interest searching through the categorises and selecting a web design brief that included everything required to begin the design process, I reconsidered my decision.

On the very slim chance I won and I do mean slim, I would get recognition of my efforts both by gaining an award and completing my project to a high standard, what a great achievement. Although I have to be realistic here, I am working on two projects and a presentation that all need completing in just over a months time. Time is something I have just realised is something I don’t have a lot of.

I have decided to do: The MLILB Creative Brief,
http://curriculum.qca.org.uk/key-stages-1-and-2/subjects/mathematics/index.aspx
With a focus on the unit Ma3 Shape, space and measures

Weekly Timesheet
This is my time sheet from last Wednesday 25th March to Wednesday 1st April:

Full production schedule
If this requires to be created in a different format, I’m sure I will get to know when I am in college.

Month One:
Month Two:

Portfolio development

2009-03-29T02:55:00.005+01:00

I am unable to decide between these three ideas - feedback would be appreciated. I will be posting these on the forum. Hopefully your feedback will allow me to choose just one.

IDEA ONE

IDEA TWO
IDEA THREE

Feedback would be appreciated.

Portfolio initial screen design - Idea 1

2009-03-25T03:03:00.002Z

Competitive Analysis

2009-03-08T00:48:00.010Z

It took me quite a while to decided on a web design company website that I could say I liked. I wasn’t looking for a fantastically presented design but one that focused on usability. It is my opinion simplicity is best; people can tire in moments of looking at a site and navigating through endless pages. The website for First Class design has many attributes of a well designed site including a black background with repeated diagonal line focusing the user’s attention to the vibrant portfolio.

Professional Web designers
www.fcd.org.uk

Layout and design
The focus of this site is to present a portfolio with a brief testimonial from previous clients. The flash slideshow installs confidence in potential client knowing that other people have received a good service. Keeping to a selection of only half a dozen examples from the portfolio that is refreshed with different examples maintains variety and keeps the view interested. Another great point is that the portfolio is photographs of actual printed material.

Accessibility & Validation
On the downside I can understand why they play down the fact that they can do webdesign because the site doesn’t validate.This might not be important to a lot of client but it is something I would question.

Navigation
Another great advantage of this site is that the site format of the size doesn’t alter. What I mean it that the logo and contact details remain in place on every page and the only things to change from page to page is the images and associated text. Even when the text is increase five times the size the site remains easy to read and navigate through.

Unfortunately if java script is turned off the text does refresh with the associated image and you are unable to navigate through the thumbnail portfolio.

Conclusion
The design layout simplicity and quality of design is first class. Taking into account the site is let down by validation and reliance on javascript, I would be very proud of it.

Student Website

www.justjoewilliams.co.uk

Joe Williams is now in his final year studing Computer Science at the University of East Anglia, Norwich. His potfolio is very limited as you would expect and his written english is very unproffesional, but honest.

Layout and design
Putting text over images makes the text difficult to read and suggested that he doesn’t understand too much about usability. The only graphic of any interest in the design is the repeated paisley background image.

Accessibility & Validation
This is possibly the only design that I have tested that looks better when the size of font is increased. I am very disappointed that this site doesn’t validate.

Navigation
The navigation very large disappears when you scroll down the page adding to the frustration of navigating. A return to top top link could easily solve this problem.

Conclusion
If I was Joe Williams I would re-consider my portfolio and all the websites I had created. None of them validate and this is a potential problem.

Final Conclusion
In my opinion you are a web design whether you are college student or web professional. The only difference is as a professional you are paid for the job you do. The main difference between the two online portfolios I have analyses is the level of creativity. Speaking as a professional graphic designer I believe that creating a design that are aesthetically pleasing are only achievable through a mixture of experience, influence and pure natural ability.

Target audiences

2009-03-05T20:00:00.003Z

My online portfolio has been a long time coming and is the main reason I joined this course. Initially my primary audience will be my tutor however, I perceive that their maybe other interests in my portfolio from potential employers or clients. Fellow design industry professionals and students may also be interested in visiting it as an example of a students work.

1. Primary Audience – Tutor
Steve is the tutor of the HNC Interactive Media course; he will be visiting my online portfolio to assess it against the delivery requirements and the assessment criteria. With a background in graphic design, Steve will be mainly interested in the aesthetics of the design.

Steve uses a Apple Macbook that users Firefox version 3 to browse the Internet. At work and at home he has access to a high-speed Internet connection.

2. Client
Oliver & Jones are a catering company interested in rebranding their product range, corporate identity and website. The economic downturn means they can no longer afford their original advertising agency and require a designer who is honest, can offer marketing advice and ensure that all designs are consistent from print to web.

Due to the location of the company in a village on the outskirts of Sheffield their Internet connectivity is variable. Using Microsoft Vista with Internet Explorer 7, they intend to locate a designer either through links from the Chamber or Business Link. By offering the design work to a freelance designer or local small design company they will be supporting their local economy and over the years will build up trust, developing a dependable design service they can rely on.

3. Fellow Industry Professionals  
Dylan and Al are from my secondary school days, they recently found me on facebook, a social networking site and have asked where they can view my portfolio. Each of them have their own website showcasing their artwork.

Dylan regular exhibits at galleries across the UK: http://dylanlisle.com/

Al is the illustrator of the cartoon strips in sports section of the Guardian newspaper: http://www.alanheighton.co.uk/

As creative’s they are both naturally very competitive and will scrutinise every detail of my website, aesthetics of the website the content and if it standards are compliant with all be under observation. They are expecting my portfolio to impress them and maintain the standard of design they remembered from their school days.

 They both use Apple Mac’s and browse the Internet using Safari through a 2Mb broadband connection.

The pressure is on!

Delivery Requirements for Portfolio Website

2009-03-04T14:51:00.002Z

1. Display my Web and Design skills
The design of my online portfolio will showcase my design and web skills to a level that I am satisfied with. This I feel will be the hardest goal I have ever set myself.

*In order to achieve this goal I will have to scrutinise my own design work and choose a design that is attractive and easy to maintain.

2. An easily updateable portfolio
To regularly update my portfolio while my latest campaign is live to the public. To achieve this might require me gain an understanding CMS. If this is unachievable I may need to keep the layout simple* and use comments to highlight areas that need updating.

Learning how to use a CMS will be useful for me when I approach new start-up businesses that might require a self managed website solution.

*This will be measured by how easily the process is to do – creating a design that can accommodate new design work without being too busy is the solution.

3. High ranking in Search Engines Optimisation
To be listed high in the search engines is essential to attract potential new employers or clients to my website. In fact my last client asked if her site could be among the top five listed in Google*.

*Possessing an understanding how to improve SEO and track results in Search Engine Results Pages, such as Google’s tracking service that lists the most popular keywords that users may use while searching for similar sites.

4. Validated to XHTML 1.0 Strict and CSS ver 2.1 standards
*This goal goes without saying and has been a goal I have set myself in all the websites I have developed. Ensuring the website is validated to these standards goes towards improving SEO and will increase compatibility across browsers.

*Regularly checking the website by using the Validation services from W3C.

The final Semester

2009-01-26T23:03:00.002Z

With only a few months left to complete the course I feel satisfied with my progress. Something I didn’t expect was creating digital artwork I could put in my portfolio.

As it gets closer to the end of the course I feel that I have I got out of the course more than I set out to achieve. I have been on a roller-coaster of emotions during the course and this is set to continue:

Currently I feel -

Apprehensive - about completing the Self Managed Learning Plan (SMLP) this will be difficult for me because the subject PHP doesn’t interest me and I would rather learn flash and Actionscript. Learning Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) will stand me in good stead to further my career and broaden my horizons. Now a week behind after going on a Skiing holiday I need to dedicate any spare time I have to studying. Compiling a list of resources in my last blog should encourage me to conduct research and complete tutorials to learn PHP.

Excited - at the prospect of creating an online portfolio to showcase my design work, and

Nervous - about my final presentation but confidant that it will come together.

SMLP Resources

2009-01-26T22:02:00.002Z

Hopefully by understanding PHP it will allow me to understand other programming languages such as perl, java and ruby.

1. www.killerphp.com
By watching a series of beginners PHP video tutorials I hope to understand a little more about PHP programming language.

2. www.webmonkey.com
Although the information provided he is limited it will get me started learning the very basics.

3. www.w3schools.com/PHP
Following the simple tutorials I hope to grasp a basic understand how to apply PHP to HTML and start to get to grips with it.

4. www.tizag.com
I will probably use this site to install php on to my mac and see how it differs to Dreamweaver. I would rather use Dreamweaver because I have become familiar with it.

5. PHP5 in easy steps by Mike McGrath
This book should allow me to learn PHP a step at a time.

6. How to Do Everything with PHP and MySQL by Vikram Vaswani
This is another book to practice techniques and encourage me to do some reading away from the computer.

While I am compiling this list I am beginning to understand why PHP is so important. So far I understand that if a website is developed just in HTML it appears static and no very interactive. PHP lets you create dynamic features that organise content to create an interactive user experience.

7. www.joe2torials.com
Although there are only 23 tutorials in this website they are easy to understand and are available in a print friendly version.

8. www.sitepoint.com
A site packed full of tutorials when I get more advanced, news and a forum to ask other people for help if I should get stuck. http://www.sitepoint.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34

9. www.tutorialized.com
This seems a great resource for PHP Tutorials and every design other application.

10. www.hotscripts.com
With a range of tutorials from basic to advanced I can work my way through them.

Other tutorials if I get the time http://www.astahost.com/Great-Php-Tutorial-Sites-t19404.ht

Self managed learning plan - What do I need to know?

2008-12-10T17:37:00.001Z

In order to identify a new skill I must first consider what potential employees require against the existing skills I possess.

Developing a self managed learning based on something I don’t know already will be quite easy due to my limited experience creating websites. While I understanding how different web languages play their part in the development of a website I have only used XHTML and CSS.

Web designers today are required to possess a working knowledge of graphic design and web packages to manipulate images and text to create the basic layout. Utilising skills in e-commerce and server side technologies, such as PHP are all vital in being a truly great web designer.

Reading a few jobs adverts these are just a few of the preferred skills:

Graphic Designer
Photoshop
Illustrator
InDesign
Artist
Developer
Producer
Studio manger
Editor
Writer
SEO specialist
Programmer
Usability
JavaScript
C++
Flash
PHP
.NET etc.

In today’s job climate many employers can afford to be choosy, employing a person with the right attributes is easy due the amount of potential applicants. Choosing an applicant that perfectly matches the job specification while going the extra mile is a commodity.

I will standout from the rest and escape mediocrity by constantly improving my skill set and thus achieving my full potential. What do I need to know to become more employable?

Since I lack any experience in using server-side technologies I feel that my self managed learning plan should include PHP. I will create a website in XHTML that uses CSS to style the site and PHP to do something. Unfortunately because I am not sure why, what and when I should use PHP my starting point will be research. Research how PHP is used in existing websites and the potential benefits it has for its users.

WORD COUNT: 300

Why are soft skills important

2008-11-05T18:00:00.005Z

Soft, or social skills define your individuality and are interpersonal skills. They help other people to determine your character. Many of us don’t recognise that we have these skills but we all possess them. They are how we interact with each other; how we deal with problems; organise and motivate others; develop and communicate ideas based on clear and well-balanced decisions. All soft skills can be transferable to the work place. Giving employers an understand wether you can fit into a particular structure.

In my personal experience these skills can be broken into four sections:

1. Interaction

In order to work effectively with other people it is vital that you maintain a positive attitude and co-operate with them to ensure you reach a positive solution, otherwise it can be an unproductive wallowing occasion.

The ability to communicate clearly and openly with the ability to listen and respond empathetically.

The ability to collaborate with others and influence situations through lateral and creative thinking.

Handling conflict and seeing things from everyone's perspective.

Willingness to work within a team and understand the limits of other team members.

Flexible to adapt to the changing needs of an organisation.

2. Self-Management

Prioritising what is important and scheduling a priority list.

Willingness to learn new techniques and share these experiences with others.

Managing time effectively both at work and at home, thus creating an health work/life balance.

3. Communication

Delegating the correct job to the strengths of the individual.

Ensuring written work, including email are representative of professional practice and possessing the understanding these communications are as vital as face-to-face communication.

Promoting yourself and design presentation skills.

Listening to feedback from clients.

4. Organising

Trouble shooting solutions to problems before they occur.

Organising time effectively to ensure projects can be delivered in the required time.

Word count: 320

RE: Job Advert

2008-10-08T17:18:00.007+01:00

Selected job advert http://www.technojobs.co.uk/job.phtml/164876/web/developer/view.html

Why did I select this job ?
From the adverts I researched, I identified this particular advert because it opened the opportunity to do both website design and graphic design. The job would enhance my web design skills while retaining graphic design and links with the printing industry. Based in Sheffield, with a direct train link from Doncaster to Sheffield, I would be able to use public transport.

Skills and knowledge required
The technical skills required for the job include the ability to work across both Windows/Mac platforms and to use software applications including: Adobe Photoshop, Flash and Illustrator -Swift 3D, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, expertise web languages: -Html -JavaScript -ASP –XML and have a solid knowledge across web and print media.

What skills do I currently possess?
As an experienced graphic designer, I am proficient at using many of the applications listed above, across both Windows and Mac platforms. Possessing years of print experience and the ability to use Photoshop and illustrator at an advanced level, I have a sound understanding of design for print.

I feel confident that with my current XHTML/CSS knowledge using Dreamweaver and my knowledge to validate a website would be an asset to the communications team.

Skills still need to acquire
In relation to this advert, I need to use Flash, Swift 3D, Dreamweaver, Fireworks and a understanding of web languages that include: JavaScript, ASP and XML.

Before I start applying for jobs, I would like to develop a thorough understanding of xhtml/css, and create two online portfolio’s (one for web and the other for print) to showcase my works.

In conclusion
I am concerned that the advert fails to mention CSS or PHP, and Indesign a pre-requisite required for graphic design. The lack of these skills makes me wonder if the job advert is just set up to attract designers to be on the books of Evolution Recruitment Solutions Ltd. http://www.evolutionjobs.co.uk/

Learn today, work tomorrow

2008-10-06T22:15:00.001+01:00

Ultilising my first year results as a benchmark, I seek to continue personal improvement. I will achieve my goals and fulfill my learning potential by dedicating my spare time to the course. Completing each assignment to the highest standard empowers my belief that all my aspirations are achievable.

I am really looking forward to the prospect of creating an online portfolio to showcase both digital and online works. A year ago even the thought of creating a website was unthinkable. Bewildered by web terminology I thought Perl was a found in a shell and PHP must be some sort of new qualification.

I hope the planned assignments will stretch and expand on my existing knowledge, focusing on new web technologies I am looking forward to enhancing my portfolio of skills, learning CSS, PHP and become fluent at the art of hand coding.

Despite possessing a challenging job I am not convinced I have achieved my full potential. My original intension for joining the course has not altered; in fact my thirst for learning has increased. I am now able to converse with professionals in the Industry at a technical level, when a year ago all this talk about div’s, XHTML and CSS seemed a foreign language. I feel confident that by completing the course will fulfill my learning goals and add another string to my bow. The year ahead will be an intense learning curve, an invaluable asset in preparation for future employment in the Design Industry.

I feel apprehensive but excited at the prospect of completing the course and gaining essential web skills. If the opportunity for completing a degree should present itself that fits into my current work situation then I would defiantly consider it. Enhancing on my curriculum vitae today will improve my chances of employability tomorrow.

Word count: 300

Evaluation of my first year

2008-05-18T20:11:00.003+01:00

Although my romance with graphic design started over a decade ago in the printing industry, I possessed limited knowledge of the online world prior to enlisting on this Interactive Media course. Learning this new medium is fun. Approaching learning with an open mind has allowed me to embrace website design with enthusiasm. Now I have a fundamental understanding of HTML and CSS. My curiosity and desire to understand new technology is increasing. Over this past year, I reached the conclusion that by next year I will have bridged the gap between the on and offline worlds. Utilising design principles, natural creative sensibility and print theory, I endeavour to use this knowledge and my skills to create attractive websites that focus on usability.

I could never have imagined the amount of work that is required, or the expected level of commitment that this course commands a year ago. Keeping down a full time job and supporting a family is one thing, but doing this and attempting to further my academic progression is near impossible when your employer is less than flexible.

Sometimes, I regret my emotive obsession for perfection, as each assignment draws closer to submission. That said, despite sleep deprivation I am never discouraged, or inclined to be hopeless of success therefore, I always achieve each deadline. Thankfully, with every assignment I complete, I am beginning to suppress my intolerable behaviour and focus on what is essential. To identify possible implications that could affect my future progression, I have reviewed each of the assignments I have completed.

A1 Sketchblog and Online Journal
Initially, I was bewildered by the sheer amount of cross-referencing required and felt the purpose of collecting inspirational designs was surely only relevant to each assignment. It only dawned on me during the last assignment A7, how essential the sketchbook is to visually represent my design progression. All three of my sketchbooks are filled with annotations, mind-maps, details of websites visited and times the information was viewed, replies from fellow students from my online journals, notes from weekly tutorials, production plans and targets, questionnaires and marketing surveys, summative evaluations, reflecting on my progress and of course a collection of design inspirations.

The online journal is the written version of progression to complement the sketchblog. Writing is something that doesn’t come naturally to me, I sometimes struggle to put my thoughts into words. Due to my situation, the majority of my learning is independent; therefore it is essential for me to keep a lifeline with other learners. With extensive use of the Blogger, it has enabled me to communicate with fellow students, offering advise and debating has encouraged my commitment and supported my learning and that of others.

A2 – That’s the Plan!
The principle of this assignment was to plan the essential requirements that I hoped to accomplish within the final website. Through SWOT analysis, I was able to evaluate what aspects of the current website designs worked effectively and what characteristics to avoid. Considering how a visitor navigates through the site and what engages the visitor to visit the site again.

Quantifying real world costs associated with such aspects as maintenance and hosting, gave me an insight how companies can make profit after a design is completed. This assignment helped me to realise the importance of the core process. Similar to the design process, the creation of an effective website is achievable when you empathise with your client’s aims and objectives, only then can you develop a realistic plan based on their budget, consideration of lead-time and design parameters.

A3 - Back to Basics
Focussing on how a page is put together, how it is delivered to a browser, how it behaves and, crucially, how the designer’s intention maps to how it is used by real people, increased my overall knowledge of web design. By understanding the target audience requirements, I was able to design a website that was both aesthetically pleasing and usable.

Taking into consideration typical screen resolutions of a visitor, colour schemes for people with colour blindness and slow connection speeds, helped me to appreciate the elements to include in the design to avoid unnecessary hardships for the visitors.

Choosing an appropriate name for the website, that would make a solid first impression and ensured the name is memorable, I found more time consuming than the initial website build.

A5 – Builder
I found this assignment totally fascinating. It led me to understand the basic principles of source code. After spending hours relentlessly experimenting with code to ensure it validated to strict 1.0, it became more expedient to me, to learn HTML and CSS, rather than opting for a (WYSIWYG) what you see is what you get tool like Dreamweaver.

A7 – Whaling Whales
Despite given the opportunity to (APEL) Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning my existing design work, I felt compelled to create a design solution for the brief that formed the assignment. This decision allowed me the opportunity to assist fellow class mates with their designs, facilitating design progression and offering technical expertise from a print background.

With my wealth of experience, you would imagine this assignment would be easy for me to complete. Due to designing unique letterheads that required reversed feeding for over printing and an unusual way of presenting a corporate manual, I challenged convention and created unnecessary work.

Points to consider for the second year

Try and complete the assignment a week earlier to avoid rushing
Consolidate timesheets within the gantt chart to cut down on unnecessary paperwork
Purchase books about CSS and complete tutorials
Keep a record all internet sites visited against the element of the unit
Set achievable weekly targets after each tutorial, review progress in blogger
Make sure you have adequate amount of printer consumables
Avoid the distraction of unnecessary research
Book a few more days off to attend full days in college
Keep study periods within sociable hours
Make sure blogger is completed every Tuesday and minimum of four comments are posted before Friday

Ensuring the deadline is achievable

2008-05-07T22:24:00.004+01:00

Over the past week, I feel gratified with my achievements. The Corporate Manual is now completed and all that’s left to do is to source a printer who can achieve my deadline of Friday. One company that I can rely on to do this is ASAP Digital, based in Sheffield. Liaising with Mark at the printers I am finalising the specification prior to submitting the artwork. I have decided to choose a 150gsm Gloss paper for the manual, it will add rigidity and printed on gloss should reduce the drying time; therefore ensuring the deadline is achievable.

Progress with the other parts of the assignment has been difficult due to locating suitable imagery that would correspond with the visual I created in my sketchbook. Thankfully, I have now worked up three polished digipak outer covers. As always any feedback would be welcomed.

DESIGN No.1

DESIGN No.2

DESIGN No.3

Targets this week
In order to complete the assignment on time, I must ensure that the advert and cd inners are finished and then evaluate the whole project.

Mixed feelings

2008-04-29T23:53:00.004+01:00

This week I feel disappointed with my progression, I originally planned to have the corporate manual completed and three other Digipak® designs uploaded with this blog. Probably it is just the way I work, but I don’t seem to get into an assignment until the last few weeks. Day to day I have to turn things around so fast, having a month over a project seems endless. Rather than complete it in the first few weeks, I find myself pondering over the slightest detail.

I intend to revisit my production schedule and complete everything other than the evaluation for next week.

Currently pleased with my corporate Identity, although I feel it is requires further development. It is a square leaflet that folds out into an A3 poster.

Side 1. Front cover top left and Back cover top middle
(Folded across middle and folded again to allow grey section to meet)

Side 2. Creates an A3 poster when the leaflet is folded out.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver the corporate manual (mark blog37)

2008-04-22T21:54:00.003+01:00

Whilst I enjoy creating different design solutions to represent the Emit record label, I find writing a corporate manual quite tedious. I may have to design a different approach to a corporate manual. Developing a standard A4 manual is something I don’t struggle to do, I just would rather create the initial concepts for the Digipak® Outer. Therefore, please feel free to comment on my initial cover design.

The corporate manual is coming along but very slowly. I need to knuckle down and complete it, before I am tempted to create another Digipak® Outer.

My target this week is to complete the manual and at least another three cover designs to present at my next tutorial. Although a difficult task to take on, I am determined I can complete it.

Swirl or Speaker/UFO?

2008-04-15T23:58:00.004+01:00

Exploring the different possibilities a logo can offer such as how it works as a pattern, or the best colours to use related to the subject it portrays, is something I find very time consuming.

Last Monday, I thought I’d cracked it with the three e’s joined together to create the swirl effect. Unfortunately, seen by many as a surfer’s logo I created another one that represented a speaker/UFO. Initially, I had my reservations about this logo although it has grown on me, I like how it is can be preserved differently when rotated.

I would be really interested in your opinions about my work so far.