Lynx Postcards

Recently I went to the pictures for Orange Wednesday's, whilst there I came across these Lynx postcards for Lynx Bullet.

The reason these stood out to me because initially they made me laugh with what's being implied - basically some sort of sexual activity.

The only concern would be, is it right to have these in a cinema? There is children who won't understand the image, maybe the location of where these are used would work better.

Anagrams

An idea I had for a poster for the Kitchen of meaning brief was based upon the idea of using anagrams.

When I did this for the title 'The Kitchen of Meaning,' there was over 52,000 results. Most of these didn't make sense but yet on the other hand some of them had a bit of humor in them.

Anagram website - link

Exploiding Type

Whilst working on The Kitchen of Meaning brief, I had an idea of type exploding on the poster.

I researched into this, this are a few examples I came across.

With this piece the question is can you actually realize it's exploding text? It just looks like things cramped together in the centre of the page.

This piece of type I like. It's clean and with the added effects (like the blurred edges) it represents movement. This is also good for the readability - it's clean and easy to read.

This piece I really like. Also it's not the text exploding itself, something is going into the text and then exploding I still like it. I love how powerful it looks, my only concern is how far could you push this with it still being possible to read.

Poster Research

During the brief The Kitchen of Meaning I came across a poster, which I found very clever.

This was the poster;

The poster is for a Greek Literature even with Irvine Welsh.

The thing I like about this is how they've repeated a simple word, but from that word they've made another word (porno) which is more powerful and moving. What was the reason to doing this?

Invite Research

A few examples of types of invitations.

This was for a brief called The Kitchen of Meaning.

The reason why I researched into invitations, was because I had the idea of to create a poster in a posh/stylish way, basically like an invite. This to me represents a good sense of style and swagger.

A very basic design for an invite. If this was handed to me I wouldn't be that interested due to the style of the flyer, doesn't make me feel excited, there's no real 'WOW' factor about the design just very basic.

On this flyer, I like the chosen typography. This represents a posh event. With this type of font I always presume it's a wedding invite which is straight away a special day, which is also something people would be interested in and looking forward to.

A museum invite, never seen anything like this before, was very nice idea. From the small shots lucks a very basic and clean design, nothing to complicated gets the point across straight away. Only criticism is in my opinion the logos are too big especially the one in the bottom

right corner.

Another wedding invite, the downfall to this one is that there's too many type fonts being used in it. On an invite I'd only want to see one type font being used. Also the use of imagery in this design is very basic nor appealing.

Portfolio Viewing

The other day I went and shown Dave Sedgwick my portfolio at 999 design.

The whole talk we had together was great, from the hello to the handshake at the end.

The positives I took out with have the portfolio viewing was;

1) How friendly Dave is.

Since e-mailing Dave on the very first time (regarding blogs) he has always been generous enough to take time out and reply back to any questions I ask him.

2) How we shouldn't be scared of showing off our work.

3) How impressed he was with the way I think - work I produced.

When showing my work Dave mentioned how he wishes he came up with ideas like I have for my work, two of these would be the poster for a museum, and then the other would be the brass band mailer.

4) How helpful he was with suggesting things to do which will benefit me.

At the end Dave suggested things that would held me stand out from the crowd, he suggested how I should take certain briefs further, don't just use the same istock photo that everyone else is, it becomes too repetitive .

Over all the hour or so spent with Dave was great. We mentioned that we should keep in touch still, and hopefully towards the end of my final year we could meet up and show him my final portfolio and see how it's come along.

Container Plus Talk

On 02 November 2009, an illustrator called Louise from Container Plus came in and gave us a talk about the work they create, and what the industry is like for an illustrator.

Straight away this was something new for me, I wasn't that much into illustration work, but I went along to see what the industry is like from a different perspective.

Container Plus was set up in 2002, there a company allocated in London.

Louise set up a website up with another student who she was studying with in the second year of her course (Nicola) and till this day they both work together.

They've worked for companies such as Selfridges and Vauxhall.

Whilst in this lecture it appeared that they was showing more of the work they've done, which unfortunately didn't interest me. This was a good experience for me because it's good to see how illustrators or photographers work.

Dave Sedgwick Talk

On the 29th October Dave Sedgwick from 999 design came in and gave us a talk about his experiences and what we should expect after we finish University.

Dave is an ex Manchester Metropolitan student, this is where he spent three years wondering what he's going to do after University. During his time in University, Dave was freelancing for his own clients which allowed him to bring in that extra bit of money which always helps.

During his time at Manchester Metropolitan, Dave went on two placements. One was for a company called Flux Magazine in the Northern Quarter, and the other one was called Splinter in Liverpool.

After this he started doing his portfolio, got contacts of people in the industry, rang them and set up portfolio viewings with these people. Dave got a portfolio viewing at Dinosaur, one of the feedback he got was that "you need some Yorkshire pudding packaging added to my portfolio."

After his time on the two placements, Dave had time to reflect on things and question himself on how serious he took things. After a good think to himself he started being more involved and being more determined to be successful. With this he started researching agencies, using the internet to browse through company websites, he kept notes and kept a diary. A tip he gave us was 'find out as much as you can.'

Although his feedback from Dinosaur was like that, Dave ended up having his first placement at Dinosaur (after he finished University.) The feedback Dave us was that the conditions was horrible, he got payed £65 for two weeks work! Also it's hard to get a job there.

After this he got another placement at TCW which is now Love Creative. Whilst working here he got offered a job on a salary of 13k a year. He happily took this, but on 02 January 2003, he was made redundant, nice way to start the year. Although he was made redundant Dave found it a lot easier to get an interview in the industry now that he wasn't a student.

Dave went on to take a full time job at Race. Whilst here he worked with LMDI and The Arts Council etc. He won a pitch at Designersblock and also at 100% Design exhibition, both of these pitches were against at least three other big design companies.

A few extra things Dave went on to say was that it's not as hard as you think it is to get a job in the industry, you just need to be dedicated enough. There's no time like now, you just need to start looking and planning. Don't discount the small agencies. Call up ask who to send a PDF or CV and emails too, never send anything to info@_____.

Last of all SPELL THE PERSON'S NAME CORRECT

Finding Myself On Google

Recently I was searching a topic on Google, when the results came up I noticed that I came up on the results, due to my blog.

When I realized this I was rather impressed because for two reasons,

1) It was on Google's first page of results

2) It was through my blog that I was getting promoted.

This links in with my debate 'Blogs - Good or Bad?' because this shows how you get publicity from having a blog - even if you don't think you do.

WKD Adverts

WKD adverts and promotions are always something that make me laugh.

I love the humor to them how they always make me laugh no matter how random they are at times. Even when you read the poster campaigns what have been done they manage to be humorous and put a smile on someones face.

As you can see even the video's are humorous, but the only thing what gets me is why are they all aimed at lads? Is this a marketing thing due to mainly women drink them on a night out?

JK Wedding Dance

Recently I came across this video on the ASABailey blog.

Although it's not an advertisement for anything this made me laugh. I love how different it is from what you expect to find at a wedding. You just usually expect the bridesmaids to walk down and then the bride to follow after, but with this the bridesmaids, the groom the bride herself all take part in a dance which in turn would reflect the couple themselves.

With the response what has been received from viewings of this video (over 31 million hits on YouTube to date) they have given any sort of money received to a charity of there choice, which in turn is a good thing to do. For more information regarding the video itself, or even donating money just visit the website - www.jkweddingdance.com

Kinetic Typography

When researching into typography I wondered how experimental you could be with type itself. I decided to look on YouTube for Kinetic Typography and see what people have created out there.

I came across this video on YouTube, which I was really impressed with.

The reason I like this video, is because how the typography is really clever in how it reflects the song lyrics. Also the creator hasn't gone over the top with what they've produced, they've kept it simple, clean and clever.

As you can tell the results for the search are enormous, but if you wanted to see more examples all you have to do is search Kinetic Typography on YouTube.

Post Typography

Whilst still researching into typographic posters, I came across a company called Post Typography.

Post Typography is a creative studio specializing in - well according to there website - literally everything!

When you go on to there website, at first it's like just a pure typographic page listing what the company does, but with this it allows you to easily navigate to what the website itself where you can find there work and portfolio.

This is just a selection of the work the company produces, but when you look at the rest of the work they create you notice how much of a high standard there typographic (and other pieces) of work are.

Black and White Typography

Recently when researching examples of typographic posters I came across a blog with a selection of Black and White typography.

When I was reading the article about the twenty selected typographic pieces there was a quote what stood out to me, this was;

"Typography is an art without which every design seems to be incomplete."

Charlie B. Johnson

I couldn't agree more with Charlie's quote, this is down t

o how you could have a beautiful image or a great illustration, but with out typography you wouldn't get the meaning of it.

When I came across this blog I was amazed at some of the poster's what have been created. Typography is something that I enjoy more in Graphic Design and when I saw these pieces of work I was amazed.

These are just a few of my favorites off the blog itself, too see more just visit the blog itself.

Google celebrates Sesame Steet

As some people may have noticed Google Doodles have changed recently to include the kids TV show Sesame Street. This is down to how Sesame Street are celebrating their 40th anniversary.

Each day there is a new Doodle up with contains the characters we all know such as, Big Bird, Elmo and the Cookie Monster.

Seeing these each day will bring a good childhood memory of the TV show to the people who are using Google, and you can't complain about thinking about the good old days.

Kasabian Song Promotion

Kasabian recently decided to promote their new song in a completely different way than usual!

Sony Music, in partnership with Umbro has combined the the creativity of Guitar Hero and came up with Football Hero, this was then used to promote Kasabian's song Underdog.

I love how they have took Guitar Hero and thought of another way it could be used instead of simply pressing the buttons on a joy stick or even a guitar. Although it took a bit of effort and practice to make it happen the overall finished thing is good.

It makes you think what else could you do to further this idea, add it too other sports like Basketball? Golf? Rugby? Could you make it into a competition who does the best, who hits in most timely? The possibilities are endless.

New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation

Today I saw a video which was aimed to make public awareness for Breast Cancer in New Zealand. When I first watched the video I wasn't sure what the reason was behind it.

Then I realized. Although when watching the video you can't see how this would make public awareness just from a 'blob,' but after you see the amount of publicity it received that night/following day on blogs, internet and the TV is outstanding.

The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation - blob - (2009) :60 (New Zealand)

Actual video link

Talking Food Idents

Whilst on the Creative Review blog, I stumbled across these talking food idents for FSA (Food Standards Agency.)

These clips was shot by Mark Denton of COY! The ads have been written by an ad agency called RKCR. The idea is that each clip is split into two, so the first half of the clip is shown at the start of an ad break in the Good Food Channel's Family Supercooks programme, then the second section would take up the end of the ad break.

These are just a couple of the videos. These videos are humorous to me, especially the peanuts one with what's said. Although I don't know what the brief is about, or what's trying to be put a across straight it says to me healthy eating. These are a good set of videos humorous but yet they promote healthy eating.

To see the rest just click on the link;

Talking Potatoes

Talking Pizza

Talking Apricots

Talking Sausages

Talking Beans

Talking Drumsticks

Stop motion with pig and wolf

Yesterday (14/10/09) I went on Access Advertising's blog.

Whilst on the blog I noticed a post made by stop motion. The video was a stop motion of a wolf and a pig. (Video Below)

When I saw the video I was like wow! That's well impressive. The video reminded me of a recent TV ad for a car company, but I can't remember what the dam car was!

These type of clips I think are really impressive. The amount of photos taken, the amount of time it must of took to put it together, and the amount of trial and error they must go through to get it correct is something what is amazing. With the end production the producers can't have any complaints.

8vo

Whist researching into typography for an LBi brief I came across Eightvo.

8vo where a British graphic design company which was founded in 1984.

On there website is a selection of work which they have created during there business times.

Whilst looking through I was very impressed. I like how on a lot of there work the typography isn't crisp clean, a lot of the time the readability isn't very clear, which is something what got my attention at first.

On other pieces of work, I like how they take risks with how they create things. For instance they don't always put the type horizontal, they put it vertical which is straight away is something different. On other pieces they use very large images of furniture/objects which is also striking too.

Bemboszoo

When in Uni recently one of my tutors introduced me into a website called Bemboszoo.

At first I was like what's this got to do with my typography brief?

But when it came up I actually realized. This is a typography website where they make animals out of typography. You have the whole of the alphabet and with each letter there's a different animal. A few examples would be I = Ibis, Q = Quail and Z = Zebra.

This is a fun website, some of the animals made me laugh due to how random they are and how some of them don't even look like the set animal. But over all I was impressed with this website with how clever it is.

Barcode Anniversary

Recently on Google (7th October 2009) they celebrated the anniversary of the bar code.

It was the bar code's 57th anniversary.

With this they decided to change there logo of google into a bar code. The actual clever thing about this is, that when the bar code was/is scanned it actually comes up with google. Although some people (net citizens) would see this as just another "doodle" there is an actual reason to it.

Finding Myself On A Blog . . .

Recently I found my self on another persons blog. At first I was like, hold up, what's going on here? But then I read into it more. The post was by Tom. Tom was a designer I e-mailed a while back regarding blogs.

Seeing this was great. It's great to know what I'm doing is interesting other designers out there, which they themselves are informing other people about.

Illuminating Poster

The other day I had an idea for a Uni piece of work which was to do with make things illuminate in a night club. When I thought of this I jumped onto the Mac and did of bit of research into posters that have been created that illuminate in the dark.

I then came across Daren Newman's piece of work Ever Stopped . . .

This piece of work is a print based piece using phosphorescent inks. (I only know this from asking him.) If anyone wants to know where the print was done it was a company called K2.

Daren works for Me & My Pen, this is where you can find more examples of work he has created which I must say is rather impressive.

RPM Ltd

Recently whilst searching on the internet for reference in experiential design (which is to do with my current brief in University), I came across a company called RPM Ltd.

RPM are a small company based in London. Last year they was voted in the top 100 small companies to work for by The Sunday Times.

The company have worked with such clients as Strongbow, Sky, Cancer Research, Bacardi, Blackberry, Cadbury and FIFA just to name a few. So just going off the company names this set's the height of the bar this company works at.

To see some of the case studies they have already completed just go and visit there website.

Steve Leard - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Recently there was a post on the CR blog regarding blogs. After reading this I decided to contact a few people who have posted there thoughts about blogs.

One of these was Steve Leard. Steve runs his own blog also so the feedback should be interesting.

Questions and Answers;

1. Would you recommend that students produce a blog? If so why?

I would recommend it, I believe it's a good learning exercise, especially if you were analysing and presenting your own work. Being self-critical is an important skill to learn as a young designer, it's how you learn and develop.

2. A lot of students aren't safe with putting there design's up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. What would your opinion be on this?

So what? I wouldn't give it much thought really. As a creative person, you'll come up with an infinite amount of ideas, no one can steal that ability. Ideas get stolen, it's an irreversible fact, you can't let that deter you.

3. People see a way to publicize themselves and their work, but a lot of blogs don't get a lot of hits, so what should the purpose of a blog be?

It's there if you need it. You might not get a lot of hits, but I think it's still a positive thing for a designer to do. It makes you analytical, critical and open to what's around you. If you go for a job interview and tell them you write a blog, that's going to make a good impression, it shows you're inquisitive.

4. Finally, what's one positive and negative about having a blog?

Positive - Makes you a better designer

Negative - I can't really think of one, what's the worst that could happen? If it's not for you, just stop.

Ted Howell - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Recently I got in touch with Ted Howell regarding blogs. Ted was recommend as someone I should get in touch with regarding blogs by David Sedgwick. Ted works for 999 Design in Salford.

Question and Answers;

1. Would you recommend that students produce a blog? If so why?

Yes. If only as a way through your experience as a student to quantify what you've actually done, looked at and posted on the internet. Speaking as a student who 8 years ago had to hand in lever-arch files of research/photocopies etc to be subjected to some kind of marking process - surely a blog which documents everything you've done for the last 12/24/36 months can only be a useful tool for you, and your tutors.

2. A lot of students aren't safe with putting there design's up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. What would your opinion be on this?

Ideas do get stolen, it's a sad part of the business - but I wouldn't let this deter you from starting a blog. They were stolen in every decade before the 90s from books and print, and they're being stolen now. But, if you want to start a blog, then do it. It is better to share than to sit on your ideas. I've seen many blogs dry up quickly though, so be upfront if it is simply going to serve us as an online portfolio.

3. People see blogs as a way to publicize themselves and there work, but a lot of blogs don't get a lot of hits, so what should the purpose of a blog be?

The web is awash with blogs and 90% of designers look at 90% of the same blogs - unfortunately this means getting a new blog noticed, and more importantly read, is a tough hurdle to get over. A blog to me should simply be interesting. How that is defined I suppose is in the mind of the reader, but an interesting and indeed interested blogger is a great start.

4. Finally, what is one positive and negative about having a blog?

A positive: It gives you a voice, and if you shout loud enough your audience could be immense.

A negative: You're just one in a million...

Creative Review - To blog or not to blog

Recently Creative Review have been holding a Question of the Week on there blog.

This weeks questions was: To blog or not to blog?

Neil sent me the link letting me know about this weeks question as this will tie in with the debate about blogs which I previously got in touch with him about.

To read this article, read the responses, or even posting your own opinion (should do that on here) then visit;

http://www.creativereview.co.uk/cr-blog/2009/september/question-of-the-week-080909#feedback

Gareth Dunt - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Another student I emailed regarding blogs was Gareth, and yes Gareth went to the University of Wales also.

Questions and Answers;

1. When participating in a group/individual blog, how do you find it? Do you enjoy it and why?

Regarding individual blogs, I have found is massively rewarding as it acts as a sort of reflective journal for me as a designer. There's been many times that I've stumbled across a gem of a website, written in the URL down on the back of a book, only to loose it in the vastness of a mess at my desk. The memory rolls out of my brain and is lost forever and a potential love affaire with that website is stopped even before it has begun. Keeping a blog is the quickest, easiest and by far the most logical way of keeping track of finds on the internet.

2. I've found that a lot of student's aren't safe with putting there design work up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. How do you find this? Are you happy to put your work up?

Yes I've no problem in putting my work up on my blog. There's been many cases when I've posted progress reports concerning my projects to act as a personal account of how things are going. Thing is, the work ultimately gets put up on my main website garethdunt.com and if they really want to steal material then it's there for the taking. I've no problem with it really, I feel idea recycling is a major factor in how we develop.

3. Are you pressured into doing a blog, or do you just want to do it to get yourself noticed and more involved with topics?

Originally the pressure came from my course. We were instructed to keep personal design journals which could be in either physical book or blog format. I tried keeping a book but I found it laborious, far too precious, and most importantly selfish. I didn't like the fact that all the interesting finds, thoughts and philosophies I'd collected over a limited of time were limited to a book that only myself and a few lecturers would read. I wanted to share my findings with fellow students and anyone else that wants to listen. With regard to keeping a blog to get involved with debates, I guess that is also a factor. What's great about this media is that it can bring people from anywhere in the world into the same discussion. Something you can't get with a moleskin sketchbook.

4. What do you find positive and negative about having a blog?

The main positives I have found with blogging is the ability to share you're content with other people in a way that is more subtle than public broadcast. Blogs are quiet, controlled things that people can visit when they wish to. Not loud, brash, invasive websites that preach. Having said that, I guess some are. Also the ability to file and organise content with labels and catagories - my reflective notes are at hand almost anywhere in the world, without need for numerous dog-eared notebooks. Within 10secs of searching I've found that entry I made on that awesome typographer from Brazil who's letter E I really like on the 23rd April 2006. Try doing that with a moleskin!

As for negatives, I can't really think of any... there's plenty of databases of good blogs out there such as thestrangeattractor.net and typeneu.com that keep me ticking as a designer. I don't really have anything negative to say about them!

Blogs = Good

Richie Evans - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Continuing emailing students regarding blogs, I got in touch with a student called Richie Evans.

Richie, like the other two, goes to the University of Wales. 

Questions and Answers;

1. When participating in a group/individual blog, how do you find it? Do you enjoy it and why?

I usually come across interesting blogs when I see links on sites such as psdtuts.com or other design tutorial sites, just to look at what other work they've got to show, or what great music videos or animation that are out there that some people will never get the chance to see on MTV or of course be quite difficult to find on youtube, also what designs or designers interest them in the world of creative communication. But most blogs sites I usually visit do cause a spark of inspiration that I use in my University work or freelance work.

2. I've found that a lot of student's aren't safe with putting there design work up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. How do you find this? Are you happy to put your work up?

I'm always happy to show my work, but if other students think they've got a design to good 'they must COPYRIGHT it' then expose there great idea/design upon the world which will give them good marks with other designers and bloggers of the world - that is a number one rule in my book and students shouldn't think of it as their work being 'stolen' but 'to inspire others'.

3. Are you pressured into doing a blog, or do you just want to do it to get yourself noticed and more involved with topics?

We are not pressured into doing a blog in Uni but our lecturers do tell us to do a 'reflective journal' in any form of media (PowerPoint display, a book or even a blog) just to show everyone in our year that each individual likes world of design.

But blogs are not the only way to get noticed online, there are many ways to get involved with topics such as

- Competitions on psdtuts.com that somehow all the work is submitted through flickr.com for all the designers to keep in contact with each other.

- www.logosauce.com - a site where designers come together and compare simple brand/logo designs and other interesting competitions that help designers get noticed for their hard graft.

- designerscouch.org - a site that is basically free, the facebook of designers - this site is great to show off your work and get great advice from professional designers across the world.

Apart from entering competition, you can find jobs suitable for your taste of design but my favourite part is when you apply - you don't simply apply like any other site but you have to send them 5 pieces of your work before you are accepted on the site... basically these guys are professionals and they want talent.

4. What do you find positive and negative about having a blog?

I don't think there is anything negative about blogs but you can have negative bloggers which are always amusing (well maybe for me) but blogs are inspirational, creative, and communicates well to the world of design. Maybe the only thing negative about blogs is top up the pages with more work that can kill off alot of time haha

Julian Wiedemann - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Another student I got in touch with on the agenda of blogs was Julian. 

Julian is another student that goes to the University of Wales. Although Julian mentioned how he found it hard to speak English, due to being back in his homeland as he finished University for a few months, I was very grateful for him answering the questions.

Questions and Answers;

1. When participating in a group/individual blog, how do you find it? Do you enjoy it and why?

- I do enjoy to work in a group of creative people and providing interesting stuff on the web.

- Also I find it cool to publicate your own interests and attitudes as well as designs and approaches.

2. I've found that a lot of student's aren't safe with putting there design work up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. How do you find this? Are you happy to put your work up?

- To be honest I've never heard of one telling me that this has happened to them, but I can imagine, I always state the copyright stuff to my pictures... the little c is my friend (copyright symbol)

- I would never put up some work which is still being processed or which hasn't been discussed with the client.

3. Are you pressured into doing a blog, or do you just want to do it to get yourself noticed and more involved with topics?

- It's a really cool thing to have a blog, hardly every design student do have one and keep them up to date. But I don't feel that I'm pressured doing this.

- Maybe a bit. but only to match up with 'em.

4. What do you find positive and negative about having a blog?

Positive: 

- To keep your audience up to date about your stuff that you're doing.

- To publicate all your thoughts and things that come into your mind.

- It's a cheap way to communicate.

Negative:

- I do find it hard to keep it up to date and writing new articles and pages.

Ideas being stolen (as you mentioned before)

Ruth Lucas - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Continuing with the debate about blogs, I decided to get in touch with a few students regarding blogs which enabled me to see what they thought about producing a blog.

The first student I got in touch with was, Ruth Lucas. Ruth goes to University of Wales, which is the same as Tom Harle, this is where the link comes into it.

Question and Answers;

1. When participating in a group/individual blog, how do you find it? Do you enjoy it and why?

I enjoy updating my individual blog when I know people are reading it, hopefully people will discover something they didn't know or something they like. At the moment though I suppose I don't really update it enough to get too much enjoyment out of it. I hope this will change in the next few weeks though.

2. I've found that a lot of student's aren't safe with putting there design work up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. How do you find this. Are you happy to put your work up?

Hmm, good question. I haven't really thought that much about it before - I haven't personally known of anyone I know having their work stolen, but I think you have to be cautious. It'd be a shame if it stopped other students putting their work up on blogs and things as I like browsing other students work to see what they're up to and to get some inspiration. And it's helpful to promote your work whilst you're still studying.

3. Are you pressured into doing a blog, or do you just want to do it to get yourself noticed and more involved with topics?

Bit of both really, my course requires us to produce an on-going 'reflective diary' of the projects we do and I thought it made the most sense to do mine online.

For the first few weeks I kept that up, but soon realized that when I'm forced to do something it sounds really unnatural, so have decided to just post stuff that I like, and things I notice - which is much more interesting and fun!

4. What do you find positive and negative about having a blog?

The negatives: it's hard to motivate yourself to update when you don't have many people reading it. It's also hard finding the time to keep up with saving bookmarks of things you like, taking photos and commenting on other peoples blogs, especially when you have other pressing issues need dealing with like course deadlines and such!

The positives: noticing that people are reading, when you get an occasional comment, the satisfaction once you've posted a new update, and discovering some really nice and inspiring blogs through having your own.

Dave Sedgwick - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Continuing with the debate about blogs, I recently got in touch with Dave Sedgwick. Dave has his own website what is set for his work to be shown off.

Dave has produced some outstanding work in his career, these can be viewed on his website, also his portfolio I found was an inspiration, to show how to constantly design something which is smart, shows the work off an is appealing.

Questions and Answers;

1. Would you recommend that students produce a blog? If so why?

Hmm, to blog or not to blog? Well I'd recommend that students produce blogs that have the possibility to be a bit 'different'. It's easy for people to set one up these days, so the outcome is a multitude of fairly non descript and horrendous ones. If you genuinely think you'll find the time to constantly update with new and interesting topics and work, then go for it. But if you know deep down that there's absolutely no chance you're dragging yourself away from the Playstation or Student Union to update, leave it well alone. It's not worth it. Do a portfolio site instead and simple showcase your own work.

2. A lot of students aren't safe with putting there design's up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. What would your opinion be on this?

Tough one. I can see why some students might think that, but I don't think it would be much of a concern for me. Work is always getting 'stolen' or plagiarized in this industy. It's part of the course I'm afraid. Most designers, whether individuals or agencies showcase their work online and by doing this they're offereing themselves for criticism as well as anything else.

3. People see blogs as a way to publicize themselves and there work, but a lot of blogs don't get a lot of hits, so what would the purpose of a blog be?

To me a blog needs to be updated regularly, with interesting and informative topics. I want to see something new, something I can't find anywhere else. I want to read short and interesting snippets of information, well written, without loads of bad spelling mistakes or terrible grammar. If I wanted some inane drivel, I'd read The Sun.

4. Finally, what's one positive and one negative about having a blog?

Positive - Blogs offer a chance for students and graduates to showcase their own work as well as presenting their personality and opinions to the outside world.

Tom Harle - Blogs Good or Bad - Part 2

After Tom Harle answered my questions regarding blogs, I asked him who he would recommend to get in touch with regarding this debate. He went onto mention Ben Terrett and David Hyde. 

As noticed I have already been in touch with both these people.

Some posts Tom forwarded to me are:

Link One

Link Two

I'm very thankful to Tom for these links, but yet again I have already read these. This shows I'm looking in the correct places to get my answers. One last thing Tom did suggest I do was to take a look at his course blog from his old College, UWIC.

Michael Murdoch - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Today I emailed Michael Murdoch (Creative Director at The House.) Michael got back to my email within a couple of hours and I was very grateful for this.

Questions and Answers;

1. Would you recommend that students produce a blog? If so why?

Yes. Updates help show other creatives and potential clients you know your stuff and have a passion for design or whatever area you are interested in. Blogs are great for Search Engine Optimisation. Wordpress makes it easy to start a blog in minutes. One thing to note is be careful what you write. . remember the blog goes out to the world so make sure what you say is accurate and you happy to defend it.

2. A lot of students aren't safe with putting there design's up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. What would your opinion be on this?

Ideas will always be stolen. It is unlikely that an idea uploaded will be completely original in any case, so I would not worry too much. Images on the web are of poor quality for print so the actual image is unlikely to be reproduced. Slap a Copyright symbol on the web and you're covered. The problem is proving your idea has been stolen. The web is about sharing, so relax and share.

3. People see blogs as a way to publicize themselves and there work, but a lot of blogs don't get a lot of hits, so what would the purpose of a blog be?

It's about relevant hits. If you talk about design you want other designers to look and potential clients. So target these people. Write in relevant blogs, tell everyone you meet you have a blog, talk about it on Twitter, mention it on Facebook. There's no point in making a blog and then hiding it. Blogs can get hits, it's all about marketing first and hard work.

4. Finally, what's one positive and negative about having a blog?

Negs: Blogs can be ugly. Use a new theme or develop your own. Keep titles bold and clear and make it easy for the end user to get snippets of info. Navigation in blog is also normally a nightmare.

Pros: Good for SEO. Easy to communicate your message. Good for sharing!

Neil Ayres - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Continuing the debate on blogs, I emailed Neil Ayres. Neil works with Creative Review so the response I should receive should of been very helpful.

At the time I emailed Neil, he was very busy due to the vast amount of work he had going on. With this the main priority he emailed me back saying he will email me again responding to the questions by the end of the week.

As the week came to an end Neil emailed me again, but unfortunately he was still busy with work. Although this time he did respond to the email, he couldn't answer's the questions in full due to how busy his schedule was.

Neil went on to say, "Obviously from a publishing perspective, blogging makes a good deal of sense, if done properly. In relation to design, I think our readers might be better placed to address that question." He also went on to say how I should keep my eye out on the CR blog, due to how they are going to post up a weekly question, with one of them regarding blogs. This is something I am going to keep my eye out for, this due to, how this will be very helpful with my debate, and also, I will be able to read into a lot of other people's opinions on it.

Tom Harle - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Continuing my debate on blogs - Good or Bad - I emailed Tom Harle.

Tom runs his own blog, also Tom is a graduate creative in Cardiff and London.

Question and Answers;

1. Would you recommend that students produce a blog? If so why?

I would recommend that students do something, but whether it's a blog that they do depends entirely on the kind of work they see themselves doing when leave for the outside world. There is flickr, tumbir, delicious, twitter and a loads of other ways to be publicly online, it doesn't have to be a straight up 'blog'. The problem is that just producing beautiful print work, although it may get you into creative review from time to time, won't prove to anyone who's just come across your work that you have any of the skills or awareness we need as designers now. I was amazed how little digital work there was at D&AD this year, but nearly all branding and advertising is now considered with the internet at least near its core (if it isn't it should be). The advantage of a blog, or whatever online, is that it allows a student to explore their interests over time, make connections with other bloggers, and prove to any professionals out there that you are serious about what you say you are, more than you could with a single cover letter or portfolio session.

2. A lot of students aren't safe with putting their designs up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. What would your opinion be on this?

Thats a danger whether work is online or not - look at episodes like the Kozy'n'dan rabbit/sony brava commercial. And I would say that it doesn't really have to be about students' own work. I'll come back to this in question three, but for now I'll just say it's really about deciding what you want from your blog - if your just passionate about design, surely you want to share that with people? If you're just doing it 'for the CV', then aren't you getting a head start by potentially showing people your work before the June of your (and 20,000 other people's) graduation ceremonies? Either way, my own personal opinion of a traditional blog is that it's an opportunity to explore whatever about design or the creative arts that fascinate you, show how your work relates, and link up with other people who share that love - whether they can offer you a job or just engage you in stimulating conversation.

3. People see blogs as a way to publicize themselves and their work - but a lot of blogs don't get a lot of hits - so what should the purpose of a blog be?

I Think it's really defeatist to think of it that way - If you believe that what you have to say or show is good enough, then you have to stick with it. No one's going to check your blog as soon as you've done a first post, the internet doesn't work like that. As young creatives we need to be out there on other people's blogs, having conversations, discussing other work and generally being as keen online as we are in person. Once that starts to seep around the internet, then you see the hits to your own blog go up. Hopefully, your work, if you're showing it, will be strong enough to get passed around a bit as well.

4. Finally, what's one positive and negative about having a blog?

The main negative is that you have to keep posting regularly, but that's also a real positive - it gets you constantly evaluating the world around you and trying to establish your own opinions on the issues, looking for ideas that you can talk about. I find that trying to put my thoughts into words is a really useful way of working out exactly what those thoughts are.

David Hyde - Blogs Good or Bad?

When I emailed David Hyde regarding blogs, he asked me to excuse him from answering the questions due to how I have already asked Richard from AceJet 170. When he said this I was happy to oblige, so after this he gave me some feedback about blogs and informed me of some places to look to help me out with this debate.

Firstly he recommend that I read his post about what connections blogging could bring about. (link)

He also went onto mention, that if I wanted a students opinion about blogging that I should look at Tom Harle. David also happily sent me a link as well for it. (link)

Although I didn't get the questions answered by David I found him very useful, he agreed to what Richard had already said to me and he also helped me out with further people to contact.

Raphel Boguslav

Recently I got an update from another blog regarding Raphel Boguslav.

Raphel is a Logo Designer and someone who specializes in Calligraphic Lettering.

When the post came up, the post had a selection of logos Raphel had designed. After looking through a selection of these designs I went onto his website where the whole collection of logos are allocated. On here there must be over a hundred logos!

On his website the variety of logos are amazing. The selection of just typographic logos, illustrated logos or symbolic logos is inspirational. 

Here are a few that stood out to me;

This was one of my favourites that Raphel had created. I like how the A's tail has turned into a brush and then is painting the letter itself. Maybe one thing I would consider would be does it really need Arnold Art underneath it?

This one I like because of the choice of font, and also how the ampersand is in the centre which results in the text running around the ampersand.

On this one I like how he was made the R and P into one object, this then could be used on letter heads, business cards etc with out the text.

Judy Brown - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Continuing with getting in touch with people regarding blogs, I got in touch with a lady called Judy Bown. Judy run's her own blog as well so it's good to see what kind of reaction she has on this. Another thing about Judy is, that she is the designer and founder of Bown - a British luxury bags and accessories company.

Questions and Answers;

1. Would you recommend that students produce a blog? If so why?

A true blog (I'd say mine is more a business newsletter and product information page) needs a regular update... daily, weekly or monthly... any longer than that and people don't follow it or loose interest.

You have to have a lot to talk about! And make it interesting. So many blogs are so boring. And time wasting. And most blogs are really about an individual and their lifestyle or opinion on a particular subject, which can often be really boring (except to the writer!).

You need to be really disciplined to take note of an interesting thing everyday and write it up quickly while it is still topical... no use writing about a design show 6 months afterwards, it needs to be as it happens or just after.

Would I do a blog if I started all over again? I had good intentions at the start, before I launched the business, but one you get really busy then a blog is sometimes a slog to keep up, unless you get to the stage where someone else can do it for you! Then its not really honest you speaking, of course. I'd say it is a minor part of self-publicity.

Think who you are targeting and find out whether they spend hours a day reading blogs. Is it your mates or are you trying to get your work noticed further afield? Students might follow blogs avdily, but employers, and employees, will be too busy!

2. A lot of students aren't safe with putting there designs up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. What would your opinion be on this?

I personally wouldn't put up any designs that were not already filed with a solicitor or other body that could protect your IP in case of copy (I'd recommend ACID (anti copying in design, I think they do a student rate. You can use their logo on your blog once you are a member, and they file design ideas on your behalf).

In terms of examples of student work, unless you think have something really amazing, a new invention, I wouldn't worry about putting it up.

Mind you. I haven't been a student for a couple of decades, so I've probably forgotten how precious I was about my ideas at that time.

If it shows your great drawing, presentation, CAD skills that is what the employer is interested in, not whether you have had a nice day or not.

3. People see blogs as a way to publicize themselves and there work, but a lot of blogs don't get many hits, so what would the purpose of a blog be?

Again, unless you have a lifestyle that is essentially your work (I know a few designers who are magnificent at self-promotion, but who's design ability is negligable, but they do get themselves noticed!), I'd concentrate on having a good webpage or two, with a newsletter page to update people on who you are and what you are up to.

Blogs take a lot of time to make interesting, so unless you are a natural writer, I'd concentrate on doing the deisgn work to get noticed rather than spending hours (and it is HOURS!) writing about yourself.

4. Finally, what is one positive and one negative about having a blog?

One positive thing about having a blog is you can very quickly reach an audience with your news... and if you are really good at it, and write regularly, Google 'spiders' will notice you and put you up the search engine listings. You can also get onto Technorati and the like, but it takes a lot of time. I'd allow at least 6 months to a year to get noticed, and that's trying really hard every day.

I have found the best blog sites are by people who have one passion or subject that holds it together, they are based at home, and don't have a full time job elsewhere (as a good blog IS a full time job.)

One (other!) negative, I think, is that you can expose yourself very quickly and its up there forever for all to see. You have to be quick to add a relevant comment, but one angry or misguided comment and you do yourself no favours. Keeping the balance between personal and private info is a tricky one. What you say now sticks around for a long time, and you may always regret it.

So, in short, it is not a magic to get noticed. A good blog is an art in itself, and needs years of commitment to get noticed, let alone a cult following.

Employers do not have time to read reams of pages, they want to see ideas, and that those ideas come fast and often, and someone who will work hard (not spending time dreaming up their evening blog update!)

Veerle Pieters - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Since I haven't been continuing the blog debate for a while, I recently decided to get in touch with a few fresh people regarding blogs - good or bad? The reason for this is that I have now decided to further this into my critical journal in my last year of University.

One of the first people I got in touch with was Veerle Pieters. Veerle runs his own blog, but he also has his own joint company called duoh.

Veerle quickly responded to my questions with his answers which I'm most grateful for.

Questions and Answers;

1. Would you recommend that students produce a blog? If so why?

You should only start a blog when you have something worthwhile to say. Starting one because others do as well is wrong. One reason to start a blog could be because you have a unique perspective on things.

2. A lot of students aren't safe with putting there ideas up on blogs due to there idea getting stolen, what would your opinion be on this?

You have to take a risk otherwise you don't gain anything. If you aren't prepared to share your work online in a bigger size you shouldn't be sharing anyway. It has to have value to those who visit and you don't get that from tiny thumbnails. My work gets stolen on a regular basis but that doesn't stop my from putting my work online. The day that I don't have any positive outcome of putting my work online anymore is the day that I'll stop putting things online.

3. People see blogs as a way to publicize themselves and there work, but a lot of blogs don't get a lot of hits, so what would the purpose of a blog be?

If you start a blog because you want to get hits you are doing it wrong already. Blogging is a passion and one that takes up a lot of time and effort to keep it going. You should start for the right reason and that could be your passion to share your ideas with the world. A blog should be what you want to read because it is personal.

4. Finally, what is one positive and one negative about having a blog?

Positive: getting to know other creative like minded people to share and bounce your ideas off.

Negative: wasting time on tracking down people who stole your content.

Pentagram World Cup Logo Bid

Whilst visiting the Pentagram website recently, I noticed how they have designed a logo for the FIFA World Cup big 2018/2022.

Whilst looking at this I started to think how does this relate to football? The logo seems to be more of a slogan "The game is in US" The idea of that is rather good but I still would relate it to football. With the slogan saying 'Game' this could relate to any type of sport, Baseball, Rugby, Hockey, Cricket etc. 

Whilst reading up on this logo on the Pentagram website, they go on to say that "The Game is in US, and utilizes a custom-designed typeface called Game and a bold multicultural color palette to convey the unmatched enthusiasm and amazing diversity of soccer fans in the US." This though does not go on to say how this relates to football, it just says how it relates to football fans.

Over all I don't like this logo I don't like how each letter seems to have lines going through it and most of all I don't like how it relates to football - your suppose to be trying to win a World Cup bid surely they could do a stronger idea?

Creative Surgical Masks for Dentists

Whilst browsing through Blogs recently, I came across a post about Surgical Masks.

It went on to show how Surgical Masks in Hamburg, Germany, have had there masks redesigned. The goal was to lighten up a visit to the dentist for the kids, and for everyone else, and to promote Colgate Smiles Kids toothbrush. 

Looking at the results they aren't very good! 

The new designs look scary and just pure creepy. Can you imagine going to the dentist and then they turn around with that on, I don't know if it's just me but I wouldn't find that funny! I'd actually feel more scared than I initially did.

For more info/pictures visit - Toxel